Holy Cross College (HCC), through the Office of the Dean, successfully launched its Faculty In-Service Training (INSET) and Team Building Program 2026, bringing together educators for a day of professional development, collaboration, and capacity building. Held at the HCC Function Hall, the program aimed to equip faculty members with relevant knowledge, skills, and strategies to enhance teaching effectiveness and student support services.
The event commenced with an opening ceremony featuring a prayer, the singing of the National Anthem, a presentation of the HCC Philosophy, Vision, and Mission, and welcome remarks from college officials. Faculty members were encouraged to embrace continuous learning and innovation as they prepare for the challenges of modern education.
One of the highlights of the training was Session 1: Classroom Management and Discipline, facilitated by Samantha Rose C. Pisto, RCrim, which provided practical techniques for managing diverse classrooms, maintaining academic discipline, and fostering productive learning environments.
Recognizing the growing influence of technology in education, the program featured Session 2: Hands-On Workshop on Ethical AI in Academic Operations, led by Francis Aldreine Martin, LPT. Participants explored responsible and ethical applications of Artificial Intelligence in lesson planning, instructional preparation, documentation, and academic processes, helping educators adapt to emerging technological trends while maintaining academic integrity.
In the afternoon, Ken Gie Anthony G. Cruel, CPA, MBA, Vice Dean and Chair of Accountancy and AIS, delivered Session 3: The Educator-Practitioner and Professional Ethics, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, ethical conduct, and integrating industry experience into classroom instruction.
The training also highlighted student welfare through Session 4: Student Mental Health Care and Referral Pathways, facilitated by Jayvee V. Gutierrez, LPT, which focused on identifying behavioral red flags, responding to mental health concerns, and navigating institutional referral systems to ensure timely student support.
Further reinforcing the institution’s commitment to inclusivity, Dr. Agnes M. Aquino, GAD Coordinator, conducted Session 5: A Just and Inclusive Society, discussing gender sensitivity, inclusive learning environments, and the implementation of policies aligned with the Safe Spaces Act and gender-responsive education.
The day concluded with a synthesis and closing remarks from Dr. Almario B. Garcia, LPT, College Dean, who commended the faculty members for their active participation and dedication to professional growth. He emphasized that the knowledge and insights gained from the training would contribute significantly to the college’s mission of delivering quality, relevant, and transformative education.
Through INSET 2026, Holy Cross College reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, ethical leadership, student well-being, and inclusive education, ensuring that its educators remain empowered and prepared to meet the evolving demands of the 21st-century learning environment.