(L-R) USC Councilor Andrei Angelo Canlas, USC Councilor Ma. Dangiela Javier, USC Chairperson Isaiah Athanasius Crisanto, CSC Assistant Commissioner Ariel Ronquillo, ERPO Director IV Prisco Rivera, Jr., ERPO Staff Mylene Muyano, UPOU OSA Director Ria Mae Borromeo, and USC Councilor Harvy Josh Pitargue
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) – University Student Council (USC) and Civil Service Commission (CSC) held a meeting on 22 June 2023 at the CSC Central Office with key persons to discuss updates on the policy governing honor graduate eligibility for open and distance learners (HGE-ODL). The policy covers various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that offer open and distance learning. USC Chairperson Isaiah Athanasius Crisanto and CSC Assistant Commissioner Ariel Ronquillo presided over the meeting. UPOU Office of Student Affairs (OSA) Director, Dr. Ria Mae Borromeo, was also present in the meeting, along with USC Councilor Andrei Angelo Canlas, USC Councilor Ma. Dangiela Javier, USC Councilor Harvy Josh Pitargue, Examination, Recruitment, and Placement Office (ERPO) Director IV Prisco Rivera, Jr., and ERPO Staff Mylene Muyano.
Assistant Commissioner Ronquillo acknowledged the importance of the issue and the time required to resolve it. He also expressed that the CSC takes this issue very seriously and is optimistic that the CSC could achieve a resolution within the year.
During the meeting, USC Chairperson Crisanto mentioned that UPOU Officials, led by Chancellor Bandalaria, submitted a position paper authored by UPOU Legal Counsel Atty. Rowena Disini. Assistant Commissioner Ronquillo acknowledged this while Director Rivera expressed their office’s desire to revise or reverse the commission’s policy on HGE-ODL, especially after the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and in recognition of Republic Act No. 10650, the Open Distance Learning Act of 2014.
The meeting shed light on the discussions surrounding honor graduate eligibility for ODL learners. It also emphasized the need for a timely, comprehensive, and fair resolution that upholds the rights of all students in open and distance learning programs. During the discussion, USC Chairperson Crisanto also sought clarification on the eligibility granted to graduates who experienced taking supplementary online classes due to the pandemic compared to graduates of an open university. USC Chairperson Crisanto also expressed concern over the delays in resolving the issue while emphasizing the impact on the rights of ODL learners. They noted that ODL program professors are of the same caliber as those in other UP constituent universities. Assistant Commissioner Ronquillo clarified that the two scenarios are different, emphasizing that the CSC does not tolerate discriminatory practices. Assistant Commissioner Ronquillo advised the USC to be patient while waiting for a resolution. The matter has also been brought to CSC Chairperson Karlo Nograles.
USC Chairperson Crisanto shared that the issue affects ODL learners from 20 HEIs. He added that UPOU USC has reached out to Latin honor graduates from UPOU. The graduates have shared with the USC that they are yet to apply for a CSC Certificate of Exemption. Assistant Commissioner Ronquillo shared that it was the first time the CSC had encountered issues with HGE-ODL. He assured to hold consultations with the participants if necessary, focusing on whether Presidential Decree 907 would apply to open and distance learners.
UPOU OSA Director Ria Mae Borromeo and the UPOU USC pose for a photo in front of the Civil Service Commission Resource Center Building.
Report from UPOU -USC ♦ Written by Betina Paula Cardenas ♦ Edited by Myra C. Almodiel, Anna Cañas-Llamas, UPOU USC
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