(1) Ms. Mary Grace Perez showcasing the 5th EQR banner; (2) aProf. Cabanes with the 5th External Quality Panel of Reviewers; (3) Prof. Serlie B. Jamias discussing the Overview of External Quality Review; (4) Participants during the Opening Ceremony of the 5th External Quality Review.
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), through the Quality Assurance Office (QAO), successfully conducted the 5th External Quality Review (EQR) for the Master of ASEAN Studies (MAS) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs from 7 to 9 July 2026 at the UPOU Headquarters.
The three-day review brought together external quality reviewers, university officials, faculty members, staff, students, alumni, employers, and other stakeholders in a comprehensive evaluation of the two graduate programs. The External Quality Review serves as an important quality assurance mechanism that validates the University’s commitment to academic excellence and continuous quality improvement.
The review was conducted by a panel of esteemed external quality assurance reviewers composed of
- MAS Lead Reviewer: Prof. Serlie B. Jamias, Professor of the College of Development Communication, UP Los Baños
- MAS External Reviewer: Prof. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria, Professor and former Chancellor, UP Open University
- MSW Lead Reviewer: aProf. Joel L. De Castro, Assistant Professor of the Faculty of Education, UP Open University
- MSW External Reviewer: aProf. Blancaflor P. Arada, Assistant Professor of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies, UP Open University
The review formally commenced on 7 July 2026 with an Opening Ceremony attended by representatives from the University community. UPOU Chancellor Dr. Joane V. Serrano delivered the Opening Remarks, welcoming the external reviewers and reaffirming the University’s commitment to quality assurance. The members of the External Quality Review Team were then introduced by Asst. Prof. Ria Valerie D. Cabanes, Director of the UPOU Quality Assurance Office, while Prof. Serlie B. Jamias provided an overview of the External Quality Review process before the ceremonial group photo.
Dr. Joane Serrano, UPOU Chancellor, delivering her opening remarks during the Opening Ceremony of the 5th External Quality Review.
Following the opening program, parallel review activities for the Master of ASEAN Studies and Master of Social Work programs commenced. Dean Finaflor F. Taylan of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) presented the program briefings for both graduate programs. The external reviewers subsequently met with Self-Assessment Reports (SAR) Writing Teams to discuss the academic programs and clarify information presented in their respective self-assessment reports.
(1) MAS SAR Writing Team together with FMDS Dean, Finaflor Taylan and Reviewers during the Program Briefing session; (2) MSW External QA Reviewers
The first day of the review also featured a series of stakeholder interviews involving academic staff, employers, students, and alumni. These sessions enabled the reviewers to gather valuable insights into the quality, relevance, and effectiveness of the MAS and MSW programs from the perspectives of various stakeholders.
On 8 July 2026, the External Quality Review Team conducted visits to UPOU’s physical facilities, including the World Class Multimedia Production Building, the UPOU Community Hub and University Library, the Information and Communication Technology Development Office (ICTDO), the Office of the University Registrar (OUR), and the Academic Residences. These visits allowed the reviewers to examine the University’s learning environment and institutional resources supporting open and distance e-learning.
AS and MSW Reviewers during the Physical Facilities Visit at UPOU; (1) Library; (2-4) World Class Multimedia Production Building
The reviewers also participated in a Virtual Facilities Visit showcasing UPOU’s digital learning environment. Demonstrations featured the University’s academic information systems, learning management platforms, online examination systems, digital library and publication services, faculty and student support systems, and administrative and safety platforms. The virtual tour highlighted the University’s technology-enabled services that support quality education for learners across different locations.
MAS and MSW reviewers with virtual facilities visit participants during the Q&A Session.
The three-day review concluded on 9 July 2026 with the Closing Ceremony, where the External Quality Review Team presented the preliminary findings for both programs to university officials, faculty members, SAR Writing Teams, and other stakeholders. Dean Finaflor F. Taylan delivered the closing remarks, expressing appreciation to the reviewers and all participants for their commitment throughout the review process. The ceremony concluded with the awarding of tokens of appreciation to the external reviewers, followed by a group photo and the singing of the UP Naming Mahal.
Preliminary findings on the MAS and MSW programs presented by the Reviewers: (1) Prof. Serlie B. Jamias, MAS Lead Reviewer; (2) aProf. Joel L. De Castro, MSW Lead Reviewer; (3) Prof. Melinda dP. Bandalaria, MAS External Reviewer; and (4) aProf. Blancaflor P. Arada, MSW External Reviewer.
The successful completion of the 5th External Quality Review reflects UPOU’s unwavering commitment to cultivating a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement. Through the collaborative efforts of the University community and the invaluable recommendations of the external reviewers, UPOU continues to strengthen its academic programs and uphold its mission of delivering quality open and distance education to diverse learners.
Written by Erhiela Janelle N. Camalate | Edited by Ria Valeria D. Cabanes and Anna Cañas-Llamas | Photo by Quality Assurance Office
