The Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) held its 2025 Strategic Planning Workshop from 29 September to 1 October 2025, bringing together faculty members, research staff, and administrative personnel to align goals and set the direction of the Faculty until 2028.
The three-day activity combined planning sessions, collaborative workshops, and a team-building activity to enhance mutual support and purpose across the FICS community.
The first day of the planning session, held at the UPOU Academic Residences in Los Baños, opened with a strategic planning session that laid the groundwork for the Faculty’s priorities in research, instruction, and public service. This was followed by a Research and Publication Committee (RPC) and Faculty Research and Extension Committee (FREC) briefer, led by Asst. Prof. Al Francis Librero, chair of the FICS REC, and Dr. Reinald Adrian Pugoy, chair of the FICS RPC. The Faculty Secretary’s Office also shared updates and announcements related to the upcoming student orientation. The day concluded with breakout sessions among various units to consolidate inputs and action points.
On the second day, the FICS team traveled to the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) in Tagaytay City, Cavite, for a series of executive and breakout sessions. The morning was dedicated to discussions among the Executive Committee, composed of the Dean, Program Chairs, and program support staff. This was paralleled with planning sessions among the rest of the faculty members. Prof. Melinda Bandalaria, head of the public service and extension group under FICS, shared insights on how newer faculty members can translate their research and creative work into public service initiatives. The faculty members later proceeded to their research and creative writeshops. Prof. Diego Maranan led the creative work group, while Dr. Emely Amoloza facilitated the research writing session. The day concluded with a team-building activity and socials, highlighting the spirit of collaboration and camaraderie among the participants.
The final day focused on research labs and workshop sessions that encouraged members to translate strategic goals into actionable initiatives, particularly in strengthening research clusters, developing academic programs, and enhancing student and community engagement. As a final activity, participants took part in breakout discussions and reflection sharing, marking the formal conclusion of the planning session.
The FICS 2025 Strategic Planning Workshop underscored the Faculty’s commitment to organizational alignment, innovation in open and distance e-learning, and collaborative leadership. Through this collective effort, FICS continues to advance UPOU’s mission of shaping the future of open education and information studies in and outside the Philippines.
Written by: Joy Abigail Rebulanan | Edited by: Emely Amoloza
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