The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) participated in the series of agreements signing last 29 June 2023. This activity aims to sustain the nurturing relationship between the two institutions most especially in the conduct of collaborative research projects, implementation of non-formal online courses, and the interlinking of institutional cooperation. The University of the Philippines Open University Foundation, Inc. (UPOUFI) would also serve as an organization that would strengthen the bond between UPOU and SEARCA in realizing their aforementioned shared goals.
The said event started through the opening remarks of UPOU Chancellor Dr. Melinda dP. Bandalaria. During her speech, she emphasized the longstanding collaboration between UPOU and SEARCA and she further described the series of MOU and MOA signings as the reinvigoration of both institutions’ vows to produce quality research and deliver education in an exemplary manner.
SEARCA Director Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio also delivered a message as an institutional partner of the University. He also stated that SEARCA has long been supportive of the University’s endeavors and vice versa. This later resulted in the continuous offering of non-formal courses and the flourishing of research projects stemming from the previous and current agreements signed by representatives of both institutions.
SEARCA Director Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio
The activity was also attended by Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Primo G. Garcia, represented by Dr. Ricardo T. Bagarinao, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Dr. Jean A. Saludadez, UPOUFI President Dr. Melinda F. Lumanta, UPOUFI Secretary Mr. Michael P. Lagaya, and FMDS Dean, Dr. Joane V. Serrano, represented by Dr. Maripres U. Sarinas.
UPOU Chancellor Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria
The activity also highlighted the upcoming International Tri-Conference: International Conference on Open and Distance eLearning (ICODEL), International Symposium on Education and AI Convergence (ISEAC), and ASEANnale which will be held on 22-25 August 2023. The three-in-one conference has a theme of “Sustainability in Education: Intersections, Ideation, Innovations” which would provide a forum for distance education and e-learning scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to share and reflect experiences to scrutinize the endless possibilities of ODeL. This would also determine opportunities in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the delivery of education. Further, it will showcase the creative and artistic works of ASEAN students and faculty as regards to film production and other multimedia materials as well as other research endeavors exhibiting ASEAN culture.
Moreover, the foregoing activity is a component of UPOU’s effort to embrace opportunities for collaboration and connections with both local and international organizations in the fields such as student and faculty exchange, collaborative research, network involvement, sharing educational resources, and engaging in various international academic and research endeavors.
Written by Nikhaela Valanciano ♦ Edited by Margaret Jarmin-Suarez and Yasele Yambao ♦ Photos by Anna Mhari Duria (OPA)
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