An English teaching program has given high school teachers in Batanes new tools to strengthen classroom learning, blending language instruction with technology, critical thinking and real-world skills that educators say will benefit students and local communities.

The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines said it trained 50 high school teachers from across the province from January 19 to 20, 2026 through a two-day workshop organized by its Regional English Language Office.

The program introduced American teaching approaches that integrate artificial intelligence, communication skills and critical analysis.

The workshop, led by two American English Language Fellows from the U.S. Department of State, underscored long-standing education ties between the United States and the Philippines as the two countries mark 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.

“The U.S. Embassy is proud to invest in the educators of Batanes by sharing American excellence in education through expert facilitators and world-class resources,” U.S. Embassy Regional English Language Officer Jeff McIlvenna said.

“By expanding their teaching methods, Batanes educators are ensuring that the next generation of Ivatans are well-prepared to enter the workforce —positioning the province for greater international collaboration and as strong future partners of American companies,” he added.

Philippine education officials said the program delivered practical benefits for teachers and students alike.

“We are grateful to the U.S. Embassy for this multidisciplinary approach,” Department of Education Senior Program Supervisor Kym Clyde H. Moro said.

“The program provided our teachers with practical tools that will greatly improve how our students learn and communicate. This is a meaningful investment in our teachers and the future of education in Batanes,” Moro added.

As part of the training, teachers designed “action projects” that connect classroom lessons to local issues. These included lessons on Ivatan stone houses to promote community resilience, debates on future investment in Batanes using economic data, and cultural exchange activities comparing U.S. and Philippine traditions with the help of American AI tools.

The embassy said it also shared information on additional education programs that give Filipino educators exposure to American best practices. Officials said such initiatives support long-term cooperation by strengthening skills, innovation and workforce readiness in both countries.