Bridging quality education with climate action, the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) formally launched its free Climate Information Services Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) on 30 January 2026 at the UPOU Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna.
The MOOCs were developed in partnership with the University of the Philippines Integrated Natural Resources and Environment Management (UPLB-INREM) and in collaboration with UPOU Ugnayan ng Pahinungod. Enrollment is currently ongoing, with the courses scheduled for release on 16 February 2026.
Designed primarily for key stakeholders and decision-makers in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, the Climate Information Services MOOCs aim to strengthen technical capacity in responding to the climate crisis. By translating climate data into actionable and user-centered information services, the courses empower learners to design sustainable and context-specific solutions for farmers, fisherfolks, local government units (LGUs), ultimately contributing to the development of climate-resilient communities.
During the launch, UPOU Chancellor Joane V. Serrano described the initiative as UPOU’s continued commitment to provide education that is “innovative, flexible, and accessible” that hopefully reaches learners across the Philippines and beyond.
Dr. Haerold Dean Z. Layaoen, on behalf of UP Los Baños Chancellor Jose Camacho Jr., also shared a few words of appreciation on the said partnership. “It signifies the strength of inter-unit collaboration of the UP system and underscores the importance of translating environmental research into accessible learning.
Also present in the event was UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR) Dean Marlo Mendoza. “This initiative is a strong example of how the academe can respond to real-world problems by connecting climate resilience and industry readiness.” Dean Mendoza shared, underscoring UP’s role in addressing climate challenges.
Establishing a sustainable online course has been a long-term goal dating back to the pandemic, according to Dr. Juan M. Pulhin, Founding Director of UPLB-INREM. After a series of comprehensive assessments, the overarching need for basic climate information was recurring, resulting in the development of the course. “We hope we can continue to contribute to national development, but more so that we can address the challenge of climate resiliency and sustainable development.”
Chancellor Serrano and FICS Dean Dr. Roberto B. Figueroa Jr. presented a token of appreciation for UPLB-INREM in recognition of the institute’s commitment and continued partnership with FICS in advancing the goals of the program. The event was also attended by project partners from the Climate Change Commission, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), underscoring the multi-sectoral support for the initiative.
Course participants will gain an overview of the global climate change discourses and the scientific principles underlying the phenomenon. The MOOCs also introduce the fundamental concepts of Climate Information Services and demonstrate how these services can help mitigate climate-related risks faced by vulnerable communities.
With a focus on collective climate resilience, the courses highlight the importance of knowledge sharing and stakeholder collaboration. Learners are guided on how to establish and sustain Communities of Practice (CoPs) across sectors and institutions to support long-term climate action.
Interested participants may enroll by creating an account through UPOU’s Massive Open Distance eLearning (MODeL) platform. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an e-certificate. For inquiries, learners may contact [email protected].
The launch of the Climate Information Services MOOC marks the first milestone in FICS’ three-part MOOCs and Microcredentials Launching Event, reaffirming FICS’ commitment to inclusive, accessible, and impact-driven education.
Written by: Maria Andrea Bodaño
Edited by: Emely M. Amoloza