February 19, 2025 – The Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT), through its School of Education (SOED) and Center for Educational Research and Resources and Resources Development Services (CERRDS), successfully hosted the international webinar “Paradigm Shift in Education on the Onset of the 21st Century”.

 

Bringing together global experts, educators, and researchers, the event explored innovative teaching strategies, technological advancements, and the evolving challenges in higher education. ASCOT collaborated with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), JSPS Alumni Association of the Philippines (JAAP), Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC), Occidental Mindoro State College , Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU). 

 

The program commenced with an audiovisual presentation showcasing JAAP and ASCOT’s mission and vision. ASCOT President Dr. Renato G. Reyes and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ma. Luz F. Cabatan delivered welcome messages, underscoring the importance of adapting education to the needs of the modern world. Representatives from partner institutions, including Dr. Jameson H. Tan (Bulacan Agricultural State College), Dr. Elbert C. Edaniol (Occidental Mindoro State College), Dr. Anita G. David (Pampanga State Agricultural University), and Dr. Yoshio Otani (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science – Bangkok Office), also extended their greetings.

 

The webinar featured insightful discussions led by experts: Dr. Mark Norman Maca (Visiting Research Fellow at Kyushu University, Japan, and Guest Lecturer at the Institute of Education-UCL, UK) presented “Beyond Teacher Training: Transforming the field/Discipline of Education in Philippine Academia.”

 

These sessions, moderated by ASCOT SOED faculty members Mr. Darwin Magtangob and Ms. Rovelyn Lejano, provided valuable insights into the evolving education landscape and hosted by Ms. Nikita Paola A. del Mundo.

 

Aside from the academic discussions, the JSPS Bangkok Office conducted an information session on international scholarships and fellowship opportunities, promoting greater collaboration among institutions.

 

Closing remarks were delivered by ASCOT Director for International, External, and Alumni Affairs Mr. Joseph Gonzales and JSPS Alumni Association of the Philippines President Dr. Karl Marx A. Quiazon, emphasizing the significance of sustained international dialogue in advancing education.

 

This webinar was made possible through the leadership of Dr. Rowel G. Olila, Dean of SoEd, and Alfredo C. Padios, Jr., Director of CERRDS, with the support of ASCOT’s Internationalization Office, ICT Unit, and Information Unit. The event marks another step forward in ASCOT’s commitment to global academic partnerships and quality education (SDG 4).