Trees of Manila

The big, majestic trees of Manila are a really enjoyable sight.

Some of them easily reach up to 7, 8 floors. 

The crown can reach 100 feet across. 

The root system underneath is probably equally gigantic. 

They are one of the biggest organisms in the world.

They provide shade, protect schools, cool the environment, house birds, make us happier, 

and so much more. 

People everywhere really should treat them better. 

Here in Manila they are doing a better job than many other cities, including the one I am currently living in.

Teacher Development Course Manila 2026

We kick off 2026 running a week-long Teacher Development Course in Manila.  Participants come from Hong Kong, Philippines, Australia and South Africa. 

We took the participants to the Welcoming Ceremony for the PolyU teams at University of Philippines Diliman.  During this same week, 3 teams of 200+ students from PolyU are doing their projects in Manila.  They are joined by 100+ students from UP.   

One team inspects eyes and at two primary schools.  A second teaches primary school students Artificial Intelligence, using AI to develop applications to help the blind. A third provides training for children with special needs.  

UP welcomes the 300+ students with indigenous music and food.  The TDC participants gets to experience the atmosphere of camaraderie.

The TDC consists of lectures, workshops, proposal writing, as well as visits to the projects.

The eye inspection project is highly organised.  Many stations are set up, manned by PolyU and UP students working side by side.  

Some of PolyU students study optometry.  But the vast majority major in other disciplines.  They take this eye inspection SL course as broadening general education. So they have to undergo intensive training before they can work on the project. 

The TDC participants gets to talk to the PolyU teachers, the primary school headmistress, the UP professor, the students (all sorts).  When we return to our classroom, we discuss what was observed and learn from it. It is a lot of fun and a lot of learning.  Very tiring and also very fulfilling.