UPOU’s First Town Hall Meeting Opens Dialogue on Staff Concerns

In line with the vision of UPOU Chancellor, Dr. Joane V. Serrano, toward a sustainable, resilient, and healthy university, the first UPOU Town Hall meeting for all UPOU administrators and staff members was held on 21 May 2025 at the UPOU CCDL Auditorium. 

The program started with Chancellor Serrano presenting the activities and initiatives implemented since she officially took office in March 2025. Chancellor Serrano also shared the general decisions made during the Chancellor’s Advisory Council meetings and the various actions that were agreed upon based on the decisions and resolutions. 

Emphasizing the value of transparency in governance, Chancellor Serrano explained that UPOU town hall meetings will serve as a venue to ensure the participation of the whole UPOU community in the university’s strategic initiatives and directions. 

A forum then took place where people were encouraged to bring up their work concerns. One of the issues discussed was improvements to the MODeL platform, with confirmation that enhancements are underway. 

Several questions were also brought up about the flexible work arrangement.  Clarifications were made based on the allowable conditions set in the Civil Service Commission memorandum. It was also announced that internal guidelines have been drafted and will be released soon. 

Other concerns raised included campus and infrastructure maintenance and enhancements, access to benefits and services, and workplace support mechanisms. 

Assoc. Prof. Ria Mae Borromeo, Assistant to the Chancellor for Institutional Analytics and Insights, served as host and moderator for the event. She explained that town hall meetings for UPOU employees and administrators will be held every quarter to ensure transparency in all university initiatives and participation of all constituents.

Written by Anna Cañas-Llamas ♦ Edited by Primo Garcia ♦ Photos by Anthea Faye Peredo

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