University of Luzon and AFTA Balikturo 2025 Forge Stronger Partnership

The University of Luzon has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing educational excellence and professional development by renewing its partnership with the Association of Filipino Teachers in America (AFTA) and the Association of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities (APSCU) Region 1. The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held during the AFTA Balikturo 2025 Series 9 event, which the university proudly sponsored. This renewed partnership underscores a shared vision of empowering educators and enriching learning environments for the benefit of both the academic community and society at large.

The MOA signing was a significant highlight of the event, symbolizing the continuation of a productive relationship between the organizations. The ceremony was attended by key university officials, including Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Aurora Samson and Dr. Carmelo Vidal, the Dean of the Graduate School, Director for the Center for Integrated Extension Services, NSTP Consultant, and Consultant of the Research Center. Their presence reinforced the university’s institutional support for initiatives that foster continuous professional growth and knowledge exchange.

The AFTA Balikturo 2025 Series 9 event, titled “Empowering Teachers, Enriching Minds,” served as a dynamic platform for intellectual discourse and practical learning. Held on August 23-24, 2025, at Emerald Hall in CSI Stadia, Dagupan City, the two-day schedule gathered a broad representation of Luzonians and other educators eager to enhance their teaching methodologies and stay abreast of the latest pedagogical trends. The sessions, expertly guided by Masters of Ceremonies Mr. Joel T. Cerezo and Mr. Rustan DV. Indong, featured a distinguished roster of resource speakers. These included former DepEd Undersecretary Dr. Lorna Dig Dino, international literacy expert Dr. Rizalina C. Labanda, Dr. Gilmore G. Solidum from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Dr. Judilynn L. Niedo Solidum from the University of the Philippines Manila, Dr. Rena O. Pedaria, Mr. Kristian Philip Rodriguez Peñas from the New York City Department of Education, and Prof. Ermys Bornilla from De La Salle University. These experts shared insights on a wide range of topics, from mental health awareness for teachers to structured literacy instruction, directly contributing to the professional enrichment of all participants.

This renewed partnership and the successful hosting of the AFTA Balikturo 2025 event are a testament to the University of Luzon’s dedication to its educators and the wider community. By investing in the professional development of teachers, the university is not only strengthening its own academic programs but also contributing to the creation of a more competent and globally competitive educational workforce. The collaboration highlights the importance of international partnerships in addressing contemporary challenges in education and fostering a culture of lifelong learning among Luzonians.

The activities and goals of this renewed partnership are closely aligned with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By focusing on the continuous professional development of teachers, the initiative directly contributes to SDG 4: Quality Education, specifically targeting its aim to increase the supply of qualified teachers. Furthermore, the emphasis on lifelong learning and knowledge exchange across borders supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by fostering international cooperation and global partnerships to achieve sustainable development. The MOA signing and the subsequent events exemplify how targeted collaborations can effectively work towards building a more inclusive, equitable, and quality-driven educational future.