The Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) is honored with the Outstanding International Education Program Award, a distinction conferred within the Private Higher Education Institutions category, during the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Internationalization Champions of Nation-building and Sustainability (ICONS) Awards Ceremony held on 06 October 2023, at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City.
This accolade acknowledges institutions that demonstrate a commitment to inclusive internationalization by broadening student access to global opportunities, as well as by integrating indigenous elements into collaborative programs with local and international partners, as defined by CHED.
Initiatives and Achievements
ADDU’s unwavering dedication to its mission of engaging in intercultural, interreligious, and inter-ideological dialogue, particularly within the context of Mindanao, and its endeavor to foster cultural understanding and cooperation with neighboring Asian nations, formed the cornerstone of its pursuit of internationalization. This steadfast commitment is exemplified by the innovative Cultures-Based Curriculum Project within the Xavier Learning Community (XLC), which has significantly contributed to the landscape of international higher education.
This mission was pursued in parallel to ADDU’s steps towards fostering inclusive cultures-based education. Notably, in 2015, the institution spearheaded the development of a culturally-sensitive Senior High School curriculum tailored for the Tboli communities in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, a groundbreaking endeavor in the Philippines. Subsequently, the Ateneo de Davao University, through its School of Education, extended its expertise to devise a culturally-sensitive curriculum for the XLC in Chiang Rai, Thailand, thereby marking a significant milestone in Thai higher education.
Xavier Learning Community (XLC) Cultures-Based Curriculum
The XLC Cultures-Based Curriculum emerged as a distinctive and transformative feature within the Thai higher education landscape. It forged a unique academic identity, empowering the XLC to secure its place in Thai higher education as a reputable college. Grounded in rigorous research, supported by comprehensive case studies on the lifeways of the Karen and Akha tribes of Chiang Rai, this curriculum underwent meticulous consultations and intensive workshops before its final publication.
Crucially, the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia provided indispensable support in realizing the XLC Cultures-Based Curriculum, culminating in its completion in 2021. Subsequently, in 2022, the learning community and its educators underwent comprehensive training in cultures-based pedagogy, ensuring the effective implementation of the developed curriculum. This initiative not only enriched the educational experience for the XLC but also contributed significantly to the future academic community in Chiang Rai.
The Cultures-Based Curriculum Project in the XLC stands as a testament to ADDU’s commitment to internationalization, incorporating diverse cultural perspectives and propelling the XLC towards self-actualization as a distinguished educational institution. This initiative has fostered a more encompassing and inclusive educational experience, not only within Thailand and the Philippines but also transcending geographical boundaries.
Acknowledgment
Through this accolade, the Ateneo Internationalization for Mindanao Office extends its profound appreciation to the dedicated members of the research and curriculum development team instrumental in the realization of the XLC Project. (See full list below)
In conclusion, the CHED ICONS 2023 commend ADDU’s exemplary contributions to international education, reaffirming its pivotal role in advancing inclusive internationalization in higher education.
Research Team
- Dr. Leah H. Vidal†, Lead Researcher, XLC Project
- Dr. Rosalinda C. Tomas, Research Coordinator, XLC Project
- Ms. Maria Aurora Felipe, Researcher, XLC Project
- Atty. Augusto Jose Emmanuel B. Gatmaytan, Researcher (RRL), XLC Project
1. “Woven: The Meaning and Value of Weaving Amidst the Changing Lifeways of Three Karen Women in Mae Ok Hu, Tak, Thailand”
By Ms. Rungniya Keereekroekkong, Student Researcher
And Ms. Maria Aurora J. Felipe, Senior Researcher
2. “A Deeper Understanding and Appreciation of Karen Women’s Leadership Role in the Family and the Farm in Ban Thung Luang, Chiang Mai, Thailand”
By Mr. Chaiwat Sukdenchaikul, Student Researcher
And Ms. Maria Sheila Z. Labos, Senior Researcher
3. “Exploring Karen Symbols, Meanings, and Cultural Identity through the Mage Mawa Ritual in Ban Ku Su, Mae Hong Son, Thailand”
By Ms. Pimon Khae, Student Researcher
And Ms. Maria Sheila Z. Labos, Senior Researcher
4. “The Foundation and Development of an Akha Community in Thailand: The Ban Pakia Village”
By Ms. Suwanni Bunyuenkhun, Student Researcher
Ms. Rungnapa Mayer, Student Researcher
And Ms. Marites T. Gonzalo, Senior Researcher
Curriculum Development Team
- Dr. Annabel J. Casumpa, Co-Head of the Curriculum Development Team, XLC Project
- Dr. Maria Teresa B. Isidor, Co-Head of the Curriculum Development Team, XLC Project
- Mr. Rex T. Rola, Co-Head of the Curriculum Development Team, XLC Project
Jesuit Lead Collaborators
- Fr. Benedictus Hari Juliawan SJ, Provincial of the Indonesian Province of the Society of Jesus
- Fr. Antonio Moreno, SJ , President of the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific (JCAP)
- Fr. Joel E. Tabora, SJ, Former President, Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU)
- Fr. Miguel Fontenla Garaizábal SJ, Superior of the Thai Jesuit Region
- Fr. Vinai Boonlue, SJ, Director, Xavier Learning Community
- Fr. Pichet Saenthien, SJ , Academic Vice-Director, Xavier Learning Community
- Fr. Agustinus Sugiyo Pitoyo, SJ, Former Thai Regional Superior
With critical support in funding from the United Board of Christian Higher Education in Asia.
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