WBS Institute for Asian Educators Development
Celebrating 50 Years of Service – Honoring Teachers, Healing Communities

Message from the President
“For fifty years, we walked with teachers whose names may never be printed in books, but who taught with the courage of prophets and the heart of saints.  In their memory, and in service of today’s teachers, we will continue to walk humbly, love deeply, and serve meaningfully.”

Golden Anniversary: 50 years of WBS
2021 was a moment of profound reflection and celebration for WBS.  Despite the ongoing pandemic, we commemorated half a century of unwavering service to Filipino teachers – especially those in poverty, conflict zones, and forgotten places.  Our theme for the year, “Gintong Alaala, Gintong Paglilingkod”, paid tribute to the quiet sacrifices and shining legacies of our educators.

Virtual Commemoration – “Gintong Gunita: WBS@50”
The highlight of the year was our three-day virtual gathering attended by over 1,500 teachers, members, and partners.  The event featured:

  • Historical documentary on WBS’s founding and growth across five decades
  • Panel tributes to late WBS leaders and teacher-martyrs
  • Digital exhibit of handwritten letters, old photos and teacher testimonies
  • Launch of the WBS Golden Jubilee Anthology, a compendium of stories from WBS educators, volunteers, and scholars.

Legacy Projects Launched
To mark our 50th year, WBS initiated three long-term programs:

  1. WBS Endowment for Teachers in Crisis – a permanent fund supporting elderly, sick, or displaced educators
  2. Guro ng Bayan Memorial Archive – a digital repository of stories and records of teachers who shaped their communities through grassroots work
  3. Youth Educators Fellowship – a leadership formation program for 18 – 24 year-olds committed to teaching in underserved areas

Healing the Healers: Teacher Wellness and Recovery Programs
Acknowledging the trauma, exhaustion, and grief borne by teachers due to the pandemic, WBS initiated healing sessions in-person and online.  Over 400 educators participated in:

  • Art therapy and grief circles
  • Silent retreats for rural teachers
  • Resilience coaching focused on burnout and post-pandemic reintegration

The sessions affirmed the urgent need to care for the emotional and spiritual well-being of our teachers.

Post-Pandemic Learning Support
As the Department of Education prepared for limited face-to-face classes, WBS partnered with schools in Cebu, Quezon, and Lanao to provide:

  • Modular learning kits and printers
  • PPEs for teachers and learners
  • Values-integrated learning modules focused on healing, hope and peace

Special Tribute: Teachers We Lost in 2020-2021
We mourned the passing of 18 WBS educators – retired and active – who succumbed to COVID-19 and other illnesses. In their memory, WBS planted 18 native trees in Zambales and launched a digital Book of Remembrance to honor their lives and legacies.

Intergenerational Dialogue: “Mga Guro Noon at Ngayon”
Through recorded Zoom interviews, WBS brought together retired teacher-activists and young educators in formation.  The dialogue highlighted shifts in context but affirmed that the heart of the Filipino teacher remains unchanged – grounded in service, love, and justice.

Strengthening Local Chapters
2021 saw the reactivation of WBS chapters in Iloilo, Agusan del Norte, Nueva Ecija, and Cotabato.  Local teams were empowered to lead initiatives focused on:

  • Teacher formation in the mother tongue
  • Response for disaster-affected educators
  • Youth-led book drives and reading caravans

Moving Forward: Vision 2022-2032
As part of our golden anniversary, we renewed our commitment to the next decade of service.  The WBS Strategic Roadmap include:

  • Expanding reach to marginalized Lumad, Bangsamoro, Aeta communities
  • Elevating teacher voices in public policy
  • Establishing a physical WBS Learning and Healing Center for teacher wellness and formation

To Our Volunteers, Members, and Donors
You made 2021 unforgettable.  You helped us look back with gratitude and move forward with renewed conviction.  May the next fifty years be filled with the same grace, humility, and fire for justice.