The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) formally opened the World Immersive Learning Labs Symposium (WILLS) 2026 on 4 March 2026 at the UPOU CCDL Auditorium in Los Baños, Laguna, bringing together international scholars, institutional leaders, and innovators in immersive education. The symposium’s mission of exploring cutting-edge developments in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), extended reality (XR), artificial intelligence (AI), and metaverse platforms, encouraging participants to connect, collaborate, and rethink the future of education.
The opening ceremony set an energetic and forward-looking tone for the three-day symposium. Hosted by UPOU faculty members, Asst. Prof. Raz Dela Torre and Asst. Prof. Mary Kristene Clariño, the ceremony welcomed distinguished guests, paper presenters, faculty members, and officials from both local and international institutions.
University of the Philippines President Angelo A. Jimenez underscored the University’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and forward-thinking leadership in higher education. In his message, he congratulated UPOU for the initiative and highlighted the launch of a new immersive learning space designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and accessible, technology-enhanced education, partnered with the responsible use of emerging technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. This was followed by a message from UPOU Chancellor Joanne V. Serrano, where she challenged participants to rethink immersive technology as a tool for widening access, strengthening learning, and building ethical, inclusive, and sustainable educational futures.
To give the participants more information about WILLS Dr. Eric Hawkinson of Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, Japan, shared the rich history of WILLS, which started in their shared vision of building collaborative and sustainable immersive learning ecosystems that bridge institutions, cultures, and technologies. Dean Roberto B. Figueroa Jr., Dean of the UPOU Faculty of Information and Communication Studies, walked through what will happen in the next three days and the rich history of WILLS, which started in 2023.
The Opening Ceremony featured the keynote address delivered by Prof. Dr. Lunchakorn Wuttisittikulkij of Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. A distinguished expert in wireless networks, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Quantum Key Distribution, Prof. Wuttisittikulkij spoke about the evolving Metaverse revolution and its implications for education and global collaboration.
He discussed how immersive technologies are redefining institutional boundaries and enabling new forms of academic connectivity through initiatives such as MANGOs (Metaverse Academic Nexus for Global Opportunities). His keynote emphasized the convergence of physical and digital learning spaces and the transformative potential of immersive ecosystems. He focused on their collaborative work in immersive learning and on a metaverse-based academic ecosystem that connects institutions across 10 countries to create global opportunities, particularly through digital cultural heritage projects and virtual applications that support research, education, and international collaboration.
Prof. Wuttisittikulkij was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation, presented by Chancellor Serrano, Dr. Hawkinson, and Dean Figueroa.
The opening ceremony was highlighted by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) symbolizing a shared commitment to collaboration and innovation in immersive learning. University leaders and international partners gathered on stage for the ceremonial signing, marking a major milestone in strengthening global academic partnerships. This was signed by Chancellor Serrano and Roberto B. Figueroa Jr, Chair of WILLS from UP Open University, and Dr. Eric Hawkinson, Co-chair of WILLS from Kyoto University of Foreign Studies,and representatives from Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW); Chuo University, and Chulalongkorn University.
Day 1 of WILLS 2026 featured presentations on metaverse frameworks for virtual commencement in open and distance education, including studies on immersive institutional environments and virtual campus representations. Sessions also explored student-led XR laboratories, immersive Japanese language platforms, and concluded with an exhibit opening and the MANGOs Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing, reinforcing the symposium’s focus on collaboration and ecosystem-building.
Day 2 centered on “Cultural Representation and Human Communication in Immersive Worlds,” highlighted by a keynote from Prof. Dr. Mitsunori Makino of Chuo University, Japan. Discussions covered interactive metaverse platforms for cultural exploration, digital heritage preservation, VR applications for Philippine cultural dance education, language assessment tools, and human–AI avatar communication. The afternoon sessions shifted to “Governance, Innovation, and Societal Impact,” examining technology adoption, ROI frameworks for VR, sustainability in immersive curricula, and scalable immersive learning models. Real-world applications included VR for rabies prevention training, disaster education simulations, and participatory metaverse visualizations.
Day 3 focused on emerging technologies such as AI and 6G in the metaverse, 3D face reconstruction, immersive virtual environments, and augmented reality for cultural learning. Conversations on inclusive immersive ecosystems—featuring virtual tourism, intelligent NPCs, and service-learning models—highlighted the expanding impact of immersive education. The symposium concluded with closing remarks from Prof. Dr. Eric Hawkinson, followed by exhibits and a guided tour.
For the whole three days, exhibits of projects and technologies were also showcased at the UPOU World Class Multimedia Production Building (soon to be named Digital Futures Hub). The exhibit included:
- Nephila Web Technology Inc.
- Rokid
- The KUFS Future Hub in Practice
- Sensible-VR
- Immersaver VR
- EduLab 360
- ISTaR / IOP Exhibits
- Japan Foundation
- Tempole Run
- International Council for Open and Distance Education
- Journal of Management and Development Studies
- International Journal of Open and Distance e-Learning
Through WILLS 2026, UPOU reaffirmed its commitment to advancing immersive innovation in open and distance e-learning, strengthening global partnerships for sustainable and transformative learning ecosystems.
Photos by Office of Public Affairs
Written by Anna Cañas-Llamas
Edited by Roberto Figueroa Jr.
