The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) launched new programs and initiatives on its 22nd Anniversary to continue strengthening its leadership in Open and Distance eLearning (ODeL) in the country and the region. With the theme "Leading in ODeL Within and Beyond," UPOU's day-long celebration was held on 24 February 2017 at the UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna.
Recognizing that the strength of the university also comes from its relationship with other individuals and organizations, UPOU continues to forge linkages to fulfill its mission of democratizing access to quality higher education. New agreements and understandings were signed with Centro Escolar University, Department of Health, BDO Life and Vancouver Animation School for several academic and institutional cooperation in 2017.
With the intention of creating more academic space and to house the three Faculty offices of UPOU, the groundbreaking of the UPOU Teaching and Learning Hub was led by Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria, UPOU Chancellor. She was joined by Dr. Rhodora Azanza, Officer-in-Charge for the UP Office of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Patricia Arinto, UP Faculty Regent; Mr. Alexis Mejia, UP Staff Regent; Dr. Melinda Lumanta, UPOU Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Dr. Jean Saludadez, UPOU Vice-Chancellor for Finance and Administration; Dr. Felix Librero, UP Professor Emeritus and Former UPOU Chancellor; Dr. Grace Javier Alfonso, Professor Emeritus and Former UPOU Chancellor; and Dr. J. Collins Yerbury, Dean Emeritus of the Simon Fraser University.
The 22nd Anniversary Program featured the anniversary message of Chancellor Bandalaria, which likened UPOU to a tree with 22 growth rings. "We are deeply-rooted, thus, making our framework strong and sturdy." UPOU is now able to capacitate and help other organizations and institutions. She also made special mention of UPOU's constituents and partners, especially staff members, whom she referred to as the shells that turned disruptions to gems so UPOU can continue being the leader in open and distance elearning in the country and in the Asian region. UP President Danilo L. Concepcion also relayed his anniversary message, delivered by Dr. Azanza. "Compassion is what drives UPOU to continuously adapt to the changing education environment, pushing for more innovative and accessible ways to teach and learn and interact. " She mentioned that UPOU's ability to keep pace with change makes it stand out in the UP System. "No other CU has shown this ability to adapt as well as UPOU has." She also mentioned that at the young age of 22, UPOU's accomplishments are definitely noteworthy.
Part of the program was also the launch of the different projects and initiatives under the Flagship Programs of UPOU or 2016-2019. It featured UPOU's newest eBook series which includes three titles, namely, "Conversations on Openness: An Engagement in Discourse Capture" edited by Dr. Melinda Lumanta and Dr. Alexander Flor; "From Centers to Hubs: Reconceptualizing UPOU Learning Centers" edited by Dr. Melinda Lumanta and Dr. Joane Serrano; and "AGCOM-DEVCOM Crossover: A participant-Observer's Journey" by Dr. Felix Librero.
Other initiatives launched were #OUPossibilities, Independent Learning Mode, MOOCs on ODeL Certification Programs, eService Management Program, Child Rights Protection and Promotion Certification Program and IT for Teaching and Learning Certification Program. The UPOU Networks 3.0 and the new AAOU Website were also launched along with the UPOU Exchange Fellowship Program and the UPOU Health and Wellness Program.
In recognition of outstanding contributions to the university, the Gawad Chancellor for Outstanding Faculty was given to Asst. Prof. Reinald Adrian Pugoy. Ms. Rhonna Marie Vereña was hailed the Gawad Chancellor Awardee for Outstanding REPS. The Gawad Chancellor for Outstanding Administrative Personnel was given to Ms. Victoria Belegal (2nd Level) and Ms. Rose Aquino (1st Level).
The afternoon was kicked-off with the cutting of ribbon for the Painting and Sculpture Exhibition by the Banhay Kulay/Paete Artist Guild entitled "Lines, Curves and Strokes" at the Galeria Sinag of the UPOU Community Hub. And as a celebration of UPOU's Family day, the UPOU Multi-purpose Hall was inaugurated along with the inaugural Activities of the Health and Wellness Program and the presentation of the Service Awards for employees who have rendered 5, 10, 15 and 20 years of service.
With all the activities conducted and the programs officially launched, UPOU starts its 22nd year strong and able to continue leading the country and the region in open and distance elearning. (Anna Cañas-Llamas)
