𝐂𝐒𝐏𝐂-𝐂𝐀𝐒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐓𝐂 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐓𝐰𝐨-𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐲𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬

Iriga City, August 16-17, 2025 – The Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC)–College of Arts and Sciences, in partnership with Ceguera Technological Colleges (CTC), successfully conducted a two-day extension training titled “Empowering GE Faculty through Understanding Language and Power Dynamics” held at the CTC campus.

The activity gathered 67 CTC faculty members who participated in a series of lectures, workshops, and coaching sessions designed to enhance their awareness of language-power dynamics in classrooms, particularly in English as a Second Language (ESL) contexts.

The program highlighted how power relations influence teacher-student interactions and offered practical strategies for creating inclusive, supportive, and balanced learning environments.

Dr. Marlon S. Pontillas, Dean of CSPC-CAS and lead proponent of the training, opened the sessions by drawing insights from his study “Exploring Teacher-Student Interaction in a Synchronous Online Modality: A Critical Discourse Analysis.” He emphasized that understanding language and power dynamics is crucial in addressing classroom participation barriers.

Co-proponent Ms. Daisylen D. Alano, MAEd, Director of CSPC’s Extension and Community Services Office, also underscored the role of faculty in shaping equitable academic spaces both online and face-to-face.

The training featured resource speakers Mr. Jo Vincent T. Bardaje, RPm, Mr. Ejay F. Barcinilla, MAEd, and Mr. Dan Fereth B. Fajardo, MAEd, who delivered sessions on practical strategies, learner engagement, and case studies.

Day 2 focused on coaching and microteaching, where faculty participants received personalized feedback, engaged in peer critiques, and reflected on their classroom practices.

Significantly, officers and members of the Language Studies Society (LSS) of CSPC also served as facilitators during the event. Their active involvement ensured smooth program flow, participant engagement, and adequate documentation, reflecting the strong commitment of CSPC student organizations to extension and community service.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was also signed between CSPC and CTC to formalize continued collaboration in extension, training, and capability-building programs. Present during the signing were Mr. Julio Victor Marlo D. Ceguera, CTC President; Dr. Lovella F. Ceguera, Vice President for Academics and Dean of the College of Technical Education; Dr. Marlon S. Pontillas; and Ms. Daisylen D. Alano.

As part of the activity, an IEC material titled “Teaching in a Borderless Classroom: Practical Tips for Inclusive and Engaging Online Learning” was distributed to participants. The material is anchored on Dr. Pontillas’ Scopus-indexed paper, “Learning in a Borderless Classroom: A Phenomenological Study of Learning During Education Disruption,” published in the International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research.

This extension program reinforces CSPC’s commitment to Extension Support Services, Community Outreach, Education Training, and Consultancy under its 10-Point Agenda. It ensures that faculty across partner institutions are equipped with the tools to foster inclusive and empowering learning environments for students.