Transforming the academic landscape through reflection, empowerment, and professional growth, University of Baguio participants from the Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Secondary Education programs and esteemed faculty members from the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) attended a seminar on real-world leadership insights and the needed technicalities for aspiring pre-service teachers.
On April 16, 2026, at the university’s Legacy Hall, the talk titled “Learning from the Field: DEPED Curriculum Updates through the Lens of School Leadership” featured Principal I of Dona Aurora National High School and a distinguished alumna of UB High School Batch 1998, Dr. Riona B. Copiling, who challenged participants to become educators who are adaptive, reflective, and deeply committed to inclusive and equitable learning. In a rapidly shifting educational landscape, she underscored that competence must be paired with resilience and a forward-looking mindset.
Alt Text: highlight from the 2026 DepEd Curriculum Updates Leadership Seminar, in collaboration with UB High School and UB STELA BEED and BSED programs for inclusive and equitable learning
Students and English pre-service teachers from BEED and BSED engaged in a transformative dialogue on the evolving demands of the teaching profession. The seminar was a collaborative initiative of the STELA BSED Program, under the leadership of Dr. Dahlia D. Soriano, BSED Program Chair, and the UB High School Alumni Relations Office, in coordination with Mr. Jay-r P. Daguyen of UBHS SARC.
UB on Extended Leadership and Curriculum Delivery
Dr. Copiling emphasized that the role of teachers extends far beyond content delivery. A key highlight of the seminar was her in-depth discussion of the Department of Education’s reforms, particularly the MATATAG Curriculum and the Strengthened Senior High School Curriculum. These initiatives, she explained, are critical responses to systemic challenges in Philippine education. The turnout hopes to improve learning outcomes, reduce curriculum congestion, and prepare learners for lifelong success. By understanding these reforms through the lens of school leadership, participants were encouraged to see themselves not just as implementers but as active contributors to educational transformation.
Alt Text: Featured Principal I of Dona Aurora National High School and distinguished alumna of UB High School Batch 1998, Dr. Riona B. Copiling, on her discussion at the 2026 DepEd Curriculum Updates Leadership Seminar
The seminar concluded with a meaningful exchange of insights from participants, many of whom expressed a renewed sense of mission and clarity in their chosen path. Their reflections echoed a shared realization: that teaching is both a responsibility and a powerful opportunity to contribute to national and global development.
Grounded by the principles and reforms to keep up with the complexities of the competitive global environment, the event forms ideal insights and techniques for learners and professionals to incorporate into their career building. Supported by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), the event produces traits and goals through the following:
- Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education – giving importance to the role of teachers that extends far beyond content delivery
- Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – emphasizing that quality education is foundational to producing skilled, adaptable, and future-ready individuals
- Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – embodying integrity, empathy, and purpose, as instrumental ordeals to produce knowledgeable students and responsible, ethical citizens that shape both minds and society
- Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals – highlighting the vital collaboration between academic institutions, school leaders, and alumni networks in strengthening teacher education and how practicing school leaders exemplify their expertise and inter-institutional cooperation to enhance the quality and relevance of pre-service teacher training
Attendees noted a renewed sense of purpose and clarity in their chosen path as the seminar came to an end with a meaningful sharing of insights. Their thoughts reflected a common understanding that teaching is both a duty and a potent way to support both domestic and international development.
Alt Text: highlight from the 2026 DepEd Curriculum Updates Leadership Seminar, in collaboration with UB High School and UB STELA BEED and BSED programs for inclusive and equitable learning
The event ignited a collective commitment that reaches far beyond legal and academic terminologies. It handed a shared responsibility to future educators to embrace leadership, adapt to continuous curriculum reforms, and uphold the principles of quality and inclusive education.
Along with their knowledge and awareness of DepEd’s changing course, they also have a stronger sense of purpose as they advance: to become change agents in classrooms, communities, and the larger educational system.
