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UPOU hosts benchmarking with Mindanao State University on microcredentials and lifelong learning initiatives

2026-06-25T15:39:47+08:00

Benchmarking participants from UPOU and MSU during the discussion of UPOU Microcredentials and Roadmap to MC. The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) hosted an online benchmarking activity with Mindanao State University (MSU) on 16 June 2026. The session focused on UPOU’s Microcredential offerings and other lifelong learning initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of learners and professionals. UPOU Office of Public Affairs Director Primo Garcia answered questions on microcredentialing from the MSU delegates including Associate Professor Leemarc C. Alia, Director of the Office of Advanced Education and Lifelong Learning (OAELL), Erniel Ghrizcer G. Ecle, Lifelong [...]

UPOU hosts benchmarking with Mindanao State University on microcredentials and lifelong learning initiatives2026-06-25T15:39:47+08:00

ODeL in Action: Providing Access and Building Leadership in Social Work

2026-03-04T08:43:19+08:00

As part of Open Education Month, we feature a study by Dr. Finaflor Taylan showing how open and distance elearning (ODeL) helps Filipino social workers access graduate programs that fit their work and family schedules. Through UPOU’s flexible online learning, students gain skills, confidence, and leadership to deliver care and drive meaningful social change. Social workers play an important role in society. Not only do they facilitate the provision of care, but they also help maintain the social fabric by ensuring that the poor and marginalized are not overlooked and left behind. This is especially true in the Philippines, where [...]

ODeL in Action: Providing Access and Building Leadership in Social Work2026-03-04T08:43:19+08:00

Ka Sora: A graphic journey through Melchora Aquino’s life

2026-02-24T16:08:50+08:00

Celebrating National Arts Month, we spotlight the graphic novel Ka Sora and the story of Melchora Aquino, brought to life by Dr. Grace Alfonso. Recently, there has been a spate of movies depicting the heroic lives of our national heroes. While a few have been box-office hits, others have sparked controversy and ignited debates about the true purpose of bringing these biographical stories to life on film. The UP Open University contributed to this discourse not through films, but through the creation of the graphic novel Ka Sora, developed by Dr. Grace Alfonso, Professor Emeritus, former University Artist, and former [...]

Ka Sora: A graphic journey through Melchora Aquino’s life2026-02-24T16:08:50+08:00

Rooted in service: How an IP returns to learning so he can return to serve

2026-02-19T14:14:13+08:00

Perfecto Ray D. Bayo, Jr., and the Indigenous Peoples Housing Project at the Daraghuyan Ancestral Domain Community. For Perfecto Ray D. Bayo, Jr., education was not simply about earning a degree. It was about transforming his circumstances and using that transformation to uplift others. A proud member of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) of Bukidnon, Ray grew up aware of the barriers faced by marginalized communities. Before completing his UP education, he experienced firsthand the consequences of limited opportunity and social exclusion. “As a member of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) and other marginalized communities, I have experienced firsthand the [...]

Rooted in service: How an IP returns to learning so he can return to serve2026-02-19T14:14:13+08:00

UPOU launches KMU International University Social Responsibility office

2026-02-23T16:50:17+08:00

Vice Chancellor Lacaste (2nd from right), Vice Chancellor Saludadez (3rd from right), with KMU delegates led by Professor Hsu (center), led the cutting of the ribbon for the UPOU Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) International University Social Responsibility (iUSR) Office. The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) formally launched the Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) International University Social Responsibility (iUSR) Office on 5 February 2026 at the UPOU WCMP Building (Digital Futures Hub) in Los Baños, Laguna. The activity marked a significant milestone in UPOU’s sustained partnership with Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan. The KMU iUSR Office, established as [...]

UPOU launches KMU International University Social Responsibility office2026-02-23T16:50:17+08:00

Emerging Technologies in Learning: Insights from Southeast Asian Students

2025-12-09T13:19:06+08:00

As futurist Alvin Toffler (1928–2016) once said, “technology is a great growling engine of change.” This observation is clearly evident in education, which, in the last few years, has seen the adoption of a wide array of new technologies, from interactive applications to artificial intelligence systems. But what kinds of technologies do students really want? A recent study explored this question by surveying 250 students from five different online universities in Southeast Asia about the new features they prefer in their learning management system.  Working under the collaborative research program of OU5, the study team was composed of Roberto Bacani [...]

Emerging Technologies in Learning: Insights from Southeast Asian Students2025-12-09T13:19:06+08:00

UPOU Chancellor Highlights Need to Turn Access to Impact

2025-11-26T08:38:57+08:00

Is providing access to education enough? Does it lead to real and lasting impact? These are the questions that UPOU Chancellor, Dr. Joane V. Serrano, raised in her recent presentations in two international academic forums. She noted that in the early years, open and distance education focused on expanding access so that more people can participate in learning. Today, however, Chancellor Serrano said that the sector has now reached a stage where access must translate into meaningful and sustainable outcomes and impacts.  Preparing students for these challenges can be guided by the International University Social Responsibility (iUSR) — a framework [...]

UPOU Chancellor Highlights Need to Turn Access to Impact2025-11-26T08:38:57+08:00

UPOU Blood Drive: Twelve Years Running

2025-06-09T13:44:55+08:00

Ugnayan ng Pahinungód UPOU Dir. Larry N. Cruz (2nd from right, standing) and Dr. Emely M. Amoloza (4th from left, standing), Chair of the UPOU Wellness, Healthy Lifestyle and Sports Committee, with the volunteers from Philippines Red Cross, Faculty of Information and Communication Studies and Ugnayan ng Pahinungód UPOU. A twelve-year strong tradition of blood-letting and volunteerism continues as the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) conducted its Blood Donation Drive on 30 May 2025 at the Academic Residences, UPOU Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna. This was spearheaded by the Ugnayan ng Pahinungód (Volunteer Corps) in partnership with the [...]

UPOU Blood Drive: Twelve Years Running2025-06-09T13:44:55+08:00

UP Open University Degrees Recognized by UAE for Equivalency, Seen to Boost Opportunities for OFWs

2025-03-05T09:53:19+08:00

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) has reached a significant milestone as its degrees are now officially recognized for equivalency by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The landmark accreditation is expected to pave the way for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the UAE to leverage their UPOU degrees for career advancement and employment opportunities. UP President Angelo Jimenez said the UAE’s recognition of UPOU’s academic programs underscores the global competitiveness of UP education and reinforces the university’s role in empowering Filipinos worldwide. “This development will have a profound [...]

UP Open University Degrees Recognized by UAE for Equivalency, Seen to Boost Opportunities for OFWs2025-03-05T09:53:19+08:00

FEU Roosevelt Explores ODeL Practices of UPOU in Benchmarking Meeting

2025-03-06T16:51:46+08:00

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) welcomed Far Eastern University (FEU) Roosevelt for a benchmarking activity on 20 February 2025 at the UPOU Headquarters in Los Banos, Laguna.  The benchmarking activity was facilitated by Dr. Melinda Bandalaria, UPOU Chancellor, and Dr. Ricardo Bagarinao, Director of Center for Open and Digital Teaching and Learning (CODTL). Also present was Anna Cañas-Llamas, Information Officer of the UPOU Office of Public Affairs (OPA). Asst. Prof. Mari Anjeli Crisanto, Director of the UPOU Quality Assurance Office (QAO), and Ms. Maelyn Pisueña, QAO Officer, joined virtually Dr. Alma Emerita V. Dela Cruz, Senior [...]

FEU Roosevelt Explores ODeL Practices of UPOU in Benchmarking Meeting2025-03-06T16:51:46+08:00
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