UPOU Chancellor Joane Serrano with FEd Dean Charisse Reyes networking with
The Japan Foundation, Manila and The Japan Foundation officials.
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) formally launched its Continuing Education Program (CEPs) short courses on Japanese Language Teaching (JLT) on 18 June 2026 at the AVR, UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, with live participation online.
The Japanese Language Teaching (JLT) Series is a set of short courses designed to professionalize Japanese language education by promoting a task-based communicative approach and equipping educators with competencies in reflective teaching, instructional design, digital material development, and Filipino–Japanese intercultural understanding.
This significant milestone was celebrated alongside the 30th anniversary of The Japan Foundation, Manila. Led by the Faculty of Education in partnership with The Japan Foundation, Manila and The Japan Foundation, the launching brought together educators and partners in advancing accessible, meaningful, and culturally grounded language education. The program reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Japanese language teaching in the Philippines while deepening cross-cultural understanding.
UPOU Chancellor Joane Serrano delivers her opening remarks.
UPOU Chancellor Joane Serrano, in her message, highlighted how education serves as a bridge that connects people and cultures beyond borders, emphasizing that learning should reach learners where they are. She underscored that Japanese language education goes beyond grammar and vocabulary; it is also about culture, relationships, and understanding different ways of life.
The Japan Foundation President Kurosawa “Billy” Shinya during his message of partnership and support.
The Japan Foundation President Kurosawa “Billy” Shinya, in his message, marked the significance of the initiative in the context of 70 years of Philippines–Japan friendship, emphasizing sustainability, collaboration, and shared expertise in language education. He emphasized that the initiative is not building courses only, but a community dedicated to advancing language and culture.
Meanwhile, academic discussions enriched the program with insights on second language teaching and Japanese language education, highlighting how language learning expands perspectives, preserves culture, and deepens understanding of diverse ways of being.
Associate Professor Jayson Petras of the Department of Filipino and Panitikan ng Pilipinas, College of Arts and Letters, University of the Philippines Diliman, delivered a talk titled “Widening Cultural Perspectives: Teaching a Second Language.” Drawing from his experiences as both a language teacher and learner, he explained that language serves as an expression, representation, repository, and vehicle of culture. He also emphasized that learning a new language should not require abandoning one’s primary language.
Assistant Professor Ria Rafael of the Department of Linguistics, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, UP Diliman, delivered a presentation titled “Japanese Language for Filipinos.” She discussed the current landscape of Japanese Language Education (JLE) and shared insights from her experiences as both a teacher and learner.
Professor Juliet Aleta R. Villanueva, Program Development Associate of the Faculty of Education for the Continuing Education Program, introduced the CEP Short Courses on Japanese Language . The presentation outlined the objectives and offerings of the short courses, followed by the official launching video.
Officials of UP Open University, The Japan Foundation, and The Japan Foundation, Manila during the launching event of JLT Courses.
In his message of commitment, Director Ben Suzuki of The Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) reaffirmed the organization’s strong support for the partnership and the continuing education program. He emphasized that JFM highly prioritizes the initiative and is committed to ensuring its sustainability and long-term development. Concluding his message, Suzuki called for continued collaboration among stakeholders, stressing that “sama-sama tayo” in preparing and empowering the next generation of learners.
Through this initiative, UPOU and its partners reaffirm their commitment to promoting lifelong learning, strengthening Japanese language education in the Philippines, and fostering greater cultural understanding between Filipinos and Japanese communities.
The launch of the CEP Short Courses on Japanese Language Teaching embodies the spirit of Mirai no Manabi—learning for the future—and demonstrates the power of collaboration in building inclusive and transformative educational opportunities.
Written by Marinela Hernandez| Edited by Primo Garcia | Photos by Dianne Cosinas
