On 25 August 2026, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) welcomed delegates from the Philippine Christian University (PCU) for a benchmarking activity at the UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna.
The benchmarking activity provided an opportunity for PCU to learn from UPOU’s ODeL practices as it works on enhancing its academic programs and online education initiatives.
UPOU and PCU representatives exchange insights during a benchmarking activity
at the UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna.
The PCU delegation included Dr. Vida T. Dones, Director of Online Education and Professional Advancement (OEPA), and Prof. Junnel Guia, Director for Research.
Dr. Vida T. Dones and Prof. Junnel Guia discussed PCU’s plans on implementing ODeL for their degree programs.
UPOU Quality Assurance Director Asst. Prof. Ria Valerie Cabanes facilitated the discussion on UPOU’s practices, with a focus on instructional design, learning management systems, quality assurance, and digital transformation.
UPOU QAO Director Asst. Prof. Ria Valerie Cabanes shares UPOU’S ODeL practices.
The discussion also covered various aspects of ODeL implementation, including faculty and staffing requirements, academic terms and course offerings, student population, and the development and management of learning materials.
The PCU delegation also expressed interest in participating in training programs offered by UPOU’s Center for Open and Digital Teaching and Learning (CODTL) to further strengthen their institution’s capacity in online and distance education.
The engagement is aligned with UPOU’s mandate under Republic Act No. 10650 (Open Distance Learning Act) and highlights their shared commitment to advancing accessible, innovative, and quality education through open and distance learning.
Written by Marinela Hernandez | Edited by Anna Canas-Llamas and Primo Garcia | Photos by Dianne Cosinas
