The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) and Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) held a collaborative meeting on 21 November 2024 at the UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna. The meeting was held as part of the partnership of the two universities.
Dr. Myra Almodiel, Office of Public Affairs (OPA) Director, facilitated the meeting with Dr. Ricardo Bagarinao, Director of the Center for Open and Digital Teaching and Learning (CODTL) Director , and the Quality Assurance Office (QAO).
The TUP delegates were headed by the project leaders for TUP Open University initiative, Assoc. Prof. Julius Sareno and Professor Dr. Julius G. Garcia. With them are Assoc.Prof. Gina Basa, Director of Institutional/International Linkages and External Affairs Office; Dr. Hadji Alegre, Officer-in-Charge for Educational Resource Development Services; Assoc. Prof. Kevien Dela Cruz, Director of Expanded Tertiary Education and Equivalent Accreditation Program; Prof. Dr. Melbern Rose Maltezo, Director of Graduate Programs; Prof. Maria Carmela Francisco; and Mx. Jacky Gaviola Gajudo.
The discussion focused on the planning of programs and initiatives of the universities.
TUP is taking a step in offering and developing Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in collaboration with UPOU, utilizing the PH MOOCs platform—a collaborative initiative among State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). Dr. Almodiel talked about the details of this collaboration, entailing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two universities held last March 2024. The TUP project leaders expressed interest in future training opportunities for their faculty and staff. Dr. Bagarinao outlined the available modalities, including training courses currently being developed by UPOU and institution-specific training sessions organized upon request. TUP continues to forge a partnership with UPOU, focusing on capability and capacity building to establish its own system. This includes developing proposals under UPOU’s guidance and meeting the requirements for establishing and operationalizing TUP’s open and distance eLearning initiatives.
In accordance with RA 10650, the “Open Distance Learning Act,” and its commitment to Sustainable Development Goals No. 4 (Quality Education) and No. 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), UPOU plays a crucial role in encouraging collaboration among various institutions and organizations. This initiative is focused on delivering accessible, high-quality education while fostering shared advancements in the education sector.
Written by Zyrene Edrei Villanueva ♦ Edited by Myra C. Almodiel
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