Top Educators Address MITIS-DEPED Forum

Top  Filipino educators Dr. Teresita Domalanta, Dr. Fe Faz, and Dr. Dominico Idanan addressed a joint MITIS-DEPED forum entitled “Exploring the Opportunities for University Education in Japan” held on January 12, 2011 at MIT International School.  Among the other speakers were Dr. Kakuya Matsushima from Kyoto University and Ms. Atsuko Sakamaki, the Country Officer of the Japan International Cooperation Center.

Dr. Domalanta in her remarks highlighted the importance of adopting the K+12 curriculum in light of the growing clamor  for the Philippines to move out from its present 10 years of basic education. In addressing other educators, Dr. Domalanta averred that the present challenge facing educators  is to open avenues for global competitiveness. 

Dr. Domalanta encouraged Filipino students to feel positive about themselves and about finding a place in the world.  She cited what the Japanese people call “kugaku-rikko” which means “working one’s way through school under adversity”.  She exhorted Filipino students who will decide to study in Japan to be armed with moral courage, perseverance, optimism, and commitment.

Dr. Domalanta was a former NCR Director of the Department of Education.

Dr. Kakuya Matsushima gave the students a foretaste of the excellent and challenging  education at Kyoto University.  He currently serves as Associate Professor in the Graduate School of Urban Management of Kyoto University. Dr. Matsushima gladly answered the questions of students during the Open Forum.

Ms. Atsuko Sakamaki spoke on the topic of JICE’s Operation for Supporting Youth Generation in the Philippines. 

Dr. Fe Faz singled out the K+12 curriculum as an anchor of the education agenda of President Benigno C. Aquino III.  She cited the many benefits for students that will come out from its implementation.
The process of earning scholarship grants was discussed by Ms. Atsuko Sakamaki, the Country Officer of Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE). Both Dr. Matsushima and Ms. Sakamaki pointed out that the basic requirement for admission in Japanese universities is completion of Grades 11 and 12

Dr. Faz pointed out that while the K+12 curriculum is targeted for full implementation by the Department of Education in School Year 2015-2016, MITIS has already put it in operation in School Year 2010-2011.  She added that it was remarkable for MITIS to extend the benefits of its Grades 11 and 12 education to the graduates of the public high schools by way of scholarships and/or financial aid.    

Dr. Faz underscored the strides taken by MITIS to address the demands of world-class education.  As the then Superintendent of City Schools of Muntinlupa City, Dr. Faz endorsed the establishment of the MIT International School in a Forum on Effective Schooling held at the Vivere Hotel on May 26, 2007.

Dr. Dominico Idanan affirmed the view that the two additional years in basic education will hone the academic competencies of students. Dr. Idanan echoed the elation of Dr. Faz for the opportunities offered to gifted Filipino students by MITIS, Kyoto University and other universities in Japan, and the Japan International Cooperation Center. Dr. Idanan was visibly pleased that more than 60 students of the Muntinlupa City Science High School attended the forum. He mentioned that the school has been offering the course on the Japanese language Nihonggo since three years ago.

Dr. Idanan is presently the Officer-in-Charge  of the Office of the Division of City Schools of Muntinlupa City.  He welcomed the opportunity for the forum to be jointly sponsored by MIT International School and DEPED-Muntinlupa City.

Another speaker in the forum was Dr. Marife Mamauag who introduced the EJU or the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students. Later, in the open forum, Dr. Matsushima eased the fears of Filipino students about their possible failure to hurdle the Japanese language proficiency portion of the EJU.    

In the earlier part of the forum, Mr. Andre Kwon, MITIS Assistant Director, gave an introduction on MIT International School  and the K+12 curriculum. He mentioned that MITIS is a member of the International Schools Association, a candidate for accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and is authorized by College Board, USA, to offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses in Grades 11 and 12.  His talk was followed by a DVD presentation to introduce overseas study in Japan by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO).

Mr. Andre Kwon later joined Dr. Bienvenido V. Santos, MITIS President and Principal, in facilitating the lively open forum where questions were posed by the school principals, guidance counselors, and students from the participating schools.