THE SPECTRUM

COE Deployed the BSE Pre-Service Teachers at the different cooperating Schools last January 30, 2025.

These photos show pre-service teachers assigned to Bagacay National High School, along with internship instructors and the BNHS faculty.

Words by Jerome Hipolito

Photos by Mr. Mariano B. Olalo

The College of Education at Central Bicol State University of Agriculture-Calabanga (CBSUA-Calabanga) conducted its annual Commissioning Rites on January 28, 2025, at the Multi-Purpose Hall. This event, which dates back to March 2015, marked a significant milestone for education students as they transitioned from regular students to teacher interns.

Dr. Kristine May Regazpi, Administrator of CBSUA-Pasacao Campus, graced the occasion as the Guest Speaker. Addressing the teacher interns, Dr. Regazpi encouraged them to dream big as they embark on their journey in various cooperating schools.

Dr. Christian Vega, representing Campus Administrator Dr. Ernesto Doloso, Jr., emphasized the importance of character development alongside academic competence. The event also saw participation from parents, faculty, administrators, and principals from partner DepEd schools in Camarines Sur.

A Tradition of Transformation

The Commissioning Rites, originally known as the Pinning and Deployment Ceremony, began in CBSUA-Calabanga through the initiative of Dr. Aurora Besmonte, with support from then Dean Dr. Anna Liza Bordado and Campus Administrator Dr. Helen Madela. The ceremony, inspired by a similar practice from another university, was rebranded post-pandemic to focus on commissioning teacher interns to their mission schools.

As mentor Dr. Popoy Reganit remarked, “The pinning of a nametag is not worth ceremonizing. To make it deeper and meaningful, better have Commissioning Rites—this is the initial ‘missioning’ of a would-be teacher.”

Symbolism and Significance

The event incorporated meaningful rituals to underscore the responsibilities of teacher interns:

• A symbolic door-knocking ritual, led by the Dean, represented the pursuit of knowledge.

• Nameplates symbolized the university's values and the interns commitment to quality teaching.

• A litany of teacher interns affirmed their dedication to education and the university’s support.

• Candles signified the light they will bring to their communities, and

• Roses represented the love and support of their parents.

The Commissioning Rites, originally known as the Pinning and Deployment Ceremony, began in CBSUA-Calabanga through the initiative of Dr. Aurora Besmonte, with support from then Dean Dr. Anna Liza Bordado and Campus Administrator Dr. Helen Madela. Inspired by a similar practice from another university, the ceremony was rebranded post-pandemic to focus on commissioning teacher interns to their mission schools.

The ceremony concluded with the formal commissioning of teacher interns by Dean Dr. Jenelyn Aguelo and Dr. Aurora Besmonte, alongside the warm welcome of school principals.

Organized by the Graduating Batch Officers headed by the President: Joshua Molleda, Vice President: Arlyn Vale, Secretary: Felicity Benaid, and Treasurer: Ericka Jane Martinez and internship faculty, the event remains a testament to CBSUA-Calabanga’s commitment to nurturing future educators ready to illuminate the region and beyond.

Words by Jerome Hipolito

Photos by Rica Reolope

The College of Education (COE) conducted the second day of its Pre-Service Teachers Seminar Workshop on January 25, 2025, at the COE Building. The day featured parallel sessions focusing on a Lesson Plan Writing Workshop, with alumni resource speakers guiding pre-service teachers in their respective specializations.

Mr. Raul R. Manlangit, Jr., Teacher III at Jose de Villa National High School, led the session for Filipino majors. Mr. John Argie G. Betchaida, Teacher I at Pinaglabanan National High School, facilitated the session for Math majors. Meanwhile, Mr. Kenneth R. Leoder, Teacher I at Antipolo National High School, served as the resource speaker for English majors.

During the workshop, participants reviewed the essential components of a lesson plan and wrote their own, incorporating feedback and suggestions from the resource speakers. The pre-service teachers then refined their lesson plans through collaborative discussions.

The finalized lesson plans will serve as symbolic items to be presented during the Commissioning Rites, scheduled for January 28, 2025, at the Multi-Purpose Hall.

Words by: Jerome Hipolito

Photos by: Jan Christian Montañez, John Argie G. Betchaida, and Kenneth R. Leoder

The College of Education (COE) conducted the first day of the Seminar-Workshop for Pre-Service Teachers on January 24, 2025, at the Audio-Visual Room (AVR). Police Lieutenant Colonel Jonnel Averilla, the newly designated Officer-in-Charge of the Calabanga Municipal Police Station, expressed gratitude to CBSUA for inviting the police station to share laws protecting women and children against all forms of abuse. He affirmed the station's support for activities like this and briefly introduced the topics to be discussed by the morning session's resource speakers.

Police Corporal May Rosary Medroso-Paz, who has been with the Calabanga Municipal Police Station for two years and its Women and Child Protection Desk for six months, discussed the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Act and the Anti-Bastos Law.

Her presentation was followed by Police Staff Sergeant Rosa Fe Hipolito-Mediario, who has served 10 years in Calabanga MPS, with five years in the investigation unit. She discussed the Anti-Rape Law and Republic Act 11930, also known as the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) Act, which aims to safeguard children from online sexual exploitation and abuse.

Pre-service teacher Thom Elopre shared his insights: “Attending a seminar on VAWC, the Anti-Bastos Law, the Anti-Rape Law, and OSAEC opened my eyes to the critical role I play as a future educator in creating a safe and respectful learning environment. It taught me how to recognize and address instances of violence or harassment, empowering me to protect my students and uphold their rights. This experience reminded me that as a teacher, I am not just an educator but also an advocate for dignity, equality, and safety.”

Another participant, Honeylyn Yhanie Saralde, noted, “It was my first time attending a seminar where police officials were resource speakers. The topics of violence and abuse drew my attention and encouraged me to ask questions. I can say that the session equipped me, as a pre-service teacher, with knowledge of laws that will help me protect myself and my future students.”

The afternoon session was led by Ms. Jennifer Perez, Assistant Professor IV, who discussed Personality Development. Pre-service teacher Rochelle De Los Santos commented: “Professor Perez helped us learn more about ourselves and how to present ourselves effectively. As aspiring teachers, we need to take care of ourselves to earn the respect of students and colleagues. This seminar provided valuable insights for our future endeavors.”

Hannah Pearl Santelices offered another perspective: “To excel as future teachers, we must commit to continuous learning and embrace feedback from others. This will help us build strong personalities, which are essential for creating a positive impact in the teaching profession.”

The Seminar-Workshop highlighted the dual role of educators as advocates for safety and personal growth, equipping participants with essential knowledge and skills for their future careers.

The second day of the seminar-workshop is reserved for lesson plan writing with alumni resource speakers.

Words by: Jerome Hipolito

Photos by: Jan Christian Montañez

CBSUA-Calabanga hosted the Mentoring the Mentors event, featuring John Argie Betchaida and Dr. Ana Miraña as guest mentors last January 21, 2025 held at the AVR at CBSUA-Calabanga

John Argie Betchaida, a CBSUA-Calabanga alumnus, former university instructor, and now a permanent DepEd teacher, represented beginning educators. He shared his journey of falling in love with teaching—a gradual process driven by determination, hard work, patience, and persistence. Despite being offered a permanent position in a government agency, he chose teaching because of his passion for the profession. His story inspired pre-service teachers as they prepared for their upcoming internship.

Dr. Ana Miraña, a Professor VI and former Vice President for Academic Affairs at CBSUA, represented mid-career educators. She emphasized the importance of intrinsic motivation, collaboration, and strong character in succeeding as a teacher. She concluded her talk with an acronym, BEHAVE, encouraging teachers to:

• Be safe at all times.

• Enjoy no matter what.

• Have a grateful heart.

• Ask when in doubt.

• Value every learning experience.

• End the class worthy to be remembered.

Since its inception in 2015, Mentoring the Mentors has bridged pre-service teachers with educators from various career stages. Each session features a beginning teacher, a mid-career teacher, and a retired teacher who share their journeys, inspiring the next generation of educators at CBSUA-Calabanga.

Words by Jerome Hipolito

Photos by Jan Christian Montanez

The Simulation Interview, formerly known as the Exit Interview, was attended by invited DepEd Supervisors and Principals from DepEd Camarines Sur and DepEd Naga, who served as panel members. This event served as a platform for pre-service teachers to demonstrate their content and pedagogical knowledge, simulating the actual interview process conducted by the Department of Education for Teacher I applicants. Designed to bridge the gap between university learning and real-world experiences, the activity allowed pre-service teachers to engage in meaningful dialogues with experienced educators, including DepEd supervisors, principals, and College of Education (COE) faculty members.

The panel for Mathematics included Dr. Joretze Carandang, Public Schools Division Supervisor from DepEd Naga; Dr. Maria Antonia Borromeo, Principal III of Pamplona National High School; Mr. Lope Espiritu, Jr., Principal II of Jose Prevosa Sr. National High School; Ms. Sharon Navasca, Principal I of Sulpicio A. Roco Memorial High School; and Dr. Anna Liza Bordado, Associate Professor V. For Filipino, the panel consisted of Dr. Jobert Narvadez, Chief of the School Governance and Operations Division at DepEd Naga; Dr. Imelda Albero, Principal IV of Don Servillano Platon Memorial National High School; Dr. Sonny Taugan, Education Program Supervisor from DepEd Camarines Sur; and Dr. Noel Celeste, Associate Professor V. The English panel featured Dr. Edna Fernandez and Dr. Irene Dayandante, both Public Schools Division Supervisors; Mr. Manuel Buere, Principal IV of Sipocot National High School; Dr. Dianna Maquilan, Principal II of Gainza National High School; and Mr. Jerome Hipolito, Associate Professor II. Meanwhile, the BEED panel included Dr. Ana N. Calisura and Dr. Lydia B. Boringot, both Public Schools Division Supervisors from DepEd Camarines Sur; Mr. Leonardo R. Beldua, Jr., Principal III of Union Elementary School; and Dr. Jenelyn Aguelo, Associate Professor V.

The event was supported by committees chaired by Mr. Edwin Breva, Jr. for communications, Mr. Salomon Azañes, Jr. for food, and Dr. Aurora Besmonte as the overall chair. The Simulation Interview was the first in a series of activities aimed at equipping pre-service teachers with the necessary skills and experiences before their deployment to the cooperating schools.

Words by Jerome Hipolito

Photos by Dr. Maria Antonia Borromeo, Dr. Imelda Albero, Dr. Irene Dayandante, and Mr. Leonardo R. Beldua, Jr

The College of Education held a cover letter and resume writing workshop on January 14, 2025, for pre-service teachers. During the workshop, participants revised their drafts with feedback from peer editors, who were BSE-4 English students.

Words by: Jerome Hipolito

Photos by Jan Christian Montañez