The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) joined the celebration of the 109th Foundation Day and 24th Bañamos Festival of the Science and Nature City of Los Baños, Laguna, held from 16 to 21 September 2025. This year’s festivities carried the theme “Abante Los Baños – Ang Natatanging Bayan ng Agham, Sining, at Kalikasan.”
UPOU’s Booth at the Los Baños Inter-agency Exhibit Competition.
From 16 to 20 September, UPOU participated in the Inter-agency Booth Exhibit Competition at the Los Baños Municipal Hall, with the UPOU Office of Public Affairs leading the initiative. The exhibit highlighted UPOU’s innovative programs across its three faculties: the Faculty of Education (FEd), Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS), and Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS).
One of the visitors tries out the UPOU Perma G.A.R.D.E.N. Virtual Tour.
The UPOU booth showcased a game-based interactive exhibit, offering two to three activities daily, each facilitated by UPOU staff. Designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and excitement, the activities introduced visitors to UPOU’s wide range of learning opportunities in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Mathematics).
Among the featured highlights were:
- OpenXR: Immersive Learning Without Borders – an extended reality (XR) showcase exploring how virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) can revolutionize education.
- The UPOU Perma G.A.R.D.E.N. Virtual Tour – a 360° immersive experience on sustainable gardening practices and green innovations.
- STEAM Sparks! (FEd) – This interactive exhibit aims to encourage learners and members of the community to ignite their curiosity, creativity, excitement, and innovativeness in STEAM.
UPOU also distributed brochures about its degree programs and free Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), encouraging the public to explore open and distance learning opportunities.
Los Baños Mayor, Hon. Neil Nocon (center), and LGU officials, with UPOU staff members at the UPOU booth.
On the first day of the exhibit, UPOU was awarded First Runner-Up in the Best Booth Exhibit Competition, receiving a plaque and a cash prize of ₱15,000.
UPOU further joined the Bañamos Civic Parade on 17 September 2025, with about 100 faculty and staff members marching from Olivarez Plaza to General Paciano Rizal Park. Participants proudly wore green UPOU shirts and carried UPOU flaglets, symbolizing the university’s strong presence in the community.
UPOU faculty and staff members join the Bañamos Civic Parade on 17 September 2025.
UPOU faculty and staff pose for an obligatory photo at the Paciano Rizal Park, where the parade ended.
Year after year, UPOU actively takes part in Los Baños’ founding anniversary celebrations. Through its partnerships with the Los Baños Science Community Foundation, Inc. and collaborations with various institutions, UPOU continues to uphold its commitment to community engagement and social transformation.
Written by Anna Cañas-Llamas | Edited by Primo G. Garcia
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UPOU Celebrates with Los Baños; Wins 1st Runner-Up in Booth Competition
www.upou.edu.ph
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) joined the celebration of the 109th Foundation Day and 24th Bañamos Festival of the Science and Nature City of Los Baños, Laguna, held from 1...