On 10 to 12 July 2026, University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Chancellor, Prof. Joane V. Serrano, conducted a series of meetings with academic institutions and partner organizations in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The meetings served as an avenue to discuss potential collaborations on microcredentials in long-term care and strengthening the current microcredentials on semiconductor. The visit also included learning engagements with government offices and Filipino organizations to explore opportunities for research collaboration, public service innovation, and initiatives that support overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Advancing Microcredential Pathways
The Philippines is continuously recognized for producing highly skilled healthcare professionals who contribute significantly to the global health workforce. As the demand for qualified healthcare workers continues to grow, academic collaborations play an important role in expanding learning opportunities and strengthening workforce development.
In line with this, Chancellor Serrano met with Dr. Chang Hung-Chih, the President of the Yuh-Ing Junior College of Health Care and Management; Dr. Hou Ming-Feng, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Yuh-Ing Junior College of Health Care and Management; Mr. Chen Chien-Zie, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Kaohsiung Medical University; and Dr. Su Yong-Chao, Professor at Kaohsiung Medical University, to explore a potential partnership in developing microcredentials in long-term care.
UPOU Chancellor Prof. Joane V. Serrano (left) presents an institutional token to Yuh-Ing Junior College of Health Care and Management Chairman, Dr. Hou Ming-Feng (right), during an exploratory meeting on long-term care microcredentials.
The proposed collaboration envisions the development of microcredential programs that could eventually provide learners with internship opportunities in long-term care facilities in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, further strengthening their practical competencies and global employability.
In a separate meeting, Chancellor Serrano met with National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST) Dean, Prof. Chern Ming-Jyh, to discuss opportunities for strengthening collaboration on semiconductor microcredentials. The discussion builds on the launch of the Semiconductor Microcredentials Program for Global Talent Development in May 2026 and explored future academic cooperation in preparing learners for the rapidly growing semiconductor industry.
Strengthening Support for Overseas Filipino Workers
As part of the visit, Chancellor Serrano conducted a learning visit to the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Kaohsiung. She met with Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Labor Attaché David Des T. Dicang to discuss possible areas of collaboration, including research initiatives, the promotion of UPOU’s academic programs among overseas Filipinos, and institutional partnerships that support the lifelong learning and professional development of OFWs.
UPOU Chancellor Prof. Joane V. Serrano with DMW Labor Attaché David Des T. Dicang during the learning visit in MWO Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
The UPOU Chancellor also visited the Kaohsiung City Government’s 1999 Citizen Service Hotline, a centralized contact center that serves as the city’s primary platform for public inquiries, requests, complaints, and emergency-related concerns. During the learning visit, Director Tom He provided valuable insights into Kaohsiung’s integrated citizen response system and best practices in efficient public service delivery.
UPOU Chancellor Prof. Joane V. Serrano with Director Tom He during a learning visit to the Kaohsiung 1999 Citizen Service Hotline.
Chancellor Serrano likewise met with representatives of the Association of Filipino Students in Taiwan – National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) President Hernanie “NJ” Salazar Jr. and member Frederick Faz. The representatives discuss possible research collaborations and initiatives focused on improving the welfare and quality of life of OFWs in Taiwan.
UPOU Chancellor Prof. Joane V. Serrano (2nd from the left) meets with a convener of the Bayanihan Lab Network/Home2Taiwan (1st from the left) and the Association of Filipino Students in Taiwan–NSYSU (3rd and 4th from the left).
Written by Maryrose L. Alingasa | Edited by Joane V. Serrano and Anna Cañas-Llamas | Photos by Janelle Ebron and Rodolfo Emperado
