Dr. Finaflor F. Taylan has resumed the role of Director of the Office of Gender Concerns (OGC) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) after she went on study leave to pursue her doctorate degree. Her appointment took effect on 1 March 2022 and will run until 28 February 2025.
Dr. Taylan is an Assistant Professor of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) and the Program Chair of the Diploma in Women & Development and Diploma in/Master of Social Work programs. She was appointed as the Director of the OGC in 2015 and served until she took a study leave in 2017 to pursue a doctorate program.
Asst. Prof. Taylan is an advocate of human rights, mental health, gender equality, and well-being, among others. She has hosted and been invited as a resource speaker in several webinars and discussions on issues on women, gender inequality, domestic violence, adolescent pregnancy, and other similar topics. She is a recipient of the Community Service Award from the University of Southern Queensland Student Awards 2020 for having demonstrated active and enthusiastic participation in community service or volunteering initiatives.
Dr. Taylan is a registered social worker and has been part of the advocacy changes for the renewal of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) license for social work in the country. She is a member of the committees for the revision of social work laws in the Philippines. She is involved in the development of an amplified definition of Social Work in the Asia Pacific. She has actively participated in the activities towards claiming more spaces for women in the Asian region through the Asian Association of Women’s Studies. As part of the gender focal point of the University, she continuously promotes gender mainstreaming in teaching, research, service, and administrative functions.
Dr. Taylan recently completed her Doctor of Professional Studies degree at the University of Southern Queensland. She earned her Bachelor of Science and Master in Social Work degrees from the University of the Philippines Diliman.
Written by Jaime P. Guimbao
Edited by Myra C. Almodiel and Anna Cañas-Llamas
Graphics by Lovelyn P. Petrasanta
#UPOpenUniversity
