Bridging the Digital Divide with the Barangay Digital Transformation Hubs

The University of the Philippines Open University Faculty of Management and Development Studies (UPOU FMDS) spearheaded the turnover ceremony for digital transformation hubs in Laguna barangays on 1 July 2024 to mark a new initiative in developing barangay digital transformation hubs. This project is a collaborative effort between UPOU FMDS, Concentrix, Public Employment Service (PESO) Laguna, and four participating barangays in Laguna: Brgy. Cansuso, Cavinti; Brgy. San Vicente, San Pedro; Brgy. Maahas, Los Baños; and Brgy. Sto. Domingo, Bay.

The ceremony was a testament to the unwavering commitment of the partner institutions, as they signed a memorandum of understanding to bridge the digital divide in these communities. UPOU Chancellor Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria emphasized the importance of making digital literacy a common goal, describing the initiative as a model framework to address this challenge.

Representatives from Concentrix and PESO Laguna echoed this sentiment. Mr. Alnard Pagulayan, leader-talent delivery of Concentrix, highlighted their selection process, emphasizing their confidence in Laguna’s ability to execute the initiative successfully. Ms. Mary Jane Banasihan, manager of PESO Laguna, shared the project’s origins, which began with informal discussions and underscored PESO’s commitment to providing assistance, partnerships, and opportunities beyond job fairs.

Dr. Joane Serrano, Dean of FMDS, closed the program by reiterating the initiative’s core objective: to equip barangays, particularly those in remote areas, with technological tools to enhance their efficiency in serving their constituents. This project serves as a significant step towards a more digitally inclusive Laguna.

Written by Zyrene Edrei Villanueva ♦ Edited by Myra C. Almodiel and Anna Cañas-Llamas

Sustainable Development Goals

#UPOpenUniversity

UP Open University (UPOU)

2 hours ago

The 7th AAWS Congress officially kicked off today!The 7th Asian Association of Women’s Studies (AAWS) Congress 2025 officially opened today, 6 November 2025, both online via Zoom, and onsite at the CCDL Auditorium, UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna.With the theme “Empower, Sustain, and Democratize: Asian Women’s Journey at the Intersection of Change,” the congress gathered members of AAWS, UPOU constituents, and distinguished guests in a meaningful celebration of women’s scholarship and advocacy across Asia.During the opening ceremony, UPOU Chancellor and Professor, Dr. Joane Serrano, welcomed the participants and stated that the “AAWS Congress Invites us to reflect on our current realities and to imagine together what are the just, equitable, and sustainable future can lead life.” Chancellor Serrano then formally declared the opening of the 7th AAWS Congress 2025.Hon. Leila de Lima, Mamamayang Liberal Partylist Representative from the House of Representatives, delivered the keynote address, She shared the story of her detention, her separation from her family and the lessons and realizations she learned while in seclusion, especially as a woman in relation to empowerment, democratization and sustainability. “How do we empower? We begin by seeing women whose stories reach public records.” “Asian women do not merely stand still. We move systems, we move history. We move the future toward justice. ”Assoc. Prof. Finaflor Taylan, DProfSt, RSW, Dean of the UPOU Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) and President of AAWS, presented the conference rationale titled “Dissecting Women and Feminist Discourses through the AAWS Congress.” “This congress not only reflect on change but to live it...not just in Asia but all over the world.”To mark another milestone in collaboration, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing between UPOU and AAWS was held, to formalize the partnership.#7thAAWSCongress2025 #AAWS #UPOU #FMDS #OGC #EmpowerSustainDemocratize #AsianFeminisms #WomenLeadChange #SDG4 #SDG5 #SDG16 #SDG17 ... See MoreSee Less

View on Facebook