On January 14, 2025, Aklan Catholic College (ACC) Faculty of Teacher Education arranged a welcome ceremony for the pre-service student teachers from the Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Indonesia, under the SEA (Southeast Asia) Teachers Program Student Exchange Initiative, at the ACC Annex Campus Library.
Rev. Fr. Jose Gualberto I. Villasis, Rector-President, extended his words of welcome among the delegates of UMS, Indonesia.
“Your enthusiastic response to this exchange affirms the transformative potential of regional collaboration, one that shapes global community of learners, marked by competence, compassion, and cultural sensitivity,” Rev. Fr. Villasis said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Charles C. Villanueva, Vice President for Academic Affairs, introduced the three pre-service student teachers from UMS— Nur Muhammad Iqbal Yusanta, Yuanisha Ar Raafiu, and Tasya Ameylia, as well as their Supervisor and UMS Vice Dean of Collaborative Affairs, Dr. Muhammad Noor Kholid, PhD.
The presentation of delegates was followed by the Symbollic Donning of ID’s and Pinning of ACC pins, led by Dr. Profetiza I. Maatubang, Dean of the Faculty of Teacher Education, and Dr. Charles C. Villanueva. It was then followed by the institutional exchange of gifts of ACC and UMS as symbol of partnership and support.
FTE students also presented songs and dances, showcasing the Filipino culture, which served as entertainment for the Indonesian guests.
Following the welcome ceremony, Dr. Muhammad Noor Kholid conducted a seminar in Research Writing for Scopus- Indexed Publications, and offered various partnership programs.
The aim of this SEA-Teacher Project is to develop globally competitive educators by providing pre-service teachers from Southeast Asian universities with international practicum experiences, to enhance their teaching skills and broaden their cultural perspectives, all while strengthening regional educational collaboration.
