The University of the Philippines Open University Chancellor, Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria, was invited to interview with the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) for their Business Roadshow program on 10 April 2024. In an interview with Mr. Stanley Palisada, the program’s host, Chancellor Bandalaria, highlighted the online programs that UPOU offers and the importance of open distance and e-learning (ODeL), especially amidst unforeseeable health and natural calamities.
Dr. Bandalaria explained why UPOU’s approach to learning is gaining traction worldwide, citing the success of its Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) program. According to her, UPOU advocates for openness, inclusivity, and accessibility by removing the barriers to learning opportunities. These barriers include distance, health problems, and natural calamities like typhoons and pandemics. These offered light to different academic institutions to adapt UPOU’s online learning model that promotes sustainability, especially during the pandemic.
Dr. Bandalaria also highlighted the significant impact of UPOU’s microcredentials on industry readiness. She explained that these bite-sized courses are designed to address specific skills and competencies and bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry needs. This, she emphasized, is a testament to UPOU’s commitment to lifelong learning and its role in providing relevant education opportunities in the country.
Dr. Bandalaria also took the opportunity to share about the effort of the University of the Philippines System to reach more Filipinos abroad and provide more education opportunities through the UP VINTA, which stands for University of the Philippines Ventures for International and Transformative Academia. It is aimed at Filipino learners abroad and those residing within the Philippines; the program stands as a beacon of opportunity, offering accessible education irrespective of location, and will be launched in various countries over the next months.
This interview highlighted the important role of ODeL, particularly in addressing challenges like health crises and natural disasters. The UPOU’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity through its MOOCs program reflects a forward-thinking approach to education. By emphasizing life-long learning and integrating microcredentialing, UPOU is ensuring relevance in education and promoting adaptability in learners to thrive in this fast-paced world.
Written by Dianne Cosinas ♦ Edited by Myra C. Almodiel and Anna Cañas-Llamas
