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UPOU’s “Ka Sora” MOOC Highlights the Legacy of Melchora Aquino
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UPOU’s “Ka Sora” MOOC Highlights the Legacy of Melchora Aquino

FICS News (JR)2026-02-10T00:38:28+00:00

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) continues to offer the “Ka Sora” Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) through its Massive Open Distance eLearning (MODeL) platform. Currently underway from November 1 to December 15, 2025, the course has engaged a growing number of learners exploring the life and contributions of Melchora Aquino, widely known as the Mother of the Philippine Revolution. The “Ka Sora” MOOC, based on the graphic novel by Dr. Grace J. Alfonso, examines Melchora Aquino’s historical role and situates it within broader discussions on women’s heroism, civic participation, and the continuing relevance of these values [...]

UPOU’s “Ka Sora” MOOC Highlights the Legacy of Melchora AquinoFICS News (JR)2026-02-10T00:38:28+00:00

UPOU Highlights Microcredentialing at Regional Roundtable Discussion
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UPOU Highlights Microcredentialing at Regional Roundtable Discussion

FICS News (JR)2026-02-10T00:38:29+00:00

Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria, Professor at UPOU’s Faculty of Information and Communication Studies, served as one of the speakers at the Roundtable Discussion (RTD) on Microcredentials in Southeast Asia: Lessons for the Philippines, organized by the Southeast Asian Center for Graduate Studies and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) on 30 October 2025. The event was held at the Ortigas Center, Pasig City, and was also streamed online. In her presentation, “UPOU’s Microcredentialing Program: Reframing and Elevating Lifelong Learning Engagements,” Dr. Bandalaria outlined the key features and models of microcredential development at UPOU, along with the quality assurance indicators that [...]

UPOU Highlights Microcredentialing at Regional Roundtable DiscussionFICS News (JR)2026-02-10T00:38:29+00:00

Building a Sustainable Future: UPOU’s Commitment Highlighted at the Japanese Speakers’ Forum
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Building a Sustainable Future: UPOU’s Commitment Highlighted at the Japanese Speakers’ Forum

FICS News (JR)2026-02-10T00:38:29+00:00

The Japan Foundation Manila (JFM) and Kamenori Foundation, in partnership with the UP Open University (UPOU), held the Japanese Speakers’ Forum in the Philippines at the UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna from 26-29 October 2025. During the opening program on Day 1, UPOU Chancellor, Dr. Joane V. Serrano, shared how UPOU has been working towards a sustainable university as one of its visions. In her presentation, she answered the question, How can an open university, one that primarily operates online and without the usual physical campus, meaningfully contribute to sustainable development? She shared how little by little, the [...]

Building a Sustainable Future: UPOU’s Commitment Highlighted at the Japanese Speakers’ ForumFICS News (JR)2026-02-10T00:38:29+00:00

FICS Faculty Members Recognized in International Academic Conferences
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FICS Faculty Members Recognized in International Academic Conferences

FICS News (JR)2026-02-10T00:38:29+00:00

Faculty members from the University of the Philippines Open University’s Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) received distinctions for their research at two international academic gatherings held in October 2025. Awards at the 38th Annual Conference of the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU) UPOU Chancellor Dr. Joane Serrano (in striped dress) proudly poses with the awardees of the Best Paper and Young Innovator Awards and selected UPOU faculty and staff on stage at the 38th Annual Conference of the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU) in Beijing, China. From left, Mr. Renz Jemil Magsino, Mr. Adriane [...]

FICS Faculty Members Recognized in International Academic ConferencesFICS News (JR)2026-02-10T00:38:29+00:00

FICS Faculty Share Insights on Digital Pedagogy and Online Learning at the Speech Communication Conference 2025
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FICS Faculty Share Insights on Digital Pedagogy and Online Learning at the Speech Communication Conference 2025

FICS News (JR)2026-02-10T00:38:29+00:00

L-R: Asst. Prof. Lei Kristoffer Lactuan, Asst. Prof. Roda Tajon, Asst. Prof. Shaira Tanay, Asst. Prof. Luisa Gelisan, Dr. Myra Almodiel, and Dr. Benigno Agapito, Jr. Faculty members from the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) presented their research at the Speech Communication Conference 2025, held from 9-10 October 2025 at the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Auditorium, University of the Philippines Los Baños. With the theme “On Speaking Terms: Enabling Encounters, Engaging Communities,” the conference brought together scholars, practitioners, and educators to explore how communication evolves across disciplines, technologies, [...]

FICS Faculty Share Insights on Digital Pedagogy and Online Learning at the Speech Communication Conference 2025FICS News (JR)2026-02-10T00:38:29+00:00

Ready for Digital Learning: FICS Welcomes New Trimestral Students to AY 2025-2026
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Ready for Digital Learning: FICS Welcomes New Trimestral Students to AY 2025-2026

FICS News (JR)2026-02-10T00:38:29+00:00

The UPOU Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) officially and warmly welcomed new students from the Associate of Arts in Digital Design and Art (AADDA), Associate of Science in Information Technology (ASIT), and Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies (BAMS) programs for the First Trimester of Academic Year 2025-2026 during the FICS Trimestral Student Orientation. The event was held on 04 October 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, at the UPOU CCDL Auditorium and via Zoom. The event brought together approximately 180 online participants and 32 on-site attendees. It served as an avenue for incoming students to familiarize [...]

Ready for Digital Learning: FICS Welcomes New Trimestral Students to AY 2025-2026FICS News (JR)2026-02-10T00:38:29+00:00

UPOU FICS Charts Priorities and Plans in 2025 Strategic Planning Workshop
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UPOU FICS Charts Priorities and Plans in 2025 Strategic Planning Workshop

FICS News (JR)2026-02-10T00:38:29+00:00

The Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) held its 2025 Strategic Planning Workshop from 29 September to 1 October 2025, bringing together faculty members, research staff, and administrative personnel to align goals and set the direction of the Faculty until 2028. The three-day activity combined planning sessions, collaborative workshops, and a team-building activity to enhance mutual support and purpose across the FICS community. The first day of the planning session, held at the UPOU Academic Residences in Los Baños, opened with a strategic planning session that laid the groundwork [...]

UPOU FICS Charts Priorities and Plans in 2025 Strategic Planning WorkshopFICS News (JR)2026-02-10T00:38:29+00:00

Strengthening Standards: MDC Program in UPOU’s Latest Quality Assurance Review
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Strengthening Standards: MDC Program in UPOU’s Latest Quality Assurance Review

FICS News (JR)2026-02-10T00:38:29+00:00

Front row (L-R): External assessors, Asst. Prof. Joel de Castro and Asst. Prof. Tricia Ascan; Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Aurora V. Lacaste; UPOU Chancellor, Dr. Joane V. Serrano (center); Vice-Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Dr. Jean A. Saludadez; FICS Dean, Dr. Roberto B. Figueroa, Jr.; and UPOU QAO Director, Asst. Prof. Ria Valerie Cabanes. Back row (L-R): MDC Program Support Staff, Ms. Angeline D. Fortes; FICS QA Officer, Dr. Emely M. Amoloza; MDC Program Chair, Dr. Myra C. Almodiel; MDC SAR Writer, Asst. Prof. Luisa A. Gelisan; and FICS University Researcher, Ms. Jessa G. Perez.The UP Open University’s (UPOU) [...]

Strengthening Standards: MDC Program in UPOU’s Latest Quality Assurance ReviewFICS News (JR)2026-02-10T00:38:29+00:00

UPOU’s Raz de la Torre Presents Climate Action Teaching Approaches at AUN-EEC 2025
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UPOU’s Raz de la Torre Presents Climate Action Teaching Approaches at AUN-EEC 2025

FICS News (JR)2026-02-10T00:38:29+00:00

Assistant Professor Raz S. de la Torre spoke on the role of teachers in climate action as a keynote speaker at the ASEAN University Network on Ecological Education and Culture (AUN-EEC) Conference 2025, held 27–28 August at Ateneo de Manila University and online. Themed “Room Temperature: Current Responses and Actions in Climate Change Education”, the two-day event gathered academics, policymakers, practitioners, and advocates to discuss innovative strategies in addressing climate change through education and culture. Asst. Prof. de la Torre’s lecture, titled “Pedagogical Approaches for Climate Change Education”, conveyed insights on how information and communication studies can strengthen climate [...]

UPOU’s Raz de la Torre Presents Climate Action Teaching Approaches at AUN-EEC 2025FICS News (JR)2026-02-10T00:38:29+00:00

Watch! Tap! Shop! Team Brings Home Gawad Pangulo Innovation Award to UPOU
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Watch! Tap! Shop! Team Brings Home Gawad Pangulo Innovation Award to UPOU

FICS News (JR)2026-02-10T00:38:29+00:00

L-R: OSA Director Asst. Prof. Roda Tajon, BAMS Program Chair Dr. Benigno Agapito, Jr.; Gawad Pangulo para sa Natatanging Inobasyon awardees Rajan Llaguno, Porsche Gutierrez, and Jordan Costanilla; UPOU Chancellor Dr. Joane V. Serrano; and FICS Dean Dr. Roberto B. Figueroa, Jr. The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Chancellor formally received the trophy for the award-winning project, “Watch! Tap! Shop!”, during a turnover ceremony held on 18 August 2025 at the Chancellor’s Office. The project, developed by Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies (BAMS) students Jordan Rae Costanilla, Rajan Joaquin Llaguno, and Porsche Anne Gutierrez, was among [...]

Watch! Tap! Shop! Team Brings Home Gawad Pangulo Innovation Award to UPOUFICS News (JR)2026-02-10T00:38:29+00:00

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