For the Jallorina family, education is more than a priority; it has become part of their family story. Across two generations, 16 members of this extended family share the tradition of attending a single school: the National Teachers College (NTC).
Small business owner Ethel Jallorina attended NTC for elementary and high school in the ’90s. When she transferred from NTC to a local public school for a few years, she noted the difference in the learning method between the two institutions. “Ang ganda talaga ng pagtuturo sa NTC. Advanced talaga sila,” she says. (The teaching at NTC is excellent. They’re truly advanced.)
This excellence is precisely why Ethel and her cousins have sent their children to NTC. Several have gotten their undergraduate degrees at NTC, some even graduating with honors.
This family is just one of many who have trusted NTC after experiencing first-hand the school’s commitment to providing quality education for nearly 100 years. From its humble beginnings in 1928 as a training school for teachers, NTC has grown into a leading educational institution that continues to shape generations of leaders, professionals, and nation-builders.
For Fidel Soriano, Basic Education Principal at NTC since 2008, the Jallorina family represents more than a collection of alumni. Soriano, who began his career at NTC back in 1990 as a Grade 7 teacher, was once Ethel’s classroom adviser.
Soriano points to the school’s culture of family and community as one of the reasons for its enduring success. “As a person, I feel that I am truly a member of a family, and that is also how we treat our students,” he says, his voice filled with pride. This sense of familial bonds is evident
in every aspect of NTC, from its close-knit community of students and faculty to its commitment to preparing each student for the future.From Tradition to Innovation in Education NTC’s commitment to fostering well-rounded, forward-thinking graduates is evident in its curriculum. What once began as a traditional teacher education program has evolved into experiential and interdisciplinary learning frameworks, from basic education to graduate-level studies.
Today, NTC has moved beyond the rote memorization that many traditional schools still rely on., NTC has focused on experiential learning that sharpens critical thinking and deepens subject mastery. Graduates leave NTC not only with knowledge but also with the confidence and ability to adapt and lead in a challenging world. These changes are not just a curriculum redesign; they reflect NTC’s promise to prepare students for industries that demand innovation, flexibility, and skill.
“In my 33 years with NTC, I have witnessed its adaptability to the changing needs of our students,” Soriano says. “The institution remains committed to responding proactively — introducing new programs, offering new courses, and integrating emerging technology into classrooms to meet present demands.”
To meet today’s students’ diverse and evolving learning needs, NTC has integrated unique programs like gamified mathematics, where students learn complex concepts like algebra by building virtual cities, making education as engaging as it is practical. Recognizing the demand for specialized skills in the modern workforce, NTC also offers micro-credentialing, allowing students to earn certifications in areas like digital marketing and data analysis.
Understanding that traditional classroom settings aren’t always the best fit for every family, NTC SmartClass, its homeschooling program, offers a flexible yet quality-driven learning model, providing personalized support and resources. A groundbreaking merger in 2023 united NTC and APEC Schools, expanding access to constructivist learning — a dynamic educational model that fosters deep understanding and equips students with the ability to apply knowledge in real-life situations — for Filipino learners nationwide.
These programs reflect NTC’s commitment to evolving with societal changes while holding firm to the values of academic excellence, personalized learning, and community engagement, ultimately empowering students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Whether it’s through breaking traditional education models, engaging with cutting-edge innovations, or ensuring affordability for every learner, NTC’s vision is clear. It strives to empower individuals with the education and mindset needed to uplift communities and shape society.
Returning to the Jallorina family’s story, we see a reflection of what NTC stands for: quality, trust, and an unwavering dedication to equipping generations for success. Education, after all, is the most enduring legacy any institution can provide, and NTC’s light grows brighter with every generation it touches.
