UPOU FMDS, FICS, ASEF Gear Up for the National Arts Month 2026 - University of the Philippines Open University

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), through the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) and Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS), in partnership with the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) Culture, invites you to the hybrid event in celebration of the National Arts Month 2026 entitled “Creative Pathways to Sustainability: Launch and Roundtable on the Green Guide for the Philippines”.

The Green Guide for the Philippines offers an overview of local arts organisations that address issues of sustainability in their artistic practice. As informed by the guide, creative practices and community engagement across generations and geographies can contribute to a more sustainable and climate resilient Philippines. This roundtable seeks to build on the guide’s findings by creating a dedicated space for both artists, cultural professionals and organisations in discussing what needs to be reconsidered when centring artistic practices in responding to sustainability challenges.

This year’s theme, “Ani ng Sining: Katotohanan at Giting”, resonates deeply with UPOU’s contribution and commitment in becoming a leading hub for cultural engagement and artistic expression, building on our expertise in open and distance e-learning (ODeL) alongside our commitment to innovative research, and achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets.

Following the online launch of the Philippines’ Green Guide publication on 11 November 2025, the UPOU extends an invitation to join us on 09 February 2026, 1–3 PM (Philippine Time) at UP Manila Museum of a History of Ideas as we exchange ideas and experiences with Philippine-based arts organisations and explore possibilities at the intersection of creativity, culture, and sustainability.

Here are the speakers joining the conversation:

Dr. Diego S. Maranan, Professor, UP Open University (UPOU)

Dr. Maria Lourdes T. Jarabe, Assistant Professor and Director, Office of Gender Concerns, UPOU

Roselle Pineda, Founder & Artistic Director, Aurora Artist Residency Program and Space (AARPS)

Ted Villanueva, Co-Founder, Youth Empowering Youth (YEY) Initiative Inc.

Dr. Grace Nono, Founder, Tao Foundation for Culture and Arts, Inc.

Moderated by Valentina Riccardi, Director, ASEF Culture

Learn more about Green Guide PH: https://url.upou.edu.ph/ASEFGreenGuide

In-person free tickets are sold out. Unable to join us in-person? You are invited to join the conversation online! We will be streaming live and the roundtable is open to all.