(from left to right) Dr. Figueroa, Asst. Prof. Fukuda, Ms. Nagayama, Dean Serrano, Ms. Suarez, and Mr. Mangubat during the tree planting commemoration

(from left to right) Dr. Figueroa, Asst. Prof. Fukuda, Ms. Nagayama, Dean Serrano, Ms. Suarez, and Mr. Mangubat during the tree planting commemoration

Another commemorative tree planting ceremony was initiated by the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), in partnership with the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS), on 08 March 2024 at the FMDS Perma G.A.R.D.E.N (Growing Appreciation towards Resilience, Development, Entrepreneurship, and Nutrition). This historic initiative of planting a Philippine lime tree, or commonly known as calamansi in the Philippines, aims to promote the trans-pacific bridge opportunities for our students as collaborative projects between TUFS and the University of the Philippines (UP).

Dr. Joane Serrano, FMDS Dean, spearheaded the commemorative event together with Dr. Roberto Figueroa, Jr., UPOU’s Immersive Open Pedagogies (IOP) Program Director. Representing TUFS were Assistant Professor Aya Fukuda, Trans-Pacific Collaborative Online International Learning (TP-COIL) Coordinator, and Ms. Aikiko Nagayama. It was also attended by Mr. Lexter Mangubat, UPOU’s Center for Open and Digital Teaching and Learning (CODTL) Educational Media Production (EMP) Deputy Director, Ms. Margaret Suarez, UPOU’s Institutional Linkages Program Development Associate, and Ms. Maryjane Reondanga, FMDS Perma G.A.R.D.E.N. caretaker.

(from left to right) Dr. Figueroa, Dr. Serrano, Ms. Nagayama, Asst. Prof. Fukuda, Mr. Mangubat, and Ms. Suarez at the front of UPOU Main Building

(from left to right) Dr. Figueroa, Dr. Serrano, Ms. Nagayama, Asst. Prof. Fukuda, Mr. Mangubat, and Ms. Suarez at the front of UPOU Main Building

Following the ceremony, FMDS Dean Serrano accompanied the attendees for a quick tour around the FMDS Perma G.A.R.D.E.N and the UPOU premises.

Written by Raizza Anna Alforja ♦ Edited by Larry N. Cruz ♦ Cross-posted from FMDS Website

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AAOU 2025LOOK: UP Open University Chancellor, Joane V. Serrano, leads the team of 16 UPOU faculty and staff members in attending and presenting research studies the 38th Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU) Annual Conference in Beijing, China, held from 20-23 October 2025. Chancellor Serrano sits as a member of the AAOU Executive Committee, representing the Southeast Asian Region. UPOU also served as AAOU President from 2017-2019, during Former Chancellor Melinda Bandalaria’s term. Follow UPOU’s journey as we share insights, innovations, and research that advance open and distance education across Asia and beyond!Photos courtesy of Dr. Jean A. Saludadez#UPOpenUniversity#Research#ResearchandInnovation#Partnership#AAOU2025#SDG4#SDG17 ... See MoreSee Less
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