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University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS), Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies (BAMS) alumna Misaki Julianne Acosta successfully presented her research at the 39th Annual Conference of the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU). Acosta, who graduated cum laude, became the first-ever BAMS advisee of Dr. Reinald Adrian Pugoy to present on an international academic stage. Ms. Acosta delivering her presentation during the 39th Annual Conference of AAOU. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Leo Mendel D. Rosario) The 39th Annual Conference of the AAOU was held from 22 to 24 October 2026, at [...]

Virtual campus tours, smart glasses, and interactive games were among the technologies showcased as the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) welcomed educators from Japan’s Nihon Fukushi University (NFU) to the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) on 25 August 2026.  The NFU delegation was composed of Prof. Shinichi Sato, Dean of the Faculty of Global Studies, and Mr. Maro Kimizuka, a teacher at the Nihon Fukushi University Affiliated High School. They were welcomed by FICS Dean Dr. Roberto B. Figueroa, Jr. and members of the ISCOLab team at the Digital Futures Hub. (From left) Mr. Antoni Ernest [...]

The Immersive Science Communication Open Laboratory (ISCOLab) of the University of the Philippines Open University’s (UPOU) Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) showcased its augmented reality (AR) projects under development to representatives from Rokid Philippines during their visit to UP Open University on 3 September 2025. Held at the ISCOLab Physical Laboratory at the UPOU World Class Multimedia Production Building (soon to be Digital Futures Hub), Project Leader and FICS Dean Roberto B. Figueroa, Jr. warmly welcomed Mr. Mcgyver Yu, CEO of Rokid Philippines, and his colleague, Architect Joey Rivas, to converse about ISCOLab’s ongoing science communication initiatives.  BAMS [...]

The Philippine Community eCenter Network, Inc. (PhilCeCNet), in partnership with the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), supported by key public and private sector partners, invites you to the 21st Knowledge Exchange Conference (KEC21) on 16-17 November 2026 at the Aziza Paradise Hotel, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.  With the theme, “Advancing Digital Transformation Centers for the AI Era,” the KEC21 gathers ICT4D and Public Internet Access advocates, including local chief executives, knowledge managers/workers, and Community eCenters (CeC) stakeholders from across the country, such as FITS Centers, Tech4ED Centers, Digital Transformation Centers, and similar entities. The conference is an essential [...]

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 [...]

Students from the University of the Philippines Open University’s Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (UPOU FICS) showcased an augmented reality (AR)-assisted running application and a Roblox-based Filipino language-learning game as the Immersive Spatial Technologies and Realities (ISTaR) Laboratory resumed its bi-weekly hybrid research group meetings. Held at the Immersive Science Communication Open Laboratory (ISCOLab) and through FrameVR, the meeting provided an opportunity for academic advisees of Assoc. Prof. Roberto B. Figueroa Jr., Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies, from UPOU and UP Cebu to share updates on their immersive technology capstone projects.  The students also exchanged [...]

Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) Dean Dr. Roberto B. Figueroa Jr. and Dr. Reinald Adrian Pugoy conducted a series of academic visits to the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges from 5 to 7 August 2026. The visits are part of FICS' commitment to the LC Lead Project, strengthening opportunities for collaboration in education, workforce development, and internationalization. The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) delegation is headed by Chancellor Dr. Joane V. Serrano. The broader Philippine delegation included Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Michelle Aguilar-Ong, CHED Director Dr. Lora L. Yusi, and presidents and senior administrators [...]

Professor Diego S. Maranan (center, in black), UP Artist II for Visual Arts, during the UP Arts Productivity System (APS) Awarding Ceremony. (Photo courtesy of UP Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs) Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) Professor Diego S. Maranan was officially conferred the title of  University of the Philippines (UP) Artist II for Visual Arts for CY 2023-2025 during the UP Arts Productivity System (APS) Awarding Ceremony held on 14 August 2026 at the Atencio-Libunao Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City.  The recognition honors UP faculty and staff who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in the [...]

University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Chancellor Dr. Joane V. Serrano and Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) Dean Dr. Roberto B. Figueroa Jr. explored opportunities for collaboration on online and immersive learning during their courtesy call to Dr. Peter Arnade, Dean of the College of Arts, Languages & Letters (CALL) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UH Mānoa), last August 4, 2026. The meeting, which was also joined by Dr. Pia Arboleda, a faculty member from CALL and Director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS), served as a prelude to UPOU’s participation in the [...]