SEOUL, 4 May 2026 – The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) formally welcomed four teachers from the Philippines during the Welcome Ceremony for the 2026 First Half of the Asia-Pacific Teacher Exchange Program (APTE), held at the Ramada Seoul Sindorim Hotel.

The participating teachers are Mr. Roger Garcia from Francisco Bangoy National High School in Sasa, Davao City, and Mr. Rodel Gentapa from Tampakan National High School in South Cotabato, both of whom are teaching at Korea International Culinary Arts High School. Also participating are Ms. Criselda Cimatu from Kapitbahayan Elementary School in Navotas City and Ms. Jigg Gonzales from Bukidnon National High School in Northern Mindanao, who are teaching at Busan Hwajeong Elementary School.

Participating countries include Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Thailand, and the Philippines. The selection of exchange teachers and host schools is independently administered by the respective Ministries or Departments of Education of the partner countries, each of which establishes its own selection criteria and procedures.

The Welcome Ceremony marked the official commencement of the three-month program and brought together the invited Filipino teachers, representatives from Korean host schools, and officials from relevant institutions. The event highlighted the continued commitment of both countries to advancing educational exchange and people-to-people ties.

After the ceremony, the four participating teachers paid a courtesy call on Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, H.E. Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez, at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul. During the meeting, Ambassador Fernandez warmly welcomed the educators and commended their role in promoting cultural understanding and strengthening bilateral relations through education.

APCEIU expressed its appreciation for the support of partner institutions, including the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, and underscored the importance of sustained collaboration in nurturing globally competent educators and learners.

The APTE program continues to serve as a platform for meaningful exchange, equipping teachers with valuable cross-cultural experiences and contributing to the broader goal of international understanding through education. -END