FAPSA gathers small, medium-sized schools to converge in Cebu

CEBU CITY— The Federation of Associations of Private School Administrators (FAPSA) gathers small- and medium-sized private schools in the Philippines to a 2-day National Annual Convergence on April 4-5 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, Salinas Drive, Cebu City with the theme “Strengthening the Synergistic Partnerships Among Small and Medium-Sized (SMS) Private Schools.”

Dr. Reynaldo Chua Jr., FAPSA president, underscores the importance of small and medium-sized private schools coming together to convey their concerns to the government in a unified manner.   While there are several organizations for schools, FAPSA focuses on the concerns of small and medium-sized schools, and other stakeholders, Dr. Chua explained.

Amid the educational challenges faced in the Philippines, small- and medium-sized private schools hold a crucial position in offering quality education at reasonable tuition fees. Nevertheless, these schools must present a cohesive stance when addressing their concerns to the government, Chua added.

FAPSA marks its 26th anniversary during the convention and will feature updates on education, sharing of best practices, and adoption of technology in the academe.

Marivic Bathan, president of Children’s Paradise Montessori School and FAPSA Regional President for Region VII, said the organization chose Cebu as the venue for the event to encourage more institutions to join FAPSA.

Bathan explained that having more small and medium-sized private schools is more sustainable because the teachers can focus more on the students in each class which is smaller in number compared to bigger schools. She also urged school administrators to join the organization because of the benefits they would enjoy.

While it was originally established as an organization of administrators of small and medium-sized private schools, FAPSA has transitioned to become an educational community organization that now includes teachers, non-teaching personnel, parents, and students of private schools, colleges, and universities.

The organization aims to bring to the government's attention the concerns and issues of the educators and administrators of small and medium-sized private schools as well as those of other stakeholders. 

Among its objectives are cooperating with the government in providing solutions to problems that affect the academic standards in worldwide ranking, and placing the Philippines back in the global educational landscape.

Dr. Chua explained that FAPSA has been providing inputs to the Department of Education (DepEd) and bringing the concerns of members to the attention of the government.  The organization submits position papers to explain the different issues affecting the operation of the small and medium-sized private schools as well as the other stakeholders, he added.

The organization also consults members on issues before coming up with a position paper that would be representative of all its members.   One of the concerns supported by FAPSA is the provision of subsidies for learners from kindergarten up to Grade 10. 

Because of the government subsidy provided to senior high school students who study in private schools, many of them prefer going to private schools, Dr. Chua said.  However, the private schools found that these students who come from public schools have to be taught basic education, especially Mathematics and English.

FAPSA had lobbied for the inclusion of learners from kindergarten to Grade 10 in the granting of subsidies to correct this situation.  He then urged administrators of small and medium-sized schools, especially in Visayas and Mindanao, to become FAPSA members so their voices can also be included when the organization lobbies for some issues and concerns.

“Our ultimate goal is to make the education system in the Philippines better and of quality so that we will not be left behind our neighboring countries,” Dr. Chua stressed.

Chua added that FAPSA also has programs that would help the members including sharing of best practices, providing advice for problems encountered, and other programs such as FAPSA scholarships.

Schedule of events at the convention

On the morning of April 4, the plenary speakers include Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Gina O. Gonong, DepEd Assistant Secretary for Operations Francis Cesar “Panchet” Bringas, and Rep. Roman T. Romulo, chairperson of Basic Education and Culture of the House of Representatives.

Asec Bringas will discuss the topic “The Significance of the Complementarity Between DepEd and Small and Medium-Sized Private Schools” while Dr. Gonong will explain “The Impact of the MATATAG Curriculum in Educational Development Among Private Schools and Rep. Romulo will give an update on the Consolidated House Bills Relevant to the Small and Medium-Sized Private Schools (E-GASTPE, School Calendar, and Multiple Pathways, etc.).  

There will be three breakout sessions in the afternoon for School Owners and Administrators, Teachers, Parents, and Students.  On the breakout session for school owners and administrators, Leck Seng Lee, vice president for partnership of Sing-Ed Global House in Singapore will discuss a School Excellence Mode.

The session for teachers will be facilitated by Fr. Loreto Jaque, first Biodanza Practitioner in the Philippines, Licensed Laughter Yoga Facilitator, and Certified Play and Expressive Arts Therapist. Fr. Jaque will focus on the “Re-Ensouling Education: Bringing Back the Soul in the Classroom.

The session for parents will have Coach Mark Saballa, co-founder of Coaching Space and Inclusion Specialist and Consultant, as the facilitator on the topic Bridging the Gap: Reaching Out to the New Generation of Learners.

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAF)-Center For Leaders will facilitate the breakout session for students, the Kabataan, Makialam!: Empowering Youth To Conquer Today’s Realities For Future Triumphs.

The representatives of each group will present the output of the breakout sessions. The first day will end with a fellowship night where there will be special presentations from different groups. The next day, Lee will discuss the topic “Using AI Technology to Enhance Students’ Performance.

There will be panel discussions on three topics: Lessons for Navigating Leadership Voyage to the Future, Developing Human Capital in the Digital Economy, and Wisdom as Capital in Creating Prosperous Communities.

Rhodora Angela Ferrer, Executive Director of the Private Education Assistance Committee, will speak on Strengthening Partnerships Among Small and Medium-Sized Private Schools Towards Effective Advocacy for the Sector.

There will be special messages from Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, Secretary of Education, and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, chairperson of the House of Representatives Basic Education, Arts, and Culture Committee.

The two-day event will end with an oath-taking and “Haligi Ng Karunungan Recognition” for school owners and administrators, teaching and non-teaching personnel, parents, students, and other school stakeholders. (Photos: FAPSA/Robby Alugar)