Carrying the theme “Excellence in Equity, Equity in Excellence,” UPOU proudly shared its journey in maintaining quality and excellence in education through open and distance elearning (ODeL) with its partners, stakeholders, alumni, students, the entire UP System and other constituent units, and the rest of the higher education institutions in the Philippines and abroad. With its mission of providing access to quality higher education, it adheres to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, especially to Filipinos anywhere in the world.
Part of the one-day celebration was the forging of new partnerships with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Red Cross for Youth of the UP Los Banos (UPLB). Existing partners were also recognized and presented tokens of appreciation.
Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria, UPOU Chancellor, gave immense appreciation to all the guests and partners who came to celebrate with UPOU. The attendance of guests and partners made the supposed simple and elegant celebration of the 24th Anniversary, a different level of grandeur. “UPOU’s 24th year deserves a celebration of its own, not just a prelude to the 25th anniversary. It is a milestone by itself.”
Dr. Bandalaria shared her pride to be the Chancellor of UPOU on its 24th year, especially with the culture of excellence onODeL, in both academic and administrative processes, that it has established since year one. “The older generation hopes that the pillars of this culture of excellence will not change. The very essence of UPOU’s establishment and mandate of equity in excellence and excellence in equity is the very reason why we are here,” she stated. “We would not have reached this stage and status if not for the support and validation of the UP System and other CUs, and the hard work, commitment, and dedication of faculty, research, extension and professional staff (REPS) and administrative staff.”
The celebration also launched the university’s projects and programs for 2019 which was led by Dr. Melinda Lumanta, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. The projects include the Conversation Paper Series, a publication series featuring papers presented in academic activities and results of empirical studies that capture and share innovative ideas that could impact teaching and learning via open and distance learning. The Race To Wellness is a UPOU program with the University of the Philippines Manila that will develop open educational resources (OER) on wellness in multimedia formats. Online Training and Certification Course on Data Privacy is a collaboration with the Digital Freedom Network and the Disini and Disini Law Office to capacitate individuals regarding the implementation of the rules and regulations of the data Privacy Law of 2012. The World Class Multimedia Center Building is a two-storey building incorporating Filipino-themed Style of Architecture and principles of “Green Architecture” that house video and video editing studios, audio recording booths, and video-conferencing rooms for online meetings and training activities. IskOU-Iska: UPOU CHATBOT intends to enhance the engagement between UPOU and existing and potential students. The ChatBot shall automate and provide improved responses to inquiries sent through official websites and social media pages of UPOU.
Further, the anniversary celebration was the best occasion to honor exemplary members of the UPOU family. Asst. Prof. Myra Almodiel was awarded the Gawad Chancellor for Outstanding Faculty; Ms. Emely Amoloza was awarded the Gawad Chancellor for Outstanding REPS; Ms. Encarnacion Jaen was awarded the Gawad Chancellor for Outstanding Administrative Staff (2nd Level); and Ms. Ela Gisele Abao was awarded the Gawad Chancellor for Outstanding Administrative Staff (1st Level).
The program concluded with an audio-visual presentation that served as a prelude to the celebration of UPOU’s 25th Anniversary on 20 February 2020, after the closing remarks of Dr. Jean A. Saludadez, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration and Chair of the 14th Anniversary Committee. (ACLlamas)
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