Representing UPOU during the ceremonial signing was Chancellor Dr. Joane V. Serrano, with Dr. Finaflor F. Taylan, Dean of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), serving as witness. Also present from UPOU were Asst. Prof. Remsce Pasahol, Program Chair of the Diploma in Land Use Planning (DLUP) program; Ms. Dona Lyn Piamonte, University Extension Associate II; and Ms. Sydney Rovin Macahiya, University Research Associate I, who joined to witness and support the event.
The event was likewise attended by key officials and representatives from DHSUD and partner professional organizations, including Undersecretary Architect-EnP Henry L. Yap; Assistant Secretary Mylene A. Rivera, EnP, CESO III; OIC-Director Ibani Padao; OIC-Assistant Director Ivan Sumilang; and Atty. Don Dieta of the DHSUD Legal Service.
The MOU was signed during the Planners’ Network Launch on 10 September 2025 in Quezon City. It establishes a collaborative framework between UPOU and DHSUD to develop and deliver Microcredentials, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), and Continuing Education Programs (CEPs) focusing on housing, human settlements, and urban development.
Through this partnership, UPOU’s innovative open and distance e-learning platforms — MODeL (Massive Open Distance e-Learning) and ASCEND (Advanced Skills and Competencies for Employability and Lifelong Learning Development) — will be utilized as venues for professional development, lifelong learning, and knowledge sharing. These programs aim to empower Local Government Units (LGUs), urban planners, and other key stakeholders in building sustainable, resilient, and inclusive communities.
In her message during the signing ceremony, Chancellor Joane V. Serrano emphasized that the collaboration reflects a shared vision of empowering development practitioners through education, innovation, and collaboration.
“Through the signing of this MOU, DHSUD and UPOU embark on a joint initiative to design and deliver flexible, accessible, and inclusive learning programs responsive to the needs of planners, LGU technical staff, and other key stakeholders,” Dr. Serrano said.
“We at UPOU are honored and excited to be part of this partnership. As the pioneer in open and distance e-learning, we commit to contributing our platforms, expertise, and innovative approaches to empower those at the frontlines of planning and development,” she added.
Dr. Serrano also highlighted that this partnership supports DHSUD’s PLANADO Program and the establishment of the Planners’ Network, a national platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building among planners and practitioners in both the public and private sectors.
“May today mark the beginning of more initiatives that will not only strengthen the profession of planning but also help build better, safer, and more resilient spaces for our people,” she concluded.
This collaboration underscores UPOU’s and DHSUD’s shared commitment to advancing accessible, high-quality education and professional training. By combining UPOU’s expertise in open and distance e-learning with DHSUD’s leadership in urban development, the partnership envisions a future where informed and capable planners lead the way toward smart, sustainable, and inclusive urban growth in the Philippines.
This initiative is also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Written by Dona Lyn M. Piamonte • Edited by Larry N. Cruz
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