The University of the Philippines, through the University of the Philippines-Open University (UPOU), in partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP), launched the Police Open Academy (POA) last 12 September 2022.
The Police Open Academy is an online learning platform that promotes open and distance education in law enforcement. Inspired by UPOU’s mode of instruction, POA aims to institutionalize open and distance education in law enforcement. This initiative is a response to the stringent COVID-19 protocols which limit face-to-face interaction in both academic and non-academic institutions. POA is PNP’s effort to incorporate and utilize open distance learning to improve knowledge acquisition, and develop skills and competencies among its constituents while maximizing productivity, effectiveness, and efficiency.
Photo: From Left UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, FMDS Dean Dr. Joane Serrano, PDA for Institutional Linkages Margaret Suarez, PNP PBGen Arthur Bisnar and PNP Chief PGEN Rodolfo Azurin, Jr.
Due to the lack of platforms tailored toward PNP online education, which resulted in the discontinuity of thousands of classes nationwide, PNP saw the need to integrate Open Distance Learning (ODL) as a system of education. UPOU, the pioneer and expert institution in this field, assists interested educational institutions in developing their ODL platforms, courses, and materials as mandated by Open Distance Learning Act (Republic Act No. 10650).
The launching ended by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between UP and PNP, headed by UP President Atty. Danilo Lardizabal Concepcion, Dr. Joane V. Serrano, Dean of UPOU Faculty of Management and Development Studies and representative of UPOU Chancellor Dr. Melinda dP. Bandalaria, PNP Chief PGEN Rodolfo Azurin, Jr., and PBGEN Jon Arnaldo.
In pursuance of the MOU, UPOU was tasked to assist in developing ICT Infrastructure and instructional designs, learning modules, research, and other activities related to the ODL implementation. This effort is aligned with the university’s objective to provide a continuing education system despite the boundaries and build resilience amid the challenges.
Written by Ren Antoinette Leovido
Edited by Myra C. Almodiel and Margaret Jarmin-Suarez
