The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) marked a new leadership term as Chancellor Joane V. Serrano formally introduced the incoming university administration during the Chancellorship turnover rites held on 28 February 2025 at the International Convention Center, UPOU Headquarters.
In her acceptance speech, Chancellor Serrano emphasized the crucial role of her team in realizing UPOU’s mission. “Their leadership, expertise, and commitment will be instrumental in advancing our vision of a transformative university of the future,” she said.
Chancellor Serrano introduced the deans of UPOU’s three faculties of study: Dr. Charisse Reyes as Dean of the Faculty of Education, Dr. Roberto Figueroa as the incoming Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies, and Dr. Finaflor Taylan as the incoming Dean of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies.
Leading the university’s academic affairs, Dr. Aurora Lacaste has been named Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (VCAA), with Dr. Leo Mendel Rosario as Assistant to the VCAA for Instruction and Dr. Myra Oruga as Assistant to the VCAA for Research.
Asst. Prof. Blancaflor Ariada will serve as University Registrar effective 1 August 2025. Asst. Prof. Roda Tajon will oversee student support as Director of the Office of Student Affairs, while Mr. Joel Ocier shall remain as the University’s Librarian.
Dr. Juvy Lizette Gervacio will head the Center for Open and Digital Teaching and Learning (CODTL), also serving as Deputy Director for Learning Design. Supporting CODTL are Dr. Benigno Agapito, Jr. as Deputy Director for Educational Media Production and Dr. Juliet Aleta Villanueva as Deputy Director for Open and Digital Learning Research.
In the finance and administration sector, Dr. Jean Saludadez has been re-appointed Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration (VCFA). Mr. John Benvers Malabanan will still lead the Accounting Office, while Mr. Michael Lagaya will head both the Cash Office and the Human Resources Development Office (HRDO), supported by Ms. Rosemarie Aquino as Assistant to the Cash Officer and Mr. Larry Cruz as Assistant to the HRDO. Other key offices include the Campus Development and Maintenance Office under Ms. Vicki Belegal and the Supplies and Property Management Office under Ms. Rhonna Marie Verena.
Working under the Office of the Chancellor, Dr. Primo Garcia has been appointed as the Assistant to the Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives, while Dr. Ria Mae Borromeo will serve as the Assistant to the Chancellor for Institutional Analytics and Insights. Supporting the Chancellor’s Office as Executive Assistant is Ms. Yasele Irene Angela Yambao.
Dr. Primo Garcia will also serve as Director of the Office of Public Affairs, with Ms. Anna Cañas-Llamas as Assistant to the Director. Dr. Rein Pugoy has been appointed Director of the Information and Communication Technology Development Office, while Dr. Maria Lourdes Jarabe will lead the Office of Gender Concerns. Mr. Larry Cruz will direct the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, and Asst. Prof. Ria Valerie Cabanes will head the Quality Assurance Office.
Atty. Maria Ofelia Leaño remains as the University Legal Counsel, while Ms. Amalia Perez as the head of the Budget Office. Additionally, Dr. Ricardo Bagarinao has been designated as Program Development Associate (PDA) for the proposed Sustainability Office, while Mr. Remsce Pasahol will serve as PDA for Institutional Linkages.
The Chancellor expressed her trust that everyone will extend their full support and cooperation as they work together with the new heads of offices to continue advancing UPOU’s mission. “May we propel UPOU to even greater heights as a transformative university of the future,” she said.
Written by Primo G. Garcia ♦ Photos by Anna Mhari Duria, Marinela Hernandez and Dianne Cosinas
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