Ateneo SALT and Bulatao Center recognized at Gawad Edukampyon

The Ateneo Institute for the Science and Art of Learning and Teaching (Ateneo SALT Institute) and the Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services (Ateneo Bulatao Center) were among the recipients of the first Gawad Edukampyon Awards, conferred by the Commission on Higher Education, Rex Education, and Philippine Business for Social Progress. Launched in January 2021, the awards recognize outstanding initiatives of Philippine higher education during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

In a virtual ceremony held on 25 October, Ateneo SALT Institute’s Adaptive Design for Learning (ADL) course was recognized as a Gawad Edukampyon for Excellence in Flexible Teaching and Learning Innovation. Launched in 2020, ADL is a unique hands-on workshop designed to help educators facilitate and promote an effective and engaging online environment for students. Since its launch, the Ateneo SALT Institute has trained more than 3,000 teachers to public and private school teachers around the country. 

“The hard work of the educators who work with us in ADL is a testament to the commitment to go the extra mile for the sake of the student,” said University President Fr. Roberto C. Yap SJ. 

Added Dr. Maria Luz C. Vilches, Vice President for the Loyola Schools, “This award is a testimony to hope and courage, care and compassion that this innovative certificate course promotes for all the teachers that it serves for the flourishing of Jesuit mission of youth formation.” 

Meanwhile, the Ateneo Bulatao Center’s Brief Psychological Services (BPS) was hailed as a Gawad Edukampyon Award for Excellence in Public Service and Community Engagement. BPS offers free counseling services to address the effects of the pandemic on the mental health of the Filipino community. The BPS team has since provided over 800 sessions to more than 600 Filipinos from around the Philippines.

“By bestowing this honor, we, the Ateneo Bulatao Center and Edukampyon together spread the word of certain values, namely, education for students, the value of research, and assessing the services we provide. And that we value psychological wellness for those who serve by teaching our students and mentors that self-care and mental health are integral to productivity and purpose in life, “said Dr. Karina Therese Fernandez, Executive Director of the center. 

Watch the recorded ceremony at https://www.facebook.com/ GawadEdukampyon/.