Two of students and one student organization from the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) were recognized during the Pagkilala sa Fakulti, REPS, Kawani, at Mag-aaral na Nagtamo ng Pambansa o Internasyonal na Rekognisyon, held on 11 June 2026 at the GT-Toyota Asian Center Auditorium in UP Diliman, Quezon City.
The recognition ceremony honored members of the University of the Philippines community who have received prestigious national and international awards, celebrating their exemplary contributions and achievements in their respective fields. The event formed part of the inaugural Buwan ng Unibersidad, the month-long celebration of the University’s founding anniversary.
Rojhelea An Marie S. Claur, Master of Social Work Alumna- Buwan ng Unibersidad 2026 Honoree
Rojhelea An Marie Claur, a student from the Master of Social Work program under the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) was recognized for receiving the Gawad Lingkod Bayani. This is a national award conferred by the Civil Service Commission–Cordillera Administrative Region (CSC–CAR), in recognition of her exemplary dedication to public service.
Meanwhile, Cathy Sagun, a student of the Master of Distance Education program under the Faculty of Education (FEd), also received recognition for earning the Public Sector Transformation Awards – Exemplary Innovation Award, an international distinction presented by the Government of Singapore for her outstanding contribution to innovation in the public sector.
Cathy Sagun, Master of Distance Education student and recipient of Public Sector Transformation Awards – Exemplary Innovation Award
In addition to these individual recognitions, the student organization Kathaang Ugnayan ng Likhain, Talastasan, Obra’t Ulat (KULTOU) received the 2026 Gawad Pangulo Para sa Natatanging Organisasyong Pang-mag-aaral – Special Breakthrough Award (Breakthrough Organization of the Year).
Some of the members of the Kathaang Ugnayan ng Likhain, Talastasan, Obra’t Ulat (KULTOU) (L-R): Ann Carleen Gaile Cuevas, Lara Flynn Samson Gonzaga, Bianca Soleil Diangko, Cyril Menea Serrano
UPOU takes pride in the awardees’ remarkable accomplishments, which exemplify the University’s commitment to excellence, public service, and innovation. Their recognitions reflect the impact of UPOU learners beyond the University and serve as an inspiration to the entire UPOU community.
Officially accredited by the University of the Philippines Open University on 18 April 2024, KULTOU serves as the University’s pioneer student-run graphic literature and arts organization. Composed of students seeking to cultivate creativity and develop their artistic talents, the organization provides a platform for literary and artistic expression while promoting appreciation for the arts within the UPOU community.
The Special Breakthrough Award is presented to newly established student organizations that have demonstrated exceptional foundational impact and organizational excellence within their first one to three years. KULTOU’s recognition reflects its significant contributions to fostering creativity, collaboration, and artistic engagement among UPOU students.
UPOU extends its warmest congratulations to Rojhelea An Marie Claur, Cathy Sagun, and KULTOU for bringing pride and honor to the University. May your achievements continue to inspire excellence, creativity, innovation, and meaningful service in the years to come.
