The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) through the Office of Public Affairs (OPA) in collaboration with the UPOU Alumni Foundation, Inc. (UPOUAFI) successfully conducted the first UPOU Alumni Congress on 30-31 July 2021.
Hundreds of UPOU alumni from the different regions of the Philippines and from all over the world attended the historic event which carried the UPOU year-long theme, “Sustainability and Agility amidst Disruption.”
The two-day virtual gathering featured various activities and workshops that were organized by the alumni chapter officers, and specifically designed for the alumni from UPOU’s Faculty of Education (FEd), Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS), and Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS).
The participants, who convened for the very first time to reconnect with their fellow alumni and their Alma Mater, were welcomed by officials from the University of the Philippines (UP) system, UPOU, and UP System Alumni Association. The two-hour Opening Program was held via Zoom and was broadcasted live through the UPOU Networks and the UPOU Facebook Page.
In her welcome remarks, UPOU Chancellor Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria compared the Alumni Congress to UPOU’s annual graduation rites, which every student and faculty-in-charge (FIC) anticipate every year because it is the only time when they get to see one another in person. As such, Dr. Bandalaria recognized the gathering as the latest addition to the traditions of the University, and another event to look forward to. She also stressed the role of the UPOU alumni who serve as ambassadors of the University to the outside world.
UP System Vice President for Public Affairs Elena E. Pernia, on the other hand, shared invaluable insights on how to encourage the alumni to continue helping their Alma Mater long after they have graduated. Dr. Pernia specifically suggested to follow Nike’s “Just Do It” slogan when it comes to resource generation. She also encouraged everyone to draw inspiration from the teachings in the Bible which remind us to ask, seek, and knock in order to receive the things we aspire. She concluded her message by highlighting the value of accountability and reminding the attendees that it is always important to thank donors regardless of the reason and purpose of the donation.
UP System Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs and Director of the Office of Alumni Relations Maria Angelica D. Abad shared UP’s various projects and initiatives in maintaining the records of almost 350,000 living UP alumni and about 10,000 more added every year from eight constituent universities across 21 campuses. Assistant Vice President Abad announced that they are currently working towards a central UP alumni database that is accurate, integrated, fast, and accessible. She also discussed the benefits and opportunities of having a UP email account which allows the alumni to receive the latest information on UP and alumni events through the monthly UP Alumni eNewsletter, brings the alumni closer to the University by providing opportunities for donations or volunteerism, and provides the opportunity to the global alumni to get involved in the life of the University. She reminded all UPOU alumni to obtain their UP email accounts and to stay engaged, involved, and connected.
UPOUAFI President Ma. Mahalia Cristina Marci welcomed her fellow UPOU alumni by declaring that they are here to show the world what they can do and what they have achieved for honor and excellence. Ms. Marci also recognized the efforts of the alumni chapters in organizing and hosting the different workshops in the first Alumni Congress. She reiterated that it takes more than a connection to have a life online, but rather it requires awareness, critical thought, and sensitivity, and the UPOU way has shown that over the years.
UP Alumni Regent and UP Alumni Association President Reynaldo C. Laserna affirmed UPOU’s relevance in these unprecedented times by citing that UPOU is least affected by the pandemic since it has been doing distance education since 1995 and that more students are now considering UPOU as a viable alternative school. Atty. Laserna also underscored the UPOU Alumni Foundation’s authority and validity as it is a registered chapter of the UP Alumni Association and is represented in the UPAA Board of Directors. He ended his message by asserting that the UPOU alumni can stand out in the midst of their fellow Iskolar ng Bayan in upholding UP’s core values of excellence, leadership, and service.
Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs Jose Wendell P. Capili discussed the history of UP’s relationship with its alumni and the best practices it has implemented. Dr. Capili highlighted the role of the University in establishing the alumni association and encouraging its alumni to stay connected and engaged through the years. Currently, UP’s strong ties with its alumni is exemplified through the UP Alumni Association, UP Office of Alumni Relations, and Ang Bahay ng Alumni, among others.
The opening program also served as the occasion to launch the UPOUAFI Official Facebook Page and the UPOU Alumni Helpdesk System. The UPOUAFI Official Facebook Page is another platform for the UPOU alumni to keep in touch with their fellow alumni and get to know the UPOU community. The UPOU Alumni Helpdesk System, on the other hand, is a one-stop-shop that aims to answer concerns and queries of the UPOU alumni as well as encourage the alumni to easily communicate and stay connected with UPOU.
UPOU Office of Public Affairs and Office of Gender Concerns Director Joane V. Serrano closed the Opening Program of the Alumni Congress by sharing that the event was originally planned as part of the UPOU’s 25th anniversary celebration in 2020. However, it was not realized due to the pandemic. Dr. Serrano admitted that organizing such a gathering was challenging since most UPOU alumni are geographically separated from one another. But she was quick to note that the very same limitation made UPOU more resilient, adaptive, and agile. She concluded her message by encouraging the UPOU alumni to continue fostering a sense of community in promoting the welfare of the UPOU.
Mr. Alnard Alejandro Pagulayan, UPOU MDC Alumni and current Secretary of the UPOUAFI FICS Chapter, served as master of ceremonies.
The Alumni Congress’ Opening Program and workshops can be viewed again through UPOU’s Facebook page and UPOU Networks.
Written and Screen Capture by Jaime Guimbao
Edited by Joane V. Serrano and Anna Cañas-Llamas