Prof. Eduardo P. Garrovillas
Jose Rizal University

Philippines

 

It was my first time in WCCI, in fact, I only knew about it from my doctoral dissertation adviser, Dr. Victoria C. Naval of the Graduate School of Polytechnic University of the Philippines.  But it was a great experience for me---to meet my fellow professionals in the field of education, educators and scholars all.  When I registered for the conference, I also filled up a membership form and paid my membership due; hope that will include my name in the next release of the roster of members.  I particularly like the WCCI ambience, the fellowship, and the camaraderie, during the various parallel sessions.  I attended a total of six parallel sessions, because I only went to my area of interest, which is global education.  In contrast to the other international conferences of professional organizations that I have attended in the past, the 2006 WCCI conference has the following positive attributes--- 1) it is quite substantially balanced on both professional and socio-cultural ingredients; 2) the topic is very relevant to the problems of the 21st century; and 3) as educators, maintenance and preservation of the culture of peace is a global challenge.  The said challenge constitutes a global change in values, attitudes and behavior; from a culture of war and violence to a culture of peace and non-violence.

 

 

Dr. Eno Edem

Faculty of Education

University of Uyo

Uyo, Nigeria

 

The WCCI 12th World conference has come and gone!  Thank God I was there.  August 6th-12th seemed far.  What about Manila?  To us in the small town of Uyo, South- South Nigeria, Manila is the end of the world.  People used to ask, Manila?  You will spend two full days in the air!!  What about the cost?  I wanted to change my mind but the Conference secretariats both local and international kept the spirit of burning.  What with inspiring and stimulating e-mails and assistance to facilitate attendance.  The availability of information and prompt responses from these secretariats were the stimulant to me and I am sure to other delegates.  We were communicating and making friends before even meeting.  That is WCCI for you!

 

As a first timer in any international conference outside my country, I honestly did not know what to expect.  I just went with an open mind.  I traveled with my friend of many years Dr. Benedicta Agusiobo who I must say, was very instrumental to my attending the conference.  After 19 hours of flight, we were finally in Manila!  At the immigration an officer just asked, are you teachers?  We answered in the affirmative.  “Mabuhay welcome to the Philippines, and as we came out of the airport terminal building, it was “Mabuhay” again.  Someone was waiting to take us to Manila Hotel the venue of the conference.  It was as easy as that.  I said to myself, this is good planning.  People somewhere are doing their work.  This country is expecting us!  It was so because our conference was carried by both print and electronic media throughout its duration.

 

We registered on Sunday, August 6th after spending the greater part of the day resting.  That evening, a reception was organized for the delegates.  That reception is best experienced. I lack words to describe it.  There was so much fun and friendship.  It set the tune for the conference.  The formal opening ceremony on Monday, the 7th August was equally memorable.  Then  came  the concurrent sessions.  I wish it was possible to attend all the sessions as they were all interesting and relevant.


I presented my paper that Monday.  I found that I was sharing experiences with colleagues and that there was no big deal presenting a paper in an international conference!  Many people shy away from conferences especially the international ones because of this. My advice to such people is, please come and shares your experiences with others and also learns.  There is no big deal as we say in Nigeria.

 

Schools visitations and Interest Group sessions were very rewarding.  We were well entertained at all the places visited. Filipinos are very hospitable and warm people in my opinion.

 

The organizers of the conference must be commended.  The Alliant International University team  did  a great job.  There was so much team spirit among them.  The Local Organizing Committee also did a great job.  They made sure that the delegates had a wonderful stay and a successful conference.  I am bold to say that the Manila conference was one of a kind.  I should also add here that I met a role model in Estela Matriano, the WCCI Executive Director.  I admire her commitment and the energy throughout the conference.  This is worthy of emulation.

 

Manila Hotel lived to its name as the “Venue of big events and Grand Aspirations.”  The presentation of giant wall clocks to delegates who lodged in the hotel was the height of hospitality and public relations.  I thank the Hotel management for making our stay memorable as well as being part of the conference.

 

It was not all work, talk and lectures.  We also went shopping and sightseeing.  Manila and Asian Malls were the most popular.  We even went shopping in China town.

 

I should not forget the International Banquet held on Thursday the 10th August.  I won’t mention names but we do have many dancers of international standing in WCCI!  We learnt that latest dance moves from the Americans. It was fun.

 

The theme of the conference “Building a Culture of Peace for a Civil Society” couldn’t have been more appropriate.  There was peace and civility throughout the conference.

 

We went home with loads of photographs.  May I use this medium to say, hi to everyone who attended the conference.  Thanks folks for the wonderful time together.  Start  saving for Turkey.  To future delegates see you in Turkey.