By: Divine Grace T. Deodoco
| Nheil Salvador Navarra serenades Baite with one of her favorite songs, which Salvador sang in Filipino and Indonesian languages.
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Nur Baeti Lega Wahidah from Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto in Indonesia was given a warm welcome by Capiz State University- Mambusao Satellite College faculty, staff, and students, Sept. 14.
Baeti is one of the 12 students who belong to the 9th batch of the SEA Teacher project of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) deployed to Capiz State University.
“The SEA Teacher Project or the ‘Pre-Service Student Teacher Exchange in Southeast Asia’ is a project that aims to provide opportunity for pre-service student teachers from universities in Southeast Asia to have teaching experiences (practicum) in schools in other countries in Southeast Asia,” according to seateacher.seameo.org.
This project is open to third or fourth year pre-service student teachers specializing in English, science, mathematics, and preschool. Participants will have the opportunity to observe, assist in teaching, create lesson plans, teach, and reflect for a month.
The Bachelor of Arts in English Language as the host department organized the welcome program led by Dr. Maria Aurora G. Victoriano, program coordinator; and External Affairs and Linkages Chairperson Prof. Lida L. Corcino.
The welcome program for Wahidah synchronized with the school’s ASEAN celebration. In this two-fold event- ASEAN Celebration and Pag-abi-abi: A Welcome Program for Nur Baeti Lega Wahidah, faculty, staff, and students dressed in ASEAN-inspired costumes.
| Faculty and staff with Wahidah
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The program started with a welcome dance to the tune of "Inilusan" performed by the Kalingawan Performing Arts Group (KALPAG), paving the way to the grand entrance of Wahidah along with the guests, faculty, staff, and SSC and FLP officers.
KALPAG sang both the Lupang Hinirang and the Indonesia Raya, to give honor to the Philippines and Indonesia.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Maria Aurora G. Victoriano, BAEL program coordinator, expressed how proud she is for this honor the institution has achieved as one of the recipients of the SEA Teacher project and this would strengthen the bonds between nations and foster a greater understanding among its people.
Dr. Victoriano extended her special welcome to Wahidah saying, “We are honored to have you as part of this esteemed program that promotes educational collaboration and cultural exchange. Your presence here reflects the commitment and passion you have for bridging the gaps between our nations through education.”
| SSC and FLP officers with Wahidah
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Meanwhile in his inspirational message, Dr. Adelfo Z. Virtudazo, satellite college director, expressed his pride for Joey O. Luces, as he was the first student from CAPSU Mambusao to become an exchange student of the SEA Teacher project.
Luces, the current editor-in-chief of The Courier Publication, also had the chance to be an exchange student at Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto in Indonesia from May 15 to June 15, 2023.
Dr. Virtudazo also encouraged other students to perform well academically in order for them to have the chance to be chosen as an international exchange student.
He enumerated the benefits a student would get as an exchange student.
“You’ll experience a new way of life, … studying abroad expands job opportunities, … you will learn new educational styles, … you can take the opportunity to learn a new language, … and lastly, you’ll gain new friends from around the world. So, improve your academic performance and dream high so that you can also be a SEA Teacher exchange student,” he said to inspire the students to work hard on their studies for them to be given the opportunity to become an exchange student.
Prof. Lida L. Corcino, external affairs and linkages chairperson, formally introduced Wahidah and provided some information about her particularly her credentials that made her qualified to the SEA Teacher project.
Some of her remarkable achievements include being a representative of 100 Indonesian youth as online support and ambassador in ASEAN embassy in Indonesia from 2023 onwards, a delegate in Thailand English Summer Camp in 2021, a speaker of the education seminar in the University of Malayan in Malaysia in 2023, a delegate of SEA Teacher program in the Philippines for 2023-2024, awarded as the fully-funded international youth exchange in Indonesia and Thailand in 2022-2023, and an active content creator and a Korean tutor both online and in-person.
Wahidah also delivered her message. She expressed her gratitude and happiness to join this program, and she feels lucky and honored to be in CAPSU Mambusao and looks forward to a wonderful experience.
“I can learn new things, new knowledge, [the] culture and the language here, and the other one, I can also share my culture [in] Indonesia,” she said.
To keep the crowd entertained, KALPAG dancers and singers showcased the richness of the heritage of Capiz through their performances. And to surprise Wahidah, they performed an Indonesian dance.
But what tickled Wahidah was a serenade by one of the KALPAG singers who sang a song that is one of her favorites. It was sung in Tagalog and Indonesian languages.
The performances from KALPAG received plaudits from the crowd which ended with a Unity Dance participated by the guests, faculty, staff, students, and Wahidah.
In order that CAPSUnians would have a glimpse of Indonesian culture, Baeti volunteered to perform an Indonesian dance which was applauded by the audience.
Hospitality and generosity manifested among CAPSUnians in the gifts they offered to Wahidah as a gesture of their warm reception to her coming to the campus.
| Wahidah expresses her joy for the gifts she has received.
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Mrs. Estela Fano and Mrs. Ruby Frufonga from Mambusao East National High School, where Baeti would be deployed for her student teaching, also attended the program.
Dr. Lalaine E. Ricardo, student affairs and services chairperson, told in her closing remarks that “today is about celebrating friendship. Celebrating ASEAN, especially the Philippines and Indonesia.”
“We’re welcoming the SEA Teacher from Indonesia; we are turning that friendship into a reality. More days will be done by cultural exchange. I know the students are also excited to learn the culture and language of Indonesia,” she said for the conclusion of the program.
After the program, Wahidah was treated to a scrumptious lunch with the guests, faculty, staff, and student leaders.