The UP Open University (UPOU) successfully celebrated its 25th Anniversary last 20 February 2020 with the theme “Revolutionizing Disruptions for Excellence and Equity”.
The celebration started with the signing of Memorandum of Agreement/Understanding with its new and existing partners: Local Government Unit (LGU) Lipa, UP Los Baños, Department of Education (DepEd) Lipa, Space Ecologies Art Designs (SEADS), Concentrix CVG Philippines, Curiosity, Benguet State University (BSU), Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMSU), Ifugao State University (IFSU), and Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU).
UP President Danilo L. Concepcion graced the opening of the UPOU Exhibit and the unveiling of the UPOU 25th Anniversary Marker. The UPOU Exhibit “Disruptive Connections, Connective Disruptions” highlights the milestones and accomplishments of UPOU for the past 25 years, and its stepping stones and views for the years beyond. Dr. Primo G. Garcia, Dean of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), was the Executive Director of the exhibit. The exhibit team consisted of: Pieter Steyaert , SEADS representative and Lecturer of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS), as Senior Artistic Director; Dr. Diego S. Maranan, FICS Assistant Professor and Program Chair of the Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies (BAMS), as Artistic Director; Dr. Joane V. Serrano, FMDS Associate Professor and Director of the Information Office, as Senior Curator of Public Engagement; Ms. Noreen Dianne S. Alazada, Mr. Keizer Philip B. Ancajas, Mr. Joaquin – Ascan, Ms. Jenine – Bagos, Ms. Amabelle – Banasihan, Ms. Janele Ann C. Belegal, Ms. Anna Ma. Elizabeth F. Canas-Llamas, Mr. Louis Samuel – Dizon, Ms. Luisa A. Gelisan, Mr. Lexter – Mangubat, Ms. Lovelyn P. Petrasanta, Ms. Juliet B. Ramos, Ms. Jichele Ann – Urma, and Ms. Ellaisa Ruth B. Veluz as Exhibition Team Members.
The UPOU 25th Anniversary Marker, “The Culture of Sharing Wisdom (Ang Kalinangan ng Pagbabahagi ng Karunungan),” was designed and executed by Dr. Grace Javier Alfonso, Film Studies Scholar, Communication Innovation Advocate, UP Professor Emeritus for Film and Former Chancellor of UPOU. During the unveiling, Dr. Alfonso shared that the marker depicts the repetition and alternation of lines and shadows as the light touches the men and women figures bring to fore the rhythm of everyday life—the culture of sharing wisdom. The work of art shows a figure that symbolizes discovery and making meanings, another shows processing, two figures show action and the other presents offering and sharing. While the katakataka represents the essence of the wisdom that flows within th eUPOU through its scholars and among the people of our nation and beyond.
The day-long celebration culminated with the 25th Anniversary Program. UPOU Chancellor Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria formally welcomed guests to the program of the UPOU 25th Anniversary. Dr. Bandalaria thanked the UPOU’s predecessors, UP system officials, partners, faculty, staff, and distinguished guests for joining in the anniversary celebration. “We give thanks to all of you and share with you this celebration of UPOU’s silver year. Kung hindi po dahil sa inyong lahat, hindi po makakarating ang UPOU sa ika-25 taon nito at sa estado na kinalalagyan natin ngayon,” she said.
In his Anniversary message, UP President Concepcion also recognized the efforts and leadership of UPOU in open and distance eLearning and in the changing learning environment.
Former UP President and National Scientist Dr. Emil Q. Javier also gave a special message during the program. Reminiscing the early years of UPOU, Dr. Javier agreed that UPOU is the future of UP and said, “It is now up for you, UPOU, to make real the future that was envisioned for you.” He served as the UP President at the time UPOU was formally declared as the fifth constituent unit of the University of the Philippines.
Former UPOU Chancellors Dr. Ma. Cristina D. Padolina, Dr. Felix Librero, and Dr. Grace Javier Alfonso also gave their special messages during the program. They emphasized the role of UPOU in extending UP quality education to all Filipinos all over the world.
The program also paid tribute to the pioneering officials and personnel of UPOU.
Mr. Hubert B. Quiblat, UPOU 1999 Class Representative, and Mr. Jerry Donato, current President of the UPOU Alumni Foundation Inc. expressed their deep gratitude for UPOU for revolutionizing learning and providing distance education to individuals, embracing learners regardless of their social, economic, and cultural background.
Dr. Melinda F. Lumanta, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, presented UPOU books to be published this 2020. UPOU partners since 1995 were also given recognition and appreciation during the program, spearheaded by Ms. Margaret Jarmin-Suarez, Chair of UPOU’s Partnerships and Linkages Committee.
UPOU also launched its “Tatak UPOU” video during the program, wherein it captured what UPOU has done in creating opportunities for past and present learners, and how it has transformed the lives of its learners. UPOU’s future endeavors and views were also presented.
Dr. Jean A. Saludadez, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, gave the closing remarks.
The UP Open University also recognized UPOU faculty and staff who have served the University for 5, 15, 20 and 25 years, and Gawad Chancellor Awards were given to exemplary faculty, REPS, and administrative staff.
Ms. Janet Robledo received the Award for Administrative Staff Level 1, while Ms. Lilian Diamante received the Award for Level 2. Ms. Yasele Irene Angela Yambao, Director of the Office of Student Affairs, was the recipient of the Gawad Chancellor Award for REPS. Lastly, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Melinda F. Lumanta received the Gawad Chancellor Award for Faculty.
Sustainable Development Goals
Written by Janele Ann c. Belegal and Lovelyn P. Petrasanta
Edited by Joane V. Serrano and Anna Canas-Llamas
Graphics by Lovelyn P. Petrasanta
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