On October 2, 2015, PeaceTech visited Cotabato City’s Department of Education School Division Office. Superintendent Concepcion Balawag, Al-Hadja of the Division Office, expressed the need for programs such as PeaceTech’s “Global Classroom“ to build peace in the Philippines by bridging youth through technology.
“Global Classroom” was first launched in August, 2015 in two Philippine high schools : Cotabato City National High School – Main Campus and Ramon Magsaysay Cubao High School. This Program aims to make learning more engaging through ICT. A second objective is to increase tolerance between students in regions divided by distance, ignorance and armed conflict.
(Left to right) Robin Pettyfer, Superintendent Concepcion Balawag, Al-hadja, Ms. Dana Raissa de Guzman, Principal Panfilo Cedeňo, Ms. Jeanette Gaudiano and Ms. Julie Enolpe
Cotabato City National High School principal, Panfilo Cedeňo, is proud that his school is one of the pioneers in connecting Mindanao students with students in Quezon City through regular Skype classes in grade 7 and 8, History and Values Education .
Principals from other Cotabato City High Schools have invited PeaceTech to integrate Global Classroom into their curriculums, as well. PeaceTech, Cotabato City National High School, and the Cotabato City DepEd l Division Office discussed expanding the program into more schools across the Philippines. In particular, they discussed: (1) strengthening teachers’ ICT skills; (2) seeking sponsors for equipment and the Internet; and (3) monitoring and evaluation.
PeaceTech will invite DepEd Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro, DepEd region and divison offices, as well as its pioneer schools for a program launching in November, 2015 to help mainstream Global Classroom.