DepEd, RASUC, HEIs back UP Visayas education summit

The Education Summit 2026, or EDSUM 2026, the flagship professional learning event of the UP Visayas Master of Education Alumni Association during UP Visayas Homecoming Week, has gained support from key education agencies and higher education institutions in Western Visayas.

The support underscores the summit’s role as a venue for professional learning, collaboration, and educational innovation.

The initiative is backed by the Department of Education Regional Office VI, the Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges VI, the Schools Division of Iloilo Province, and the Schools Division of Iloilo City.

The Schools Division of Roxas City, the Schools Division of Antique, and several higher education institutions have also encouraged qualified faculty members, school leaders, researchers, graduate students, and education professionals to participate.

EDSUM 2026 will be held July 24–25, 2026, at the Graduate and Continuing Education Building of the University of the Philippines Visayas in Iloilo City.

The summit will carry the theme “Reimagining Philippine Education: Equity, Innovation, and Transformative Learning.”

The UP Visayas Master of Education Alumni Association is organizing the event in partnership with the UP Visayas Division of Professional Education and the Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines-Iloilo Chapter.

Organizers said the growing number of endorsements reflects a shared commitment among educational institutions to strengthen professional learning, promote research-based educational practices, and encourage collaboration between the basic and higher education sectors.

They said endorsements issued by participating DepEd offices encourage official attendance, provided that participation does not disrupt classroom instruction or school operations and remains consistent with existing DepEd policies and regulations.

Participation is also subject to the approval of appropriate school authorities and the requirements of the service.

Organizers said EDSUM 2026 is intended to be more than a conference.

The summit aims to provide a collaborative space for teachers, school administrators, researchers, guidance practitioners, graduate students, and policymakers to exchange ideas, discuss critical education issues, and explore innovative and equitable approaches to improving Philippine education.

Karol Mark Yee, executive director of the Second Congressional Commission on Education, or EDCOM II, and Sol Gadong, UP System faculty regent, will deliver keynote presentations.

The program will also feature plenary sessions on educational leadership, curriculum reform, equity, innovation, research, and transformative learning.

UP Visayas Chancellor Clement Camposano will also serve as a keynote speaker.

Organizers said the endorsements highlight the importance of sustained professional dialogue between educators and education officials.

They said they hope participants will gain new knowledge and practical insights while building partnerships that could contribute to meaningful reforms in schools and communities.

Faculty members, school principals, supervisors, guidance counselors, curriculum specialists, local government education workers, graduate students, researchers, and education advocates may register while slots remain available.

Participation will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Interested participants may register at http://bit.ly/EDSUM26RegistrationSubmission.

The summit primer and endorsement request template are available at https://bit.ly/EDSUM26_Primer.

For inquiries, participants may contact the EDSUM 2026 Secretariat at 0945-264-2938 or email upvmeaa@gmail.com. (UPVMEAA)