On 22 July 2026, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (OVCAA) conducted a Research Conversations session featuring three research papers on General Education (GE) following the UP Systemwide GE Conference in June 2026.
Held at the Audio-Visual Room in UPOU’s Headquarters in Los Banos, Laguna and streamed online, the session presented the studies of Asst. Prof. Ari Luis C. Halos, Asst. Prof. Maria Alicia A. Sarmiento, and Asst Prof. Leo Mendel D. Rosario. Their research addressed relevant GE concerns for UPOU, particularly student trajectories, Open Distance eLearning (ODeL), and sustainability competency integration.
Dr. Fontanilla delivering his opening message via Zoom
Dr. Leo Mendel Rosario, Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for Instruction, delivered the welcome remarks. Dr. Ian Kendrich C. Fontanilla, UP System Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs (for Faculty Development), shared the highlights of the recent UP Systemwide GE Conference.
Asst. Prof. Halos presents his study on student trajectories at UPOU, examining patterns of cross-enrolment, dropout, failure, and extension.
The first speaker, Asst. Prof. Halos, presented “Understanding Student Trajectories: A Statistical Examination of Cross-Enrolment, Dropout, Failure, and Extension Incidences at the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU).” The study examined the increase in enrollment in UPOU and compared the performances of cross-registered and regular UPOU students in GE+ courses, with results showing no significant difference between student passing rates.
Asst. Prof. Sarmiento presents her research on teaching creativity and criticality in Arts 1 through Open Distance eLearning via Zoom.
Following this presentation, Asst. Prof. Sarmiento discussed “Arts 1 at the Open University: Reflections on teaching creativity and criticality through Open Distance eLearning.” The study featured her reflections on teaching Arts 1 online and how redesigning the course cultivated students’ creativity and criticality. By incorporating craftwork and readings on art practices, it encouraged students to see the human dimensions of art beyond the use of digital tools.
Asst. Prof. Rosario presents “Curricular Mapping of UPOU General Education Courses for Sustainability Competency Integration”
For the final presentation, Asst. Prof. Rosario reported on “Curricular Mapping of UPOU General Education Courses for Sustainability Competency Integration.” While his study found the UPOU GE courses are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) framework, they lacked general sustainability competencies. He emphasized the need to incorporate sustainability across social, economic, and environmental dimensions into course learning outcomes and values formation.
Asst. Profs. Rosario and Halos joined by Asst. Prof. Sarmiento via Zoom, respond to questions
about their studies.
During the Question & Answer (Q&A) session that followed the presentations, participants raised the need to review how sustainability competencies can be integrated into GE courses. They also explored practical considerations in implementing sustainability and tailoring Arts 1 courses through flexible course design, screen-free learning approaches, and tutorial systems for assessment and student support.
Dr. Lacaste expresses appreciation to all participants and organizers of the event.
To close the event, Dr. Aurora V. Lacaste, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, expressed her gratitude to everyone who organized and participated in the event, particularly the presenters.
Dr. Lacaste said that the discussions have surfaced policy and teaching practices innovations that can be considered as part of enhancing the UPOU GE program. She also noted that the Research Conversations is not just a platform for presenting research results but also a driver for innovation, partnerships, and informed decision-making at the University.
The Research Conversations on UPOU GE Research was attended by 18 onsite participants and 33 virtual participants. It was hosted by Asst. Prof. Roda Tajon, Director of the Office of Student Affairs.
Written by Alexil Cheska Fajardo, Maria Allyza Apolonio, Taj Samuel Lagulao | Edited by Anna Cañas-Llamas and Primo Garcia | Photos by Dianne Cosinas
