A group of Filipino teachers composed of Filipinos and Friends in Chiangrai, SiamPinoy, and Association of Cordillerans in Thailand met for the 2nd Filipino Educators' Conference at Ruamrudee International School, Bangkok on March 16, 2008. The theme was "Empowering the Community of Filipino Educators in Thailand through Renewed Commitment, Courage and Competence." Right after the morning Welcome Address by Ms Hedda Tan, the participating teachers busily filled out the seventeen-page questionnaire, formulated by Mr. Abel Cadias, on needs, issues and resolutions related to Filipino teachers' employment in Thailand.
In the afternoon session, the Keynote Speaker, Ms. Sue Misner, Curriculum and Professional Development Director of Ruamrudee International School, Bangkok, as introduced by Ms Hedda Tan, assured that the Filipino educators already have the commitment, courage and competence. Her inspirational talk sparked more courage on the part of the attendees to air out their concerns on employment, such as categorization of Filipino teachers as Class C, next to the Caucasian native (Class A) and non-native speakers of English (Class 
. Job postings of low salary on the internet, about half of the Classes A and B, and some discriminatory treatment by Thai employers, parents, teachers and students were discussed. Other issues such as the need for professional development on the part of the teacher were pointed out. Ms. Hedda Tan, Mr. L. P. Nielsen and Mr. Rolly Obedencio tried their best to answer all the questions moderated by Mr. Abel, covering on the need to organize, collaborate, and equip teachers for their work.
Dr. Edward Roy Khrisnan, Psychologist and International lecturer, talked on teacher efficacy and affective teaching with enthusiasm, making the whole group highly inspired. Ms. Sida Jarungjitpracharom of St. Theresa International College offered information on how teachers could continue growing professionally through their graduate programs.
The conference was filled with encouragement from the officers of the Philippine Embassy, especially from Ambassador Rodriguez. Consul Stevie Valera and Embassy Officer Beth and Mr. Ernie, amidst busy work week, were able to attend in the afternoon.
Mrs. Mars Sawatsewi and Ms. Melinda Agana generously sponsored the conference with their donation and help, without them the conference wouldn't have been successful. Much gratitude was indebted to them.
The objective of the conference was met, as closed by an inspiring talk by Mr. Rolly to move forward with the emphasis on the attitude which determines altitude. It was indeed a very successful conference!
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Rolly C. Obedencio
MA-Religion (Biblical Studies-Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern Languages)
ESL teacher, Assumption College Thonburi
Rolly has been teaching ESL in the Philippines, China and Thailand for about nine years. He has earned a Certificate in TESOL. He is presently pursuing his second MA in Educational Leadership. He lives in Bangkok at the moment.
Great!!
Thanks for including this news in your blog!