UPOU and LGU Los Baños Partner to Advance Education, Research, and Local Development - University of the Philippines Open University

Mayor Nocon (3rd from left) and UPOU Chancellor Serrano (4th from left) hold the signed Memorandum of Agreement between the Local Government of Los Baños and UPOU, joined by LGU Administrator Atty. Tiongson Jr., FMDS Dean Taylan, and other witnesses from both institutions.

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) and the Municipal Government of Los Baños (LGU-LB) formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 6 October 2025 at the 3rd Floor Mayor’s Conference Room of the Los Baños Municipal Hall. The signing was led by Dr. Joane V. Serrano, Chancellor of UPOU, and Hon. Neil Andrew N. Nocon, Municipal Mayor of Los Baños.

The MOU aims to strengthen academic and institutional cooperation between UPOU and LGU-LB through initiatives such as joint research, training, and public service projects; student internships and field instruction; consultancy and technical services; and resource and information sharing. The collaboration also includes logistical support for major academic events hosted by UPOU, such as the Asian Association of Women’s Studies (AAWS) Congress, International Conference on Open and Distance eLearning (ICODeL), International Symposium on Education, AI, and Cybersecurity (ISEAC), and International Symposium for ASEAN Studies (ISAS), as well as scholarship opportunities for qualified LGU employees or constituents.

The signing was also graced by Dean Finaflor F. Taylan and Asst. Prof. Ari Luis Halos of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), UP Open University, Brgy. Chairman Ian Kalaw of Barangay Batong Malake, and Atty. Virgilio Tiongson, Jr., Municipal Administrator of Los Baños.

UPOU and LGU Los Baños officials sign the Memorandum of Understanding to formalize their partnership

During UPOU’s visit, Mayor Nocon shared about the municipality’s tourism initiative, “Lakbay Los Baños: Paglalakbay Tungo sa Kasaysayan at Kultura ng Bayan!”, which showcases the town’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Conducted in collaboration with the Los Baños Tourism Council, Sangguniang Bayan, and the Office of Governor Sol Aragones under the broader Lakbay Laguna initiative, the program promotes local tourism, culture, and history through guided tours of key heritage sites in Barangays Bambang and Baybayin.

The LGU Los Baños, through its Tourism Office, presented Project Lakbay to UPOU; Mayor Neil Andrew Nocon warmly welcomed the UPOU officials and toured them around the Office of the Mayor.

Mayor Nocon also expressed interest in collaborating with UPOU in documenting and promoting the municipality’s cultural and tourism initiatives through education, research, and digital media. This partnership directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

This partnership highlights UPOU and LGU-LB’s shared commitment to advancing education, culture, and community development, reinforcing Los Baños’ identity as both an academic hub and a heritage-rich municipality.

Written by Dona Lyn M. Piamonte• Edited by Larry N. Cruz

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