The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), through the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) and in collaboration with Samahan ng Industriya ng Paggugulayan (SIPAG) ng Pagsanjan, launched the “OUgnayan Wednesdays” on 14 May 2025, from 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM at The Walk, located at the back of the UPOU main building.
As a concrete initiative under the Open University Na Gumagabay at NAgbubuklod sa PamaYANan (OUgnayan) Program, this activity brings together the university and its partner communities in a shared space of learning, engagement, and collaboration. Designed as a regular event, OUgnayan Wednesdays aims to strengthen the university’s public service efforts and co-create solutions with communities.
This also directly supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
The event officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Dr. Joane V. Serrano, Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Open University, together with Dr. Finaflor F. Taylan, Dean of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies; Asst. Prof. Tricia Ascan, Program Chair of the Associate of Arts in Digital Entrepreneurship and the lead faculty member and/or point person of the Sustainable Livelihood Innovations and Digitally-transformed Enterprise (SLIDE); Mr. Emilio Climaco, President of SIPAG Pagsanjan; and Mr. Larry N. Cruz, Director of the UPOU Ugnayan ng Pahinungód. Other university officials, faculty members, and staff were also present at the event.
Chancellor Serrano delivered a warm and inspiring welcome message, emphasizing the role of OUgnayan Wednesdays as a platform to connect the university with communities in a meaningful and sustainable way.
Following her message, Mr. Emilio Climaco spoke on behalf of the community partners, expressing deep appreciation for UPOU’s commitment to participatory development and inclusive innovation. He highlighted how initiatives like OUgnayan Wednesdays give voice and visibility to grassroots organizations and local changemakers.
The program continued with the Alitaptap Community Currency Onboarding, facilitated by Dr. Ferdinand Maquito, Senior Lecturer of FMDS. The session introduced participants to the Alitaptap Community Currency (CC)—a localized and values-based exchange system designed to empower communities by promoting solidarity economy practices. Attendees learned how the currency supports local enterprises, encourages reciprocity, and builds financial resilience within partner communities.
In addition to the formal sessions, the event featured a live performance from the Climaco cousins.
The OUgnayan Wednesdays will be held every Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at The Walk, UP Open University Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna. Those who are interested may drop by to explore a variety of products from our local community partners or merchants:
- SIPAG Pagsanjan/Crops and Crafts
- Blushing Beekeeper
- San Antonio Women’s Brigade
- Handmade + Homemade
- Itlog ni Sistur Caroline atbp.
- BITBIT PH
- Chic’s Closet
- FMDS Perma G.A.R.D.E.N.
- IP Coffee Project
Other interested community partners or merchants may still register through this link: https://url.upou.edu.ph/OUgnayanWednesdays-Reg14May25
Written by Vanessa T. Autor • Edited by Larry N. Cruz
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