UP Open University (UPOU) Chancellor Joane V. Serrano met with the UPOU Chapters of the All UP Academic Employees Union (AUPAEU) and the All UP Workers Union (AUPWU) in a courtesy call aimed at strengthening collaboration, clarifying roles, and reaffirming shared commitments to employee welfare.
UPOU Chancellor Joane Serrano (center) with members of the UPOU Administration, the All UP Workers Union – UPOU Chapter (left) and the All UP Academic Employees Union – UPOU Chapter (right).
Representing the academic union were Dr. Queenie Ridulme, President of the AUPAEU – UPOU Chapter, Asst. Prof. Regine Bagalanon, Vice president for Faculty; Ms. Alvie Alip, Vice President for REPS; Asst. Prof. Tricia Ascan, Treasurer; Ms. Dona Lyn Piamonte, Secretary; and Dr. Consuelo Habito and Dr. Rita Ramos, members of the AUPAEU – UPOU Chapter. The AUPWU – UPOU Chapter was led by Ms. Gina Roa, President, along with Ms. Eden Salon, Vice President; Ms. Anna Cañas-Llamas, Secretary; Ms. Amabelle Banasihan, Treasurer; Ms. Janet Robledo, Auditor; Ms. Lorelee Mones, PRO; and members of the Board of Directors, Mr. Alejandro Zamora, Mr. Alex Melodillar, and Mr. Arturo Corpuz.
In her welcome message, Chancellor Serrano expressed her appreciation for being able to meet both the Academic and Administrative Unions together, emphasizing the importance of active participation and open dialogue within the UPOU community. She acknowledged the vital roles of the unions in representing employee concerns, participating in decision-making processes, and advocating for the rights and welfare of the workforce, as enshrined in the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA).
She also reiterated the importance of communication and listening among all UPOU constituents. She shared that town hall meetings have been proactively scheduled throughout the year as a venue for open communication among employees and the administration, the first of its kind in the whole UP System. Chancellor Serrano encouraged both unions to maximize these spaces, coordinate internally to raise collective concerns, and continue constructive engagement with the administration.
The hybrid meeting included members of the Unions who joined online, including Dr. Ridulme and Mr. Zamora.
Professor Queenie Ridulme expressed appreciation for this move, noting it as a clear sign of the Chancellor’s inclusive and consultative leadership. She also reiterated the union’s support for the Chancellor’s initiatives, stating that the union exists to serve as a check and balance and is fully aligned with the administration’s call for open dialogue. Ms. Roa also expressed confidence in the Chancellor’s vision for a better UPOU, grounded in transparency and mutual respect.
“As a former union president myself, I understand how critical it is for voices to be heard. My door is always open. Dialogue can happen anytime,” Chancellor Serrano assured.
She also said that while certain matters fall under management responsibilities, there are many channels for clarification, resolution, and consensus-building. She encouraged everyone to engage in early conversations and, when possible, work together at the unit level, to address concerns more effectively.
Ms. Roa presented some of the concerns raised by members of the administrative sector.
Among the matters discussed were the transparency of processes and active consultation with the Union representatives on relevant concerns, upgrading and conversion of positions, emphasis on loyalty and length of service, clarification about certain memos from the Chancellor, and clarification between Union concerns and personal matters. The meeting culminated with a shared appreciation and support for the advancement of UPOU and its constituents.
The meeting is aligned with the current university administration’s thrust to a commitment to a One UPOU—an institution that listens, engages, and moves forward together.
Written by Anna Cañas-Llamas | Edited by Primo G. Garcia | Photos by Anthea Fay Peredo
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