Negros Occidental Conference (NOC)-hired teachers participated in a two-day Faculty and Advancement Seminar, held on Nov. 27-28, 2025, at the Cabin & Cottages Function Hall in Alegria, Murcia.
The seminar, themed “Teaching With a Purpose in God’s Mission: Self-awareness and Leadership Growth,” focused on the importance of self-reflection in education.
“We were born to grow and learn values to shape us. Self-awareness is the beginning of all wisdom,” were the insights that constantly played in the minds of these educators during the seminar.
Initiated by Jerelyn Orquesta, the NOC education director, the event aimed to promote personal development among educators. It emphasized the belief that self-awareness is foundational to wisdom and effective teaching. Participants then engaged in discussions and activities designed to enhance their reflective practices and leadership skills.
Dr. Deanna Hechanova, retired guidance counselor of the Central Philippine Adventist College, delivered a message during one of the morning devotionals. “Self-awareness helps you gain wisdom and helps you understand yourself and others,” she said.
A workshop on “Emotional Intelligence Self-Assessment” followed. It allowed participants to evaluate themselves and gain knowledge about understanding their students and co-workers better.
Furthermore, in this seminar, participants reflected on their experiences for personal growth. To understand their purpose in teaching, Orquesta explored the topic of “Leadership Growth.”
Other lecturers, including Even Villar, the CPAC BEED program coordinator, discussed “Teacher as a Leader: Beyond the Classroom.” Additionally, Lebin Bernadino, a professor in CPAC, emphasized the topic of “Professional Ethics & Responsible Leadership.”
The seminar culminated in a commitment service led by Pastor Jophone Galanza, NOC president, who enlightened the teachers with his message on “The Best You Can Be: Reflecting Christ In Mind, Body & Spirit.”
Orquesta expressed her gratitude to the speakers for sharing their insights and to the teachers who embraced the journey to become better leaders, to continue their growth, and to empower their leadership.
“A huge thank you to all our NOC teachers who participated in the Seminar-Workshop! Your enthusiasm, openness to learning, and commitment to personal and professional growth truly inspire us,” she said.
By Stephanie Loriezo / Head Writer/ Negros Occidental Conference