Manila-From June 3 to 7, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, through its Regional English Language Office, hosted the ASEAN English Leadership Forum in Makati City to advance policies on English Medium Instruction (EMI)—or using the English language to teach academic subjects—and leverage American artificial intelligence (AI) to improve K-12 and higher education systems in the region.

Designed by the Regional English Language Offices at the U.S. Embassies in Manila, Jakarta, Bangkok, and Hanoi, the ASEAN English Leadership Forum convened 34 academic and government officials who shape curriculum and language policy in schools and higher education institutions in all 11 ASEAN member states. With the guidance of Dr. Martha Bigelow, Professor of Second Language Education at the University of Minnesota, each participating delegation formulated an institutional strategic plan on advancing EMI that will be presented to their home university, school system, or education ministry.

“As ASEAN Chair, the Philippines is shaping regional cooperation. The ASEAN English Leadership Forum showed what the U.S.-Philippines partnership produces when we work toward a shared goal,” Jeff McIlvenna said. “Every participant built their own plan, grounded in their own institution, and left with something they can act on. hat is American engagement producing real results,” he added.

Participants visited the Philippine Normal University and the University of Makati to examine how these institutions prepare students to work in an English-speaking professional environment—a challenge faced by education leaders across the region. By reviewing curriculum standards developed through U.S. collaboration programs, leaders explored practical ways to integrate professional language into technical degree programs in ASEAN.

AI was a central theme throughout the forum. Microsoft Philippines led a session showcasing the way American technology is setting the standard for measuring and delivering educational outcomes in schools across Southeast Asia. Participants learned to apply AI tools from the United States for improved teaching and learning, such as the use of Microsoft Teams as an AI-powered language tutor that provides students with customized feedback and real-time interaction.

McIlvenna followed with a workshop on how universities can integrate AI as a genuine learning tool while ensuring assessments are able to measure real student ability. Participants explored oral defenses and project-based evaluation as methods that keep human learning at the center of their programs.

A notable outcome of the Forum was the development of the Institutional Leadership Playbook—a practical, step-by-step strategy document that provides academic leaders with a blueprint for updating degree programs, setting teaching standards for technical staff, and securing approval from senior leadership.

“Under our national curriculum framework, achieving a high level of English proficiency is our immediate, vital benchmark for educators. While EMI is not yet active in our teacher education institutions, the Institutional Leadership Playbook developed through this Forum allows us to look toward the future. It provides a realistic framework to lay the groundwork today, ensuring that as we chart a long-term horizon toward EMI, we are steadily cultivating the faculty capacity and institutional standards necessary for enduring success,” said Dr. Vichheka Khuon, a forum participant from Cambodia.

The Regional English Language Office (RELO) in Manila advances U.S. interests in the Philippines and the region by promoting English language teaching and learning programs that strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and the Philippines. Through teacher training, curriculum development, and educational resources, RELO empowers educators and institutions to enhance English language instruction, creating opportunities for Filipinos to engage with American culture, values, and innovation. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY — Two municipalities previously affected by communist insurgency have been declared under a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC), joining more than a hundred local government units in Eastern Visayas that are now considered free from active insurgency threats.

The municipalities of General MacArthur in Eastern Samar and Kananga in Leyte were formally recognized by government authorities after meeting security and development benchmarks under the government’s whole-of-nation approach to ending local communist armed conflict.

The declaration marks a significant milestone for both towns, which for years grappled with the presence and influence of communist rebels, particularly in remote and geographically isolated villages.

Military officials said the SIPSC status signifies that peace and order conditions have improved substantially, allowing communities to focus on economic growth, public service delivery, and long-term development.

The recognition comes as Eastern Visayas continues to record major gains in the government’s anti-insurgency campaign. Once considered a stronghold of communist insurgents, the region now has 114 municipalities, cities, and provinces declared under SIPSC following years of military operations, governance reforms, infrastructure development, and community-based interventions.

Officials attributed the achievement in General MacArthur and Kananga to the combined efforts of local governments, security forces, national government agencies, and residents.
General MacArthur Mayor Joel Baldo said the declaration reflects the unity and cooperation demonstrated by the community and various government stakeholders.

“Let us strengthen the peace we have achieved by deepening our unity and continuing our support for programs that promote security and development. This declaration became possible because of our collective efforts and the cooperation among government agencies, barangay officials, municipal officials, and the people of General MacArthur,” Baldo said.
Kananga Mayor Manuel Vicente Torres emphasized that the declaration should serve as a foundation for further development rather than a signal to become complacent.

“We shall strengthen programs that address the root causes of conflict, improve the delivery of basic services, create opportunities for livelihood and employment, and ensure that no sector of society is left behind,” Torres said.

He added that the municipal government would continue working closely with security forces and development partners to preserve peace, protect communities, and uphold the rule of law.

The 8th Infantry Division, which oversees military operations in Eastern Visayas, stressed that maintaining peace remains a shared responsibility among government agencies and local residents.

“It is not only the soldiers, municipal officials, and barangay leaders who are responsible for maintaining a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition. We appeal to all citizens to help preserve these gains through cooperation and timely feedback,” the division said in a statement.

Military officials noted that community participation remains critical in preventing the resurgence of insurgent activities, particularly through the prompt reporting of suspicious movements and emerging security concerns.

The division added that the SIPSC declaration is not the culmination of peace-building efforts but the beginning of a long-term commitment to sustain security gains and ensure continued development in former conflict-affected areas.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

ORMOC CITY — A fire swept through a residential community in Barangay Alta Vista on Tuesday morning, destroying and damaging 16 houses and leaving a 72-year-old woman injured, authorities said.

The Ormoc City Fire Station said the blaze erupted at around 9:15 a.m. in Purok 8 and was reported six minutes later.

Firefighters from Engine Companies 16, 14, and 6, assisted by Engine Company 12 serving as an ambulance unit, were immediately dispatched to the area. The first responders arrived at 9:26 a.m.

The fire was declared under control at 9:47 a.m. and completely extinguished by 10:12 a.m.

Authorities said the blaze affected 16 residential houses, including the home of Nenita Alayon and those of several other residents. Property damage was initially estimated at P1.5 million.

The lone reported casualty was Lolita Dalmacio, 72, who sustained injuries during the incident. No deaths were reported.

The fire affected an estimated 280 square meters of residential area. Firefighters raised the incident to first alarm and utilized three Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) fire trucks, one BFP ambulance, and a water tanker from the Ormoc City Waterworks and Sewerage System (ORWASA) to contain the blaze.

The firefighting operation was supervised by Ground Commander SFO2 Arturo Belacho.
Investigators have yet to determine the cause of the fire, which remains under investigation.

The Ormoc City Fire Station urged residents to remain vigilant and observe fire safety measures to help prevent similar incidents.

(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)