Convocation 2025 honors the ‘transformative’ role of teachers and library professionals

Article by Maria Jesusa Incion

The College of Education marked its 16th Founding Anniversary through Convocation 2025 on November 27, 2025, streamed live via Zoom and Facebook. This year’s event carried the theme: “Empowering Global Economics and Library Professionals”. The event was led by Dr. Russell Battad-Dolendoa, a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Education, with majors in Library and Information Science and Physical Science, from Benguet State University.

The program opened with Assoc. Prof. Jamaica Ann B. Gatan serving as the master of ceremonies. This was followed by the opening remarks of the College of Education (CoEd) dean, Dr. Rosemariebeth R. Dizon, who greeted the attendees and guests and highlighted the contributions and recent achievements of the department.

Prof. Vivian Lirio, representing Dr. Rhodora Julian, then introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Russell Battad-Dolendoa. After a brief presentation of his background, Dr. Dolendoa began his main address by discussing the shared mission of teachers and presenting a Ten-Point Agenda, emphasizing that the event was not merely a celebration of a theme, but also a recognition of the enduring legacy of educators.

The first point focused on reflection and honoring one’s roots, particularly in an age of abundant information. The second addressed the evolving landscape of learning, noting that the world needs wisdom, guidance, context, and ethical leadership. Dr. Battad-Dolendoa added that teachers can learn from anyone, including their students, and highlighted that teachers and librarians are often the first people others approach when facing challenges. He emphasized that the College of Education serves as the heart of the university and that knowledge professionals carry stories that impact students, communities, and adults alike.

The third point underscored the growing importance of educators, asserting that their impact extends beyond small victories. The fourth highlighted the human stories behind educational legacies. The fifth focused on empowering the present by responding to current challenges, such as rapid technological change, misinformation, digital literacy, equity and access, globalization, and overall well-being. This section also mentioned the college’s ongoing efforts toward becoming a Center of Excellence.

The sixth point outlined priorities for the future, calling for commitment to excellence, collaboration, service, innovation, and inclusivity. The seventh served as a call to renew commitment, while the eighth emphasized the legacy educators leave behind is not the devices or software but values and compassion. The ninth framed the event as a celebration of identity and the enduring power of learning. Dr. Battad-Dolendoa concluded by stating that learning and innovation continue to shine brighter with every generation empowered by educators.

The convocation highlighted the vital role of global educators and library professionals in transforming lives in ways machines cannot—by nurturing curiosity, encouraging critical thinking, and uplifting society despite evolving social, cultural, technological, and intellectual changes. It also emphasized the irreplaceable value of educators in providing wisdom, guidance, and ethical leadership in the age of Artificial Intelligence, underlining that teachers and librarians remain indispensable amidst technological advancement.

Following the keynote, the forum opened with Ms. Gatan facilitating a question-and-answer session. Dr. Battad-Dolendoa addressed several key topics, including encouraging students to be more open by collaboratively adjusting learning environments, overcoming fear through preparation and focus, and managing burnout and well-being by prioritizing responsibilities and maintaining perspective, especially for student leaders. She also discussed regaining motivation, noting that demotivation is personal and influenced by various factors, and suggested finding something meaningful. On media literacy, she emphasized its foundation in information literacy, highlighting the importance of finding, verifying, and critically assessing information, and urged people to think carefully before acting on the information they encounter.

After the Q&A, certificates were awarded by the master of ceremonies, followed by a photo documentation session.

The program concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Caroline T. Sumande, Associate Dean of the College of Education.