The College of Teacher Education (CTE) held its Pinning and Dedication Ceremony at the Philippine International Church on November 19, 2025, for Herald, marking the start of their internship journey with a message of purpose, faith, and commitment.

Guest speaker Dr. Levy Fajanilan, guidance counselor, began her message by sharing her own experience as an intern. “When my department chair told me that I would soon begin my internship, I was so excited, because I know that I would be graduating soon after that,” Fajanilan said.

Inspired by the biblical story of Ahimaaz, her message highlighted how Ahimaaz, a messenger, ran quickly with great enthusiasm yet had no important message to deliver, reminding interns that passion must be paired with clarity and purpose. “We must first listen before we speak, receive the message before we deliver it, and know the truth before we share it,” Fajanilan further expounded.

In an interview, Julie Ann Kierstine Calixtro, one of the interns, shared that her passion for teaching was inspired by her desire to serve others. “One of my core values is to do missionary work. I’ve been on mission trips to remote areas and I want to reach out to the unreacheable,” Calixtro said. This inspired her to pursue Bachelor of Special Needs Education, with the goal of helping students who have special needs.

Calixtro also shared that her education prepared her well for this milestone, highlighting the guidance and support she received from mentors, professors, and her department chair, which helped equip her with the skills needed for the internship.

Following the message, testimonies were shared by Batch 2024 interns Felicity Duane Licayan and Daneika Miraflor, with Miraflor speaking about her struggles with self-doubt and comparing herself with others during the internship journey.

The Pinning and Donning segment was held afterward, during which each candidate was pinned and robed by faculty members and parents, marking their transition into the role of teaching interns.

The ceremony concluded with a candle lighting signifying the light of Christ they are called to carry into their future classrooms.

As they step into their internships, the 14 Herald interns are entrusted not only with the task of educating students but also with inspiring hope, faith, and positive change in the communities they will serve.