The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP), in collaboration with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Special Educational Needs (SEAMEO SEN), successfully held the In-Country Course Training Programme on Holistic Approaches in School Health for SEN Learners on August 6–7, 2025, at the CIC Audio-Visual Room, Obrero Campus, Davao City. With the theme “Cultivating Inclusive Schools: Holistic Well-being for Every Learner,” the event brought together educators, school leaders, and advocates from across Southeast Asia to promote inclusive, equitable, and health-focused educational environments.
The program opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Jeneifer C. Nueva, USeP Vice President for Academic Affairs, and special messages from Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr., USeP President, and Mr. Ahmad Heikhal Amir Hamzah, Manager of the Strategic Planning and Communication Division of SEAMEO SEN. All three highlighted the importance of health, inclusion, and collaboration in addressing the needs of learners with disabilities and other special educational needs.
Ms. Vilma L. Dimaisip, a Master Teacher 1 from Paaralang Pag-ibig at Pag-asa, Integrated Special Education Center of San Pablo City, Laguna, delivered the first two learning sessions. In “Introduction to Holistic School Health,” she provided a global and historical overview of school health, underscoring the need to address the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of every learner. Her second session, “Inclusive Safety and Protective Practices,” tackled pressing youth issues such as bullying, disaster preparedness, and gender sensitivity, citing relevant DepEd policies and real-world applications to stress the importance of creating a safe, diverse, and inclusive school environment.
The third session, led by Dr. Susan Vincent D. Villarente, Program Head of Bachelor of Special Needs Education and Program Specialization Coordinator for Master of Arts in Education major in Special Education of USeP focused on “Teaching and Reinforcing Health Habits.” She emphasized the promotion of hygiene, nutrition, oral health, and disease prevention in schools, anchored in the WHO/UNESCO “One Health” concept, stressing the need for early and consistent reinforcement of positive health habits.
In the fourth session, Dr. Kwun Hang Lau, Deputy Head of School Development, CCC Tam Lee Lai Fun Memorial Secondary School, Hinging presented “Community-Friendly Schools: Reshaping Schools as Community Hubs.” Drawing from successful international models, he shared strategies for transforming schools into inclusive spaces for community engagement, wellness, and collaboration.
Day 2 featured two sessions from Mr. Ahmad Heikhal Amir Hamzah. In the session on Disability-Inclusive Education, he discussed removing physical, attitudinal, and systemic barriers to ensure equitable access and participation. The
session on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) introduced flexible teaching strategies to meet diverse learner needs through adaptable content, engagement, and assessment methods.
In the afternoon, Assoc. Prof. Henry C. Encabo, Head of Mindanao Center for Education Research, Training, and Innovation (MCERTI) and Teacher Training and Research Center of USeP facilitated an Action Planning Workshop with faculty members from the Special Needs Education and Early Childhood Education programs. Participants developed actionable, school-level plans to integrate holistic and inclusive practices tailored to their local contexts. These plans fostered partnerships among institutions and organizations, with participants noting the program’s direct benefits to their work.
The event also marked the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between USeP, represented by Pres. Gabales, Assoc. Prof. Encabo, International Affairs Division Director Dr. Adora P. Zerrudo, and College of Education Dean Dr. Raquel D. Almasa, and SEAMEO SEN represented by Mr. Ahmad Heikhal Amir Hamzah.
Dr. Almasa delivered the closing message to formally end the program, expressing gratitude to the USeP management, SEAMEO, participants, and the organizing committee for their invaluable contributions to the success of the event.
Reflecting on the two-day program, one participant shared, “This training doesn’t just deliver content—it empowers educators to transform their schools into healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities.” Participants left with renewed commitment to champion the holistic well-being of every learner.
