UPOU Office of Gender Concerns

01/10/2026

📚 Explore the Courses under the Diploma in Women and Development (DWD)

What topics will you explore, and how can these courses help you understand gender and development in today’s world?

From Gender and Development perspectives and feminist theories to women and work, gender policy and planning, research, organizing, and women and the law, the Diploma in Women and Development (DWD) offers a range of courses that invite you to learn, reflect, and engage with issues that matter.

Ready to take the next step in your learning journey? 💜

Explore the DWD program here: https://fmds.upou.edu.ph/academics/post-bac/dwd/

29/09/2026

Can Taxes Fairly Build Resilient Communities?

The UP Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) and the Sekiguchi Global Research Association of the Atsumi International Foundation invite you to the 51st Sustainable Shared Growth Seminar (K*K 51) at the International Forum on Sustainability Science - IFSS 2026.

Focusing on the sub-theme Social Inclusion, Equity, and Community Resilience, this session marks a pioneer step toward establishing a Community of Practice (COP) on Land Value Taxation (LVT). Grounded in practical experiences from Laguna and Iloilo, expert speakers will explore how LVT serves as an equitable mechanism to fund local governance, curb urban sprawl, and build sustainable local economies.

📅 05 October 2026
📍 University Food Center (1st floor - Right Wing), Pampanga State Agricultural University, Magalang, Pampanga
🔗 Register via https://url.upou.edu.ph/K*K51-Reg

28/09/2026

🌏 Meet the distinguished speakers of the AAWS Panel at the 4th IFSS 2026!

Join us for Panel Session 3: “Co-Creating Gender-Inclusive Sustainability Transitions, Care Economies, and Resilient Asian Communities” on 05 October 2026 as the Asian Association of Women’s Studies (AAWS) brings together scholars and practitioners from across Asia to explore gender-inclusive approaches to sustainability, care, and resilient communities.

🎤 Panel Speakers:
✨ Dr. Aileen Park – Philippine Normal University Mindanao
✨ Dr. Mala Khullar – Independent Consultant, Gender and Development, New Delhi, India
✨ Dr. Kristi Elizabeth Poerwandari – Universitas Indonesia
✨ Dr. Odine de Guzman – University of the Philippines Diliman

🎙️ Moderator:
Dr. Maria Lourdes T. Jarabe – University of the Philippines Open University & Secretary General, AAWS

📅 05 October 2026
📍 Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU), Magalang, Pampanga + Hybrid

Be part of the conversation on building more inclusive, equitable, and resilient pathways toward sustainability in Asian communities.

🔗 Register and learn more about IFSS 2026: https://ifss.upou.edu.ph/

28/09/2026

UPOU in the news: Recognizing learning wherever it happens

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) have partnered to strengthen the assessment of knowledge and skills acquired outside formal education, supporting pathways for qualified Filipinos to have their prior learning recognized toward higher education qualifications.

The partnership includes the ACHIEVE-APL program, which will train assessors in evaluating evidence, developing appropriate assessment tools, and applying quality assurance measures.

Read the Manila Bulletin report by Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz, published September 25, 2026.

Read the full article: https://mb.com.ph/.../ched-upou-partner-to-help-filipinos...

28/09/2026

Bridging local educational priorities with international cooperation for a sustainable future

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) and the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) gathered at UP Bonifacio Global City on 26 September 2026 for an official press briefing to pave the way toward the 31st ICDE World Conference.
Speakers include Dr. Ria Mae Borromeo, Organizing Committee Chair, who gave an overview of the ICDE World Conference 2027. Ms. Torunn Gjelsvik, Secretary-General of ICDE, who underscored the importance of regional dialogues in connecting local realities with global education solutions; and Dr. Joane V. Serrano, Chancellor of UPOU, who shared insights from the Knowledge Dialogues and their relevance to the upcoming global gathering in Cebu.

Marking the first time this major international summit will be held in the Philippines, world leaders, academics, and policymakers will converge in Cebu on 15-19 November 2027 under the theme “Reimagining Education for a Sustainable Future.”

Call for submissions coming soon! For updates and announcement, visit icdeworldconference2027.com

25/09/2026

Are you joining us for the Knowledge Dialogue on Open and Distance Education today?

If you previously registered for the ICDE Manila Leg but haven’t received your Zoom link yet, don’t worry! You can still access the session. Simply scan the QR code in this post or use the link below to re-enter your details and secure your access.

Webinar Link: url.upou.edu.ph/ICDEKnowledgeDialogueManila
Time: 1:00 PM PHT

Join us as we explore how we can build sustainable, inclusive, and scalable learning systems for the future.

See you online!

Are you joining us for the Knowledge Dialogue on Open and Distance Education today?

If you previously registered for the ICDE Manila Leg but haven’t received your Zoom link yet, don’t worry! You can still access the session. Simply scan the QR code in this post or use the link below to re-enter your details and secure your access.

Webinar Link: url.upou.edu.ph/ICDEKnowledgeDialogueManila

Time: 1:00 PM PHT

Join us as we explore how we can build sustainable, inclusive, and scalable learning systems for the future.

See you online!

25/09/2026

Welcome to the Faculty of Education, mga e-Skolar ng Bayan!

UPOU FEd holds student orientation for the first trimester and semester of academic year 2026-2027

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Education (FEd) welcomed newly admitted students of its programs in the 1st Trimester and 1st Semester of Academic Year 2026-2027 during a student orientation held on 19 September 2026 at the International Convention Center (ICC), UPOU Headquarters and via Zoom. A total of 328 students attended the event, with 56 onsite participants and 272 online participants.

Read more: https://fed.upou.edu.ph/upou-fed-holds-student.../

Welcome to the Faculty of Education, mga e-Skolar ng Bayan!

UPOU FEd holds student orientation for the first trimester and semester of academic year 2026-2027

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Education (FEd) welcomed newly admitted students of its programs in the 1st Trimester and 1st Semester of Academic Year 2026-2027 during a student orientation held on 19 September 2026 at the International Convention Center (ICC), UPOU Headquarters and via Zoom. A total of 328 students attended the event, with 56 onsite participants and 272 online participants.

Read more: https://fed.upou.edu.ph/upou-fed-holds-student-orientation-for-the-first-trimester-and-semester-of-academic-year-2026-2027/

24/09/2026

6th EQR successfully concluded!

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) officially concluded its 6th External Quality Review for the Diploma in Research and Development Management (DR&DM) and Master of International Health (MIH) programs.

The three-day review culminated in the presentation of preliminary findings by the External Reviewers, providing the programs with valuable insights that can contribute to their continuing quality enhancement efforts.

UPOU extends its sincere appreciation to the External Reviewers:

DR&DM Reviewers
Prof. Nina M. Cadiz (Lead External Quality Reviewer)
Asst. Prof. Blancaflor P. Arada (External Quality Reviewer)

MIH Reviewers
Prof. Leila S. Africa (Lead External Quality Reviewer)
Asst. Prof. Emely M. Amoloza (External Quality Reviewer)

We also extend our appreciation to the program teams, faculty members, staff, students, alumni, employers, and everyone who participated and contributed to the successful conduct of the review.

With the completion of this recent EQR, a total of eleven (11) UPOU degree programs have now been reviewed using the AUN-QA Framework.

24/09/2026

Benchmarking on innovation and lifelong learning

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) welcomed representatives from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde for a benchmarking activity focused on innovation frameworks and programs, particularly the UPOU Advancing Skills and Competencies thru e-Learning for Development (ASCEND) on 22 September 2026 at the Pook Ugnayan, UPOU Community Hub.

The discussion covered UPOU’s approaches to project ideation, research and innovation, funding opportunities, student involvement, intellectual property, and project implementation and monitoring. The benchmarking activity also explored the development and implementation of UPOU’s microcredentials, including its industry-responsive approach and the role of the Quality Circle in ensuring the quality and accessibility of instructional materials.

Through benchmarking activities, UPOU continues to share its practices and learn from partner institutions toward strengthening innovation, lifelong learning, and responsive open and distance education.
Follow UPOU for more news and initiatives on public service and partnerships in advancing Open and Distance eLearning (ODeL).