UPOU Faculty of Education

Gender Sensitivity Training Microcredential kicks off for Alab ng Puso: UP Public Service Day

The UP Open University (UPOU) conducted a hybrid webinar titled, “Alab ng Puso: UP Public Service Day Gender Sensitivity Training Microcredential Kick-off” as part of UP Service Week Celebration held on 18 June 2026 at the UPOU Community Hub, Los Baños, Laguna.

FDMS Dean Finaflor L. Taylan led the program with opening remarks, highlighting and promoting the microcredential course, and encouraged participants to take part in the program as a means of fostering gender awareness and inclusivity in their respective homes, communities, and workplaces.

OGC Director Ma Lourdes Jarabe emphasized the importance of GST and other related concepts in promoting equality, respect, and responsiveness to gender issues in both institutional and societal contexts.

Organized by the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) and the Office of Gender Concerns (OGC) and Office of Public Affairs (OPA), the event aims to showcase the university’s initiatives in Gender Sensitivity Training and microcredential programs.

Members from the Women’s Sectoral Concerns Office District 2 and Los Baños Science Community Foundation, Inc. (LBSCFI) participated in this launch, alongside other UPOU faculty, employees, and staff who joined both online and onsite.

Follow us for more initiatives that contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.

TODAY@UPOU: The University of the Philippines Open University participated in the 2nd quarter of National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) as part of its commitment to becoming a sustainable and resilient University.

By fostering readiness within our community, UPOU contributes to building a more resilient future for all.

Mirai no Manabi x Bayanihan para sa Kinabukasan x Learning for the Future

The UP Open University formally launched its Continuing Education Program (CEPs) short courses on Japanese Language Teaching on 18 June 2026 at the AVR, UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, with live participation online.

This milestone event, led by the Faculty of Education in partnership with The Japan Foundation, Manila and The Japan Foundation, brought together educators and partners in advancing accessible, meaningful, and culturally grounded language education. The program reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Japanese language teaching in the Philippines while deepening cross-cultural understanding.

UPOU Chancellor Joane Serrano highlighted how education serves as a bridge that connects people and cultures beyond borders, emphasizing that learning should reach learners where they are. She underscored that Japanese language education goes beyond grammar and vocabulary; it is also about culture, relationships, and understanding different ways of life.

The Japan Foundation President Kurosawa Shinya, in his message, marked the significance of the initiative in the context of 70 years of Philippines–Japan friendship, emphasizing sustainability, collaboration, and shared expertise in language education.

Meanwhile, academic discussions enriched the program with insights on second language teaching and Japanese language education, highlighting how language learning expands perspectives, preserves culture, and deepens understanding of diverse ways of being.

The launch of these short courses marks both new learning opportunities and a stronger community dedicated to language, culture, and global connection through education.

Watch the recorded live here: https://www.facebook.com/UPOpenUniversityNetworks/videos/1365103198910804

Advancing flexible and future-ready learning through collaboration

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) engaged in an online benchmarking activity with Mindanao State University (MSU) on 16 June 2026, focusing on UPOU’s Microcredential offerings.

During the session, UPOU Office of Public Affairs Director Primo Garcia answered questions from participants on key practices in the development and implementation of microcredentials, underscoring innovations in open and distance e-learning.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to expanding accessible, skills-based education for a rapidly changing world.

Follow UPOU for more updates on microcredential offerings.

As the University of the Philippines celebrates its 118th anniversary, it continues to uphold its enduring values of honor, excellence, and service as it faces the future.

Watch “An Overview of the UP System” here: https://youtu.be/DbNxLPXxzGU?si=YFd7atJ4k1_Yet7i

As the University of the Philippines marks its 118th year today, it faces the present and the future on the strength of time-honored values positioned for a rapidly changing world: honor, excellence, and service.

Watch ‘An Overview of the UP System’: https://youtu.be/DbNxLPXxzGU?si=YFd7atJ4k1_Yet7i

Local communities, global recognition!

Huge congratulations to Ms. Noreen Dianne Alazada (FMDS Junior Project Assistant) for winning the Best Paper award at the 8th Asia Future Conference (AFC #8) in Japan! Co-authored with UPOU Chancellor Prof. Joane V. Serrano and FMDS Senior Lecturer Dr. Ferdinand Maquito, their research on the "Local-to-Local Across Border Scheme (LLABS)" model highlights how immersive learning and community alliances can advance sustainable shared growth and cross-border collaboration.

Read more at https://fmds.upou.edu.ph/archives/news-and-events/10992/

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Celebrating a year of community, connection, and collaboration

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), through the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), celebrated the 1st anniversary of OUgnayan Wednesdays, a community market initiative that embodies the University’s continuing commitment to public service, openness, and community engagement.

The celebration highlighted the stories, experiences, and messages of participating merchants, reflecting on a year of growth and collaboration through OUgnayan Wednesdays.

Held every week, the market has become a vibrant space for interaction, networking, and partnership among the UPOU community, its stakeholders, and neighboring communities.

The anniversary celebration also featured a jamming session, with performances by UPOU faculty and students, including UP Musikats and Kaduma with Pinikpikan, bringing arts and culture through music.

Drop by the OUgnayan Market at the UPOU headquarters every Wednesday, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

UPOU brings flexible learning opportunities to Naga City

UPOU Chancellor Joane V. Serrano and her team paid a courtesy visit to the City Government of Naga, Camarines Sur on 15–16 June 2026.

PDA for Institutional Linkages Asst. Prof. Remsce Pasahol, Faculty of Education Dean Charisse T. Reyes, and Faculty of Management and Development Studies Dean Finaflor L. Taylan presented UPOU’s flexible open and distance e-learning system, highlighting how it expands access to quality higher education. They discussed free tuition for undergraduate students, scholarship opportunities, and a diverse range of academic programs to help local government personnel enhance their competencies and advance their careers in public service.

The discussion with Naga City Mayor, Hon. Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo explored potential areas of collaboration, including AI training for LGU department heads, the co-development of courses tailored to specific community sectors, and other educational initiatives that would allow LGU personnel to pursue higher education while continuing to serve in their respective offices and communities.

The engagement reaffirmed the shared commitment of UPOU and the City Government of Naga to lifelong learning and capacity building. Through partnerships such as these, education becomes more than a means of personal advancement—it becomes a driving force for social transformation, empowering communities and fostering more inclusive, innovative, and people-centered development.

Follow UPOU for updates on opportunities for Filipinos here and abroad.