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UPOU Students Explore Digital Activism Through Online Rally

2025-10-24T14:25:39+08:00

Placards denouncing corruption, political dynasties, and budget cuts in education were being waved. It was a protest not on the streets but on an online platform. The days of digital student activism have arrived. On 17 October 2025, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) University Student Council (USC) organized in-game marches to denounce corruption and call for free, quality, nationalist education.  Where it All Happened The virtual rally took place on Roblox, an online gaming platform that also allows users to make spaces and events that reflect social issues.  “Yes, it's a gaming platform, although its experiences are [...]

UPOU Students Explore Digital Activism Through Online Rally2025-10-24T14:25:39+08:00

The Gender Divide in Academic Research

2025-10-09T16:40:58+08:00

Today, universities are expected not only to teach but also to generate knowledge through research. Studies indicate that research enables universities not only to generate new knowledge but also to tackle pressing societal problems and ground their teaching in real-world situations. Research productivity in most developing countries is still low despite institutional support. The Philippines ranked sixth out of the 10 ASEAN members in terms of journal publications. A shortage of researchers and financial resources are major factors behind low research productivity in the Global South.  While academics require funding, dedicated research time, career incentives, and supportive mentoring and training [...]

The Gender Divide in Academic Research2025-10-09T16:40:58+08:00

UPOU DLUP Alumna Ranks Third in August 2025 EPLE

2025-10-08T14:54:47+08:00

Maria Elena J. Sumisim, Project Evaluation Officer IV at the Provincial Planning and Development Office of the Provincial Government of Isabela, achieved an outstanding feat by ranking Top 3 in the August 2025 Environmental Planning Licensure Examination (EPLE). A graduate of the Diploma in Land Use Planning (DLUP) program of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), Ms. Sumisim credits her success to hard work, faith, and the strong support of her mentors, peers, and family. Maria Elena J. Sumisim, UPOU DLUP Alumna and Top 3 in the August 2025 EPLE Ms. Sumisim vividly recalls how she [...]

UPOU DLUP Alumna Ranks Third in August 2025 EPLE2025-10-08T14:54:47+08:00

From Environmental Information to Life Saving Decisions

2026-04-14T07:57:21+08:00

On 28 September, the world observes the International Day for Universal Access to Information with the theme “Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age.” We asked Dr. Ricardo Bagarinao, Professor and Chair of the Doctor of Sustainability program, to share his insights on how accessible environmental information can help tackle today’s major natural and human-made challenges. In the middle of December of 2011, Typhoon Sendong traversed the Northern Mindanao region and eventually struck Cagayan de Oro. It was considered a mild tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 100 km/hour. What made it devastating, though, was the volume [...]

From Environmental Information to Life Saving Decisions2026-04-14T07:57:21+08:00

Cinema as Catalyst for Peace

2026-04-14T07:57:34+08:00

In observance of the International Day of Peace and the UP Day of Remembrance on 21 September 2025, we share faculty members’ perspectives on peace —  its importance and how it shapes their work. In this piece, Assistant Professor Benigno B. Agapito Jr. of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies shares his insights on the power of film in sparking discussions on addressing challenges to genuine peace. In the closing scene of the Mike de Leon film Sister Stella L, the character played by actress Vilma Santos, with the camera fixed on her face, delivers these lines: “May [...]

Cinema as Catalyst for Peace2026-04-14T07:57:34+08:00

Teaching Students the True Meaning of Peace

2026-04-14T07:57:48+08:00

In observance of the International Day of Peace and the UP Day of Remembrance on 21 September 2025, we share faculty members’ perspectives on peace —  its importance and how it shapes their work. In this piece, Associate Professor Aleta Villanueva of the UPOU Faculty of Education shares her insights on how peace can be taught to students. When we talk about peace, it is often associated with the absence of war or conflict. Among older Filipinos, “peacetime” was used to describe such a period. It specifically refers to the period before the outbreak of the Second World War, [...]

Teaching Students the True Meaning of Peace2026-04-14T07:57:48+08:00

UPOU Graduate Tops August 2025 Environmental Planners Licensure Exam

2025-10-01T14:37:21+08:00

Ms. Irel Fortugaleza Manansala, a graduate of the Diploma in Land Use Planning (DLUP) from UP Open University (UPOU) topped the Environmental Planners Licensure Examination in August 2025 as announced by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on 22 August 2025. UPOU also ranked first among the top-performing schools, garnering an average passing rate of 98.36 percent. Ma. Elena J. Sumisim, another UPOU alumna, ranked third. Ms. Manansala, who is a Development Management Officer IV at the Bayawan City Planning and Development Office in Negros Oriental, shared her reaction upon receiving the news: “At about 10 pm, someone finally announced that [...]

UPOU Graduate Tops August 2025 Environmental Planners Licensure Exam2025-10-01T14:37:21+08:00

Helping Communities Connect with Nature: The Research of Prof. Ricardo Bagarinao

2026-04-14T07:57:57+08:00

Before Typhoon Yolanda devastated Leyte in 2013, there was Typhoon Uring, which caused a massive flash flood in Ormoc City and nearby areas, claiming 4000 lives. One of the families that fell victim to this massive natural disaster was that of a young Ricardo Bagarinao.  From that teenager in Ormoc, Dr. Bagarinao has grown to become one of the foremost experts in sustainability and environmental studies in the country. He is currently a Professor under the PhD in Education (Biology) at the Faculty of Education (FEd) of UP Open University (UPOU) and Program Chair of the Doctor of Sustainability program [...]

Helping Communities Connect with Nature: The Research of Prof. Ricardo Bagarinao2026-04-14T07:57:57+08:00

UP VINTA: Bringing UP Education to Filipinos Abroad

2025-07-15T15:19:09+08:00

Almost every Filipino has a family member or friend working abroad --- whether as a professional, machine operator, sales worker, caregiver, or domestic helper. And every family that an OFW supports is one less Filipino household in need.  According to the Philippines Statistics Authority, the number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as of 2023 was recorded at 2.16 million. Their remittances from OFWs amounted to ₱238.63 billion, underscoring their vital contribution to the Philippine economy. Every OFW who earns more creates a ripple effect that benefits not only their families but also the rest of the country.  But how [...]

UP VINTA: Bringing UP Education to Filipinos Abroad2025-07-15T15:19:09+08:00

Advancing Regional Learning through Collaboration: Meet Open University 5 (OU5)

2025-05-16T15:07:27+08:00

As the demand for accessible, high-quality education continues to grow, Open University 5 (OU5) stands at the forefront of a transformative shift in learning. Designed to meet the evolving needs of students, professionals, and lifelong learners, OU5 is a group of 5 five open universities in Southeast Asia built on a foundation of inclusivity, innovation, and academic excellence. With a flexible curriculum, cutting-edge digital platforms, and a commitment to empowering individuals regardless of location or background, OU5 redefines what it means to pursue higher education. Through its dynamic approach, the university fosters a learning environment where knowledge is not [...]

Advancing Regional Learning through Collaboration: Meet Open University 5 (OU5)2025-05-16T15:07:27+08:00
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