Kylle Christine L. Cabañog
GE 10 BB

Reflection
Malayang III, the twelfth president of Silliman University, is renowned for his expertise in environmental policy and governance. In an interview, Malayang III offers profound insights, pledging to motivate both educators and learners in their pursuit of holistic education. His perspective on this approach is both comprehensive and enlightening.

He defines it as an educational approach that not only imparts knowledge and skills but also places equal emphasis on character development and spiritual growth. This holistic view of education aims to produce individuals who are not only academically competent but also morally upright and spiritually grounded. It recognizes that education is not just about preparing students for their careers but also for their roles as responsible, ethical citizens and leaders in society. Furthermore, Malayang III emphasizes that the United Board has the potential to significantly advance whole person education throughout Asia by utilizing its extensive network to foster connections among educational institutions. Through this collaboration, the United Board can facilitate the development of common educational standards, encompassing not only academic excellence but also values, integrity, and empathy in students. However, I wholeheartedly agree that embracing whole person education comes with its unique set of challenges. These encompass the necessity of adopting a holistic educational approach, motivating educators, ensuring uniform standards across institutions, and navigating the complexities of cultural diversity while upholding our faith-based values. To surmount these obstacles, it’s imperative that we integrate values education into our curriculum, provide training for educators, establish shared standards, and actively encourage cross-cultural dialogues. Through these efforts, I believe the United Board can serve as a platform for intercultural exchange, granting students the opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives and enrich their understanding of the global community.

To sum it all up, Malayang III’s insights have deeply resonated with me. This approach not only prepares students for successful careers but also empowers us to contribute to our communities. I wholeheartedly believe in these values and am committed to upholding them in my education.

Link to the full interview article: https://unitedboard.org/ben-s-malayang-iii-silliman-university/