UP Open University (UPOU) welcomed Manila Central University (MCU) officials for a benchmarking activity today, 14 May 2024, at the UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna. The event was spearheaded by UPOU Chancellor Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria, along with Office of Public Affairs (OPA) Director Dr. Myra C. Almodiel and Quality Assurance Office (QAO) Director Asst. Prof. Mari Anjeli Crisanto.
The MCU delegation, led by University President Dr. Renato C. Tanchoco, explored UPOU’s practices and implementations in distance eLearning, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), and Micro-credentials.
In line with its mandate under RA 10650, also known as the “Open Distance Learning Law,” and its commitment to Sustainable Development Goals No. 4 (Quality Education) and No. 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), UPOU continues to play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between various organizations and institutions. These efforts aim to provide accessible and high-quality education to a diverse range of learners, promoting cooperation and shared progress in the educational landscape.
Written by Lovelyn P. Petrasanta ♦ Edited by Dr. Myra C. Almodiel
#UPOpenUniversity
The IFSS 2025 formally concluded with a meaningful closing ceremony.![]()
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UPOU Assoc. Prof. Finaflor F. Taylan, DProfSt, Chair of the IFSS 2025 Program Committee, delivered a synthesis of the forum, emphasizing the values aligned with the discussion areas of the IFSS2025. She ended with a call to continually act together for justice, for regeneration, for a future where everyone has just not food, but dignity, health, and the opportunity thrive.![]()
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An exchange of institutional gifts was held among the representatives from UPOU, DOST, TUPV, STI West Negros University, and Negros Power.![]()
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Certificates of participation were awarded to all participants of IFSS 2025.![]()
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The Best Paper Award was conferred by Dr. Gerome Salas, member of the IFSS 2025 Paper Committee to the following winners:![]()
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- Arwen Jover, Joval Martinez, Aran Jay Nonato, Raezel Harvey Pitong, and Angel Hope Robles with their paper entitled “Functional Characterization of Potassium Solubilization Potential of Hot Spring-Derived Thermophilic Bacteria for Sustainable Agricultural Biofertilizer Development." (Best Paper Award)![]()
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- Thushari Senavirathna and Brian Dunsford with their paper entitled "Bamboo Pots (Bambusa vulgaris) as a Circular and Regenerative Alternative in Tea (Camellia sinensis) Nurseries." (2nd Best Paper Award)![]()
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- Gregorio Crisostomo, Crizel Ann Biton, Henmark De la Cruz, Ma. Korina Claudia Hinayan, Ronald Ray Labayen, Charisse Pesquera, Jayboy Santillan, and Joel Manuel Villaluz with their paper entitled "Multi-Crop Powder Processing Machine for Enhancing the Value of Root Crops in Negros." (3rd Best Paper Award)![]()
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The Best Poster Award was presented by Dr. Gerald Salas, Member of the IFSS 2025 Awards Committee, to Gregorio Crisostomo with his paper entitled “Development of a Portable Solar-Powered Mechanized Silk Reeling Device for Sustainable Silk Production of Rural Negros Island Farmers."![]()
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The Best Sustainable Showcase Award of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fair was presented by Engr. Glady T. Reyes, Co-Chair of the IFSS 2025 SDG Fair Committee, to Subay Marketing.![]()
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Engr. Allan Francis Dara-ug, Provincial Director of the DOST Negros Island Region, delivered his closing remarks with a hope that the seeds planted in IFSS 2025 continue to grow, flourish and bear fruit for generations to come.![]()
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#IFSS2025 #Sustainability
