SDG 17

On October 9, 2025, in Kaohsiung, Taiwan — the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) further solidified its international collaborations through the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the Lai Pen Yuan Cultural Foundation and iNG Stingless Bee Ltd. In her message, Chancellor Dr. Joane Serrano highlighted that the signing of the two MOUs symbolizes more than formal agreements—it represents the collective spirit of “Taiwanihan,” a shared commitment between the Philippines and Taiwan to advance education, sustainability, and cultural understanding. Chancellor Serrano also introduced two key initiatives arising from these partnerships: joint academic and cultural programs with [...]

On 10 October 2025, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) presented its global vision and concrete actions on International University Social Responsibility (iUSR) through the iUSR Forum organized by Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.During the forum, UPOU Chancellor Joane Serrano delivered an insightful presentation titled “iUSR: Expanding from Regional Cooperation to Global Impact.” In her talk, Chancellor Serrano emphasized the UPOU’s commitment to advancing social responsibility in higher education through open and distance e-learning, collaborative innovation, and transformative partnerships that respond to global challenges. She also highlighted the importance of expanding and strengthening educational partnerships between [...]

On 9 October 2025, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) and Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) formally launched the UPOU International University Social Responsibility (iUSR) - University of the Philippines Ventures for International and Transformative Academia (UP VINTA) Office at the Kaohsiung Medical University campus, a milestone for enhanced academic partnership between Taiwan and the Philippines. UPOU iUSR and VINTA Office nameplates in Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan UPOU Chancellor Dr. Joane Serrano was joined by KMU Vice Presidents Yeou-Lih Huang and Fan-Hao Chou, Chairman Chao-Hsien Lai of the Lai Pen Yuan Cultural Foundation, and Dr. Chia-Yen [...]

On 9 October 2025, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) brought the UP System flagship initiative — the UP Ventures for International and Transformative Academia (UP VINTA) — to Kaohsiung, Taiwan, continuing its mission to reach Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) by providing access to quality, flexible, and inclusive education. The UP VINTA Learning Caravan, spearheaded by UPOU officials led by Chancellor Joane V. Serrano, Dean Charisse Reyes of the Faculty of Education, Assistant Professor Lloyd Lyndel Simporios representing the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), and Assistant Professor Lorena Jean Saludadez, Assistant to the Chancellor for UP [...]