UP Open University (UPOU) Doctor of Communication (DComm) Alumnus, Reynaldo Gacho Segumpan, presented his dissertation in Sydney, Australia during the Australia and New Zealand Business, Law and Social Science Conference on August 18-20, 2017. Mr. Segumpan's dissertation, entitled "Understanding Mediated Intercultural Communication: An Ethnomethodological Study of Social Media Engagement Practices of Asian Expatriates," was completed under the advisory of Dr. Jean A. Saludadez. His research explored what the Asian expatriates' practices are when they engage in mediated intercultural communication. Three themes emerged as a result of his study -- social media engagement as everyday practice, social media engagement as a [...]

"I hope that in the future, we attempt to open and offer ourselves – our knowledge, abilities, and skills – to our country and even to the world – an actualization of Oblation's selfless offering of oneself to humanity." Reflecting upon the value and essence of 'openness' and how it allows achieving academic success was the quintessence of this year's valedictory address. Mr. Ericson Peñalba, the top graduate of the Masters in Development Communication (MDC) from the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS), delivered his valedictory address during the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) 21st Commencement Exercises [...]

Twenty-five research papers on open and distance eLearning (ODeL) authored by UP Open University (UPOU) faculty members; research, extension and professional staff (REPS); administrative employees, and research assistants were presented in the 31st Annual Conference of the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU). Two of these research papers were given Young Innovators Awards. Assistant Professors Reinald Adrian Pugoy and Mari Anjeli Lubrica-Crisanto, faculty members of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS), each received a Silver Medal for their respective research papers. Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria, as the UPOU Chancellor and AAOU President, led the UPOU delegation composed [...]

Assistant Professor Rameses De Jesus was appointed as Officer-in-Charge (OIC)-Director of the UP Open University Office of Gender Concerns (OGC) effective 25 August 2017. He replaced Asst. Prof. Finaflor Taylan as Director of the OGC who is currently on study leave for her PhD degree. A faculty member of the Faculty of Education, Asst. Prof. De Jesus teaches courses on basic guidance and counseling, gender and society, and communication skills for the undergraduate programs and professional teaching certification program of UPOU. He previously served as OIC-Director of the OGC in the first quarter of 2017. Asst. Prof. De Jesus has [...]

"Philippine Education in the Age of Openness" will be the overarching theme of the 5th National Conference on Open and Distance eLearning (NCODEL). The two-day event will be joined by local and international speakers who will share concepts, principles, and methodologies of and recent trends in open and distance elearning (ODeL).One of the plenary speakers in the conference is Atty. Michael Vernon Guerrero who will impart his knowledge during the 3rd plenary session tackling Open Education: Philippine Initiatives (MOOCs and OERs). He will be joined by two other speakers, Dr. Melinda dela Pena Bandalaria, Chancellor of UP Open University, and [...]

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) spearheads the 5th National Conference on Open and Distance eLearning (NCODeL) which will be held at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Manila, Philippines from November 22-23, 2017. The event will feature lectures and workshops from inspiring, brilliant, and renowned practitioners from the field of open and distance e-learning (ODeL).One of the event speakers who will share her skills and knowledge from her years of experience in the field of eLearning in Technical and Vocational Institutions (TVIs) is Ms. Ma. Susan Dela Rama. Since 2012, she has been the project manager of eTESDA, an [...]

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) was adjudged as the Most Colorful Delegation at the 2017 Bañamos Civic Parade. Dr. Joane V. Serrano, Director of the Information Office and the Multimedia Center, and Asst. Prof. Aurora Lacaste, the University Registrar, led the more than 100 men and women UPOU delegation. The parade held on 15 September 2017, was one of the activities held for the week-long celebration of the 402nd Founding Anniversary of Los Baños and the 16th Bañamos Festival. The theme of the celebration was "Mananatiling Matatag sa Hamon ng Makabagong Panahon." The Bañamos Civic Parade was [...]