DUBAI, March 29, 2019 – Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones joined fellow ministers of education from around the world to discuss the challenges and share good practices and successes in the delivery of quality education during the Global Education and Skills Forum (GESF) 2019 held from March 22 to 25 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

This yearly gathering of world leaders and policy experts from different sectors aims to seek solutions to achieve education, equity, and employment for all.

The Secretary took part in the various workshops and meetings all geared toward the advancement of education system. The sessions particularly focused on 21st century teaching and learning, the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), media and communication literacy, and other topics which help achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong opportunities for all.

Among the education champions, advocates, and prominent personalities present at the discussions were Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister of United Kingdom; Shaikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance; His Royal Highness Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex; and other dignitaries.

Also part of the Philippine delegation were International Cooperation Office (ICO) Director Margarita Consolacion Ballesteros, Bureau of Learning Resources (BLR) Director Edel Carag, Regional Directors Francis Cesar Bringas and Gilbert Sadsad, and other officials and educators.

Global Teacher Prize
The Forum culminated with the awarding of the Global Teacher Prize which recognizes the exceptional work that teachers do around the world.

Dr. Venus Alboruto of Surigao City National High School, made it to the Top 40 finalists because of her innovative teaching methods. Alboruto identified Strategic Intervention Materials (SIMS) as an effective tool for connecting with large number of students. Her work also earned her an award from the Science Education Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-SEI) Search for Innovative Practice in Managing Large Classes.

Peter Tabichi, a science teacher and Franciscan Brother from Kenya, brought home the most coveted award and the cash prize of US $1 million. Tabichi has dedicated his life to helping others, allotting 80% of his teaching salary to local community projects including education, sustainable agriculture, and peace-building.

The Global Teacher Prize of the Varkey Foundation serves to underline the importance of educators and the fact that, throughout the world, their efforts deserve to be recognized and celebrated. It seeks to acknowledge the impacts of the very best teachers not only on their students but on the communities around them.

The Education chief encouraged anew all teachers to continue bringing innovative methods to help in the betterment of the education system in the country. She also underscored that their selfless efforts and strong commitment to the teaching profession are highly valued and recognized by the community, noting the various organizations which give awards to exemplary educators.

“Those who are recognized as best teachers in the world are those who go the extra mile in their profession, those who reach out and serve their communities, and those who love their learners,” Briones concluded.

Briones also personally met with school heads and students of the Philippine schools in Dubai to give them updates on the current situation of the country’s education system and to address their concerns on policies and other pressing matters.

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