The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), in its 28th year, is aiming to widen its reach to different sectors and elevate the quality of delivery of Philippine higher education. The said goal is realized through a series of ceremonial agreements signed with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and the Los Baños Horticulture Society, Inc. on 2 March 2023.
UPOU and PNP
The MOU signing proper kicks off with the Philippine National Police, a government agency that has been a partner of UPOU since 2022. Through the reinforcement of a previously signed agreement between the former UP System President Atty. Danilo L. Concepcion and PNP Police General Rodolfo S. Azurin, Jr. The signing proper was participated by UPOU Chancellor Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria with Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) Dean Dr. Joane V. Serrano alongside the partners from PNP as witness, namely: Police Lieutenant Colonel Nemesio Saronhilo, the General Doctrine Development Division (GDDD) Assistant Chief of the Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development (DHRDD), and Police Major Bryan Queñano, Chief of the In-Service Training Section under the Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development (DHRDD).
Also, the said agreement is in consonance with the Open Distance Learning Act, otherwise known as Republic Act No. 10650 which mandates that UPOU shall help PNP in re-equipping the human resource aspect of its members through ODeL.
UPOU and MARINA
UPOU, as represented by Chancellor Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria and Faculty of Management Studies’ (FMDS) Dean Dr. Joane V. Serrano inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Institutional Cooperation with MARINA Administrator Atty. Hernani N. Fabia, and MARINA-Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Office OIC-Executive Director Mr. Samuel L. Batalla.
The signing of the MOU marks the achievement of the following objectives:
- Joint academic activities including webinars and other training;
- Collaborative research;
- Consultancy and other technical services; and
- Resource and information sharing.
UPOU and LBHSI
Finally, as one of the staunch partners of the University, Los Baños Horticulture Society, Inc. (LBSHI) aims to enrich horticulture through practice, to promote and develop a meaningful extension, to develop responsible leadership, to foster cooperation and mutual assistance among its members, and to contribute to the total development of the community and ultimately to the larger society. This would enrich the aspect of horticulture not only locally but also internationally, in the long run.
It was also emphasized by FMDS Dean Dr. Serrano that LBHSI, in cooperation with the University, will conduct the Los Baños Flower and Garden Show on 21-31 March 2023 in line with the celebration of the International Day of the Forest. The said event would also have three talks related to Permaculture, Indigenous Trees, Horticulture, and Integrating Women/Gender.
The said partnerships are projected to produce more impactful results in bridging the gap between learners and lifelong learning and more importantly, in the landscape of Philippine higher education.
Written by Nikhaela Valenciano
Edited by Margaret Jarmin-Suarez
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