L-R: OSA Director Asst. Prof. Roda Tajon, BAMS Program Chair Dr. Benigno Agapito, Jr.; Gawad Pangulo para sa Natatanging Inobasyon awardees Rajan Llaguno, Porsche Gutierrez, and Jordan Costanilla; UPOU Chancellor Dr. Joane V. Serrano; and FICS Dean Dr. Roberto B. Figueroa, Jr.
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Chancellor formally received the trophy for the award-winning project, “Watch! Tap! Shop!”, during a turnover ceremony held on 18 August 2025 at the Chancellor’s Office.
The project, developed by Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies (BAMS) students Jordan Rae Costanilla, Rajan Joaquin Llaguno, and Porsche Anne Gutierrez, was among the recipients of the Gawad Pangulo para sa Natatanging Inobasyon (GPNI)—a prestigious program of the UP System that recognizes pioneering initiatives demonstrating creativity, impact, and relevance in addressing societal challenges.
BAMS students Porsche Anne Gutierrez, Jordan Rae Costanilla, and Rajan Joaquin Llaguno turn over the GPNI trophy to UPOU Chancellor Joane V. Serrano.
The three student innovators presented the trophy to UPOU Chancellor Dr. Joane V. Serrano, symbolizing not only their achievement but also the university’s collective commitment to fostering a culture of innovation.
Also present at the turnover were Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) Dean Roberto B. Figueroa, Jr., Office of Student Affairs (OSA) Director Roda Tajon, and BAMS Program Chair Dr. Benigno Agapito, Jr., who joined the Chancellor in commending the awardees for their outstanding contribution. Their presence highlighted the support of UPOU’s academic leaders and mentors in nurturing student-led innovations.
The GPNI celebrates the creative spirit of the UP community by honoring projects that set new standards in research, service, and knowledge application. The recognition of Watch! Tap! Shop! reflects how UPOU’s teaching and learning environment empowers students to push boundaries and contribute to transformative practices across disciplines.
With this milestone, UPOU continues to champion innovative work by its students, faculty, and staff—advancing its mission to make education more open, inclusive, and future-oriented.
Contributed by Joy Rebulanan | Edited by Shari San Pablo
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