The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) is set to mark a significant milestone in 2025 as it celebrates its 30th Anniversary. In three decades, UPOU has pioneered open and distance e-learning (ODeL) in the Philippines, breaking barriers in education and promoting lifelong learning. Carrying the theme “Constancy, Change, Co-existence,” UPOU will host a grand Tri-Conference together with the UPOU Foundation, Inc. (UPOUFI) and the Philippine Society for Distance Education (PSDL) to celebrate the achievement.
Since its establishment in 1995, UPOU has been at the forefront of open, distance, and flexible learning, providing quality education to Filipinos across the country and beyond. The university’s 30th anniversary is not just a celebration of its past achievements but also a reaffirmation of its commitment to accessible and inclusive education.
The upcoming Tri-Conference will serve as the highlight of the anniversary. It is an international gathering of scholars, educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the future of education, research, and technology. The Tri-Conference will feature discussions on the latest trends in open and distance learning, digital transformation, and educational innovations that shape the future of higher education. This event will bring together three conferences under one umbrella, creating a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and thought leadership: the International Conference on Open and Distance eLearning (ICODeL), The International Symposium on Education, AI, and Cybersecurity (ISEAC), and the International Symposium for ASEAN Studies (ISAS).
The events will be held in a hybrid format, maximizing the affordances of different modes of delivery. The events will take place online and at the UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, on 24 – 28 February 2025.
ICODeL is a biennial international conference series on open and distance e-learning (ODeL). It aims to provide a forum for distance education and e-learning scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to share and reflect on experiences and collaboratively create and explore spaces and possibilities for development. ISEAC is a symposium that brings together experts and practitioners from various fields to explore the latest advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity, as well as their impact on education. ISAS is a composite of hybrid (virtual and in-person) activities that showcase the creative and research works of higher education students and faculty from the 10 ASEAN member countries, which produce films, multimedia materials, and research studies that reflect the narratives of their countries and regional culture.
Aside from the Tri-Conference, UPOU alumni are invited to the UPOU 30th Anniversary Alumni Social Event on 28 February 2025 at the UPOU Headquarters. With the theme “Coming Home: Reuniting, Reviving, and Rebuilding,” this special hybrid gathering will celebrate the journey of UPOU alumni and mark the official launch of the newly structured UPOU Alumni Association, Inc. (UPOUAAI). The event will also serve as an opportunity to reconnect and strengthen membership for future collaborations. Additional anniversary activities include student-led events, an Open House spearheaded by the UPOU Academic and Administrative Union Chapters, and the UPOU Family Reunion, creating a vibrant week of engagement and celebration.
The event will be capped with the 30th Anniversary Program on 28 February 2025, which will officially close the Tri-Conference. It will also highlight the turnover of the UPOU Chancellorship from Incumbent Chancellor Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria to Dr. Joane V. Serrano, the fifth Chancellor of UPOU.
As UPOU celebrates its 30th year, the university remains committed to its vision of making quality education accessible to all. The Tri-Conference is more than an academic gathering—it is a testament to UPOU’s continuous efforts to push the boundaries of education and innovation.
The UP and UPOU community, along with its partners, alumni, and students, is invited to join this landmark event. Together, we celebrate 30 years of excellence and look forward to shaping the future of open and distance learning.
Written by Anna Cañas-Llamas and Marinela Hernandez ♦ Graphics by Zyrene Villanueva
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