UPOU Faculty of Information and Communication Studies

25/12/2025

Season's greetings from the FICS UP Open University (UPOU)!

19/12/2025

[ADVISORY]

Please be advised that the UP Open University offices will be CLOSED from 19 December 2025 to 1 January 2026 pursuant to Memorandum No. PAJ 2025-27.

Official business operations will resume on 2 January 2026.

19/12/2025

Closing the year by honoring academic excellence and community at the FICS Recognition and Thanksgiving 2025.

ICYMI: The Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) formally recognized its graduates during the Recognition and Thanksgiving 2025, honoring academic achievement, perseverance, and contributions to the scholarly community.

The program highlighted the collective efforts of students, faculty, and staff in advancing excellence in open and distance e-learning.

📖 Read the full article: https://fics.upou.edu.ph/news/fics-honors-graduates-at-recognition-and-thanksgiving-2025/

Illustration by: Christian Paul Velo

18/12/2025

Advancing Higher Education Through Innovation

UPOU proudly announces the latest approved project under the Emerging Interdisciplinary Research (EIDR) Program! Led by Dr. Reinald Adrian Pugoy and Dr. Ria Mae H. Borromeo, the project focuses on developing an Advanced Chatbot Ecosystem to enhance student support and learning experiences in higher education.

Congratulations to the project leaders on this exciting achievement!

18/12/2025

Advancing AI-Enabled Student Support in Open and Distance Education

UPOU will soon embark on a four-year research and development initiative that explores the design of a user-centered, ethical, and sustainable AI-driven chatbot ecosystem for higher education.

Initiated by Dr. Reinald Adrian Pugoy and Dr. Ria Mae Borromeo from FICS, with Ms. Rhea Subong-Espina of UP Visayas, the project will examine how responsible AI and human-in-the-loop frameworks can enhance the accessibility and responsiveness of academic support services.

The project will be funded by the UP System’s Emerging Interdisciplinary Research (EIDR) Grant. The initiative aims to contribute to ongoing scholarly conversations on the role of AI in enriching learning experiences within open and distance learning environments.

Read more: https://fics.upou.edu.ph/news/upou-to-launch-four-year-project-on-advanced-chatbot-ecosystem-for-student-support/

18/12/2025

Celebrating the journeys of Filipinos worldwide

On International Migrants Day, we honor the contributions, sacrifices, and achievements of Filipinos around the world as we celebrate UPOU alumni who continue to uplift communities wherever life takes them.

Swipe through to meet our global alumni.

18/12/2025

Recognizing Excellence in Health Science Research

Dr. Sheila R. Bonito has been conferred the rank of UP Scientist II, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to health science research and innovation. Her work reflects a sustained commitment to advancing knowledge that benefits communities.

The UPOU community congratulates Dr. Bonito on this well-deserved recognition.

17/12/2025

🎉 FICS celebrates the achievements of our faculty! 🎉

We extend our warmest congratulations to our FICS faculty members who have been awarded the One UP Faculty Grant Award.

Asst. Prof. Emely M. Amoloza, PhD (Teaching and Public Service)
Asst. Prof. Luisa A. Gelisan (Teaching and Public Service )
Asst. Prof. Joyce Mae M. Vega (Teaching and Public Service)
Asst. Prof. Cecille A. Moldez (Teaching and Public Service)
Asst. Prof. Mari Anjeli L. Crisanto (Teaching and Research)

Your dedication to teaching, research, and public service reflects FICS’ continued commitment to academic excellence.

We are proud of you! 🌟

17/12/2025

🎉 FICS proudly honors our faculty members! 🎉

We proudly congratulate our distinguished faculty members on being awarded the One UP Professorial Chair for AY 2025–2027.

Assoc. Prof. Reinald Adrian D. Pugoy, PhD (Teaching and Public Service)
Assoc. Prof. Myra C. Almodiel, DComm (Teaching and Public Service)
Assoc. Prof. Ria Mae H. Borromeo, PhD (Teaching and Public Service)
Assoc. Prof. Roberto B. Figueroa, Jr., PhD (Teaching and Research)
Prof. Diego S. Maranan (Teaching and Creative Work)
Prof. Melinda dP. Bandalaria, PhD (Teaching and Research)
Prof. Jean A. Saludadez, PhD (Teaching and Research)

This recognition supports their meaningful research and creative work, and continues to inspire our community and elevate the work of FICS.

We are truly proud of you! 🌟

17/12/2025

What does a “Transformative University of the Future” look like?

In a recent conversation published by “inspired,” Open University Malaysia’s journal on the practice, policy, and philosophy of open, distance, and digital higher education (ODDE), UPOU Chancellor Prof. Joane V. Serrano reflects on leading UPOU amid a changing higher education landscape—from open and distance digital learning to innovation, resilience, and inclusive access for learners in the Philippines and beyond.

Read the full interview and learn how UPOU is shaping its path forward in open, distance, and digital education: https://inspired.oum.edu.my/in-conversation/

In Conversation withProf Joane V. SerranoChancellor, University of thePhilippines Open University

17/12/2025

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:

Please be advised that the scheduled date for the MIS Comprehensive Oral Examination is 12-16 January 2026.

Applicants must submit their completed application forms and proof of payment to MIS Program Support at [email protected], with a copy to [email protected], on or before 5 January 2026.

Exam slots will be available from January 6 to 10, 2026.
You may Access the application form here: https://registrar.upou.edu.ph/application-for…/

For questions or clarifications, please contact the MIS Program Support staff at [email protected].

15/12/2025

MOU Ceremonial Signing between UPOU, MECO, and UPAA

On 27 November 2025, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) held a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) and University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA). The signing was held at the MECO Manila Office in Makati City.

The event was graced by the presence of delegates from UPOU: Dr. Roberto Figueroa, Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies; Dr. Charisse Reyes, Dean of the Faculty of Education; and Asst. Prof. Lorena Jean Saludadez, Assistant to the Chancellor for UP VINTA; from MECO: Chairperson & Resident Representative Corazon Avecilla-Padiernos and Board of Directors Member Jaybee C. Ruiz; and from UPAA: President Robert Lester F. Aranton, UP Alumnus Leopoldo Campos, and Executive Director Maria Recelyn A. Marasigan.

The collaboration covers developing capacity-building and upskilling opportunities for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) in Taiwan, paving the way for future joint programs and projects.