Speakers
Speakers
Embedded Files
DAY 1 - KEYNOTE
DAY 1 - KEYNOTE
SPEAKER: UNICEF Representative
Keynote Topic: The four main pillars of the rights of the child
(1) Right to survival
(2) Protection
(3) Development
(4) Participation
DAY 1 - SYMPOSIUM 1
DAY 1 - SYMPOSIUM 1
Symposium Rationale: SDGs and the Future of Early Education
This speaker lineup connects global mandates with local, real-world execution to address how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) shape early childhood rights:
The Legal Framework (The Attorney): Decodes the international laws and statutory rights protecting children, highlighting how global SDGs translate into mandatory legal protections.
The Global Blueprint (The Australian Faculty Member): Offers an international, research-driven perspective on global educational benchmarks and comparative SDG implementations.
The Living Classroom (Head of Earth School, El Nido): Demonstrates real-world, grassroots execution of SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) through nature-based, sustainable early childhood learning.
The Synergy: This panel seamlessly bridges the law, global research, and local innovation—showing how global goals directly transform the everyday environments where young children grow and learn.
Panelists:
Dr. Sue Elliott (Australia)
Atty. Mylen B. Gonzales-Esquivel, JD, RSW
David Esteban (Earth School, Palawan)
Dr. Sue Elliott (Australia)
Dr. Sue Elliott is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at the University of New England (UNE) in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia.
She is a globally recognized pioneer, researcher, and advocate in Early Childhood Education for Sustainability (ECEfS) and nature-based outdoor play.
Atty. Mylen B. Gonzales-Esquivel, JD, RSW
Atty. Esquivel is a prominent Filipino human rights lawyer, registered social worker, and leading expert in child protection and Gender and Development (GAD).
She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Miriam College Child Rights Advocacy Center (CRAC) and the Child Justice League Inc..and China.
David Esteban (Earth School, Palawan)
David has extensive experience in the development and implementation of transnational programs across basic education, vocational education and training, and higher education at the bachelor and graduate degree levels. His passion is fueled by a love for learning and for our wonderful world.
DAY 1 - SYMPOSIUM 2
DAY 1 - SYMPOSIUM 2
Symposium Rationale: A Multi-Sectoral Approach to Inclusion
Selecting this specific triad of speakers ensures a comprehensive, 360-degree perspective on children’s rights:
The Academic Foundation (UP Diliman - SPED): Provides research-based strategies, developmental psychology, and pedagogical frameworks needed for practical, inclusive education.
The Policy Mandate (Council for the Welfare of Children): Outlines the government’s legal frameworks, national policies, and systemic commitments to protecting and advancing children's rights.
The Grassroots Application (World Vision Philippines): Shares on-the-ground NGO experience, community-level advocacy, and proven real-world models for active child participation.
The Synergy: Together, these speakers bridge theory, policy, and practice—ensuring the discussion on inclusion is academically grounded, legally supported, and highly actionable.
Panelists:
Dr. Therese Angeline P. Bustos
Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) Representative
World Vision, Philippines Representative
Dr. Therese Angeline P. Bustos
Dr. Therese Angeline P. Bustos is the ACTRC Phil Director since 2014. Prof. U.P. Diliman. Chair, technical committee for Special Education member, technical panel on teacher education of CHED
Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) Representative
Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) is the primary Philippine government agency responsible for coordinating, formulating, and monitoring policies and programs that protect children's rights. CWC serves as the focal inter-agency body to ensure a child-friendly society for all Filipino children.
World Vision, Philippines Representative
World Vision Philippines is dedicated to improving children's lives and their communities through child sponsorship, disaster aid, and sustainable programs.
DAY 2 - WORKSHOP 1
DAY 2 - WORKSHOP 1
Workshop 1 Topic: Research Writing for Early Childhood
Facilitator: Dr. Jessie Barrot, Dean, National University-Manila
One of the world's Top 2% Most Influential Researchers based on the ranking spearheaded by Stanford University and Elsevier experts.
DAY 2 - WORKSHOP 2
DAY 2 - WORKSHOP 2
FACILITATOR: Dr. Charla Saamong, Associate Professor, FLCD, UP Diliman
Workshop 2 Topic: Integrating Children's Rights into Childhood Education Curricula
She earned her PhD in Early Childhood Education from The Education University of Hong Kong. Her research focuses on early childhood teachers, movement, and physical activity. She also contributes to educational children's literature, including authored works highlighting developmental concepts. A recipient of the One U.P. Faculty Grant for Outstanding Teaching and Public Service, she actively combines academic research, leadership, and community outreach in early childhood development
DAY 3 - Plenary 1
DAY 3 - Plenary 1
Topic: Health and Nutrition: Ensuring Children's Right to Survival
SPEAKER: Dr. Kim Leonard G. Dela Luna, RND, MSPH, PhD
College of Public Health, Department of Nutrition
Dr. Kim Leonard G. Dela Luna, RND, MSPH, PhD is a Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian and academic leader in the field of public health nutrition. He serves as a faculty member at the Department of Nutrition, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila.
Dr. Dela Luna holds a Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), specializing in public health nutrition, nutritional assessment, and community-based interventions. His research and professional work focus on addressing double-burden malnutrition, evaluating population-level nutritional status, and developing evidence-informed public health strategies. Through his teaching, research, and advocacy, he continues to contribute significantly to advancing public health nutrition research and policies in the Philippines.
DAY 3 - Plenary 2
DAY 3 - Plenary 2
Topic: Child Protection and Safety: A Global Challenge
SPEAKER: Mr. Alexander Ramos, former Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CIICC) Executive Director
Alexander Ramos is the retired Executive Director of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC). He is a highly trained cybercrime investigator and a leading expert in cybersecurity policy and digital crime prevention. With decades of experience tackling emerging digital threats, he has dedicated his expertise to designing robust frameworks that safeguard vulnerable populations online.
DAY 3 - Plenary 3
DAY 3 - Plenary 3
SPEAKER: Dr. Vina Adriany, Head SEAMEO ECECCP
Topic: The Future Starts Now: Advancing Children's Rights (Focus on the alignment of children's rights with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how SDGs impact early childhood education)
Day 3 will conclude with an FGD and Q&A session involving all plenary speakers, taking place immediately after the final plenary session.
Day 3 will conclude with an FGD and Q&A session involving all plenary speakers, taking place immediately after the final plenary session.
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