WBS Institute for Asian Educators Development
Serving with Compassion – Teaching for Change – Uplifting Educators’ Lives

Message from the President
“2018 was a year of meaningful expansion for WBS.  We deepened our presence in underserved regions, strengthened our support for impoverished educators, and reinforced our role in shaping inclusive, democratic, and relevant education.  Every step forward was made possible by your unwavering belief in our mission.”

WBS National Convention 2018 – “Educators for Equity and Peace”
Hosted in General Santos City, this year’s convention brought together 710 participants from across the Philippines and Asian partners.  Focus topics included:

  • Promoting peace education in conflict-affected schools
  • Teachers’ roles in post-disaster rehabilitation
  • Mental health and well-being for educators. The event closed with a solidarity march in support of public school teachers advocating for salary increases and better working conditions.

New Support Centers for Retired Teachers
WBS established two new Lingap Guro community centers in Leyte and Davao del Sur, providing wellness check-ups, counseling services, and small-scale livelihood training for retired and aging teachers.  These centers served 102 individuals in their first year and became vital spaces of dignity and hope.

WBS Burial and Medical Aid Fund: Reaching 80 Teachers
With the increasing requests for support from retired educators in dire need, WBS expanded its burial and medical aid fund, assisting 64 teachers with hospitalization needs and 16 bereaved families with funeral expenses.  Each case was documented with care and followed up by our field teams.

Literacy in Remote Communities – “Kariton ng Kaalaman”
In 2018, WBS launched the Kariton ng Kaalaman (Cart of Knowledge) initiative: mobile libraries managed by teacher-volunteers reaching remote barangays in Palawan and Bukidnon.  Over 3,000 children accessed books and participated in interactive learning sessions.

Seminar Series: Scientific and Mass-Oriented Pedagogy
WBS held nationwide seminars promoting a nationalist and mass-oriented approach to teaching science and history.  Over 350 teachers joined the sessions in NCR, Ilocos, Bicol, and Northern Mindanao.  Teachers were encouraged to localize content, promote critical thinking, and challenge colonial narratives in textbooks.

English Communication and Public Speaking for Teachers
Workshops in Cebu, Roxas, and Isabela trained 210 teachers in practical classroom English, student engagement techniques, and confidence-building strategies.  Participants reported greater ease in leading discussions, giving presentations, and guiding students in English expression.

International Collaboration
WBS participated in the Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Teachers’ Rights in Bangkok, presenting a paper on the intersection of teacher welfare and educational quality in rural schools.  Our contribution helped frame a joint resolution calling for better protection of educators in marginalized areas.

Teacher Stories Published: “Mga Guro ng Pagbabago”
This new volume of essays and testimonials featured 18 stories of educators who served in post-conflict zones, remote islands, and prison education programs.  The collection was distributed to teacher-training colleges and featured in two local book fairs.

Appreciation for Our Donors and Volunteers
From packing literacy carts to preparing health kits, your hands and hearts made everything possible.  Thank you for your commitment to our cause and your love for our teachers.

Vision for 2019
We plan to expand “Kariton ng Kaalaman” to urban slum areas, launch an emergency relief fund for teachers affected by disasters, and deepen our educator formation programs grounded in justice, solidarity, and service.