CAPSUNIAN ECHO

 CLOSING AND TESTIMONIAL PROGRAM: THE HEARTFELT ATTESTATIONS OF TWO SEA-TEACHER PROJECT PARTICIPANTS

by Rona Joy L. Labto and Jeanelle O. Ledesma

CAPSU Burias conducts a closing ceremony for Ms. Nisrina and Ms. Erpapalemlah, the two Indonesian SEA-Teacher Student Exchange Program participants, together with the cooperating teachers from MNHS, as the SEA-Teacher Project comes to an end.

            Capiz State University Burias Campus honors the two of the 9th Batch of SEA-Teacher Project participants through the Closing and Testimonial Program on Oct. 4, celebrating their internship, contributions, experiences in the Philippines, and roles as part of the CAPSU Burias family.

As Ms. Nur Salwa Nisrina and Ms. Panisyah Nasyro Janna Erpapalemlah walked down the aisle, cheers filled the air, marking their farewells to their second home and the institution that made them feel connected and loved, showering them with applause and smiles throughout the farewell program.

“You will cherish this moment for the rest of your lives. We will miss you, Wawa and Nishya, dearly. Please carry these memories with you,” Dr. Rodyard B. Madiclum, Campus Administrator, expressed in his opening remarks.

The program was dedicated to the ladies who ceremonially capped their education pre-service internship journey on Wednesday afternoon at the Campus Gymnasium that was filled by mixed emotions coming from the honorees, members of the faculty and staff, and students, and the program rolled up with an audiovisual showcasing the incredible journey of the SEA-Teachers.

             “As we come to the end of this remarkable journey, we gather here to celebrate the successful completion of the SEA-Teachers Student Exchange Program. It has been an extraordinary experience filled with valuable insights, cultural exchange, and lifelong friendships. We have witnessed the power of education to bridge gaps, break barriers, and fostercollaboration among nations,” Dr. Romulo N. Lagon, College of Education Dean, stated in his speech during the program.

The emotions from the participants and the audience intensified as the two honorees gave their testimonies and expressed gratitude to the people who helped them.

“I apologize if I’m crying because I tend to cry easily...Burias is not a strange place to me anymore; it’s already my home, and my heart belongs to this place. Since the first day I arrived here, I want to thank all of you for your warm welcome and love,” Ms. Nisrina exclaimed.

Moreover, the interns shared their thoughts and experiences as participants of the SEA-Teacher Project.

            “I’d like to start by saying that CAPSU Burias is such a beautiful place with breathtaking scenery. The people here are incredibly kind and welcoming, so I never felt like a stranger in this place. I already consider this my second family… I’m grateful to them for their constant support, " Ms. Erpapalemlah revealed.

Meanwhile, the project’s partners from cooperating school, the Mambusao National High School (MNHS) where the two exchange-students practiced internship through delivering English and Science education to Grade 10 and Grade 8 students respectively, also articulated the participation in the internationalization endeavor of CAPSU.

"Hand in hand, we will all work together to help these teachers become the best versions of themselves and future educators," Dr. Raydelyn P. Laquiña uttered in a speech on behalf of the cooperating school.

Dr. Archile C. Abogadie, Student Affairs and Services Chairperson of the Campus, expressed her appreciation to all in a speech that concluded the event that according to her was a celebration of the academic and cultural journey of the two ladies who possessed the courage to break through racial barriers, and build connections.