Center for Critical Thinking opens in QC

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte urged advocates of good governance to embrace sincerity and integrity, warning against those who pursue the cause merely for recognition. She made the remarks during the launch of the Klaus Hoffarth Center for Critical Thinking (KHC) at Miriam College on August 28, 2025.

“Sana may screening process kasi baka naman yung mga e sumasali lang dahil sikat maging good governance advocate ngayon pero baka hindi naman talaga nasa puso nila ang pagiging committed sa mabuting pamamahala at tapat na pamamahala,” Belmonte said.

(I hope there is a screening process, because some may only be joining since it is popular to be a good governance advocate, but in reality, they may not truly have the commitment to genuine and honest governance in their hearts.) 

The mayor stressed that public service should be rooted in authenticity and commitment, not image or opportunism.

She added that her administration remains steadfast in upholding “integrity, innovation, and people-centered service.”

The KHC, established in partnership with Miriam College through the support of alumna Victoria Bantug Hoffarth and her son Paul, was formally launched with the blessing of its new library. The Center is named after the late economist Klaus Hoffarth, who had an extensive career in international economic development.

The launch also featured Department of Education Undersecretary Ronald Mendoza, who outlined reforms in the education sector under Secretary Sonny Angara, particularly the push to transition from rote memorization to teaching 21st-century skills.

As part of its initial projects, KHC piloted ThinkED, a five-day training program for teachers of the National Service Training Program (NSTP). The program equips educators with strategies to integrate critical thinking in subjects designed to build civic consciousness and patriotism among college students.

The Center’s library, designed by Leandro V. Locsin Partners, is envisioned to host lectures, debates, film screenings, and other activities aimed at fostering critical thought and civic responsibility. —LDF, GMA Integrated News