Colegio de Kidapawan (CdK) teaching interns participated in the annual Philippine Association for Teachers and Educators (PAFTE) Regional Students’ Congress at Notre Dame of Kidapawan College on February 14, 2025. The event was themed, “Empowering Pre-Service Teachers: Acing the LEPT and Navigating Hiring Policies.”
Eleven schools attended the congress. Distinguished speakers included Schools Division Superintendent Miguel T. Fillalan Jr., CESO VI; Dr. Theresa Falculan-Misola; and Dr. Kathleen Falculan-Misola.
SDS Fillalan Jr. provided an update on the current hiring policies and procedures within the Kidapawan City Division, offering valuable insights for aspiring teachers. Meanwhile, Dr. Kathleen Falculan-Misola, together with Dr. Theresa Falculan-Misola, proprietor of the Falculan Twins Review Center, shared effective strategies and tips to help pre-service teachers successfully pass the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT). Their combined expertise provided participants with a comprehensive perspective on navigating the challenges of the teaching profession.
The presentations aimed to prepare pre-service teachers for both the LEPT and the job market by covering effective teaching methodologies, current educational trends, and job-seeking strategies. In line with SDG 4: Quality Educationand SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, the activity strengthened future educators’ professional readiness while equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue meaningful careers in teaching.
In the Extemporaneous Speaking contest, Kate Eingielle Alcosaba finished as first runner-up.
In the Teaching Demonstration contest, Prenz Julius Cardeño I shone with his impressive performance in delivering a lesson for Kindergarten pupils, earning second runner-up.
In the afternoon, one of the highlighted contests was the Quiz Bee, which tested participants’ knowledge of Professional Education courses under the PRC-enhanced Table of Specifications framework. The competition consisted of three rounds: easy, average, and difficult.
The University of Southern Mindanao–Kidapawan City Campus (USM-KCC) secured first place with 75 points. However, the competition for second and third place was exceptionally close, as Colegio de Kidapawan and Central Mindanao Colleges both earned 60 points, leading to a three-question tie-breaker. In the decisive round, CdK emerged victorious, securing first runner-up, while CMC took second runner-up. The tie-breaker focused on blended learning, a key concept in modern educational practices.
Jolly May Andip and Princess Joy V. Ajoc, fourth-year students of Colegio de Kidapawan, were instrumental in their team’s success, showcasing exceptional knowledge and teamwork. Their achievement, along with the strong performances of all participating schools, highlighted the dedication and preparation of future educators.
The strong showing of CdK teaching interns reflects the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and professional growth. The collaboration among participating schools, PAFTE Region 12, and education leaders also embodies SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, strengthening partnerships that empower future-ready educators and advance quality teacher education.
