On 20 November 2023, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) hosted an exploratory meeting with Mr. Ravi Raj, the founder and CEO of Authentica, at the UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna. The meeting aimed to explore potential collaboration opportunities between the two institutions in the field of experiential learning.
Mr. Raj was welcomed by Dr. Myra C. Almodiel, Director of the Office of Public Affairs and Dr. Jabez Joshua Flores, Senior Lecturer and expert in Permaculture at the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS). Dr. Flores provided a presentation on FMDS Perma G.A.R.D.E.N. (Growing Appreciation toward Resilience, Development, Entrepreneurship and Nutrition). The presentation highlighted UPOU’s commitment to sustainability and its efforts to integrate permaculture principles into its campus operations. Dr. Flores also introduced the Sustainability in Action – A Living Laboratory Campus (SiALLC) initiative and one of its components which is the Alitaptap Community Currency (CC).
In turn, Mr. Raj introduced Authentica, an academic program provider specializing in expertly curated short-term, experiential learning programs across Asia and beyond. He shared their vision of providing students with immersive and transformative learning experiences that go beyond traditional classroom settings.
To further explore the potential for collaboration, the group conducted a campus tour at the UPOU HQ, visiting the PERMA Garden. The meeting between UPOU and Authentica is a promising step towards strengthening the two institutions’ commitment to experiential learning, sustainability, and its contribution to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
Written by Lovelyn P. Petrasanta ♦ Edited by Myra C. Almodiel
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