L-R: Dr. Finaflor Taylan, Dr. Joane V. Serrano, Mayor Vico Sotto and Ms. Elvira Flores during the siging of agreement between UPOU and the city of Pasig. (Photo by Dona Lyn Piamonte)
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) and the City Government of Pasig officially formalized their partnership today through the ceremonial signing of the Pasig Employee LEADS: A Scholarship Program for Lifelong Education and Development Success. The event was held on 27 November 2025 at the People’s Hall in Pasig City, which gathered key leaders from both institutions in a shared commitment to empower Pasig’s public servants through lifelong learning.
Representing UPOU was Chancellor Joane V. Serrano, who delivered a message underscoring the transformative role of education in public service and good governance. She expressed her gratitude to Pasig Mayor, Hon. Victor Ma. Regis “Vico” N. Sotto and Ms. Elvira R. Flores, Head of the Human Resource Development Office of Pasig City, for championing the partnership and recognizing education as a critical foundation of an inclusive, compassionate, and forward-looking government.
Also in attendance were UPOU officials: Dean Finaflor F. Taylan, Faculty of Management and Development Studies; Director Roda Tajon, Office of Student Affairs, University Registrar Asst. Prof. Blancaflor Arada, and UPOU Institutional Linkages Officer, Asst. Prof. Remsce Pasahol. City Government officials and HRDO personnel likewise joined the ceremony.
In her message, Chancellor Serrano emphasized that the partnership reflects a shared belief that public service and lifelong learning “go hand in hand.” She underscored that investing in public servants strengthens not only individual capacities but also the communities they serve. Through the scholarship program, Pasig City employees will have opportunities to pursue graduate studies and professional development while continuing their service to the public.
She further highlighted UPOU’s commitment to accessible, flexible, and inclusive education through its open and distance e-learning framework. “Through our degree and non-degree programs, we hope to empower every Pasigueño scholar to lead with integrity, think critically, and innovate for the common good,” she said.
The Pasig Employee LEADS Scholarship Program opens 90 slots across various UPOU programs, including priority programs such as Master of Public Management, Master of Social Work, Master of Information Systems, Master of Arts in Nursing and Master in Nursing Education and other post-graduate programs depending on the emerging needs and priorities of the LGU. The initiative aims to support frontline workers and professionals in reshaping their careers and enhancing their contribution to public service.
The ceremony concluded with renewed optimism for future collaborations between UPOU and the Pasig City Government. Chancellor Serrano expressed confidence that Pasig’s progressive leadership and UPOU’s expertise in open and distance learning will enable both institutions to achieve even more together.
Written by Dona Lyn Piamonte | Edited by Anna Cañas-Llamas | Photos by Dona Lyn Piamonte
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