The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) and the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Hong Kong explored opportunities to strengthen access to higher education and lifelong learning for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and permanent residents during a courtesy call on 27 July 2026.
The UPOU delegation, composed of Chancellor Joane V. Serrano, Assistant Professor Raz Dela Torre, and Ms. Sydney Macahiya, met with Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr. and Vice Consul General Allan Revote to discuss UPOU’s programs and possible areas of collaboration that can respond to the educational and professional development needs of the Filipino community in Hong Kong.
Chancellor Serrano discusses the importance of UP VINTA in empowering OFWs.
Among the initiatives discussed was UP VINTA, which provides OFWs with a special admission lane for a faster and more streamlined application process. Through VINTA, OFWs can access UPOU’s online degree programs, free courses, and microcredentials that can help them develop new skills and strengthen their credentials while working abroad.
The discussions also covered potential learning opportunities for Filipinos with teaching backgrounds, including short professional learning courses and bridging programs for those who wish to refresh their knowledge, prepare for the Licensure Examination for Teachers, or pursue further studies. Opportunities for skills development in long-term care and financial literacy were also identified as possible areas for collaboration.
UPOU and the PCG also discussed the importance of developing targeted learning programs based on the needs of OFWs and their families, including opportunities that can support workers’ professional development while abroad and their eventual return to the Philippines.
Following the courtesy call, the UPOU delegation was given a tour of the Consulate’s offices and facilities, where they were introduced to the services and support available to Filipino nationals in Hong Kong. The tour provided an opportunity for the delegation to better understand the existing services for OFWs and identify areas where UPOU’s learning programs may complement the support already being provided by the PCG.
As part of the UP VINTA initiative, the UPOU delegation also conducted a lecture-workshop in partnership with Full Phils on 26 July, bringing together 40 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) for “LEVEL UP SI MARITES! Joining the Fight Against Fake News, Scams, and Malicious AI.” led by Asst. Prof. Dela Torre, the activity focused on helping participants become more critical and responsible users of social media and AI.
From left to right: Ms. Sydney Rovin Macahiya, Assistant Professor Raz Dela Torre, Chancellor Joane Serrano, Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr., and Vice Consul Allan Revote
The courtesy call forms part of UPOU’s continuing efforts to bring accessible and flexible learning opportunities closer to Filipinos overseas and to strengthen partnerships that support the continuing education and professional growth of OFWs.
Written by Sydney Rovin Macahiya | Edited by Primo G. Garcia and Anna Cañas-Llamas
