Chris Ralpv L. Calumpang
GE 10 – BB
Link to the article: https://unitedboard.org/ben-s-malayang-iii-silliman-university/
[Reflection] Whole Person Education: The Goals and the Challenges
Reading the article about the interview of Dr. Ben S. Malayang III, the twelfth president of Silliman University, made me realize how Whole Person Education is built around and incorporates Silliman University’s Mission and Goals. Dr. Ben Malayang’s approach on Whole Person Education is one that not only reinforces the learner academically, but also in a holistic way of learning in the sense that it strengthens and builds the learner’s competence, character, and faith in God. It is centered around the five venues of Silliman university: the classroom, the Church, the Cultural Center, the court, and the community. To Dr. Malayang, the goal of integrating Whole Person Education into the University’s Curriculum is to develop the ability of a person to live, serve others, and to serve God.
Dr. Malayang acknowledged that organizations such as the United Board are instrumental in the integration of Whole Person Education into the curricula of colleges and universities as they are associated to multiple education institutions across Asia. To me, the thought of multiple colleges and universities in the ASEAN uniting together and committing to the goal of total human development is awe-inspiring and would definitely bring benefit to our society. Furthermore, Dr. Malayang mentioned that one challenge in the integration of whole person education is the continuous development and commitment of not only the students but also the educators.
The article about Dr. Ben S. Malayang III’s interview on Whole Person Education was insightful and eye-opening. His perspective for the integration of Whole Person Education is a good approach to producing versatile and globally competent individuals who excel not only in academics but also in other dimensions or aspects in life, and has the potential of contributing to national and global development.