The School of Education of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan conducted an Orientation on the System for Identification and Designation of Center of Excellence (COE) in Teacher Education on 21 January 2026, via Zoom. The activity brought together teacher education institutions from Northern Mindanao and nearby regions in a shared space of learning, alignment, and reflection on quality assurance and institutional excellence.
The orientation was organized and facilitated by Dr Kathleen M Morales, FHEA Faculty of the School of Education (SOE) and Assistant to the Vice President for Higher Education on Curriculum and Instruction. Dr Edralin C Manla, Dean of the School of Education, set the tone of the orientation by situating the COE framework within the broader mandate of teacher education institutions to uphold standards, ensure relevance, and sustain excellence in both academic and formation work.
This initiative meaningfully advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By strengthening quality assurance systems and clarifying standards for the identification and designation of Centers of Excellence in Teacher Education, the orientation reinforces SOE’s commitment to ensuring inclusive, equitable, and high-quality teacher preparation—recognizing teachers as key drivers of learning outcomes and educational transformation. At the same time, the collaborative nature of the activity, which brought together multiple higher education institutions and the Teacher Education Council, exemplifies SDG 17 through sustained partnerships, shared accountability, and collective action toward improving teacher education at the regional and national levels. These efforts affirm that excellence in education is best achieved not in isolation, but through cooperation, alignment, and a shared vision for educational development
Serving as Resource Speakers were representatives from the Teacher Education Council (TEC), namely Mr. Ferdinand Rellorosa, Chief Education Program Specialist, and Ms Marie Kristel B Corpin, Education Program Specialist II, both from the Quality Pre-Service Teacher Education Office. Their discussions focused on the system, indicators, and processes involved in identifying and designating Centers of Excellence, providing participants with a clearer understanding of the expectations, requirements, and directions for teacher education quality assurance.
Beyond technical inputs, the orientation emphasized that COE recognition is not merely an institutional status to be attained, but a continuing responsibility to ensure coherence between vision, curriculum, instruction, research, extension, and formation. The conversations highlighted the importance of collective ownership among faculty members and academic leaders in sustaining excellence and responding meaningfully to national and regional educational needs.
The activity was participated in by faculty members and representatives from various higher education institutions, including Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan, PHINMA Cagayan de Oro College, Southern de Oro Philippines College, Mountain View College, Northern Bukidnon State College, Pilgrim Christian College, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Central Mindanao University, St. Rita’s College of Balingasag, Opol Community College, Holy Infant College of Tacloban, Inc and Fatima College of Camiguin.
As both a participating institution and a long-standing advocate of quality teacher education, the Xavier University School of Education views activities such as this orientation as integral to strengthening institutional partnerships and sustaining a culture of excellence. Anchored on its Ignatian and Atenean mission, the SOE continues to affirm that excellence in teacher education is ultimately measured not only by compliance with standards, but by the quality of teachers formed and the communities they serve.