On May 26, 2026, the Philippine Normal University (PNU) launched a trailblazing professorial chair—the first of its kind focused on teaching innovation. Aside from being a pioneering initiative, the professorial chair is aptly named in honor of PNU alumna Alicia Cayetano-Arce Ignacio from the Class of 1917. The Alicia Cayetano-Arce Ignacio Professorial Chair on Teaching Innovation aims to recognize faculty members who employ strategies that actively respond to contemporary teaching and learning demands.
The program commenced with the Lecture-Forum on Teaching Innovation, where the top three awardees presented their winning pedagogical approaches to the PNU community. First-prize winner Prof. Carl O. Dellomos, from the Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Deputy Director of the GCED Cooperating Center, presented the Afectune Pedagogy. This approach is a comprehensive, computer-implemented system that integrates music, reflection, values formation, and artificial intelligence into a unified educational ecosystem. Second-place winner Prof. Eisha Vienna M. Fernandez, from the Faculty of Science, Technology, and Mathematics and Director of the Community Partnership and Extension Office, discussed the Microbiology Learning Enhancement System, or MicroLEnS. This approach acts as a lens, enabling students to concentrate on one essential concept or skill at a time to foster a deeper understanding without overwhelming them with excessive information. Finally, third-place awardee Prof. Jose Mari M. Calamlam, also from the Faculty of Science, Technology, and Mathematics, elaborated on the Pre-Service Teacher Classroom-Based Action Research (PST-CBAR) Workbook. This tool was developed to provide scaffolded, step-by-step guidance for pre-service teachers conducting action research during their field study and practice teaching courses.
Following the lecture-forum, the Professorial Chair on Teaching Innovation was officially launched. In the presence of the late Alicia Cayetano-Arce Ignacio’s family members and university officials, the ceremonial launch and the unveiling of the official call for applications were highlighted by a special performance from the PNU Kislap Sining Dance Troupe. Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr. Benjamin “Chippy” I. Espiritu delivered a response emphasizing how his great-grandmother constantly reminded them of the importance of education and the teaching profession. He also expressed the family’s collective gratitude to PNU for bestowing such an honor upon her. Dr. Espiritu serves as the Chairman and President of the Gov. Arturo Arce Ignacio Sr. Foundation, Inc., the entity that will provide support and incentives to future professorial chair holders.
In his message, University President Dr. Bert J. Tuga underscored that the initiative is part of PNU’s broader aspiration to institutionalize a culture where scholarly teaching, pedagogical research, and creative educational practices are nurtured and celebrated. He challenged the faculty members to remain responsive to the evolving needs of learners and society. “Let us reaffirm our commitment to building a future-ready, research-informed, learner-centered, and innovation-driven teacher education system,” Dr. Tuga added.
With contributed information from Kenji F. Bonagua of the PNU Manila Creative Team
