UPOU Chancellor Joane Serrano (2nd from right) joins the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing alongside (L–R): Assoc. Prof. Grant Warren D. Lu, UPOU’s Mr. Remsce Pasahol, MSU Chancellor Dr. Bai Hejira Nefertiti M. Limbona, and MSU Professor Dr. Ramjie Odin.
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) and Mindanao State University (MSU) – Maguindanao formalized a partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a significant step toward strengthening collaboration in open and distance eLearning (ODeL), academic programs, and community-oriented initiatives.
Mindanao State University-Maguindanao (MSU-Maguindanao), one of the state universities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), supports the integration of cultural minority groups and contributes to regional development by strengthening its programs in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.
Principal signatories representing UPOU were Chancellor Joane V. Serrano and Mr. Remsce Pasahol, Program Development Associate for Institutional Linkages. Leading the MSU delegation were Chancellor Bai Hejira Nefertiti M. Limbona and Dr. Ramjie Odin, Vice Chancellor for Student Services and Development.
In her message, UPOU Chancellor Serrano expressed appreciation for the partnership and highlighted the wide range of opportunities it presents for both institutions. She emphasized potential collaborations such as student and faculty exchanges, internship opportunities, and the co-development of microcredentials. She also noted that MSU brings valuable strengths that will enrich the collaboration.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Limbona reflected on the evolving role of online education, noting that while it was once seen as merely an alternative, the pandemic underscored its necessity. She pointed out that despite the end of the global health crisis, new challenges persist—particularly in access to education. She emphasized that the partnership goes beyond shared academic goals, positioning both institutions as catalysts for meaningful impact.
Under the MOU, UPOU and MSU-Maguindanao agreed to pursue joint academic activities, including research and training; faculty, staff, and student exchange programs; internship and field instruction opportunities; consultancy and technical services; resource and information sharing; and the development of ODeL and microcredentials.
Principal signatories signing the Memorandum of Understanding.
The ceremony concluded with the exchange of tokens of gratitude between the two institutions, symbolizing mutual commitment to a partnership anchored in collaboration, innovation, and service to communities.
Written by Marinela Hernandez | Photos by Dianne Cosinas
