About Us
About WBS
WBS Institute for Asian Educators Development is a dynamic organization that serves as the only integrated association of professional Filipino educators. It functions as a unifying body that advocates for the rights, welfare, and professional advancement of its members, which include teachers, administrators, education workers, and retired educators. The organization also actively maintains relationships with partner institutions and affiliate organizations across Asia, facilitating international collaboration and the exchange of best practices in education.
Our History
The WBS Institute for Asian Educators Development is a voluntary, non-profit organization founded on October 31, 1970, by a group of visionary retired educators. Motivated by their shared desire to address the growing needs of Filipino teachers, they established a platform where both retired and active educators could come together to voice their concerns, promote professional development, and support one another. The organization was born from a forum of Filipino teachers who recognized the importance of unity, collaboration, and advocacy in elevating the teaching profession in the Philippines.
Since its inception, the WBS has remained steadfast in its commitment to the personal and professional growth of Filipino educators. The WBS’s headquarters is located in Quezon City, within the island of Luzon – the largest island in the Philippines. Over the years, the organization has expanded its reach by establishing chapters in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, effectively encompassing the entire Philippine archipelago. This nationwide presence allows WBS to engage educators from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, fostering a strong and inclusive community of teaching professionals.
OUR FOUNDERS
The Visionaries Behind WBS
The WBS was founded by a group of trailblazing women – retired public school educators and administrators – who dedicated their lives not only to teaching, but also to transforming communities through education. These women had seen it all: teaching in mountain villages without electricity, mentoring young teachers with little training, comforting students whose families could not afford even a notebook. Their response was never resignation – it was action.
Upon retirement, they didn’t retreat from public service. Instead, they reimagined their role in society. With decades of lived experience, wisdom and a deep faith in the power of education, they founded WBS: a nonprofit organization rooted in compassion, shaped by purpose, and driven by the belief that no teacher or student should be left behind.
They saw firsthand the systemic challenges faced by the Philippine education system – underfunded schools, overworked teachers, neglected retirees, and children slipping through the cracks. But instead of criticizing from the sidelines, they rolled up their sleeves and got to work. What started as small acts of generosity evolved into a national movement of hope and solidarity.
Meet The Founding Women
They built WBS as a living legacy:
Why Their Story Matters
In an era where educational institutions struggle with disconnection and disillusionment, the story of WBS’s founders reminds us what education truly is: a calling, a community, a covenant. Their lives prove that meaningful change begins with compassion and courage – and that retired teachers are not liabilities, but torchbearers of wisdom and grace.
Today, WBS continues to walk in their footsteps, guided by the values they held dear:
Spirituality. Competence. Responsibility. Solidarity. Service.
Their names may not be etched in history books – but their work lives on in the hearts of teachers and learners across the Philippines.
This is their legacy. And we are proud to carry it forward.
MISSION AND OBJECTIVES: Uplift, Unite, Empower
WBS exists to empower Filipino educators by promoting their rights, advancing their professional development, and providing support systems that enhance both teaching effectiveness and personal well-being. Our mission is holistic – we advocate for teachers’ welfare, promote progressive educational philosophies, and work to improve student outcomes across the country
WBS believes that empowered and well-supported teachers are the cornerstone of a progressive society. With this philosophy at its core, the organization pursues the following comprehensive objectives:
1) To represent, assist and defend its affiliates and individual members – especially teachers and education workers – by advocating for their legitimate rights and interests. WBS works to ensure that educators receive the recognition, compensation, and support they deserve, both within the classroom and in broader societal contexts.
2) To build solidarity with Asian affiliate organizations that share similar values, beliefs, and aspirations. Through international networking and collaboration, WBS aims to promote cross-cultural understanding and strengthen regional cooperation among educators.
3) To unite Filipino educators in the struggle for democratic rights and economic welfare. The organization promotes collective action and advocacy efforts that push for better working conditions, just wages, and fair labor policies for all educators.
4) To foster active participation in social transformation. WBS encourages educators to play meaningful roles in shaping a just and equitable society. By taking part in community development, civic initiatives, and nation-building efforts, teachers become active agents of change.
5) To promote a nationalist, scientific, and mass-oriented education. WBS supports educational reforms and policies that are rooted in the Filipino identity, driven by scientific knowledge, and aimed at uplifting the majority of the population, especially the underprivileged.
6) To provide assistance to impoverished teachers, particularly those who are retired, ailing, or without family support. The organization offers help with medical treatment and hospitalization costs and ensures that deceased members receive proper burial and dignity in their final moments. This reflects WBS’s deep sense of compassion, community, and solidarity.
7) To organize seminars, workshops, and conventions designed to enhance the professional development of Filipino teachers. These events provide opportunities for skill-building, knowledge exchange, and networking, while also improving the teaching methodologies and competencies of educators. Special focus is given to teachers working in partnership with Asian affiliates to maintain international standards of excellence.
8) To develop English language proficiency and communication skills among teachers through conventions and training programs. The aim is to equip educators with the tools needed to effectively teach English and to enhance the communicative abilities of their students, thus raising academic performance and global competitiveness.
Our Vision
A nation where every Filipino child, regardless of background or ability, has access to quality, compassionate, and inclusive education – empowered by a community of educators who uplift one another, guided by integrity, spirituality, and service.
At WBS, we envision a future where retired and active teachers, learners, and communities work hand-in-hand to break cycles of poverty, heal through education, and uphold the dignity of every child and educator. We believe in nurturing the whole person – mind, heart and spirit – so that learning becomes not just a right, but a transformative experience.
Through solidarity, lifelong commitment to service, and the strength to lead with compassion, we dream of a generation of empowered learners, ethical leaders, and resilient communities – formed by teachers who never stop giving.
WBS Logo
The WBS logo embodies our unwavering commitment to empowering educators and fostering a vibrant learning community. At its core is an open book, a timeless symbol of knowledge, discovery, and the endless possibilities of education. This isn’t just any book; it represents the collective wisdom of generations, the countless stories shared, and the transformative power of learning.
From this foundation of knowledge, vibrant green leaves emerge, symbolizing the continuous growth and evolution of educators. These leaves represent the dynamic journey of professional development, the blossoming of innovative teaching methods, and the unwavering dedication that defines exceptional educators. They signify the constant learning, adaptation, and inspiration that are essential to shaping the minds of future generations.
The logo’s design is more than just aesthetically pleasing; it’s powerful visual metaphor. It speaks to the synergy between established knowledge and the dynamic growth of those who impart it. It’s a testament to the profound impact educators have on their students and the wider community. It’s a symbol of hope, innovation and the transformative power of education. It’s a call to action, inspiring educators to reach their full potential and shape a brighter future for all. This is the essence of the WBS – empowering educators to empower the world.
Our Team
At the heart of our mission is a dedicated team of individuals who work tirelessly to bring our vision to life. Meet the passionate officers and committed staff behind our organization.
Officers
Staff
Tina Sarmiento
Shiela Abadillo
Clarissa Andaya
Roger Mercado
Ramel Felicidario
Rosalina Javier
Mercedita Rodriguez
Randy Reyes
Alan Cruz
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