UPOU officials and representatives from Concentrix Ph with FMDS Faculty and Staff during the turnover ceremony of computer units
The Turnover Ceremony and Ceremonial Signing of the Deed of Donation between UPOU and Concentrix Philippines marked another milestone in strengthening their partnership. Held on 27 January 2026 at the UPOU Learning Commons in Los Baños, Laguna, the activity is part of the continuing initiatives of the Barangay Digital Transformation Hub, aimed at expanding access to digital education and strengthening community capacity-building.
The event was attended by UPOU Chancellor Joane V. Serrano, Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) Dean Finaflor D. Taylan, and the faculty and staff members of FMDS. Representing Concentrix Philippines were Sir Prim-Albert Velasco of the IT Department, and Ms. Retchel Florendo from the Finance Department. The gathering highlighted shared commitments to inclusive education, community development, and digital empowerment.
The Barangay Digital Transformation project began two years ago, and since then, the initiative has grown to include five partner barangays in Laguna – Brgy. San Antonio, Los Baños; Brgy. Maahas, Los Baños; Brgy. Sto Domingo, Bay; Brgy. Cansuso, Cavinti; and Brgy. San Vicente, San Pedro. As part of the project, UPOU also conducted training sessions and capacity building, reinforcing the university’s role in providing flexible and accessible learning opportunities.
During the program, Concentrix Philippines formally donated 50 computer units to support the project’s partner communities. These efforts underscore the project’s broader goal of making education accessible even to marginalized and often underserved sectors.
Chancellor Serrano (center), FMDS Dean Taylan (right), and Sir Velasco (left) as the principal signatories.
The ceremonial signing of the Deed of Donation highlighted Concentrix’s corporate social responsibility program, Concentrix Cares: Gadgets for Good. The initiative focuses on community-curated activities and supports public schools and foundations by redistributing usable computer equipment.
In her message, Chancellor Serrano expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership. She shared that UPOU is also engaged in a recent partnership with an Indigenous Peoples (IP) community in Bukidnon, with the potential to extend similar support. With many senior high school graduates in the area lacking access to further educational opportunities, donated digital resources can play a significant role in opening pathways for learning.
Chancellor Serrano further emphasized that the collaboration allows UPOU programs to reach marginalized communities and highlighted the importance of sustaining and expanding such partnerships to ensure that education and digital transformation initiatives reach those who need them most.
50 Computer units donated by Concentrix Philippines
Aligned with the UPOU’s initiative to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) specifically SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), the Barangay Digital Transformation project is set to expand to more barangays, in line with the shared direction of UPOU and Concentrix Philippines to promote inclusive, technology-enabled education and community development nationwide.
Written by Marinela Hernandez | Edited by Anna Cañas-Llamas | Photos by Anna Mhari Duria
