The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) reaffirmed its commitment to bringing quality and inclusive education to overseas Filipinos through the UP VINTA Learning Caravan held at the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo on 25 May 2025.
UP President Angelo A. Jimenez and UPOU Chancellor Dr. Joane V. Serrano led the event, which was supported by the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo. The orientation session drew a strong response from more than 80 overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) eager for upskilling, reskilling, and professional and personal development.
UPOU delegation at the UP VINTA Learning Caravan in Tokyo led by UPOU Chancellor Joane V. Serrano, 3rd from right. (L-R) Asst. Prof. Remsce Pasahol. Dean Charisse T. Reyes, Dean Finaflor F. Taylan, Chancellor Serrano, Dean Roberto B. Figueroa, Jr., and Asst. Prof. Margaret Jarmin-Suarez.
UP VINTA, which stands for University of the Philippines Venture for International and Transformative Academia, is a flagship initiative of the University of the Philippines that aims to bring UP’s world-class education to Filipinos abroad.
UP President Angelo Jimenez shares his experience to OFWs in Japan.
Mr. Ramon C. Pastrana, Labor Attaché representing Philippine Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, opened the event with a message of support for UP VINTA, recognizing it as a strategic initiative to uplift OFWs through education.
President Jimenez then delivered a message to inspire his fellow Filipinos in Japan. Drawing from his experience as a former labor attache in Japan from 1997 to 2001, President Jimenez shared how UP VINTA and UP education can help OFWs achieve greater professional heights. “We want to move masses of Filipinos from high-risk and low-paying jobs to lower-risk and higher-paying jobs,” President Jimenez said as he emphasized the key aspirations of UP VINTA. With the promotion of lifelong learning among OFWs, President Jimenez is optimistic that OFWs can further contribute to national development. “Gusto kong makapag-aral kayo, para mas umangat kayo,” he urged the participants.
“Hindi kailangang degree lang, pwede niyo rin tingnan ang aming mga Microcredentials and MOOCs,” said UP President Angelo A. Jimenez as he emphasized UP’s commitment to providing inclusive, flexible, and high-quality education to overseas Filipinos. He also encouraged them to explore degree programs, microcredentials, and MOOCs through UPOU regardless of where they are in the world.
He highlighted the role of education not only in advancing their careers but also in uplifting their families and the country through increased remittances.
UPOU Faculty of Education Dean, Dr. Charisse Reyes, presents UPOU courses that OFWs may take online.
Asst. Prof. Charisse T. Reyes, Dean of the UPOU Faculty of Education, and Assoc. Prof. Finaflor F. Taylan, Dean of the UPOU Faculty of Management and Development Studies, showcased UPOU’s diverse academic offerings—from degree programs to microcredentials and massive open online courses (MOOCs). The deans highlighted the flexibility of UPOU’s modular, online format, which provides flexibility for OFWs. They also shared information about other academic offerings like the Professional Teaching Certificate and continuing education programs.
Assoc. Prof. Roberto Figueroa, Jr., Dean of the UPOU Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS), presented a sample MOOC on basic Nihonggo to demonstrate the different learning resources available in a course and offer a glimpse into the life of a UPOU student. He also facilitated the open forum where participants asked about qualification requirements, shifting to another program, and synchronous sessions. Several OFWs also expressed their willingness to contribute as faculty associates or resource persons, underscoring their desire to give back to their communities through education.
The event concluded with an on-site pre-registration and application session for UP VINTA, where dozens of OFWs began their learning journey with UPOU. Many participants registered on learning platforms such as MODeL and ASCEND, while others successfully completed their applications for degree programs.
Asst. Prof. Remsce Pasahol facilitated the needs assessment survey for OFWs, and Asst. Prof. Margaret Jarmin-Suarez hosted the program. The UPOU team provided hands-on assistance, ensuring every interested OFW received guidance and support in navigating the enrollment process.
OFWs at the UP VINTA Learning Caravan in Tokyo, Japan with UP and UPOU officials
Written by Anna Cañas-Llamas ♦ Edited by Primo Garcia and Remsce Pasahol
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