Not even a pandemic can stop the spirit of future educators! This spirit of perseverance, hard work and dedication reverberated as the College of Teacher Education celebrated its Blue Mentors’ Day with the theme “Continuing the Legacy, Championing the Adversities” last June 28. 

This celebration was held to have a moment of joy and appreciation on the efforts made by blue mentors as they champion the adversities of the new normal. After all, there is always a moment to relax and have fun. 

The celebration started with a warm welcome of Dr. Marlyn R. Quiming, the ever supportive and innovative dean of CTE. Dr. Quiming’s sincerity and love for the students and the department echoed as she spoke virtually to them. She mentioned that there will really come a time that she will meet all of the students in person. But for now, they need to continue with this mode of teaching-and-learning which they have already championed.

The event then followed with the presentation of the World Class Educators who are the products of CTE. The presentation showed those graduates who are now employed in the different learning institutions here and abroad. Then, it was followed by the introduction of the CTE Faculty Members who are endowed with intelligence and dedication which made the CTE Legacy lingers.  

After which, Mr. Jojo Tumulak, a PE instructor and Ms. Armani Heavenielle Caoile, a Filipino Instructress delivered their inspiring messages to welcome the freshmen students. 

The celebration became more enjoyable as the selected students from all year levels flaunt their graceful moves and synchronization through astonishing dance numbers; the others “wowed” the audiences through their “birits” in singing high-note songs; and the others delivered a heart-melting piece of spoken poetry. 

After spicing up the celebration, some graduating students had given an opportunity to share how their journey as students became colourful and meaningful. Most of them shared how thankful they are to have a team of diverse, caring and excellent facilitators who help them mold their knowledge, skills and characters.

The college witnessed how these graduating students grew from being humble students who once dreamt of becoming a teacher to world class educators who are now ready to make a difference to the lives of their future learners. 

To look back how their journey went though, the college showed a video presentation showcasing some of their learning activities which now turned to sweet memories. As they move closer to their hard-earned success, Mr. Marvin C. Sermonia, Jr., Mr. Arnie Edale, and Mr. Ariel Leonin, English and Professional Education instructors delivered to them their congratulatory messages.  

As the celebration ends, a tribute to Mrs. Gloria Nicomedez, a retired Filipino instructress who served the college for decades, was held. Some of her former students, including those who are now serving the College, had delivered their appreciation through video presentation and speeches. Indeed, her contribution to the college is immeasurable. 

Truly, the academic year has not become easy for the Blue Mentors due to some constraints of online learning. This mode of education left them no choice but to become diligent and adaptive to change, which later resulted to an extended comfort zone. With this, they have proven that they did not just surpass online learning, they have championed it!