In a significant stride towards enhancing the quality of education across the Philippines, the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP) took the lead in organizing the National Training of Trainers on Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Professional Learning Packages. The event, conducted in three batches from June 18, 2023, to July 7, 2023, in the vibrant city of Cebu, aimed to equip educators with innovative strategies to nurture critical thinking and problem-solving abilities among students in the fields of Science, English, and Mathematics.

This educational endeavor, spearheaded by NEAP, showcased their unwavering commitment to elevating the educational experience for both educators and students. The training gathered participants from the Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Office 8, along with representatives from the Human Resource Development Division. Furthermore, learning facilitators hailing from thirteen school division offices of Eastern Visayas came together to exchange knowledge and insights, underscoring the collaborative spirit that drives progress in the education sector.

The focal point of the event was to introduce educators to the Higher Order Thinking Skills Professional Learning Packages. These packages were designed to revolutionize teaching methodologies and empower students to delve beyond the surface of subjects, fostering intellectual curiosity and analytical thinking. The training sessions covered various strategies, interactive techniques, and engaging classroom practices that educators could employ to cultivate these essential skills in their students.
Fostering higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) is an important aspect of teaching students at all stages of their lives. These skills make students effective problem-solvers and form the building blocks of critical and creative thinking on a wider scale.

Following the successful completion of the National Training of Trainers, the DepEd Regional Office 8 carried the torch forward by hosting the Regional Training of Trainers on HOTS Professional Learning Packages. This training, held at the Milka Hotel from August 1, 2023 to August 18, 2023 in Tacloban City, brought together a diverse group of school leaders and master teachers from various divisions across the region.

The participants hailed from Divisions including Baybay City, Biliran, Borongan City, Calbayog City, Catbalogan City, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Maasin City, Ormoc City, Northern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte, and Tacloban City. Their presence showcased the widespread recognition of the significance of higher-order thinking skills in reshaping the educational landscape of the Philippines.

For educators and school leaders eager to delve into the specifics of the HOTS Professional Learning Packages (HOTS-PLPs), a unique opportunity arose during the Regional Training of Trainers on Higher Order Thinking Skills Professional Learning Package (HOTS-PLPs) for Science, Mathematics, and English Teachers. NEAP Region VIII (https://www.facebook.com/neapro8) extended an invitation to teachers and school leaders to virtually attend these sessions by subscribing to the official NEAP L&D Channel on YouTube, aptly named ‘Learn2LeadChannel’ at https://www.youtube.com/@Learn2LeadChannel. This virtual platform ensures that the knowledge disseminated during these events is accessible to a wider audience, enabling educators nationwide and regionwide to embrace transformative teaching techniques.

The collaborative efforts of NEAP, the DepEd Regional Office 8, and the dedicated educators across Eastern Visayas stand as a testament to the commitment to fostering a new generation of critical thinkers and problem solvers. Through these training initiatives, the educational landscape of the Philippines is poised for positive transformation, where classrooms become hubs of innovative and dynamic learning experiences. The journey towards nurturing higher-order thinking skills has begun, promising a brighter future for both educators and students alike.