UPOU Welcomes Japan Foundation Manila For a Courtesy Visit

The UP Open University (UPOU) welcomed delegates from the Japan Foundation Manila (JFM) for a courtesy visit on 20 March 2025 at the UPOU headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, as part of its ongoing commitment to expanding learning opportunities through microcredentials.

The JFM delegation, led by Deputy Director Yojiro Tanaka, was warmly received by UPOU Chancellor Joane Serrano, Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) Associate Professor Dr. Roberto Figueroa, Jr., and Assistant Professor Margaret Jarmin-Suarez, Program Development Associate for Institutional Linkages.

The discussion focused on strengthening their collaboration, particularly in advancing Japanese language education in the Philippines through Microcredentials. This initiative is designed to provide more accessible, flexible, and specialized learning pathways, specifically focusing on training public high school teachers in Japanese language instruction. Furthermore, these Microcredentials are strategically linked to obtaining higher degrees, ensuring that educators have structured opportunities for professional growth.

The JFM delegation emphasized the importance of continuous learning for expert educators to build a sustainable community of skilled professionals. This aligns with UPOU’s broader vision of fostering lifelong learning and innovation. 

Both institutions expressed their enthusiasm in continuing future collaborations, leveraging their combined expertise and resources to enhance language education, professional development, and community-building initiatives. UPOU and JFM look forward to expanding their impact and creating a more dynamic network of committed language professionals.

UPOU launched its Microcredentials program and ASCEND platform in 2024, offering stackable courses for flexible upskilling and credit transfer to degree programs.

Written by Marinela Hernandez ♦ Edited by Primo Garcia and Anna Cañas-Llamas

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