The University of the Philippines (UP) officially launched the UP Ventures for Innovative Transnational Academia (UP VINTA) program in Hong Kong on 11 August 2024. The ceremony was held at the Bayanihan Center in Kennedy Town, Hong Kong SAR. This collaborative initiative between UP and international partners aims to universalize higher education by transcending geographical barriers.
The event featured the formal introduction of the UP VINTA Program by Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria, Chancellor of UP Open University. Messages of support were delivered by UP Vice President for Planning and Finance Iryn Y. Balmores, who represented UP President Atty. Angelo Jimenez, Philippine Vice Consul Allan G. Revote from the Hong Kong Consulate General, Chancellor Lyre Anni E. Murao of UP Mindanao, and Former Chancellor Carmencita D. Padilla of UP Manila. An open forum followed, led by Dr. Bandalaria, which fostered an insightful exchange of ideas. UPOU Office of Public Affairs Director, Dr. Myra C. Almodiel, and Assistant Professor Margaret J. Suarez, Program Development Associate for International Linkages, also participated in this event. A courtesy call with Consul General Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan was made at the Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong on 12 August 2024.
A significant highlight was the announcement of a new partnership with FULL Phils, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong through scholarships and online education.
This marked the fifth international launch of the UP VINTA program, following successful introductions in Japan, Thailand, Dubai, and Taiwan earlier this year. As one of the flagship initiatives of the UP System, UP VINTA embodies a commitment to transcending geographical borders and delivering UP quality education to OFWs and their families.
More details about this program can be found at the UP VINTA official website at https://upvinta.upou.edu.ph/.
Written by Lovelyn P. Petrasanta ♦ Edited by Myra C. Almodiel and Anna Cañas-Llamas ♦ Photo by Myra C. Almodiel
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