Empowering Childcare Educators through Values-Based Personality Development
As part of its continuing commitment to socially responsive education, St. Michael’s College of Iligan, Inc. (SMCII), through the Mother Ignacia Center for Social Responsibility (MICSR), in partnership with the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) of Iligan City and the Graduate School, implemented the program MICSR–UROCK: Karunungan at Kasamayan para sa Kabataan on December 2, 2017 at the SMC Conference Hall, Iligan City.
The activity gathered childcare teacher volunteers and community workers for a formative seminar focused on personality development and values formation, recognizing that educators play a crucial role not only in academic instruction but also in shaping the character, behavior, and emotional resilience of young learners. The seminar featured Mr. Ian Jacob, who delivered an engaging and reflective discussion on Good Personality, emphasizing professionalism, integrity, reliability, and positive interpersonal values essential in early childhood education.
Through interactive dialogue and real-life examples, participants were guided to reflect on how personal values, attitudes, and behavior directly influence children’s development and well-being. The session reinforced the idea that effective childcare education begins with educators who model empathy, discipline, and ethical responsibility, thereby creating safe, nurturing, and developmentally supportive learning environments for young children.
This initiative aligns strongly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by strengthening the competencies and values of educators serving young learners; SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by promoting emotionally safe and supportive learning environments; and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by empowering community-based childcare volunteers who serve children from diverse and often marginalized backgrounds. Moreover, the collaboration between SMCII, CSWD Iligan City, and community volunteers exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through multi-sectoral cooperation aimed at community development.
The MICSR–UROCK program demonstrates SMCII’s innovative approach to community engagement by integrating values education, professional development, and social responsibility into a single platform. By investing in the personal and professional growth of childcare educators, the institution reinforces its role as a higher education institution that extends learning beyond the classroom and actively contributes to sustainable, inclusive, and values-driven community development.
Through initiatives like this, SMCII affirms that meaningful education is not limited to formal academic settings but flourishes when institutions collaborate with communities to uplift those who shape the lives of the next generation.
