Singapore’s Ngee Ann Polytechnic students and teachers in partnership with Care Channel staff arrived at Biao National High School last March 18, 2024.

Biao NHS staff, students, and faculty members prepared a short program for the esteemed Singaporean guests, ensuring they could feel the warm welcome, essence of friendship, and companionship as they immersed themselves in Biao NHS agricultural set-up and as the academic training ground.

The program was hosted by Ms. Mary Joy Tutor, the school's SSLG Adviser. It started with a prayer led by Mrs. Cheryl P. Tabaranza, the Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao (EsP) Coordinator, and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, "Lupang Hinirang."

Furthermore, Biao NHS’ School Head, Mr. Ariel F. Lorezo, highlighted the school's willingness to embark on a meaningful journey with the guests, sharing talents and skills where both parties can learn from each other, especially in the fields of agriculture and academics.

To keep the space energetic and awake, captivating intermission numbers by selected 9th-grade students were presented: the Sakuting and Sinulog dance, to showcase the rich culture of the Philippines.

Moreover, Ms. Aimee Paredes, the president of the board Care Channel International, also shared valuable insights by emphasizing the quote "It takes a village to educate a child." Elaboratively, the village refers to a community of people who share responsibilities for the development of learners, consisting of the Local Government Units, Non-Government Organization, the school community comprising the Parent-Teachers Association, faculty staff, stakeholders, and other private sectors.

With the God-given opportunity to work with several schools in Davao City, the Care Channel aims to foster and uphold academic quality among schools through a collaborative mission for the needed agricultural laboratory for the senior high school students.

The Care Channel, together with the participating Singaporean students and Biao NHS students, will engage in the construction of the vegetable shadehouse, nursery shadehouse, and vermibeds. Additionally, students from grades seven (7) and eight ( will also be engaging in Science and English classes.

Mr. Timothy Tan, one of Ngee Ann Polytechnic's lecturers, expressed his utmost gratitude to Biao NHS for providing them with a visitor-friendly environment where they can freely and confidently introduce their respected students. Despite the differences between Singapore and the Philippines, Mr. Tan expects that during their weeks of stay at the said school, they can learn something from the Biao NHS students and in the same way Biao NHS students can also learn from Ngee Ann Polytechnic students.

The welcome program concluded at 9am and followed by a photo session to capture memorable moments.

After the event, Mr. Ariel conducted a brief orientation for the students, enumerating various activities they can perform during the first day, which include: mixing the cement mixtures, piling of hollow bricks, and plastering the piled bricks.

However, before the actual agricultural immersion began, a quick school tour headed by Mr. Dominador Man-on, TVL Coordinator, was done, where the participating overseas students also got the chance to mingle with teachers and students and had an actual look at various buildings of the school.

The group of students was subdivided into two (2) groups: one (1) for the English and Science class, and the other group for the construction of vermibed.

Aside from Agricultural project goals, Academic activities led by Ngee Ann Polytechnic learners were done. During the English class, Polytechnic students facilitated an interactive class discussion with the grade seven (7) students, introducing different learning resource segments such as ChatGPT, Quillbot, Grammarly, and Quizlet as some of the essential tools in helping students with their academics. However, the Singaporean students reminded the students that frequent use of these tools is discouraged, as students are expected to also learn by themselves and should not always rely on the use of these materials.

With this activity, Biao NHS, as the chosen school laboratory, is honored, as this will not only foster agricultural and academic empowerment. It also strengthens the bridges that connect the gaps across nations. Biao NHS is looking forward to provide a conducive, enjoyable, and gratifying learning environment for the distinguished local and international benchmarking.

Writer: Novah Rose Garcia

:  BNHS Documentation Team