UPOU and TLAGC Forge Partnership During UP VINTA Learning Caravan in Cambodia

A new partnership was celebrated between the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) and the Teachers’ Learning Action Guild in Cambodia (TLAGC) during the UP VINTA Learning Caravan at the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh. This collaboration highlights their shared commitment to empowering Filipino educators and professionals abroad through quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing was accompanied by messages from key representatives of both institutions. UPOU Chancellor, Prof. Joane V. Serrano delivered a heartfelt message on behalf of the university, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in fostering accessible learning opportunities.

“Today, we take an important step toward exploring concrete initiatives that will enhance MOOC participation, deepen learner support, and cultivate vibrant learning communities in Cambodia and beyond,” Chancellor Serrano said. “With TLAGC as an active and instrumental partner, we are excited to collaborate on initiatives that strengthen teaching communities and broaden access to open and flexible learning.”

Chancellor Joane Serrano expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the Teachers’ Learning Action Guild in Cambodia, highlighting the significance of their partnership in promoting collaborative learning and professional development opportunities for educators.

The Chancellor highlighted UPOU’s commitment to developing programs, learning materials, and innovations in partnership with TLAGC while ensuring alignment with the principles of open education and high academic standards. She underscored the goal of co-developing initiatives that empower educators, enhance teaching capacities, and uplift communities.

Representing the Teachers’ Learning Action Guild in Cambodia (TLAGC), Program Coordinator Ms. Chres Pabras expressed her sincere appreciation to the Philippine Embassy in Cambodia and the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), particularly through UP VINTA, for their partnership with TLAGC in expanding access to quality education for overseas Filipinos. She noted that the collaboration has helped build a vibrant community of lifelong learners—Filipinos, expats, and aspiring teachers—in Cambodia, reflecting the institutions’ unwavering dedication to expanding access to quality education and strengthening bonds with our kababayans overseas.

Ms. Pabras further emphasized that the collaboration empowers educators to grow professionally while giving back to both the Filipino community and their host country. She shared TLAGC’s aspiration to support educational growth and professional development for all Filipinos abroad and other expats in Cambodia, and expressed optimism that the initiative could extend MOOCs and UPOU programs not only to Filipino nationals but also to other expatriates and Cambodians. Underscoring the broader impact of the partnership, she stated that “Through our combined efforts, we are fostering an environment where knowledge, culture, and mutual understanding flourish, ultimately empowering our kababayans and enriching our communities,” reaffirming TLAGC’s commitment to unity, educational excellence, and cross-border collaboration.

On behalf of the Teachers’ Learning Action Guild (TLAGC), Ms. Chres Pabras conveyed heartfelt appreciation to UPOU for their continued support and collaborative partnership.

Through this partnership, UPOU and TLAGC aim to build sustainable programs that empower Filipino teachers abroad and nurture a culture of lifelong learning, continuing to strengthen bonds between the Philippines and its communities overseas.

Educators and participants of the UP VINTA Learning Caravan followed to the presentation on the MOU between UPOU and the TLAGC, learning about the programs and collaborative efforts designed to support professional development for Filipinos abroad.

Written by Kimberly Rose Robles | Edited by Lorena Jean Saludadez

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