CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Research Institute for Teacher Quality (RITQ) played a key role in the successful conduct of the ASEAN Teacher Education Conference (AsTEC) 2026, held last July 2–3, 2026, at the Golden Prince Hotel and Suites. Centered on the theme “The ASEAN Teacher Identity: Ensuring Quality Teacher Education in the Digital Era,” the conference gathered teacher educators, policymakers, and academic leaders from across Southeast Asia to discuss innovations and emerging directions in teacher education.

Dr. Bert Tuga (PNU President), Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan (AsTEN Chairperson), and Dr. Shirley Agrupis (CHED Chairperson) with other delegates and participants of the AsTEC 2026

The event was organized by the Philippine Normal University (PNU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Teacher Education Network (AsTEN), in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Cebu Normal University (CNU), and RITQ.

Day 1 of AsTEC 2026 highlighted the strengthening of teacher education through innovation, quality assurance, and regional collaboration. Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education, opened the plenary by outlining a visionary framework for innovation and resilience in regional educator training. This was closely followed by Prof. Dr. Fuad Abdul Hamied of Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, who addressed critical quality assurance mechanisms across borders, and Prof. Christine Goh, President’s Chair Professor at Nanyang Technological University’s National Institute of Education (NIE-NTU), who discussed future-ready language and literacy environments. The afternoon panel discussion, “Who is an ASEAN Teacher?”, moderated by Cebu Normal University’s Dr. Helen Boholano, brought together SEAMEO INNOTECH Centre Director Dr. Majah-Leah V. Ravago, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia Rector Prof. Dr. Didi Sukyadi, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris Vice Chancellor Prof. Dato’ Dr. Md Amin Bin Md Taff, and EDCOM 2 Standing Committee Member Dr. Ester B. Ogena, who collectively debated the evolving identity of the modern ASEAN educator.

Dr. Brando Palomar (RITQ Director) as a facilitator during the concurrent sessions

Meanwhile, Day 2 discussions focused on regional cooperation, artificial intelligence, and policy directions for teacher education. The morning sessions featured strategic insights on internationalization from CHED International Affairs Service Director Dr. Christine N. Ferrer, alongside an essential institutional update from Mr. Kamal Mamat, Assistant Director at the ASEAN Secretariat. The integration of technology in pedagogy took center stage during a virtual session by NIE-NTU Assistant Professor Dr. Tanmay Sinha, who explored the constructive role of artificial intelligence in learning, while Dr. Jennie V. Jocson, Executive Director of the Teacher Education Council, presented key priorities for teacher education reform in the Philippines. Mr. John Arnold Siena, Deputy Director for Programme and Development of the SEAMEO Secretariat, discussed scaling teacher professional development across Southeast Asia. The afternoon panel discussion that focused on “University Social Responsibility and Community Extension” was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Eisha Vienna M. Fernandez, Director of the Community Partnership and Extension Office of PNU Manila. The session drew insights from international leaders, including Dr. Kharhan Bin Haji Jait (Brunei Darussalam), Dr. Kay Thwe Hlaing (Myanmar), Asst. Prof. Dr. Udomluk Koolsriroj (Thailand) and Dr. Hoang Mai Khanh (Vietnam), to emphasize the community-driven impact of modern teacher education.

Dr. Maria Teresa Manicio-Tembrevilla (RITQ Deputy Director) as the master of ceremonies at the AsTEC 2026

As one of the conference’s co-organizers, RITQ served in several major committees, including the Secretariat, Program Committee, Scientific/Paper Review and Publication Committee, and Documentation and Evaluation Committee. Prior to the conference, the Institute supported the development of key conference materials, including communication templates, abstract review rubrics, publication materials, the Book of Abstracts, presentation slide decks, the conference program, and certificates. RITQ also organized accepted research papers into parallel presentation sessions.

During the two-day conference, RITQ personnel managed delegate registration, welcomed participants, assisted in the preparation of conference venues, documented parallel sessions, and provided technical support to presenters and moderators to ensure the smooth delivery of conference activities.

RITQ delegates (from L-R: Mr. Edrian Josh Mangila, Dr. Maria Teresa Manicio-Tembrevilla, Dr. Brando Palomar, Ms. Princess Mareilla Mangubat, and Ms. Levie May Leyva)

The Institute’s leadership was also at the forefront of the proceedings. RITQ Deputy Director Dr. Maria Teresa Manicio-Tembrevilla served as the Master of Ceremonies, guiding delegates through the intensive program. To conclude the event, RITQ Director Dr. Brando C. Palomar delivered the synthesis and closing insights, reaffirming the importance of evidence-informed initiatives and regional collaboration in strengthening teacher quality across the ASEAN region.

The successful conduct of AsTEC 2026 reflects RITQ’s continuing commitment to supporting high-quality teacher education research, fostering regional partnerships, and contributing to evidence-informed initiatives that strengthen teacher education across the ASEAN region.

“There is no finish line when the goal is to grow continuously; each day is a step forward, not a destination. There is no finish line in building an excellent education system; we have done too much not to do more, we have come too far not to go further. Hence, it is our responsibility to go forward and further, and prove that ASEAN, regardless of our geographical location, [is] one.” 

Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education

https://www.ritq.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ASEAN-Teacher-Education-Conference-2026-1-1024x545.pnghttps://www.ritq.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ASEAN-Teacher-Education-Conference-2026-1-150x150.pngRITQ AdminNews
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Research Institute for Teacher Quality (RITQ) played a key role in the successful conduct of the ASEAN Teacher Education Conference (AsTEC) 2026, held last July 2–3, 2026, at the Golden Prince Hotel and Suites. Centered on the theme 'The ASEAN Teacher Identity: Ensuring Quality...