Based on Kotter’s 8-Step Process for Leading Change. John B. Kotter is Professor Emeritus at the Harvard Business School. Synergeia has grown from a small organization into a strong and large coalition following the Kotter model which was introduced by Prof. Ernie Garilao.
Synergeia Foundation is a member of the Advisory Council of EdCom 2
email: edukasyon@synergeia.org.p
Now is the moment for leaders to turn opportunity into action for education, governance, and the future of the Philippines.
In his keynote address, Fr. Jose Ramon T. Villarin, S.J., Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Synergeia Foundation, called on local chief executives and education leaders to seize the twin opportunities of demographic dividend and good governance, echoing the summit’s theme, Carpe Diem: to harvest, “pag-ani”.
“Pana-panahon ang mga bagay-bagay. Huwag sayangin ang mga pagkakataon,” Fr. Villarin emphasized, noting that by 2040, the Philippines could be among the world’s top economies, if the country does not squander the opportunities before it today.
Champion of Good Education Governance
The 2026 Washington Sycip National Education Summit, the flagship annual thought leadership gathering of Synergeia Foundation, convened outstanding and purpose-driven national and local leaders, teachers, and education advocates from across the country.
Held on February 18 to 19 at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City, the summit created a safe and meaningful space where honest and courageous conversations inspired change, renewed hope, strengthened resolve, and reaffirmed a shared vision: securing a sustainable future for Filipino children through quality education.
More than a thousand education changemakers from all over the Philippines came together, bringing with them valuable insights, lived experiences, and innovative ideas to confront the ongoing education crisis.
United in purpose, they committed to pursuing practical and responsive actions anchored in good governance especially at the local level, where the real work of improving reading and transforming literacy outcomes truly takes place.
Good Things Take Time
Fr. Villarin explained that a demographic dividend refers to accelerated economic growth that happens when a country’s working-age population, 15 to 64 years old, becomes larger than its dependent population, children and the elderly.
“Our labor supply will be more than the ones who are old and the ones who are still mga musmos,” he said.
However, he stressed that such a dividend is not automatic. It requires deliberate and sustained investment. He outlined four critical areas: education, health, livelihood, and governance.
The work, he underscored, must begin now. By 2040, today’s students will make up the nation’s labor force. “Walang shortcut sa edukasyon,” he implied. The question is not merely whether students graduate, but whether they are truly prepared, fully formed, competent, and ready for the demands of work and nation-building.
We Can Make Things Happen
Speaking about leadership, Fr. Villarin acknowledged the emotional realities leaders face.
“Maraming umaasa sa atin,” he said. Leaders experience waves of hope and discouragement. There are moments of inspiration, and moments of fatigue. The key, he advised, is awareness: recognize these waves. “Pitasin ang pag-asa. Huwag pitasin ang kawalan ng loob.” Choose hope, not despair.
He further emphasized the indispensable role of governance.
“Mahalaga ang governance. Mahalaga ang pamumuno. Mahalaga ang pagkumpas.” Without a conductor, music falls into disarray. Without leadership, tones clash, people collide, the strong dominate, the wealthy prevail, and the weak are left behind. Governance, he stressed, ensures harmony, justice, and inclusion.
Harvesting the Fullness of the Times
Fr. Villarin challenged leaders to use power and resources not for personal gain, family advantage, or tribal loyalties, but for those without power and wealth especially the youth.
“Pitasin ang kapangyarihan para sa tama, para sa mga walang kapangyarihan, para sa mga walang yaman,” he urged. It is time, he said, to confront and change harmful habits that perpetuate inequality.
In closing, he returned to the call to harvest the present moment.
“Pitasin po natin ang mga pagkakataon nakaharap natin ngayon,” he said. Now is the time to urgently reform education for the future of the nation. Now is the time to lead with truth, justice, and goodness.
The message was clear: the opportunity is here. The question is whether today’s leaders will seize it.
Video link: https://youtu.be/jer-vc8J7Zg
San Dionisio, Iloilo – On January 29, 2026, San Dionisio convened its Educational Summit, themed “Laying the Cornerstones of Quality Basic Education for Brighter Futures,” at the Municipal Civic Center. The summit united educators, local government officials, barangay leaders, learners, and community stakeholders to address the state of education in the municipality. The Educational Summit in San Dionisio served as a platform to reflect on the current state of education and strengthen the collective commitment to learners’ futures.
Dr. Nanette E. Ledesma, Public Schools District Supervisor, warmly welcomed participants, emphasizing unity and shared responsibility. Mayor Sally A. Lopez presented key educational indicators, revealing literacy gaps despite improvements from ongoing interventions. She reaffirmed the Local Government Unit’s (LGU) commitment to facility improvements and evidence-based programs, highlighting the allocation of ₱1.8 million to support classrooms repair, instructional supplies, ALS support, sports competitions, and capacity-building programs for school heads.
Keynote speakers, including Dr. Raul N. Banias, Provincial Administrator, emphasized the critical role of literacy in preparing learners for future success. Dr. Banias conveyed the assurance of Governor Arthur R. Defensor Jr.’s commitment to sustain and expand the “Proof of Concept” and BES Basa (Bulig sang Probinsya BASA) program, in full cooperation with the province. He stressed that the LGU is key to improving education outcomes, stating that Manila and DepEd cannot do it alone and that it requires the political will of leaders like Mayor Lopez and the expertise of supervisors like Dr. Ledesma. He further emphasized the need for an empowered Local School Board, capacitated teachers, provision of learner materials, and a strong community alliance to build a solid foundation for quality education.
The summit featured a workshop led by Mr. Edwin Nacionales, focusing on learner welfare and aligning with national educational directions. Participants identified Local School Board priorities, including enhanced literacy and numeracy programs. Learners expressed their needs for resources like reading materials, technology, and improved infrastructure.
II also underscored the importance of addressing school-specific needs, empowering Local School Boards, capacitating teachers, providing learner materials, and fostering strong community alliances to ensure that no learner is left behind, and continuing to invest in targeted interventions to ensure that no learner or school is left behind.
The summit concluded with a covenant signing, symbolizing a collective commitment from LGU officials, educators, parents, barangay officials, student governments, and private sector stakeholders to build a brighter future for San Dionisio’s learners. The event was deemed a resounding success, setting the stage for collaborative action and continued progress in education.
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