SAN BEDA UNIVERSITY (SBU) hosted the 7th Senator Edgardo J. Angara Memorial Public Lecture on March 14 at the Jonathan Sy Auditorium, emphasizing the transformative role of education in sustainable development.
The lecture series, named in honor of the late Senator Edgardo J. Angara, aims to continue his legacy of promoting public policy and education.
This year’s theme, “Transformative Education for Sustainable Development,” highlighted the importance of rethinking educational practices to address global challenges and foster sustainable growth.
Rev. Fr. Aloysius Ma. A. Maranan, OSB, University Rector-President, welcomed the audience with his opening remarks, followed by an inspirational message from Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara, who reflected on his father’s enduring influence in shaping Philippine education.
The lecture featured prominent voices from the education sector. Dr. Karol Mark R. Yee, Executive Director of EDCOM II, emphasized the urgent need for “transformative education reform in the Philippines,” drawing from data on foundational learning gaps in literacy and numeracy.
He traced the country’s long journey toward equitable access, noting that “without addressing early childhood education, nutrition, and systemic inequalities, reforms will continue to fall short.” Citing the words of the late Senator Edgardo Angara, Yee stressed that every Filipino deserves a fighting chance—and that “education must not only empower learners to survive, but to flourish.”
Afterwards, Dr. Maria Luz C. Vilches, Vice President for Higher Education at Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), emphasized the critical importance of “integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” into academic curricula to ensure that education aligns with global challenges.
She highlighted the need for transformative teaching methods that not only enhance critical thinking but also foster community engagement, empowering students to become “active contributors to societal change.”
By embedding a strong sense of global responsibility, Dr. Vilches underscored the role of higher education in “shaping future leaders who can address both local and global issues with informed, compassionate action.”
Dr. Rochelle Irene G. Lucas, Dean of the Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC, College of Education, at De La Salle University (DLSU), highlighted the central role of educators in “nurturing a culture of sustainability.” She presented effective initiatives that encourage environmental consciousness and social responsibility within learning institutions.
Finally, Dr. Rhodora Angela Fernandez-Ferrer, Executive Director of the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC), addressed the challenges private schools face in adapting to modern pedagogical paradigms. She called for stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors to build a more “resilient and equitable education system.”
The event concluded with a message from Mrs. Gloria Angara, the late senator’s widow, who expressed her gratitude to San Beda for continuing to honor her husband’s contributions through the annual lecture.
(with Paris Isaac E. Falcone)