The Philippine Normal University (PNU) continues to lead the way in transformative education, this time on the global stage. In a groundbreaking international extension initiative, PNU brought its expertise to Dili, Timor-Leste, just as the country was officially welcomed as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), marking a pivotal moment in its development. PNU stood in solidarity with Timor-Leste to support its national education reform agenda, partnering with the Instituto Superior Dom Bosco (ISDB) under the Fundação Educacional Salesiana. This strategic collaboration marks PNU’s commitment to educational diplomacy and global citizenship, contributing meaningfully to the development of education systems within the ASEAN region.
The international extension program featured a series of hybrid (online and on-site) workshops focused on curriculum revision. Launched in January 2025 with virtual learning sessions, the program culminated in a five-day in-person engagement in Dili from May 26 to 30, 2025. This monumental initiative aimed to strengthen ISDB’s academic offerings and equip its faculty and administrators with the tools needed for Outcome-Based Education (OBE) curriculum development.
A flagship project of the Community Partnership and Extension Office (CPEO), the program underscores PNU’s dedication to building strong, impactful global academic partnerships. The PNU delegation was led by Director Eisha Vienna M. Fernandez of the CPEO, alongside curriculum experts Dr. Florisa B. Simeon and Dr. Felicia I. Yeban from the Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences and the Curriculum Management and Instructional Materials Office.
During the intensive on-site engagement, Dr. Simeon and Dr. Yeban led breakout workshops that empowered ISDB faculty and administrators to revise their Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy major in Social Philosophy into a dynamic, learner-centered, and OBE-aligned program.
Key activities included the identification of desired graduate attributes, formulation of program outcomes, review and revision of course offerings, curriculum mapping, syllabi and course description development, and course programming and sequencing.
Beyond technical outputs, the sessions fostered meaningful cross-cultural exchange, shared learning, and a collective commitment to academic excellence and regional relevance. The collaboration invigorated the ISDB academic community and laid a strong foundation for continued engagement with PNU.
As PNU’s second international extension initiative in Timor-Leste, the success of this project heralds the potential for deeper and more sustained academic partnerships. It reflects the university’s forward-looking vision of future-ready education, guided by a spirit of service, solidarity, and Southeast Asian integration.
As Timor-Leste takes its place among ASEAN nations, PNU’s timely presence and support in strengthening its educational institutions stand as a powerful testament to what can be achieved through purposeful collaboration.
