The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) and the UP Ventures for International and Transformative Academia (UP VINTA) were showcased in Facebook Live hosted by the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Kaohsiung, Taiwan on 09 May 2025, as part of its commitment to delivering accessible education to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families.
MECO Kaohsiung Director Atty. Ma. Karina B. Perida-Trayvilla and Ms. Janelle “Neena” Ebron, UPOU VINTA Coordinator in Kaohsiung, hosted the live broadcast on MECO’s official page.

(L-R): Ms. Janelle “Neena” Ebron, UPOU VINTA Coordinator in Kaohsiung and MECO Kaohsiung Director Atty. Ma. Karina B. Perida-Trayvilla
Ms. Ebron discussed how UP VINTA is a strategic program that enables Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their familie to continue their education while working. She also explained that this can serve as a bridge for OFWs to upgrade their professional skills or prepare for transition to new career paths, workforce reintegration, or setting up their own businesses upon their return to the Philippines.
Ms. Ebron shared about the MOOCs offered by UPOU and the UP VINTA Website.
Ms. Ebron discussed UPOU’s academic programs, which span from pre-baccalaureate to doctoral degrees, along with Microcredentials, Continuing Education Programs (CEPs), and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), which provide additional and flexible pathways for professional and personal advancement of OFWs.
Ms. Ebron discussed UPOU’s academic programs which span from pre-baccalaureate to doctoral degrees, along with Microcredentials, Continuing Education Programs (CEPs), and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) which provide additional and flexible pathways for professional and personal advancement of OFWs.

URL of UP VINTA’s Needs Assessment Survey for OFWs
She also announced the pilot testing of a hybrid training program in Kaohsiung, designed particularly for learners who wish to engage in online and face-to-face learning experiences. She also encouraged overseas Filipinos to participate in a short survey to help UPOU and the UP VINTA program Better understand their learning needs.
The University of the Philippines (UP) launched UP VINTA on 16 June 2024 with MECO in New Taipei City, Taiwan, coinciding with the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day and Migrant Workers Day.
For more information: https://upvinta.upou.edu.ph/.
Written by Dianne Cosinas ♦ Edited by Primo Garcia and Anna Cañas-Llamas ♦ Photo from MECO Facebook Live