Conference for Social Studies Educators in the Philippines

Conversations on democracy, citizenship, youth participation, and critical engagement do not end when the seminar closes—they continue in classrooms, communities, and everyday acts of civic participation.

The OSSTP seminar, “Social Studies at the Crossroads: Power, Politics and Participation of the Youth,” has successfully concluded, leaving behind meaningful conversations, reflective insights, and powerful exchanges on the role of the youth in shaping society.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our distinguished speakers who generously shared their expertise, perspectives, and time in enriching the discourse and inspiring critical conversations:

* Chancellor Joane Serrano, Ph.D. (UPOU)
* Dr. Celestina Boncan (UP Manila)
* Prof. John Ray Ramos (ADMU)
* ASec. Jerome Buenviaje, Ph.D. (DepEd)
* Prof. Jerome Ong (UP Manila)

Your insights challenged participants to think critically about power, politics, participation, and the evolving role of Social Studies education in nurturing informed and engaged citizens.

We also sincerely thank our research presenters for contributing valuable studies, innovative ideas, and pedagogical perspectives that continue to strengthen Social Studies content knowledge and teaching practice. Research spaces like these remind us that education is never static—it evolves through dialogue, inquiry, and shared purpose.

Our heartfelt appreciation likewise goes to our sponsors and partners:

* UP College of Education
* DLSZ SPARKEd Center
* REX Education
* Adarna House
* Phoenix Publishing House
* C&E Publishing

Thank you as well to the OSSTP Board Members for 2025–2026 and the EDUC 280 students whose hard work, coordination, and commitment made this gathering possible. Behind every successful conference is a team quietly solving problems, managing details, and keeping the vision alive.

As we close this meaningful academic engagement, we carry with us an important reminder: Social Studies remains a vital space for dialogue, critical consciousness, democratic participation, and nation-building—especially in a time when the voices of the youth matter more than ever.

We look forward to seeing everyone again for another meaningful conference in May 2027. Until then, continue building conversations that matter.

Muli, maraming salamat po, mabuhay ang mga g**o sa Araling Panlipunan! 🇵🇭

During the 11th National Conference on Social Studies Education, plenary sessions continue to play an important role in strengthening and empowering Social Studies teachers. Through the research and insights shared by our speakers, educators gain new knowledge, fresh perspectives, and meaningful strategies that help improve teaching and inspire learners inside the classroom.

This event was made possible with the efforts of OSSTP and our event partners: University of the Philippines - College of Education, Social Studies Area; REX Education, SPARKEd Center, C and E Publishing, Adarna Group Foundation, and Phoenix Publishing House.

Earlier today

From Historical to Digital Inquiry

Prof. Ong started his lecture by recalling controversial issues in Philippine history that may be categorized as products of negative historical revisionism.

His lecture emphasized that teachers should engage students in historical inquiry to develop their habits of mind and enable them to critically examine fake news on social media.

Prof. Ong generously shared books related to history written by him and his colleagues in the academe with the participants. Books that are helpful to develop historical thinking skills among students.

This event was made possible with the efforts of OSSTP and our event partners: University of the Philippines - College of Education, Social Studies Area; REX Education, SPARKEd Center, C and E Publishing, Adarna Group Foundation, and Phoenix Publishing House.

Happening Now

One of the sponsors of OSSTP, REX Education, discussed Schoology. It was emphasized that this learning management system (LMS) plays an important role in making learning more organized, accessible, and interactive for both teachers and students. Through this platform, communication, assessments, and the sharing of learning materials become easier and more efficient in today’s digital learning environment.

Earlier today

Civic Engagement in the Revised K-to-12 Curriculum

Asec. Buenviaje shed light about the perspective of DepEd on Civic Engagement by using the acronymized word CIVIC, that stands for:
• Curriculum Integration
• Instructional Delivery
• Values Integration
• Institutional Programs and Initiatives
• Community, Connection, and Collaboration

Where he mentioned numerous DepEd policies and programs that he categorized under the acronymized word CIVIC.

He also shared that a Learning Plan may follow the ILAW Framework, which stands for:
• Intention
• Learning Activity
• Assessment
• Ways Forward

Finally, he concluded his lecture by giving questions that challenges the traditional notion of the teaching-learning process.

This event was made possible with the efforts of OSSTP and our event partners: University of the Philippines - College of Education, Social Studies Area; REX Education, SPARKEd Center, C and E Publishing, Adarna Group Foundation, and Phoenix Publishing House.

Happening Now!

Si Asec. Jerome ay kasalukuyang tinatalakay ang kaniyang tungkulin sa Central Office upang makatulong sa pagbabago ng sistema, isang sistemang nagbibigay ng tama at maayos na impormasyon sa mga g**o sa buong bansa upang mas mapabuti nila ang kanilang mga paaralan.

Bukod pa rito, nagkaroon ng isang maikling aktibidad na may tanong na: “Paano mo nararamdaman ang kabataan ngayon?” Sa pamamagitan ng aktibidad na ito, naibahagi ng mga g**o ang kanilang mga kaalaman at karanasan tungkol sa mga mag-aaral na kanilang tinuturuan. Naging magandang panimula ito upang buhayin ang diwa ng mga g**o, lalo na sa pag-iisip ng mga hakbang na maaaring gawin upang matulungan ang mga problemang kinakaharap ng mga kabataan.

Pagkatapos ng pagganyak ay agad na tinalakay ni Asec. Jerome ang kahalagahan ng kurikulum at ang pangangailangang bigyan ng espasyo at oportunidad ang mga mag-aaral sa loob ng klase.

This event was made possible through the efforts of OSSTP and our event partners: University of the Philippines – College of Education, Social Studies Area; REX Education, SPARKEd Center, C and E Publishing, Adarna Group Foundation, and Phoenix Publishing House.

Saysay ng Kasaysayan

Ibinahagi ni G. John Ray ang kahalagahan ng pagsipat at pag-aaral sa kahulugan ng mga naratibo sa ating kasaysayan. Binigyang diin niya na ang edukasyon ay ginamit ng mga mananakop upang hubugin ang kolonyal na kaisipan sa mga Pilipino.

Ang kanyang lektyur ay hamon para sa mga g**o ng Araling Panlipunan, na ang kasaysayan ay hindi lamang pagkakabisa ng mga araw at tao—ito’y paghahanap ng kahulugan at pagbuo ng pagkakakilanlan bilang bansa.

This event was made possible with the efforts of OSSTP and our event partners: University of the Philippines - College of Education, Social Studies Area; REX Education, SPARKEd Center, C and E Publishing, Adarna Group Foundation, and Phoenix Publishing House.

📢 Great news! Our conference is now officially accredited with 6 CPD Units! 🎉

From Textual to Digital Source Analysis

Prof. Boncan presented various archival centers around the world that can be utilized in conducting historical research. In particular, she underscored how the digitalization of archival materials creates opportunities for classroom instruction to cultivate students’ historical literacy and critical engagement with sources.

She concluded her lecture with a reminder that, beyond traditional textual analysis, engaging students with online platforms transforms historical literacy into digital citizenship, enabling them to critically navigate and combat disinformation.

This event was made possible with the efforts of OSSTP and our event partners: University of the Philippines - College of Education, Social Studies Area; REX Education, SPARKEd Center, C and E Publishing, Adarna Group Foundation, and Phoenix Publishing House.

ATM

Si Prof. John Ray, ang kasalukuyang tagapagsalita, ay tinatalakay ang tungkulin ng g**o na magbahagi ng pag-asa sa kabataan. Ibinahagi rin niya na ang layunin ng kasaysayan ay magsindi ng ilaw upang mabuksan ang damdamin, mapalalim ang pagmamahal sa bayan, at mapaigting ang kamalayan ng mga kabataan.

Binibigyan din niya ng diin ang kahalagahan ng pagmulat sa ating kabataan tungkol sa nakaraan at kasalukuyan.