The University of the Philippines (UP) System, through the Office of the Vice President for Digital Transformation (OVP Dx) serving as the Secretariat, convened the Roundtable Discussion on Microcredential Standards and Frameworks in the Philippines, the first in a series of initiatives led by the Technical Working Group (TWG) on Microcredentials. The TWG is co-chaired by UP Open University (UPOU) Chancellor, Dr. Joane V. Serrano.
Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria delivered the welcome remarks.
The program opened with remarks from Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria, Member of the TWG on Microcredentials, who emphasized the importance of establishing shared national standards to support the country’s growing microcredential ecosystem.
Chancellor Joane V. Serrano provided an overview of global and ASEAN developments in microcredentialing
Chancellor Serrano delivered a scene-setting presentation, providing an overview of global and ASEAN developments in microcredentialing and highlighting emerging trends shaping international policy directions. Her presentation laid the foundation for discussions on harmonizing microcredential practices in the Philippines and exploring the creation of a National Consortium on Microcredentials.
To prepare for the discussions, the organizing committee conducted a pre-assessment survey to gauge participants’ familiarity with microcredentials and document ongoing initiatives across institutions and sectors. The majority of participants (58.1%) reported being somewhat familiar with the concept of microcredentials, while 35.5% indicated they were very familiar. The remaining participants had heard of microcredentials but were unsure of their meaning, and none reported being completely unfamiliar with them. This prior understanding contributed to the smooth flow of the roundtable discussion.
Chancellor Serrano with the participants during the breakout session.
Participants were then divided into four breakout sessions, representing key stakeholder groups: industry partners and professional organizations, government agencies, academic institutions, and accrediting institutions. Each group shared sector- and institutional-specific frameworks and policies, as well as challenges, opportunities, and priorities, contributing insights that will help shape a unified national microcredential framework.
The roundtable concluded with forward-looking sessions on the development and implementation of the Philippine Microcredential Framework. Participants collaborated on finalizing the consortium structure, defining its value proposition, and outlining policy recommendations.
UPOU and the UP System reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the country’s microcredential ecosystem, highlighting that this roundtable marks the first of many collaborative initiatives toward building a robust, future-ready framework that supports lifelong learning and national development.
Written by Sydney Rovin Macahiya | Edited by Anna Cañas-Llamas | Photos by Anna Mhari Duria
