Five Thomasian academic staff collaborated to write the “One Values Program” modules of the Province of Samar, which has taken a significant step in advancing values-based education with the official publication of the One Values Program modules on February 27, 2025.
These modules are a localized expression of the Global Compact on Education (GCE) contextualized for the Samarnon identity and culture. The program was formally signed into policy by the Provincial Government of Samar on July 9, 2025, making it a landmark commitment to developing values-driven youth and communities in the province.
The authors of the modules include:
• Prof. Joel C. Sagut, PhD
• Prof. Allan A. Basas, SThD
• Asst. Prof. Leo-Martin Angelo R. Ocampo, MA
• Asst. Prof. Dennis Ian B. Sy, MA
• Inst. Ivan Efreaim A. Gozum, MA
At the core of this initiative is SIRAK (Sama-samang Itaguyod ang Responsableng Aksyon ng Kabataan), a local program aimed at mobilizing Samar’s youth for collective advocacy and responsible action.
Aligned with the GCE’s global vision, SIRAK seeks to unleash the full potential of young people in Samar by encouraging their active participation in building just, compassionate, and service-oriented communities. The crafting of the modules was grounded in participatory and context-sensitive research. A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted with members of the UST Institute of Religion and representatives of SIRAK Kabataan, whose insights and lived experiences formed the foundation of the modules’ themes and content.
The voices of Samar’s youth were not only heard but integrated into the development process to ensure that the modules are both relevant and empowering. Before its formal publication, the One Values Program underwent a comprehensive review and validation process. During its official presentation to stakeholders, constructive feedback was solicited from educators, government officials, and youth leaders, ensuring the content’s pedagogical soundness, cultural resonance, and practical applicability. Following the review, the team conducted training of trainers (TOT) for educators and youth facilitators from across the province, equipping them with the knowledge and methods to implement the modules effectively in their communities.
A pilot testing phase was also carried out in selected sites, allowing the authors and partners to refine the content based on real-time feedback and local engagement. The project is a collaborative effort between the Provincial Government of Samar, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Graduate School, the UST-GS Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics (CCCPET), and the UST Institute of Religion. It is led by Ms. Beverly M. Bautista, MA, Officer-in-Charge of UST-GS CCCPET, with Dr. Eric B. Zerrudo, Director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), serving as consultant. With the implementation of the One Values Program, the Province of Samar aims to cultivate a new generation of values-oriented citizens rooted in their heritage yet responsive to the challenges of a globalized world.
This pioneering initiative positions Samar at the forefront of contextualized education reform in the Philippines — championing a model that bridges global ideals with grassroots empowerment.
