Saint Mary’s University reaffirmed its commitment to quality education and community engagement through the successful conduct of Enhancing Engagement in Mathematics and Science through Demonstration Teaching and Training held on May 8, 2026 at Pinayag National High School. The whole-day extension activity brought together Science and Mathematics teachers for a meaningful professional development program focused on innovative, interactive, and learner-centered teaching strategies aimed at strengthening classroom instruction and enhancing student engagement.

The program was organized by the Capacity Building Program in Science and Mathematics Education (CBPSME), headed by Dr. Melanie G. Sarmiento, with the assistance of Mrs. Mary Antoinette Sagario-Averilla. The initiative was conducted in collaboration with the Community Engagement and Indigenous Peoples Studies Center, the School of Graduate Studies, and the Center for Natural Sciences, reflecting the University’s strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and community service.

The program formally opened with welcome remarks delivered by Dr. Mark Anthony I. Gano, followed by the introduction of facilitators and presentation of activities. Throughout the day, participants engaged in a series of demonstration teaching sessions facilitated by faculty members, doctoral students, master’s students, and laboratory assistants from Saint Mary’s University.

In Mathematics, the sessions included Instructional Comparison in Graphing Conic Sections: Conventional vs GeoGebra Function Art by Ms. Ella Tricia M. Aquino and Mr. Somerson C. Kis-ing, as well as Computing Probabilities in the Standard Normal Distribution (using z-table and/or GeoGebra) by Mr. Nover Luke T. Saludares and Mr. Mark Angelo I. Tugade.

Science sessions featured Catching Cells in Action: Observing Mitosis in Allium spp. by Ms. Vanesa P. Capua and Indicators of Chemical Reaction by Ms. Monaliza A. Pumihic, with technical assistance provided by Mr. Regidor Almendral, Mr. Vincent Carlo Boniol and Mr. Neil Clyde D. Osalla.

The participants were also engaged in an educational technology session titled Engaging Minds: The Role of Gamification and ICT in Education, facilitated by Ms. Valmin Joy B. Basilio and Mr. Conrad L. Bosikaw. The training successfully equipped teachers with practical strategies, ready-to-use lesson guides, and instructional materials that can be directly applied in their classrooms. Free registration, meals, snacks, and training kits were also provided to ensure full participation and support for all attendees. The activity concluded with participant feedback, awarding of certificates, and closing remarks delivered by Mrs. Donna Bee R. Tominez.

This meaningful outreach initiative advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through programs such as this, Saint Mary’s University continues to empower educators, strengthen communities, and promote excellence through service, innovation, and transformative education.