DepEd Secretary Briones Co-Opens ASEAN-Russia Forum on Education
Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones delivers her message during the First Plenary Session of the ASEAN-Russia Forum on Education on 21 October 2019 at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations University in Moscow. (Moscow PE photo)
MOSCOW 06 November 2019 — More than 60 officials from government agencies and educational institutions from the member states of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) participated in the ASEAN-Russia Forum on Education held from 21 to 22 October 2019 at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) University in this city.
Discussions during the forum focused on best practices in basic, technical, and higher education in ASEAN and Russia, as well as areas for broader cooperation among the said countries.
In her speech, Education Secretary Leonor Briones outlined the historical cooperation between Russia and ASEAN member states, specifically the Philippines, which, according to her, has been “ongoing without fanfare.” She said that Filipino scholars have been sent to study in various fields in Russia since the 1960s and while now there are many platforms for cooperation between ASEAN and Russia in education and related fields, the greater challenge is in their implementation. She urged the attendees to bring to fruition the plans of action that have been agreed upon in previous conferences.
Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan delivered the Philippine situationer at the session on Best Practices on Basic Education. In the presentation, the Undersecretary said that one area of cooperation that can have the greatest impact on the quality of education is the in-service professional development of teachers; thus, he urged greater cooperation on this matter.
The DepEd delegation noted the presentations of Russia’s educational institutions, specifically the programs for gifted children and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives like the use of small interactive robots for the educational games of students in lower grade levels. They likewise expressed great interest in replicating the models in the Philippines.
During her visit to Russia, Secretary Briones also met with Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta at the Embassy on 23 October 2019. They discussed developments in the delivery of basic education in the Philippines, as well as prospects for cooperation with Russia in the field of education.
The Secretary also met the Filipino scholars who are now working in Russia. She urged them to continue to contribute to the good reputation of Filipino scholars, and to choose to go back to the Philippines to contribute to its national development, whenever possible. Secretary Briones’ husband was a scholar in Russia during the Cold War. END
Department of Education Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan (second from left) delivers the Philippine situationer at the session on Best Practices in Basic Education. Seated beside him is Secretary Leonor Briones (third from left). (Moscow PE photo)
Education Secretary Leonor Briones (left) and Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta (right) discuss recent developments in basic education services in the Philippines, as well as areas of further cooperation with Russia in the field of education. (Moscow PE photo)
Secretary Briones met with the Filipino Scholars who were sent to study, and are now based, in Russia. Many have been in Russia for decades now. (Moscow PE photo)
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