On its 22nd year, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) will be celebrating its anniversary with the theme “UPOU@22: Leading in ODeL Within and Beyond.” This will be held on 24 February 2017 at its headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna.After critical reflection on its 21st year, UPOU upholds its position as the pioneer and leading institution in Open and Distance eLearning (ODeL) on its 22nd year. In the Philippines, the Open and Distance Learning Law (RA 10650) mandates UPOU to lead in assisting relevant agencies and institutions in developing distance education (DE) programs through capacity building programs and other initiatives. In the region, UPOU has extended its wingspan as President of the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU) from 2017-2019. These positions provide UPOU more reasons to carry on with its mission of widening access to quality higher education.
Several activities are lined up for the one-day event. Morning activities will include the signing of memoranda with partners for 2017, the groundbreaking of the UPOU Teaching and Learning Hub (UPOU TLH), and the 22nd Anniversary Program.
The Anniversary program will feature the first message of the new UP President, Hon. Danilo L. Concepcion, for UPOU. The program will also be the venue to launch the different Flagship Programs of the university including three publications. The program also includes the opportunity to recognize the partners and the agreements forged in the previous year, and the awarding of outstanding members of various UPOU sectors with the Gawad Chancellor.
The afternoon will commence with the opening of the Wood Carving Exhibit: Lines, Curves and Strokes at Galeria Sinag at the UPOU Community Hub. Following the completion of its latest infrastructure, the UPOU Multipurpose Hall will be inaugurated in tandem with the inaugural activities of the UPOU Health and Wellness Committee. As customarily done, special recognition will be given to the members of the UPOU workforce who have rendered loyal service to the university. But recognition is not only because of traditions but primarily as appreciation and gratitude to the people whose contribution far outnumber the hours of service.
As a take-off on its 22nd year, UPOU’s chapter opens to soar high and claim its leadership in ODeL within the country and beyond. (Anna Cañas-Llamas)
