UPOU and Philippine Embassy Tokyo Discuss Education Opportunities for OFWs

UPOU Chancellor, Dr. Joane V. Serrano, met with Overseas Filipino Workers in Tokyo to discuss education opportunities.

In a meeting on 13 April 2025, University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Chancellor, Dr. Joanne Serrano, met with leaders of the Filipino Community in Japan to discuss opportunities for upskilling and graduate studies for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) stationed in the country.  The meeting was held in coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Japan. 

Chancellor Serrano presented the UP Ventures for International and Transformative Academia (UP VINTA) — UP’s initiative in providing fully online and distance degree programs for Filipinos abroad, who continue to aspire for accessible UP-quality education. 

Among the programs proposed were the Nihongo to English Bridge Program, which is designed for  children of OFWs who reside in Japan and are more fluent in Nihongo than English, and  the Digital Literacy Program, which shall equip adults with the digital skills needed  for online and distance learning. 

UP VINTA was launched at the Philippine Embassy in Japan on 16 March 2024 with UP President Angelo Jimenez, then UPOU Chancellor Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria, and Philippine Ambassador to Japan, Hon. Mylene de Joya Garcia-Albano. The goal is to provide the UP undergraduate and graduate degree programs, non-degree courses, diploma programs, and certifications to OFWs and their families residing in the country. 

Aside from programs, they also discussed the admission requirements and procedures common to all l UP units.  These requirements include the submission of an Official Transcript of Records and passing admission examinations such as the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) or the Graduate Admission Test (GAT) . Other admission requirements will depend on the degree program.  

(Seated L-R): Asst. Prof. Margaret Jarmin-Suarez, Dr. Joane V. Serrano and Asst. Prof. Sherry Marasigan with Overseas Filipino Workers at the Philippines Embassy in Tokyo, Japan.

Representing the embassy and Her Excellency Mylene J. Garcia-Albano were First Secretary and Consul of the Cultural Section Fatima G. Quintin and First Secretary and Consul for Economic Sector Alvin C. Malasig. Labor Attache Ramon Lamberto Pastrana and Overseas Welfare Officer Geronico Herrera also attended the meeting. Alongside Chancellor Serrano was Asst. Prof. Margaret Jarmin-Suarez, UPOU faculty member and Linkages Officer. 

For more information, interested parties may contact their respective embassies and program websites.  

Written by Leah Labastilla ♦ Edited by Primo Garcia and Anna Cañas-Llamas ♦ Photo from Margaret Jarmin-Suarez

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