From L-R: Emmalyn Guaves, CNSC Director of Planning and Development Office, Dr. Dolores Volante, CNSC Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Leo Mendel Rosario, Dr. Shari Eunice T. San Pablo, Dr. Rosalie Almadrones, CNSC VP for Research and Extension.
Dr. Leo Mendel D. Rosario and Dr. Shari Eunice T. San Pablo, faculty members of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), served as resource speakers and facilitators at the Strategic Planning Workshop of Camarines Norte State College (CNSC). They guided the participants through key concepts and preparatory steps toward establishing an open and distance e-learning (ODeL) framework.
The four-day workshop, held at Althea’s Dreamland Resort in Daet, Camarines Norte, brought together CNSC administrators, faculty members, students, and alumni to explore future directions for the institution, particularly in enhancing access and flexibility in higher education through ODeL.
Dr. Rosario delivers a comprehensive presentation on Flexible Learning Pathways (FLPs) and their role in improving access to quality education.
Dr. Rosario, Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (A2VCAA) for Instruction at UPOU, delivered a comprehensive presentation on Flexible Learning Pathways (FLPs) and their role in improving access to quality education. He shared key insights from international studies on FLPs and discussed how these can support inclusive and lifelong learning opportunities in the local context. He also introduced participants to Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight, equipping the group with scenario-building tools to help them envision CNSC’s transformation into an open university. Through guided exercises, participants mapped out potential futures that align with CNSC’s vision and mission.
Dr. San Pablo presents the Preparatory Steps for ODeL Implementation.
Dr. San Pablo, a faculty member of UPOU’s Faculty of Information and Communication Studies, presented the Preparatory Steps for ODeL Implementation. Her talk outlined a step-by-step roadmap covering eight essential phases—from internal visioning and governance setup to technology selection, course redesign, and quality assurance, emphasizing that ODeL is not just a collection of tools but a complete system like cogs in a machine. Dr. San Pablo also detailed the student support infrastructure and learning platforms used at UPOU, offering a model that CNSC could adapt and localize.
The workshop concluded with a participatory SOAR analysis activity, where CNSC stakeholders collaboratively identified their Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and expected Results as they move forward with plans to launch open and distance education initiatives.
This partnership reflects UPOU’s continuing commitment to public service and capacity building, supporting Philippine higher education institutions in navigating future-ready, inclusive, and technology-enhanced learning environments.
Written by Shari Eunice San Pablo and Leo Mendel Rosario | Edited by Primo G. Garcia and Anna Cañas-Llamas | Photos courtesy of Camarines Norte State College
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