XAVIER UNIVERSITY – ATENEO DE CAGAYAN, Cagayan de Oro City – In a spirit of collaboration and shared mission, administrators and representatives from the Teacher Education programs of Ateneo de Davao University and Ateneo de Zamboanga University visited Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan last 18 February 2026 for a benchmarking meeting and exchange of best practices among the consortium of Ateneo schools in Mindanao.
The gathering served as a meaningful platform for dialogue, reflection, and planning among Schools of Education that share a common commitment to forming competent, compassionate, and mission-driven educators. Rooted in the Jesuit tradition of excellence and service, the meeting underscored the importance of collaboration in strengthening Teacher Education programs across the region.
Among the highlights of the meeting were the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Student Internship Program or the Learning, Apprenticeships, and Mentorship through Dynamic Atenean Guidance (LAMDAG) 2.0, the conduct of benchmarking conversations, and the evaluation and planning of LAMDAG.
The said gathering formalized the three institutions' shared commitment to sustain and deepen inter-Ateneo collaboration in teacher formation. More than a ceremonial milestone, it affirmed a collective resolve to institutionalize structures that support academic exchange, mentoring partnerships, and shared program development.
From Left to Right | Dr Melanie Jean Galvez, Dean, ADDU SOE; Dr Edralin C Manla, Dean,
XU SOE; Dr Dorothy Joann Lei Labrador-Rabajante, ADZU SOE
The benchmarking session that followed allowed the participating Schools of Education to present their respective program frameworks, internship models, mentoring systems, and quality assurance mechanisms. Administrators and faculty representatives engaged in open dialogue on curricular innovations, student formation strategies, field study supervision practices, and community engagement initiatives. Through this exchange of best practices, the consortium identified areas of convergence, complementary strengths, and opportunities for cross-learning that can further enrich each institution’s Teacher Education program.
Central to the discussions was the initial evaluation and forward planning of LAMDAG 2.0. The Schools of Education undertook a reflective review of the initial implementation of the program—examining feedback from pre-service teachers, partner mentors, and cooperating schools. Strengths were affirmed, operational challenges were surfaced, and concrete refinements were proposed. The planning dialogue focused on clarifying coordination processes, strengthening mentoring structures, enhancing monitoring and assessment mechanisms, and ensuring stronger alignment with institutional learning outcomes. This intentional evaluation process reaffirmed the consortium’s commitment to continuous quality improvement and sustainability.
LAMDAG 2.0, is an inter-Mindanao Ateneo initiative that aims to provide enhanced academic, professional, and mentoring opportunities for pre-service teachers. Through collaborative engagements among the Schools of Education of Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU), Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU), and Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan (XU), the program envisions a dynamic formation experience grounded in shared expertise and contextualized practice.
As part of this collaboration, Xavier Ateneo warmly welcomed pre-service teachers from partner institutions. Representing Ateneo de Davao University were Eizen Macy M Arda (BECE 4) and Raven Keane Carlo D Aquino (BSEd 4 English). From Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Gwyneth Yzavela Engallado (BSEd 4 English) and Rairy Anne E Dacula (BSEd Science) joined
the engagement.
In the same spirit of reciprocity, Xavier University also sent its pre-service teachers to partner institutions from 12 January to 13 February 2026. Deployed to Ateneo de Zamboanga University were Ms Mary Rose Ziporah Factura (BSEd – English) and Ms Louisse Anne Margaret S Fernandez (Bachelor of Early Childhood Education). Meanwhile, assigned to Ateneo de Davao University were Mr Arjohn Baldivino (BSEd Science) and Mr Zyrille Gene Engnan (BSEd Social Studies).
These cross-institutional placements embody the core vision of LAMDAG 2.0—providing authentic learning, apprenticeship, and mentorship experiences across Ateneo campuses in Mindanao. Beyond academic exposure, the initiative fosters professional growth, intercultural appreciation, and a deeper sense of shared mission among future educators.
XU SOE Pre-service Teachers with ADDU and ADZU
The benchmarking initiative affirms that while each institution brings its own strengths and distinct contexts, the collective wisdom and collaboration of Ateneo schools in Mindanao can create more responsive, innovative, and transformative Teacher Education programs for the region.
Through sustained partnership, structured evaluation, and strategic planning, the consortium continues to move forward—forming teachers who are academically competent, professionally prepared, and deeply committed to serving communities with faith, justice, and excellence.