Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) exchanged practical tools, processes, and workplace strategies aimed at improving efficiency during the 3rd Quarter MeetUPs, a quarterly professional development event, held on August 26, 2026, at the Sandbox, UPOU Headquarters.
Led by University Extension Associate Loren Sta. Ana, the session focused on peer-to-peer knowledge- and skill-sharing opportunities, with staff members discussing practices that can help streamline academic and administrative workflows across the Faculty.
Sta. Ana, drawing from her previous experience with the UPOU Quality Assurance Office, introduced several tools designed to enhance the efficiency of FICS’ processes. These included a systematic event checklist outlining necessary deliverables for holding FICS events, a playbook compiling institutional processes and best practices across the University, and the FICS Activities for Media Visibility (AMV) Monitoring Sheet, which tracks the progress of news articles.
Sta. Ana demonstrates digital tools that aim to streamline workflows in FICS.
The session also featured sharing sessions between veteran and new staff members. Veteran staff shared practical tips and insights, particularly on maintaining effective collaboration in the workplace, including the importance of asking for help, supporting students and colleagues, systematizing recurring tasks, and making use of opportunities to learn.
Gemma Cullat, Faculty Secretary Support, shared insights from her experience working in FICS, emphasizing practices that can help new staff navigate the Faculty’s day-to-day operations.
New staff members, meanwhile, reflected on their initial experiences and behind-the-scenes work that supports the Faculty’s academic and administrative operations.
Asst. Prof. Emely Amoloza closed the event by highlighting the importance of FICS MeetUPs in staff members’ personal development.
Asst. Prof. Emely Amoloza, who pioneered FICS MeetUPs, closed the event by highlighting the session’s importance in the ongoing knowledge management efforts of the Faculty.
FICS MeetUPs is an internal “kumustahan” activity, which forms part of the Faculty’s commitment to promoting staff members’ well-being and personal development toward bringing quality service to its students and stakeholders.
Written by: Jian Martin Tenorio
Edited by: Dr. Emely Amoloza and Asst. Prof. Shaira Tanay