UPOU and SIPAG Pagsanjan during the exploratory meeting on 8 April 2025. (L-R: Maryjane Reodanga, Dona Lyn Piamonte, Noreen Alazada, Asst. Prof. Tricia Ascan, Mr. Emilio Climaco, Dr. Ferdinand Maquito, Dr. Joane V. Serrano, Dr. Finaflor F. Taylan, Vanessa Autor, Tiffany Catbagan and Raizza Alforja)
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) and Samahan ng Paggugulayan sa Pagsanjan (SIPAG) Pagsanjan held an exploratory meeting on 8 April 2025 at the UPOU Headquarters to discuss a potential collaborative project aimed at supporting farmers and entrepreneurs through a community-based produce fair.
The project, dubbed OUgnayan (Open University na Gumagabay at Nagbubuklod sa Pamayanan), will set up an upgraded market fair that features not only buying and selling of agricultural and agriculture-related products, but will also provide educational opportunities for entrepreneurs and community engagement.
Mr. Emilio Climaco, President of SIPAG Pagsanjan and Course Coordinator of UPOU Continuing Education Program (CEP) on Organic Agriculture
Spearheading the project is Mr. Emilio Climaco, President of SIPAG Pagsanjan and Course Coordinator of UPOU Continuing Education Program (CEP) on Organic Agriculture, together with Maryjane Reondanga, a researcher from the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), and other staff members of FMDS.
UPOU Chancellor Serrano presided over the meeting and expressed her support for the project.
During the meeting, UPOU Chancellor Joane Serrano expressed her support for the project, highlighting its alignment with the University’s International University Social Responsibility (IUSR) initiatives. She also said that this project should be a venue for educational activities and seminars that will help agricultural entrepreneurs expand their knowledge and businesses. Chancellor Serrano also encouraged the involvement of students in the project and the use of the Alitaptap Community Currency, the first community currency in the Philippines, launched on 11 September 2023.
Asst. Prof. Tricia Ascan with the FMDS staff members.
FMDS was also represented in the meeting by Dean Finaflor Taylan, Asst. Prof. Tricia Ascan and staff members Raizza Anna Alforja, Vanessa Auto, Dona Lyn Piamonte, Tiffany Catbagan, and Noreen Dianne Alazada. Dr. Ferdinand Maquito from UPLB’s College of Public Affairs joined the meeting online.
The project is set to be launched on 14 May 2025 at the UPOU Campus.
Written by Leah Labastilla ♦ Edited by Primo Garcia and Anna Cañas-Llamas ♦ Photos by Anthea Fay Peredo
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