University of Luzon’s EDU Quest 2025: A Five-Day Celebration of Innovation and Community

The University of Luzon has successfully launched “EDU Quest 2025,” a five-day event spearheaded by the College of Education under the theme, “AI as a Learning and Teaching Partner: Innovation for Better Outcomes.” The grand opening ceremony, held on September 9, 2025, in the Multi-Purpose Hall, marked the beginning of a week-long series of activities dedicated to exploring the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the educational landscape. The event, which ran from September 9-13, 2025, brought together the entire College of Education community, including students, faculty, and administrators, to engage in a comprehensive program designed to foster academic excellence, innovative thinking, and collaborative spirit among all Luzonians.

The opening day’s program commenced with a registration period, followed by an opening ceremony featuring an invocation, the singing of the national anthem and the UL Hymn. A key highlight was the “Presentation of Academic & Cultural Participants,” which set the stage for the various competitions that would take place throughout the week. Dean of the College of Education, Dr. Imelda E. Cuartel, delivered an inspirational message, emphasizing the importance of adapting to new technologies and leveraging tools like AI to enhance the learning and teaching process. The ceremony also included a special presentation by the Club & CESC Officers, followed by the formal launching of the official banner, symbolizing the collective commitment to the event’s theme and objectives. Following the opening ceremony, the focus shifted to a series of academic competitions designed to challenge and showcase the intellectual prowess of Luzonians. Day one’s schedule alone included a diverse range of contests, such as Oratorical Speaking, Declamation, Extemporaneous Speaking, Quiz Bee, Scrabble, Poster Slogan, and Essay Writing. These events were meticulously organized to not only test students’ knowledge and skills but also to encourage critical thinking and effective communication, all while integrating the central theme of AI into their respective disciplines. The diverse set of competitions aimed to engage students from various academic backgrounds and interests, fostering a spirit of healthy rivalry and camaraderie.

Day two, September 10, 2025, continued the event’s momentum by shifting the focus to more specialized academic endeavors. The day’s activities included a Teaching Demonstration and a Research Forum, both held in the Multi-Purpose Hall. The Teaching Demonstration provided a platform for students from various departments, including LASO, SOCSTUD, BEED, MATH, VALUES, FILMAJ, BPED, and SASE, to present their instructional methods and teaching philosophies before a panel of reactors composed of Prof. Aillene Q. Caraulia, Dr. Maria Teresa A. Estrada, and Prof. Petrona M. Agcaoili. This practical application of pedagogical theory demonstrated the readiness of future educators to integrate modern techniques and technologies into the classroom. Concurrently, the Research Forum highlighted the academic rigor of the College of Education’s students and faculty. The forum featured presentations on significant educational studies, including “BLEPT Predictors: A Correlational Analysis Between Capstone Education Courses and Licensure Examination Results for Teachers” by Angel Jessica N. Barte and “BLEPT Predictors: A Correlational Study of the Performance of Teacher – Education Graduates in Capstone Education Course and Licensure Examination” by Krizzle Shey C. De Guzman. The inclusion of an “Action Research” segment with Prof. John Norman C. Rodriguez further underscored the college’s commitment to scholarly inquiry and evidence-based practice.

Day three, September 11, 2025, represented a shift from academic competitions to community-oriented and civic-minded initiatives, under the umbrella of “EDU-CARES.” The morning began with a wellness-focused segment featuring Zumba and games, promoting physical activity and camaraderie among students. The core of the day’s activities centered on two major events: a Coastal Clean-Up Drive at Tondaligan Bonuan Blue Beach and the Third Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED). The Coastal Clean-Up Drive mobilized Luzonians to actively participate in environmental conservation efforts, directly contributing to the cleanliness and preservation of local ecosystems. Following this, the NSED provided a crucial opportunity for students and faculty to practice emergency preparedness and response protocols, ensuring the safety of the campus community. These activities emphasized the College of Education’s commitment to developing well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also socially and environmentally responsible.

The event’s fourth day, September 12, 2025, was a dynamic combination of cultural expression and academic preparation. The day began with a series of cultural competitions held in the Multi-Purpose Hall, designed to showcase the artistic talents of Luzonians. Events included Vocal Solo, Vocal Duet, Hip-Hop Dance, Acoustic Band performances, and a Promotional Video competition. These activities fostered creativity and a sense of community, allowing students to express themselves beyond traditional academic boundaries. Concurrently, a crucial LEPT (Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers) Enhancement Program was held, with a lecture proper delivered by Dean Imelda E. Cuartel. This program underscores the university’s dedication to supporting its students’ professional development and ensuring their success in future licensure examinations. The day’s activities showcased the College of Education’s comprehensive approach to student development, balancing academic rigor with cultural enrichment and career readiness.

The five-day event culminated on September 13, 2025, with the much-anticipated “Mr. & Miss College of Education 2025″ pageant. The program was a showcase of grace, intellect, and talent, featuring a series of competitions that tested the candidates’ confidence and poise. The day began with a production number and the introduction of candidates, followed by the awarding of minor and major awards, including Mr. and Miss Photogenic and Mr. and Miss Congeniality. The pageant proceeded with the Resort Wear competition and a formal wear competition, culminating in a final question-and-answer portion for the top five male and female finalists. The grand finale included a farewell walk by the reigning king and queen and the announcement of the new winners, marking a fitting and celebratory conclusion to “EDU Quest 2025.”

The “EDU Quest 2025″ activities at the University of Luzon align with several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, the event contributes to SDG 4: Quality Education, by providing a platform for students to enhance their academic skills and engage with cutting-edge topics like artificial intelligence, which is critical for future-proofing education. The focus on innovation and leveraging technology for better outcomes directly supports the goal of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. Additionally, by fostering collaborative activities and intellectual discourse, the event also touches upon SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, as it encourages cooperation and shared knowledge within the university community to achieve common educational objectives. The inclusion of the Coastal Clean-Up Drive directly addresses SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 13: Climate Action, by promoting environmental stewardship and action against climate change. Furthermore, the Earthquake Drill supports SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by preparing the community for natural disasters and building resilience.