The University of the Philippines Open University’s Faculty of Management and Development Studies (UPOU-FMDS), and the University of the Philippines School of Urban and Regional Planning (UP SURP) have initiated a collaboration to address the challenges in land use, and urban and regional planning education. The aim is to enhance the Diploma in Land Use Planning (DLUP) program of UPOU-FMDS and the Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning (DURP) program of UP SURP to better align with the current demands and challenges faced by urban planners.
The collaborative discussions, attended by representatives from both institutions, including FMDS Dean Dr. Joane Serrano, Asst. Prof. Remsce Pasahol, Asst. Prof. Milben Bragais, Ms. Dona Lyn Piamonte, and Ms. Janelle Ebron from UPOU, and UP SURP Dean Dr. Dina Magnaye, Prof. Karen Ann B. Jago-on, and Asst. Prof. Kristine F. Aspiras from UP SURP on 1 March 2024 at the UP School of Urban and Regional Planning, UP Diliman, Quezon City aims to enhance the curriculum of both programs to address the evolving needs of urban planning education.
One of the challenges identified by UP SURP is the discrepancy in credit units between the DURP and the DLUP programs. This issue is being addressed through the collaboration to ensure that UPOU students are credited appropriately towards a master’s degree in urban and regional planning.
To further enhance the collaboration, UPOU has outlined several action points, including the formation of a consortium of open universities offering similar courses and the creation of a task force for the program review with SURP. Additionally, Asst. Prof. Pasahol will be joining all discussions and meetings for the SURP program review, ensuring a comprehensive and coordinated effort to enhance urban and regional planning education.
Written by Donalyn Piamonte ♦ Edited by Larry N. Cruz ♦ Crossposted from FMDS Website
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