The University of the Philippines Ventures for International and Transformative Academia (UP VINTA) and Home 2 Taiwan (H2TW) recently participated in the Sunshine Vibe Fest 2026 held on 6-8 March 2026 at Central Park, Qianjin District, Kaohsiung City. Organized by the Kaohsiung City Government, the three-day festival aimed to foster international friendship and cross-cultural understanding, celebrating the diverse connections among Taiwan, the U.S., Japan, the Philippines, and Thailand through music, food, and sports.
Day 1 of UP VINTA and Home 2 Taiwan (H2TW) participation at the Sunshine Vibe Fest 2026. In photos are Atty. Karina Perida-Trayvilla, Mr. Francis Eugenio, and Ms. Chishu Chang from Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) and Ms. Janelle Ebron from UP VINTA/H2TW.
A key highlight of this initiative is bringing UP Open University’s (UPOU) free Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and various academic programs directly to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and students. This is especially timely as UPOU develops its Semiconductor Microcredential Courses in partnership with Taiwan-based universities and local industry partners. These courses are slated for an official launch in May 2026 in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
On the final day of the event, UP VINTA’s Kaohsiung Coordinator, Ms. Janelle Ebron, participated in a meeting convened by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Kaohsiung. The meeting gathered key community leaders and representatives to discuss initiatives and collaborations. Among the announcements were the upcoming OWWA Caravan in Kaohsiung and several community events and celebrations aimed at bringing together the Filipino community in Southern Taiwan.
Meeting with DMW, OWWA, and MECO, together with Filipino community leaders and representatives during Day 3.
The festival also served as the launchpad for H2TW’s “The Most Important People (TMIP)” campaign. The campaign complements the ongoing efforts of UPOU and UP VINTA, which focus on education, upskilling, and reskilling for the Filipino community abroad, in collaboration with Lai Pen Yuan Cultural Foundation, Kaohsiung Medical University’s Namasia Project, and Bayanihan Lab Network. Proceeds from this fundraising initiative will support programs and services engaging OFWs and Filipino students in Taiwan.
Festival visitors view the free photo exhibition featuring H2TW volunteers Ms. Lucie Kulhánková and Mr. Patrick Tyson as part of the “The Most Important People” campaign launching.
Several members of TeamSnapCrew, composed of photographers and factory workers, also expressed interest in enrolling in the courses being developed, emphasizing the growing demand for accessible learning opportunities among Filipino workers in Taiwan.
TeamSnapCrew members- Ms. Christine Echon, Ms. Cristina Arales, and Ms. Marilou Ramos expressing interests in UPOU and H2TW programs during Day 2.
Get In Touch With Us
The UP VINTA IUSR Office is located on the 11th Floor of the First Teaching Building at Kaohsiung Medical University.
- Book an appointment every Wednesdays and Fridays: url.upou.edu.ph/iusrvintabookings
- Email inquiries: Ms. Janelle (Neena) Ebron ([email protected])
- Learn more about Home 2 Taiwan and its TMIP campaign: home2tw.org ([email protected])
Written by and photos by Janelle Ebron | Edited by LJ Saludadez and Anna Cañas-Llamas
