“Through volunteerism and public service, UPLB students build their values of social concern and responsibility. They develop their character and leadership. They also learn that the culture of service frees them from a creeping culture of pride and entitlement.”
Thus said Dr. Serlie Barroga-Jamias, vice chancellor for community affairs, who represented Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. in the 4th World Education Leaders Forum (WELF) held on July 3-10 in South Korea and sponsored by the International Youth Fellowship (IYF).
PUBLIC SERVICE UNIVERSITY. Dr. Jamias speaks in front of world academic leaders to talk about the best practices of UPLB on values education, which centers on volunteerism and public service. (Photo taken from the 4th World Education Leaders Forum memorabilia)
Dr. Jamias was one of 18 academic leaders who were selected to speak in the forum. Also present were 70 presidents, vice presidents, chancellors, vice chancellors, and rectors of schools from Asia, Europe, and Africa. Dr. Jamias was also interviewed on Korean television and featured in a newspaper.
The students, academic leaders and youth ministers joined seminars and cultural performances. The ministers and academic leaders also visited the Syung Kyon Kwan University (SKK) in Seoul, which is owned by Samsung Corp., on July 9.
Dr. Jamias said that the spirit of values education through public service is covered by Section 3 of the UP Charter that was passed in 2008. Its volunteerism program has extended the University’s teaching and research programs to poor and remote communities in the country. In the process, it has imbued students with the values of social consciousness, civic mindedness and public service.
ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP. The forum was attended by about 70 education leaders from Asia, Europe, and Africa. (Photo taken from the 4th World Education Leaders Forum memorabilia)
The academic leaders were invited to share best practices on values education and to provide attendees the opportunity to network with educational institutions and governments.
Simultaneous with the WELF was the holding of the 2016 World Cultural Camp for about 3,500 international students and the 6th Minister of Youth World Forum for education officials from 20 different countries. Sessions on July 3-7 were held in Busan and on July 8-9, in Seoul. (Miguel Victor T. Durian)
