The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) met with the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) last 01 June 2023. The meeting was participated by Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (VCAA) Dr. Primo G. Garcia, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration (VCFA) Dr. Jean A. Saludadez, Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) Dean Dr. Joanne V. Serrano, Information and Communication Technology Development Office (ICTDO) Director Dr. Reinald Pugoy, Linkages Officer Ms. Margaret Suarez, and HRDO Chief Mr. Michael Lagaya, all hailing from UPOU. On the other hand, the representatives from SEARCA consisted of Deputy Director for Administration Associate Professor Joselito Florendo, Deputy Director for Programs Dr. Nur Azura Adam, Executive Assistant Ms. Ma. Victoria D. Bravo, Program Specialists Ms. Paula Muyco and Ms. Lichelle Carlos.
The focus of the meeting was to finalize the agreement between the two institutions regarding the implementation of the International Tri-Conference consisting of the following: International Conference on Open and Distance e-Learning 2023 (ICODEL 2023), International Symposium on Education and AI Convergence 2023 (ISEAC 2023), and ASEANnale 2023.
The activity finalized the responsibilities of both UPOU and SEARCA in the upcoming International Tri-Conference which shall sustain the progress of open and distance education in the Philippines and across the globe. It shall also open the horizons of artificial intelligence (AI) which would be helpful in the delivery of Philippine higher education. One of the crucial parts of the meeting would be the details of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the two institutions, as it would be the binding document that would forge the facilitation of the upcoming conferences.
The International Conference of ICODEL 2023, ISEAC 2023, and ASEANnale 2023 shall bring forth new learnings, ideas, and innovations through sustainable education. Visit https://tricon.upou.edu.ph/ to learn more.
Contributed by Nikhaela Valenciano ♦ Edited by Margaret Jarmin-Suarez and Yasele Irene Angela M. Yambao
