The Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) marked its new leadership term under the leadership of Associate Professor Finaflor Taylan, the newly appointed Dean of FMDS, with a productive Visioning and Levelling-Off Meeting-Workshop held on 27 March 2025 at the Academic Residences (AR) Cafeteria, UPOU Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna.
The workshop brought together FMDS faculty and staff to review existing UPOU and FMDS frameworks, plans, and directions and other relevant literatures, to surface ideas and general directions and priorities that can be considered for the creation of FMDS’ vision and strategic plan, to identify members’ roles, hindrances, and supportive mechanisms that will facilitate achievement of FMDS vision, and to level off expectations among FMDS members in terms of values, principles, changes, and approaches.
The day-long event was structured into two major activities: Visioning, in the morning, and Levelling-Off, in the afternoon. Attendees were grouped into seven clusters based on academic programs and roles. They actively engaged in a collaborative brainstorming session to explore the strategic directions of FMDS, focusing on integrating teaching (instruction), research, public service, and administrative/management. Each cluster worked on specific guide questions aimed at achieving the workshop’s objectives, which included reviewing existing UPOU and FMDS sustainability frameworks.
Following the brainstorming sessions, both in the morning and afternoon, representatives from each cluster presented their respective outputs. The first cluster consisted of Program Chairs from the Associate of Arts in Digital Entrepreneurship (AADE), Master of Public Management (MPM), and Diploma in/Master of Research and Development Management (D/MRDM), while second cluster included Program Chairs from Diploma in/Master of International Health (D/MIH), Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN), and Master of Nursing Education (MNE). The third cluster comprised Diploma in/Master of Land Valuation and Management (D/MLVM), Diploma in Land Use Planning (DLUP), and Diploma in/Master of Environment and Natural Resources Management (D/MENRM). Meanwhile, the fourth cluster included representatives from the Diploma in/Master of Social Work (D/MSW), Diploma in Women and Development (DWD), Doctor in Sustainability (DSus), and Graduate Certificate in/Master of ASEAN Studies (GC/MAS). Additionally, the remaining clusters were represented by the Program Development Associate (PDA) and support staff of Continuing Education Program (CEP), FMDS Faculty and Student Support staff, FMDS Research Assistants, and the Administrative Officer.
These presentations served as a foundation for discussions led by Dean Taylan, who synthesized the ideas shared and facilitated a moving-forward dialogue to ensure alignment with FMDS’ strategic planning goals.
It was participated by FMDS Program Chairs Asst. Prof. Tricia C. Ascan, Asst. Prof. Lorena Jean D. Saludadez, Asst. Prof. Karl Abelard L. Villegas Jr., Assoc. Prof. Myra D. Oruga, PhD, Asst. Prof. Remsce A. Pasahol, EnP, Asst. Prof. Jephte O. Muñez, MSF, Asst. Prof. Leo Mendel D. Rosario, PhD, Asst. Prof. Rita C. Ramos, PhD, Asst. Prof. Rose Nonette C. Capadosa, PhD, Asst. Prof. Maria Lourdes T. Jarabe, PhD, and faculty members Asst. Prof. Ari Luis C. Halos, Assoc. Prof. Juvy Lizette M. Gervacio, PhD, Prof. Consuelo dL. Habito, PhD, Asst. Prof. Queenie R. Ridulme, PhD, Asst. Prof. Regine Karla P. Bagalanon, Asst. Prof. Edmerson Z. Calungsod, Asst. Prof. Lloyd Lyndel P. Simporios, and FMDS staff members.
This workshop is part of a series of meetings designed to develop FMDS’ vision and strategic plan. With active participation from all members, FMDS is poised to strengthen its commitment to academic excellence, innovation in open distance e-learning and achieving sustainable development within and beyond the University.
Written byRaizza Anna Alforja ♦ Edited by Larry N. Cruz ♦ Cross-posted from FMDS Website
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