On 10 October 2025, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) presented its global vision and concrete actions on Int
ernational University Social Responsibility (iUSR) through the iUSR Forum organized by Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.During the forum, UPOU Chancellor Joane Serrano delivered an insightful presentation titled “iUSR: Expanding from Regional Cooperation to Global Impact.” In her talk, Chancellor Serrano emphasized the UPOU’s commitment to advancing social responsibility in higher education through open and distance e-learning, collaborative innovation, and transformative partnerships that respond to global challenges. She also highlighted the importance of expanding and strengthening educational partnerships between the Philippines and Taiwan, recognizing the shared vision of both countries in promoting inclusive, sustainable, and socially engaged education. She emphasized that iUSR must move beyond regional collaboration and evolve into a framework for global cooperation— empowering institutions to work collectively toward sustainable and inclusive development.
Chancellor Dr. Joane Serrano receiving a token of appreciation for her talk in the iUSR Forum in Kaohsiung Medical University
Following Chancellor Serrano’s presentation, in the afternoon, Asst. Prof. Lorena Jean Saludadez delivered a complementary presentation during the parallel sessions, elaborating on the concrete initiatives undertaken by UPOU under its iUSR framework. Among these was Project Lakbay, an evolving initiative that has fostered social awareness, strengthened collaboration, and demonstrated tangible outcomes through evidence of budding social and cultural changes among partner communities. Asst. Prof. Saludadez highlighted the growth of Project Lakbay and discussed its deepening impact in bridging research and academic work with on-the-ground societal change.
Asst. Prof. Saludadez discussing the Project LAKBAY during the iUSR Forum in Kaohsiung Medical University
The iUSR: Expanding from Regional Cooperation to Global Impact Forum 2025, organized by Kaohsiung Medical University, gathered representatives from various academic institutions and partner organizations across Asia to exchange best practices, strengthen networks, and explore collaborative strategies in advancing university social responsibility globally.
UPOU’s participation reaffirmed its active role in promoting open, inclusive, and socially responsive education in the Philippines and beyond.
Written by Kimberly Rose Robles | Edited by Lorena Jean Saludadez | Photos by Kaohsiung Medical University
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