UPOU officials with representatives from the Department of Education – Quezon, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mauban, Quezon Power Limited (QPL), UPOU Foundation Inc. (UPOUFI), and the teacher-scholars.
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) formally launched the ninth phase of the Continuing Education Program through Distance eLearning (CEPDeL-TDP9) on 2 March 2026 at the Audio-Visual Room, UPOU Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna. The program is implemented in partnership with the Department of Education – Quezon, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mauban, Quezon Power, Limited (QPL), and UPOU Foundation, Inc. (UPOUFI).
The initiative continues its mission of providing relevant and accessible learning opportunities for the continuing professional development of 21 public school teachers in Mauban, Quezon.
Prof. Melinda Bandalaria delivers her opening remarks during the launching ceremony.
In her message, Prof. Melinda Bandalaria, former UPOU Chancellor and Project Leader, emphasized that the support of school principals and district supervisors has been critical in ensuring that scholars successfully complete their academic requirements. She also highlighted the provision of technology grants and internet allowances made possible by the partners, which have enabled teachers to participate effectively in distance elearning.
Chancellor Joane Serrano shares her message to partner institutions and teacher-scholars.
UPOU Chancellor Joane Serrano reaffirmed the University’s commitment to sustaining the program despite the change in leadership. She described CEPDeL as a strong model of integrating technology in advancing education, and acknowledged the challenges faced by working teachers who pursue further studies. While recognizing that the journey will not be easy, she assured them that their efforts would be worthwhile. “Welcome to UPOU, and thank you for your commitment to lifelong learning,” she said as she officially welcomed the new scholars.
Hon. Councillor Juan Lorenzo Pastrana, LGU Mauban, Quezon; Mr. Chuckie Rivera, QPL; Mr. Paul Clifford Marquez, DepEd – Schools Division of Quezon, representatives of the partner institutions.
Representatives from partner institutions conveyed their messages of support. Hon. Councillor Juan Lorenzo Pastrana, Chair of the Mauban, Quezon Sangguniang Bayan on Education, underscored that the scholarship is not only for personal advancement but also for the progress of Mauban and the broader community.
Mr. Chuckie Rivera, QPL Community Development Officer, congratulated the scholars and highlighted the significant role of principals in guiding and encouraging teacher-participants to stay focused on their studies. He noted that over the years, the program has produced many scholars who represent each batch with pride.
Mr. Paul Clifford Marquez, Senior Education Program Specialist for Social Mobilization and Networking from DepEd – Schools Division of Quezon, expressed appreciation for the partnership, describing UPOU as an “extended arm” in developing teachers’ skills and insights for the academic growth of learners. He emphasized that CEPDeL is more than just a project; it is a sustained program that benefits teachers as they guide their learners.
As part of the ceremony, laptops were formally turned over to the scholars, along with a printer for use in their learning hub. The turnover symbolizes the continued commitment of the partners to equip teacher-scholars with the necessary tools to thrive in an online learning environment.
Teacher-scholars with the technology grants as part of the scholarship.
With the launch of CEPDeL Phase 9, UPOU and its partners continue to strengthen their shared commitment to accessible, technology-enabled education, empowering teachers and, ultimately, enriching the learning experiences of students in Mauban, Quezon.
Written by Marinela Hernandez | Edited by Primo G. Garcia and Anna Cañas-Llamas | Photos by Dianne Cosinas
