Dir. Ria Valerie Cabanes (4th from right) with (L–R): Nissa Mariel Caderao, Joana Marie Erasga, Beatrice Ysabel Dy, Tony Ric Medina, Ray Daniel Peralta, Mary Therese Fernandez, Maelyn Pisueña, Gerald Jeff Calubaquib, and John Michael Elritz Gallo during the benchmarking meeting.
The Development Academy of the Philippines – Center for Strategic Futures (DAP-CSF) visited the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) for a benchmarking activity on 6 April 2026 at the UPOU Community Hub, UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna. The visit aimed to exchange insights on open and distance eLearning practices, course development, quality assurance mechanisms, and emerging initiatives such as microcredentials.
The discussion was facilitated by Dir. Ria Valerie Cabanes of the UPOU Quality Assurance Office (QAO), together with Ms. Maelyn Pisueña, QAO staff. Representing DAP were Dir. Armand Tristan Suratos of the Center for Strategic Futures; Mr. Ray Daniel Peralta and Ms. Nissa Mariel Caderao, Project Managers of CSF; Ms. Mary Therese Fernandez, Ms. Beatrice Ysabel Dy, Mr. Mark Ethan Esguerra, Ms. Jessica Caranay, Mr. John Michael Elritz Gallo, project staff members of CSF; and Mr. Gerald Jeff Calubaquib and Mr. Tony Ric Medina, project staff members of CSF-Linang.
During the session, the Asst. Prof. Cabanes shared key principles and approaches to the Open and Distance eLearning (ODeL) model. She also described UPOU’s structured process for course development, called the UPOU Quality Circle, which ensures the quality of course materials using an interdisciplinary approach.
Participants also discussed UPOU’s online course offerings, learning management system (LMS), and the platforms used to support teaching and learning.
Quality assurance processes were another key focus of the benchmarking activity, particularly those that assess both faculty performance and course implementation.
To support student success, UPOU shared several intervention strategies, including remedial classes, targeted academic support interventions, and counseling sessions. The group also discussed success rates in online learning and explored possible causes of learner attrition, as well as solutions.
The benchmarking activity also included a discussion of Linang, DAP’s digital learning platform, and explored possible parallels and lessons from UPOU’s experience in managing online learning environments.
The discussion explored UPOU’s roadmap for microcredentials. These credentials are designed to be portable, skills-based, and industry-aligned. Recognized through digital badges, microcredentials may be offered as standalone learning opportunities or stacked toward academic credit in degree programs.
DAP-CSF delegates visit CODTL – EMP at the WCMPB Building.
The delegates visited the Center for Open and Digital Teaching and Learning – Educational Media Production (CODTL-EMP), where they gained valuable insights into UPOU’s media production processes.
Guiding these initiatives is UPOU’s mandate to assist other higher education institutions in advancing more flexible modes of instruction, as provided under Republic Act 10650. This is also aligned with its strategic vision, articulated in “Transformative University of the Future,” which aims to advance sustainability, innovation, and inclusive education.
Written by: Marinela Hernandez | Edited by Primo Garcia and Anna Cañas-Llamas | Photos by Dianne Cosinas
Written by: Marinela Hernandez | Edited by Primo Garcia and Anna Cañas-Llamas | Photos by Dianne Cosinas
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