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UPOU QAO Director Leads UPDEPPO’s Push Toward Microcredentials

2025-11-04T08:13:55+08:00

In line with the increasing need to develop microcredential programs that promote flexible, modular, and lifelong learning opportunities, the UP Open University (UPOU) continues to advance initiatives on short, stackable, and competency-based courses responsive to emerging professional and industry needs. Asst. Prof. Ria Valerie D. Cabanes, Director of the Quality Assurance Office (QAO) of UPOU and Member of the UPOU Microcredentials Committee, led the Orientation on Microcredential Courses held on 20 October 2025 at the UP Diliman Extension Programs in Pampanga and Olongapo (UPDEPPO).. Asst. Prof. Ria Valerie D. Cabanes of UPOU receives a certificate of appreciation from [...]

UPOU QAO Director Leads UPDEPPO’s Push Toward Microcredentials2025-11-04T08:13:55+08:00

UPOU Chancellor Highlights Transformative Role of Open Education at iDEC 2025

2025-10-30T09:12:19+08:00

Chancellor Serrano (bottom) delivers the keynote message for iDEC 2025. UP Open University (UPOU) Chancellor, Dr. Joane V. Serrano, delivered a keynote address at the International Digital Education Conference 2025 (iDEC2025), held on 28-29 October 2025 at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and online.  The annual iDEC serves as a global platform for educators, researchers, and innovators to exchange ideas on advancing digital education, sustainability, and innovation. In her keynote message titled “Learning to Transform: From Access to Impact in Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through Open and Distance Learning,” Dr. Serrano urged educators to move beyond providing [...]

UPOU Chancellor Highlights Transformative Role of Open Education at iDEC 20252025-10-30T09:12:19+08:00

UPOU Reaches More Overseas Filipinos in Taiwan through “The World in Pingtung” Cultural Festival

2025-10-28T09:02:10+08:00

On 11 October 2025, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), through the UP System flagship initiative— the UP Ventures for International and Transformative Academia (UP VINTA), participated in “The World in Pingtung— Cultural Market. Cultural Performance. Interactive Experience.” held in Pingtung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. UPOU’s participation in the festival was part of its continuing efforts to reach out to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Taiwan. The team aimed to introduce UPOU’s open and distance e-learning (ODeL) programs and promote accessible higher education opportunities for Filipinos working abroad. During the event, UPOU representatives— Asst. Prof. Lorena Jean Saludadez, Asst. Prof. [...]

UPOU Reaches More Overseas Filipinos in Taiwan through “The World in Pingtung” Cultural Festival2025-10-28T09:02:10+08:00

UPOU Strengthens Academic, Cultural, and Social Partnerships with Taiwanese Partners through MOU Signing and Cultural Dinner

2025-10-27T17:11:14+08:00

On October 9, 2025, in Kaohsiung, Taiwan — the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) further solidified its international collaborations through the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the Lai Pen Yuan Cultural Foundation and iNG Stingless Bee Ltd. In her message, Chancellor Dr. Joane Serrano highlighted that the signing of the two MOUs symbolizes more than formal agreements—it represents the collective spirit of “Taiwanihan,” a shared commitment between the Philippines and Taiwan to advance education, sustainability, and cultural understanding. Chancellor Serrano also introduced two key initiatives arising from these partnerships: joint academic and cultural programs with [...]

UPOU Strengthens Academic, Cultural, and Social Partnerships with Taiwanese Partners through MOU Signing and Cultural Dinner2025-10-27T17:11:14+08:00

UPOU Highlights Global Vision for iUSR through Inclusive, Sustainable, and Socially Responsible Education at KMU Forum

2025-10-27T15:00:26+08:00

On 10 October 2025, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) presented its global vision and concrete actions on International University Social Responsibility (iUSR) through the iUSR Forum organized by Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.During the forum, UPOU Chancellor Joane Serrano delivered an insightful presentation titled “iUSR: Expanding from Regional Cooperation to Global Impact.” In her talk, Chancellor Serrano emphasized the UPOU’s commitment to advancing social responsibility in higher education through open and distance e-learning, collaborative innovation, and transformative partnerships that respond to global challenges. She also highlighted the importance of expanding and strengthening educational partnerships between [...]

UPOU Highlights Global Vision for iUSR through Inclusive, Sustainable, and Socially Responsible Education at KMU Forum2025-10-27T15:00:26+08:00

New iUSR and VINTA Office at Kaohsiung Medical University to Serve as a Hub for Shared Learning, Growth, and Social Responsibility

2025-10-21T08:33:51+08:00

On 9 October 2025, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) and Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) formally launched the UPOU International University Social Responsibility (iUSR) - University of the Philippines Ventures for International and Transformative Academia (UP VINTA) Office at the Kaohsiung Medical University campus, a milestone for enhanced academic partnership between Taiwan and the Philippines. UPOU iUSR and VINTA Office nameplates in Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan UPOU Chancellor Dr. Joane Serrano was joined by KMU Vice Presidents Yeou-Lih Huang and Fan-Hao Chou, Chairman Chao-Hsien Lai of the Lai Pen Yuan Cultural Foundation, and Dr. Chia-Yen [...]

New iUSR and VINTA Office at Kaohsiung Medical University to Serve as a Hub for Shared Learning, Growth, and Social Responsibility2025-10-21T08:33:51+08:00

UPOU Brings UP VINTA to Kaohsiung, Taiwan

2025-10-11T07:05:07+08:00

On 9 October 2025, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) brought the UP System flagship initiative — the UP Ventures for International and Transformative Academia (UP VINTA) — to Kaohsiung, Taiwan, continuing its mission to reach Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) by providing access to quality, flexible, and inclusive education. The UP VINTA Learning Caravan, spearheaded by UPOU officials led by Chancellor Joane V. Serrano, Dean Charisse Reyes of the Faculty of Education, Assistant Professor Lloyd Lyndel Simporios representing the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), and Assistant Professor Lorena Jean Saludadez, Assistant to the Chancellor for UP [...]

UPOU Brings UP VINTA to Kaohsiung, Taiwan2025-10-11T07:05:07+08:00

UPOU Chancellor Highlights Accessible Education in Radio Interview

2025-10-10T17:18:50+08:00

L-R: Mr. Bryan dela Cruz, DZAS host, interviewing Chancellor Joane Serrano for 702 DZAS FEBC Radio-TV. UP Open University (UPOU) Chancellor Dr. Joane V. Serrano shared insights on UPOU’s open and distance e-learning model and its continuing mission to make quality education accessible to Filipinos everywhere in the world in an interview with 702 DZAS FEBC Radio-TV on 29 September 2025 via Zoom.  Chancellor Serrano opened the interview by greeting the UPOU community and its growing population of overseas learners who benefit from the University’s flexible, self-paced learning system. She explained the concept of Open and Distance eLearning [...]

UPOU Chancellor Highlights Accessible Education in Radio Interview2025-10-10T17:18:50+08:00

The Gender Divide in Academic Research

2025-10-09T16:40:58+08:00

Today, universities are expected not only to teach but also to generate knowledge through research. Studies indicate that research enables universities not only to generate new knowledge but also to tackle pressing societal problems and ground their teaching in real-world situations. Research productivity in most developing countries is still low despite institutional support. The Philippines ranked sixth out of the 10 ASEAN members in terms of journal publications. A shortage of researchers and financial resources are major factors behind low research productivity in the Global South.  While academics require funding, dedicated research time, career incentives, and supportive mentoring and training [...]

The Gender Divide in Academic Research2025-10-09T16:40:58+08:00

From Environmental Information to Life Saving Decisions

2026-04-14T07:57:21+08:00

On 28 September, the world observes the International Day for Universal Access to Information with the theme “Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age.” We asked Dr. Ricardo Bagarinao, Professor and Chair of the Doctor of Sustainability program, to share his insights on how accessible environmental information can help tackle today’s major natural and human-made challenges. In the middle of December of 2011, Typhoon Sendong traversed the Northern Mindanao region and eventually struck Cagayan de Oro. It was considered a mild tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 100 km/hour. What made it devastating, though, was the volume [...]

From Environmental Information to Life Saving Decisions2026-04-14T07:57:21+08:00
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