UPOU QAO Director Ria Valerie Cabanes facilitates benchmarking with delegates from DLS-CSB led by Innovation Manager Jhoann Tandoc.
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) welcomed representatives from De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) for a benchmarking activity on 22 September 2026 at the Pook Ugnayan, UPOU Community Hub. The activity focused on UPOU’s innovation framework and programs, particularly the UPOU ASCEND (Alternative System for Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning via Non-Formal and Digital Tracks) Program.
The benchmarking discussion provided an opportunity to share UPOU’s practices in developing and implementing projects, research initiatives, and programs aligned with the University’s mandate and institutional thrusts.
UPOU Quality Assurance Office (QAO) Director Ria Valerie Cabanes facilitated the discussion with the DLS-CSB delegates, namely Jhoann Tandoc, Innovation Manager; May Flor Artagame; Charlene Mariano; and Joel de la Cruz, Innovation Specialist.
UPOU QAO Director Cabanes shared that project and initiative ideas may come from various members of the University community. The discussion also covered UPOU’s approach to developing and implementing microcredentials, including benchmarking practices to ensure that courses respond to industry needs. The development of instructional materials is supported by a Quality Circle composed of specialists in subject matter, review, language editing, multimedia, instructional design, gender, and accessibility.
The benchmarking activity also explored how UPOU evaluates the effectiveness of its programs and systems. Among the approaches discussed were pilot testing and feedback surveys, which provide opportunities for the University to gather inputs from users and stakeholders and use these insights to further improve its programs and processes.
UPOU and DLS-CSB delegates (from left to right): UPOU QAO Staff Maelyn Pisueña; UPOU QAO Director Ria Valerie Cabanes; DLS-CSB Innovation Specialists Joel de la Cruz, May Flor Artagame, and Charlene Mariano; and DLS-CSB Innovation Manager Jhoann Tandoc.
These initiatives support UPOU’s mandate and mission to assist other higher education institutions in implementing open and distance e-learning programs, as provided under Republic Act No. 10650, or the Open and Distance Learning Act.
Through benchmarking activities such as this, UPOU continues to facilitate the exchange of institutional practices and experiences with other higher education institutions. These engagements contribute to the continuous improvement of programs and systems supporting innovation, lifelong learning, and open and distance education.
The online meeting for the Diploma in Research and Development Management (DR&DM) program review with Director Cabanes, Ms. Camalate, and Prof. Nina M. Cadiz as the Lead External Reviewer.
As part of the orientation, the meetings covered key logistical and operational arrangements for the upcoming EQR, including transportation and accommodation, food arrangements, venues, and the review itinerary. These discussions were intended to help ensure that the reviewers are familiar with the arrangements and activities leading to and throughout the three-day review.
The orientation also provided an overview of UPOU’s Open and Distance e-Learning (ODeL) framework, including its legal mandate, distance education pedagogy, learning technologies, and online infrastructure. It highlighted the University’s commitment to access, equity, and quality, as demonstrated through its quality assurance policies, national and international benchmarking initiatives, and data-driven and evidence-based practices.
Written and photos by Marinela Hernandez | Edited by Primo Garcia
