Asst. Prof. Ria Valerie Cabanes, Director of the Quality Assurance Office, presents the basic concepts on microcredentials during the Strategic Planning and Innovation Workshop for Agriculture Higher Education Programs at Sorsogon State University. Photo from SUC-ACAP, Inc.
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) shared its expertise in flexible and lifelong learning during the Strategic Planning and Innovation Workshop for Agriculture Higher Education Programs, held on 9-11 July 2026 at Sorsogon State University.
The three-day workshop brought together presidents, deans, program chairs, faculty members, curriculum developers, research and extension coordinators, and licensure examination coordinators from state universities and colleges (SUCs) across the country to discuss strategic directions and innovative approaches for strengthening agriculture higher education in the Philippines.
Representing UPOU, Asst. Prof. Ria Valerie D. Cabanes, Director of the Quality Assurance Office, served as the resource person for Topic 3: Integration of Microcredential Programs during the second day of the workshop. Invited to share UPOU’s experience in open and distance e-learning, digital education, and lifelong learning, Cabanes highlighted the University’s experience in integrating microcredentials as flexible learning pathways that complement existing academic programs.
During the session, Cabanes discussed how microcredentials can support lifelong learning, upskilling, and reskilling by recognizing specific competencies through shorter, stackable learning experiences.
She also emphasized the importance of aligning microcredential offerings with institutional quality assurance systems, national qualifications frameworks, and emerging agricultural higher education policies, and the need to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure that such programs remain credible, transferable, and responsive to workforce needs.
The lecture was followed by a Microcredential Design Lab and a Question-and-Answer session, where participants explored how the concepts could be applied within their respective institutions.
Participants listen to the presentation of Asst. Prof. Cabanes on the types of microcredentials at the Strategic Planning and Innovation Workshop for Agriculture Higher Education Programs. Photo from SUC-ACAP, Inc.
The workshop, organized by State Universities and Colleges – Association of Colleges of Agriculture in the Philippines, Inc. (SUC-ACAP, Inc.), featured sessions on the proposed five-year roadmap for agriculture higher education, future-proofing agriculture education programs, integration of microcredentials, strategies for improving ALE Passing Rate, commercialization of agricultural products, and strategic action planning. Participants also engaged in collaborative workshop activities that culminated in the presentation and validation of institutional action plans.
The activity provided an opportunity for UPOU to contribute to national discussions on curriculum innovation and flexible learning in agriculture higher education while exchanging ideas with SUC-ACAP Inc. member institutions.
The engagement also strengthened collaboration among participating institutions in exploring quality-assured approaches to lifelong learning and the continuing development of agriculture education programs.
Written by Ria Valeria D. Cabanes and Maelyn V. Pisueña | Edited by Primo G. Garcia| Photo by SUC-ACAP, Inc.
