Cebu City enhances ECCD teaching method the Montessori way

 CEBU CITY –More than 260 Day Care teachers and supervisors in Cebu City learned new ways to enhance teaching methods for early childhood education at the public schools by adopting the Montessori way and principles of child-centered and experiential learning approaches.

The Cebu City Government and the Cebu Paradise Montessori School (CPMS) inked a memorandum of partnership this year, for Cebu City’s first Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Basic Montessori Training program, organized through the collaborative efforts of the Cebu City Local School Board, the Department of Social Welfare Services – Cebu City, and CPMS.

The program aims to strengthen and enhance early childhood education through sustained professional development, anchored on the Montessori principles of child-centered education, transforming not just classrooms, but also the educators who shape young learners during their most formative years.

“This is the first ever Montessori training conducted for ECCD teachers, this professional development program for the ECCD teachers started way back 2008 but the training did not continue due to changes in city leadership.  Under the current leadership, the 10-day training is revived,” Young said, in a side interview at the culmination and recognition day on June 13 at City Hall.

Cebu City Mayor, Nestor Archival, in his inspirational message, reminded the teachers that learning does not end with the completion of training.  “As teachers, you need to continue to improve in what you’re doing.  You need to continue to evolve and find ways to improve how you teach.”

Archival encouraged the teachers to embrace innovation, stay organized, and continually seek better ways to serve children.  His message resonated with the objectives of the Montessori program, which seeks not only to improve teaching methods but also to foster a culture of lifelong learning among educators.

ECCD basic Montessori training program overview

Marivic Bathan, Founder and President of CPMS described the collaboration with the Cebu City government as a rare alignment between education advocates and local government leadership, particularly in prioritizing early childhood development.

Bathan shared that the initiative is an intensive 10-day training program conducted in two batches, carefully designed to match varying levels of experience among participants. The first batch consisted of 60 cluster heads, supervisors, and teachers who had previously attended three to four Montessori trainings.

They completed a 10-day Montessori Mentorship Training Program from May 18 to 30, focusing on advanced application, mentoring skills, and deepening Montessori practice in public early childhood centers.

The second batch of 203 ECCD teachers with little or no prior Montessori exposure, underwent a Basic Montessori Training Program from June 1 to 13, introducing foundational principles, classroom application, and child-centered methodologies

“This is very historic, we cannot readily find people in government who are so aligned with family and children. It is very fortunate for us that the city leadership understands that the window of opportunity to develop children is really during the first six years of life,” Bathan said.

She described the program as a model of public-private partnership, where government provides institutional reach and resources, while the private sector contributes expertise and specialized training. Bathan noted that the collaboration, which started in 2008, has now evolved into a structured mentorship and training system with post-evaluation components, and plans for continuity.

“This is how public-private partnerships should work, each brings something essential, and together we ensure that investment in education truly benefits children,” Bathan said.

Beyond methodology, CPMS emphasized the importance of preparing the “whole teacher.” The training integrated Montessori theory and practice with workshops on play therapy, non-violent communication, mental well-being, healthy living, environmental awareness, and organic gardening.

Teachers were also guided through experiential learning approaches when they created instructional materials that can be used in actual classrooms, Bathan added that the focus is really preparing the adult, emphasizing the Montessori triad of the child, the prepared environment, and the prepared adult.

“The program was designed not only to enhance skills but also to promote personal renewal and emotional resilience among educators.  We wanted transformation to start from within the teachers themselves,” Bathan said.

                                 Training Impact and future plan

Both the City government and CPMS highlight the importance of investing in training and materials for Montessori education, noting that the initiative began in 2018 and will continue until 2026, to empower and elevate the quality of ECCD teachers in Cebu City through the Montessori approach.

The mentorship program involves 10 days of training, culminating in a final session, and aims to transform teachers into leaders and mentors, preparing the adults to teach children effectively. The training will benefit all 263 ECCD teachers in Cebu City, with 60 of them receiving additional training and mentorship that continues for the next few months this year.

“Equipped with new skills and a deeper understanding of child development, the teachers are expected to help shape a stronger foundation for the city's future generations,” Archival said. (Photos: MBCNewman) 

“World Walks Against Dementia”, first in Cebu for Dementia awareness

CEBU CITY – More than 500 participants composed of senior citizens, university students, healthcare services, students joined the “World Walks Against Dementia” (WWAD), the first of its kind in Cebu, organized by the Children’s Paradise Montessori School (CPMS) with the Purple Angels-Cebu Chapter on September 7 at the Cube Wing of SM Seaside City Cebu as part of a global initiative promoting awareness, inclusion, and support for individuals and families affected by dementia.

CPMS president, Marivic Bathan, in her opening message at the event specifically mentioned the significance of the color purple, representing dementia awareness, courage, dignity, and compassion. “The event is part of a global initiative with 46 countries participating, including Cebu Children's Paradise Montessori School. We highlight the Montessori approach to dementia care emphasizing our interest in this field.”

Bathan said that the importance of the event is underscored as more than just a walk; it is a promise to raise awareness, fight dementia, and care for those affected with dignity and respect. The event is described as a promise to never let dementia steal the value and worth of a person's life.

Dr. Toom Vatanagul, in his talk on “Dementia 101” shared that Dementia is a growing medical issue with 57 million people affected globally, 60-70 percent from low to middle-income countries.   

“In the Philippines, dementia prevalence is 10.6 percent projected to affect 1.4 million by 2030. Alzheimer's is a type of dementia, but not all dementia is irreversible; some can be due to treatable conditions like renal failure or vitamin B12 deficiency,” Vatanagul emphasized the need for awareness and early detection to manage dementia effectively.

Dr. Vatanagul said that the normal aspects of aging, including forgetfulness, and differentiates between normal forgetfulness and more serious memory loss. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia are not the same. MCI involves early memory loss and behavioral changes while dementia being characterized by the impairment of daily living activities.

“The importance of recognizing when forgetfulness becomes a significant issue that affects daily living. Individuals with MCI can still perform daily activities, but when these activities are affected, it is considered dementia,” Dr. Vatanagul explained.

Common examples of forgetfulness, such as losing keys, glasses, or money, and emphasize that mere forgetfulness does not necessarily indicate dementia, Vatanagul said, adding that Dementia is indeed a growing problem with significant medical issues.

Dr. Vatanagul explained that Alzheimer's disease is just one type of dementia, with other types including frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, and vascular dementia. He noted that some types, such as those caused by renal failure, liver disease, or thyroid issues, can be reversible with treatment.

“Examples of reversible dementia include those caused by urinary tract infections, liver cancer, cirrhosis, and vitamin B12 deficiency. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important to prevent irreversible damage,” the doctor said. (Photos: MBCNewman)

1st Friendship Walk” in PH on March 29 in Cebu and Cavite to promote inclusion

CEBU CITY - Best Buddies Philippines (BBP) with Children's Paradise Montessori School (CPMS) in Cebu and the De La Salle Zobel Friendship Chapter in Cavite will hold the first simultaneous Friendship Walk in the country on March 29 to celebrate inclusion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

 

This year’s Friendship Walk is supported by the Robinsons Land Malls and Robinsons Summit Galleria Cebu, where the walk in Cebu is held at 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM while the Cavite Friendship Walk is held at the Spark Building, DLSZ Vermosa at 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

As a premier flagship event of Best Buddies held all over the world, the walk is a global movement of social inclusion and friendship. This is the world’s largest walk that raises funds to support the programs of One-to-One Friendship, Leadership Development, and Integrated Employment.

These events serve as avenues for student leaders, families, and advocates to come together and raise the awareness to highlight respect, kindness, and acceptance towards individuals of all abilities.

The Children's Paradise Montessori School (CPMS) in Mandaue City is leading the inclusive efforts in Central Visayas by mounting this first Friendship Walk event, celebrating 20 years of service and dedication to families, children, and students of all abilities.

These stakeholders will be supported through the initiatives and programming of BBP’s pillars that aim to foster their creativity, leadership, and industry skills as they manage various life transitions of school, education, and recreation.

The De La Salle Zobel Friendship Chapter in Cavite on the other hand is celebrating its 10 years of serving neurodivergent individuals in their community by heading the Friendship Walk on campus. They will also bring together students, family members, and corporate partners to support the mission of friendship and inclusion on March 29th in Vermosa.

Each walk will feature interactive games, inspiring stories, and performances, all providing a memorable experience for attendees. Walkers to look forward to booths of partner organizations including - government agencies, therapy centers and non-profit organizations through the Community Corner. Corporate partners and inclusion advocates will provide points of collaboration in the community through a panel discussion. Participants will learn more about BBP’s various programs.

This signature event emphasizes the community's commitment to supporting the children, young adults and family members of individuals with disabilities to be included in all facets of society, such as education, employment, and social activities.

Best Buddies Philippines is inviting individuals, families, schools, therapy centers and corporations to join the walk to make a difference.

Registration is free, with limited edition friendship walk kits for walkers and teams that donate to further the cause. All funds raised will go towards expanding Best Buddies Philippines’ programs to all corners of the country.

For more information about the event and how to register, visit https://bestbuddiesph.org/friendship-walk/ko

Best Buddies Philippines is a non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental diversities in the Philippines.  Established in 2020, Best Buddies Philippines is accredited by Best Buddies International and continues to create opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development and inclusive living. 

In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental diversities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships.

For more information, visit the website at www.bestbuddiesph.org, Facebook Page, Instagram, Youtube, and Linkedin. (Photos: CPMS/Best Buddies PH)

 

CPMS showcases Montessori education with open house

​MANDAUE CITY— The Children’s Paradise Montessori School (CPMS) hosted its 1st Montessori Open House after the pandemic on February 22, 2025 offering parents, education students from universities in Cebu, and other visitors the opportunity to explore the school’s educational philosophy and teaching environment.

CPMS president Marivic Bathan said, the CPMS Montessori Open House provided a unique opportunity for parents, visitors, and students to explore and appreciate the value of developmental and  hands-on learning, independence, and active engagement.

“With its focus on the Montessori method, the school continues to offer an educational experience that not only nurtures academic growth but also fosters life skills and a love for learning.  This is CPMS distinctive approach to early childhood and elementary education,” Bathan said. 

She added that the Montessori Open House is an annual event that aims to highlight the school’s dedication to the Montessori method—a holistic approach focused on child-centered learning, hands-on activities, and the development of independence. Parents and guests are given the chance to observe firsthand how the school fosters an interactive, nurturing environment that promotes student development and encourages natural curiosity.

At the open house, students from preschool to elementary levels prepared presentations across various subjects, including Language, Math, History, Geography, Geometry, Botany, Zoology, and more.  Using Montessori materials, the students demonstrated their knowledge, understanding, and skills, giving visitors an insight into the hands-on learning experiences the school distinctly provides.

Unlike the traditional classroom set-up that many are familiar with, CPMS embraces the Montessori method, which emphasizes autonomy, self-directed learning, and active participation. Montessori Curriculum Director Maria Isolde Tanjay explains that in a Montessori environment, the teacher’s role is to guide and facilitate, rather than to control or dictate, allowing students to take charge of their own learning journey. 

Tanjay noted that at CPMS, children are not taught inside a classroom with traditional seating arrangements or rigid schedules. Instead of tests and lectures, the school makes use of hands-on learning materials that allow students to understand and master through repetition lessons at their own pace. 

This approach fosters independent and critical thinking and problem-solving, encouraging students to explore subjects and pursue their interests through interactive activities, research, and collaborative work rather than passive listening. The focus is on developing a deeper grasp of concepts, rather than memorization or standardized assessments, Tanjay explained. 

When students Crystal Rhaiyne Flores, Jas Bathan, and Enrico Guanzon were asked about their thoughts on the school, they all shared how much they enjoyed and had fun working with the materials. They explained that the hands-on approach made learning easy, exciting and engaging, and they particularly appreciate the freedom to explore topics at their own pace. They also expressed their gratitude for their teachers and the friendships they had made.

“It was fun because we get to learn at our own pace, and we could do material work,” Enrico shared in an interview.

Since the Montessori method differs from the traditional way of teaching, Director Tanjay emphasized that the school prepares students for high school by providing a trnsition program which simulates a traditional classroom and provide coaching to Grade 6 students.  This program gradually introduces and orients children to different aspects of traditional learning. Twice a week, students participate in sessions that include traditional seating arrangements, homework, lectures, and tests, ensuring that they are ready for the more structured environment they will encounter in secondary school.

Parents Mommy Laica and Daddy Oliver Canumay, whose child has been enrolled at CPMS from preschool to elementary, shared how the Montessori experience has positively impacted their child’s development, not only in academics but also in life skills.

“I’m always surprised by my child, to tell me honestly. When it comes to kids, I’m not really hands-on because I’m often busy with our business. So my wife gets to witness how the child is doing. I’m just amazed because, wow, he already knows this. For example, with his toys, when he’s done playing, he picks them up,” Daddy Oliver explained. “I’m amazed because he already knows how to read fluently, and with new words, sometimes, he even learns deep ones.”

“We were really amazed because they’re not just teaching in the traditional way. They’re also teaching how to pack things, how to be independent, and how to help your mom and dad at home,” Mommy Laica added.

The CPMS welcomes visitors anytime within the school year for a chance to have a tour to learn about the learning environment of the children. Enroll your child now at Children’s Paradise Montessori and experience the Montessori community! (Photos: CPMS)