Dean Reyes (center) presents UPOU’s token of appreciation to Atty. Bergado during the University’s visit to the Malaybalay City Government.
UP Open University (UPOU) paid a courtesy visit to the City Government of Malaybalay, Bukidnon on 22 June 2026 as part of its public service initiatives aimed at supporting the indigenous peoples of the Daraghuyan Ancestral Domain and other marginalized communities in the province.
The UPOU delegation was organized into three teams representing the University’s key initiatives. The Affirmative Action Program (AAP) team was led by Ugnayan ng Pahinungod UPOU Director Larry N. Cruz, together with Naomi Jane Unlayao, Iarra Mae Silva, Jezreel Cometa, Zia Carpio, and Reinald Dayson.
Asst. Prof. Benigno Agapito, Deputy Director of the UPOU Center for Open and Digital Teaching and Learning – Educational Media Production Unit, and his staff members, Alejandro Zamora and Allan Nuñez, for the cultural preservation team.
The Indigenous People Education team was composed of Faculty of Education Dean Dr. Charisse T. Reyes, alongside Dr. Myra C. Almodiel of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies, Asst. Prof. Ma. Carolina Bello and Asst. Prof. Edmerson Z. Calungsod of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies, and Ms. Anna Cañas-Llamas from the Office of Public Affairs.
Atty. Bergado, representing Mayor Pabillaran, joins (L-R) Asst. Prof. Bello, Dean Reyes, EnP Ray Bayo, Dir. Cruz, Assoc. Prof. Almodiel and Asst. Prof. Agapito at the Office of the Mayor of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
UPOU was welcomed by Atty. Anna Marie R. Bergado, City Administrator, on behalf of Hon. Jay Warren R. Pabillaran, Mayor of the City Government of Malaybalay, Bukidnon. She was joined by Mr. Perfecto Ray Bayo, City Urban Development and Housing Division Head and a UPOU alumnus.
During the meeting, Dean Reyes discussed the planned training needs assessment to be conducted among members of the Daraghuyan ancestral tribe. She also shared UPOU’s commitment to preserving the community’s cultural heritage through educational and documentation initiatives.
Meanwhile, Director Cruz presented the University’s Affirmative Action Program, which aims to assist marginalized and low-income students in Malaybalay by preparing them for the University of the Philippines admission process and supporting their transition to university life.
Expressing the city’s support for the initiative, Atty. Bergado welcomed UPOU’s efforts to reach underserved communities in the province. She also conveyed the City Government’s interest in working closely with the University to improve the lives of indigenous peoples and other marginalized groups through education, capacity building, and community development programs.
The courtesy visit marked the beginning of a collaborative partnership between UPOU and the City Government of Malaybalay in advancing inclusive education and public service. Through these initiatives, both institutions reaffirm their shared commitment to empowering communities, preserving cultural heritage, and expanding access to quality education for those who need it most.
Written and photos by Anna Cañas-Llamas | Edited by Primo G. Garcia
