Deadline: 01-Jun-2026
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO, in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), has launched a call for proposals to implement the “Bringing Living Heritage into the Classroom (BLHC)” Teaching Plan National Competition in the Philippines. The initiative aims to integrate traditional knowledge and cultural heritage into primary and secondary education through innovative teaching approaches.
The programme expands UNESCO’s BLHC methodology, which uses living heritage as a learning tool to enhance standard school subjects and promote culturally grounded education.
Programme Overview
The initiative supports the design, coordination, and implementation of a national-level teaching plan competition for educators. It focuses on embedding living heritage into classroom learning while encouraging innovation in teaching practices across schools in the Philippines.
Key components include:
- Development and dissemination of competition guidelines
- Teacher engagement and participation mobilization
- Evaluation and selection of teaching plans
- Pilot implementation in selected schools
- Monitoring, reporting, and feedback systems
Key Focus Areas
The programme supports activities related to:
- Integration of traditional knowledge into school curricula
- Heritage-based teaching methodologies
- Development of innovative teaching plans
- National competition for educators
- Capacity building for primary and secondary teachers
- Pilot testing of selected educational approaches
- Monitoring and evaluation of school-based implementation
- Promotion of cultural heritage in education systems
Programme Objectives
The initiative aims to:
- Promote living heritage as a learning tool in schools
- Strengthen cultural identity and heritage awareness among students
- Improve teaching methodologies through innovative approaches
- Enhance teacher capacity in heritage-based education
- Support curriculum enrichment in primary and secondary education
- Encourage national participation in heritage education initiatives
- Strengthen collaboration between education and cultural sectors
Scope of Work for Implementing Contractor
The selected contractor or entity will be responsible for:
Competition launch and coordination:
- Develop and publish call for proposals
- Create submission guidelines, templates, and tools
- Disseminate information to schools nationwide
- Organize online briefing sessions for participants
Selection and jury process:
- Identify 5–6 qualified jury members with balanced expertise and gender representation
- Develop transparent evaluation criteria
- Coordinate review and selection of entries
- Select 10 teaching plans or schools for pilot implementation
Pilot implementation and funding:
- Administer USD 1,000 grants to each selected school (after UNESCO approval)
- Support pilot implementation of selected teaching plans
Monitoring and reporting:
- Develop reporting templates for participating schools
- Collect feedback and implementation reports
- Monitor progress of pilot activities
- Consolidate final documentation and outcomes
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include:
- Legally constituted national organizations
- International service providers
- Professional entities with relevant experience
Ineligible applicants:
- Entities listed on United Nations sanctions or exclusion lists
- Organizations involved in preparing procurement documents for this call
- Firms with conflicts of interest
Ethical and Compliance Requirements
All applicants must adhere to:
- Strict anti-fraud and anti-corruption standards
- High levels of professional and ethical conduct
- Transparency in procurement and implementation processes
- Compliance with United Nations procurement rules and safeguards
Programme Benefits
- Strengthens integration of cultural heritage in education
- Enhances teacher innovation and instructional quality
- Promotes student engagement through culturally relevant learning
- Supports national recognition of heritage-based education practices
- Provides financial support for pilot school implementation
- Builds capacity in education and cultural sectors
Why the Programme Matters
- Preserves and promotes intangible cultural heritage
- Improves quality and relevance of education systems
- Encourages innovative, context-based teaching methods
- Strengthens collaboration between culture and education sectors
- Supports inclusive and participatory learning approaches
- Enhances national identity and cultural awareness among youth
Conclusion
The UNESCO BLHC Teaching Plan National Competition in the Philippines is a strategic education and cultural initiative that integrates living heritage into classroom learning. By supporting teachers, schools, and educational institutions, the programme strengthens culturally responsive education and promotes innovative teaching practices that preserve and celebrate traditional knowledge systems.
For more information, visit UNESCO.