Programs

Members of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) from the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) welcomed Dr. Roberto B. Figueroa Jr. as the incumbent dean in a turnover ceremony on 2 April 2025. The event began with a warm welcome message from outgoing Dean, Dr. Diego S. Maranan, recognizing the hard work of the faculty and staff during his tenure. This was followed by a heartfelt tribute to FICS Professor Melinda D.P. Bandalaria for her nine years of service as Chancellor of the university. Former Dean Maranan, along with Assoc. Prof. Ria Mae H. Borromeo, [...]

The Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) kicked off its first quarterly MeetUPs for 2025 with a session on “Short-Form Videos for Development,” held on March 25 at the Sandbox, UPOU Headquarters, and via Zoom. Serving as the resource speaker was Ms. Maria Andrea Bodaño, FICS Project Staff and Research Associate, who shared insights on producing compelling short-form videos for development. The event was attended by FICS administrative staff, REPS and faculty members in a hybrid setup. Ms. Bodaño opened the session with a creative icebreaker featuring popular reels, setting [...]

The University of the Philippines Board of Regents (BOR) has appointed Dr. Roberto Figueroa, Jr. as the new Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) at UP Open University (UPOU) during its 1397th meeting on 27 February 2025. His term will commence on 1 April 2025, succeeding Dr. Diego Maranan. Dean Figueroa brings extensive experience in both academic and administrative leadership. He previously served as Program Director of the Immersive Open Pedagogies (IOP) research program and Deputy Director for Open and Digital Learning Research (ODLR) at the Center for Open and Distance Teaching and Learning (CODTL), UPOU. [...]

The UPOU-ICU Knowledge Exchange Project, co-sponsored by the Japan International Christian University Foundation (JICUF), successfully concluded its week-long initiative on the 22nd of March, 2025. Organized by the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) in collaboration with the Center for Open and Digital Teaching and Learning (CODTL) and the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), the event fostered meaningful academic dialogue and strengthened institutional ties between the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) and International Christian University (ICU) in Japan. Week in Review: Key Activities and Engagements The exchange officially commenced on 18 March 2025, following [...]

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) is pleased to announce the initiation of its inaugural Knowledge Exchange Project in partnership with the Japan International Christian University Foundation (JICUF) in Japan. This project seeks to promote substantive academic collaboration and knowledge transfer between the two universities. The Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS), in collaboration with the Center for Open and Digital Teaching and Learning (CODTL) and the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), will host an International Christian University (ICU) faculty member and six students who will collaborate with UPOU faculty and students during this [...]

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) is in the advanced stages of developing an online graduate program in Data Science. The program offers courses in essential data science skills along with electives that focus on applying data science to sustainability challenges. The proposed program takes an interdisciplinary approach by integrating computing, social science, the humanities, and design. While it offers a wide range of electives, its core focus is on applying data science to sustainability. It is designed to provide graduates with a solid understanding of key data science technologies, data management practices, problem-solving skills for computational [...]

The International Symposium on Education, Artificial Intelligence, and Cybersecurity (ISEAC) 2025 was successfully conducted last February 26, bringing together more than 200 educators, innovators, and technology experts from the Philippines and beyond. Hosted by the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) in partnership with the UP Intelligent Systems Center (ISC), the event set the stage for in-depth discussions on the evolving intersection of digital technology and the future of education. Reshaping Learning Environments Dr. Melinda dP. Bandalaria, Chancellor of UPOU, and Dr. Reinald Adrian Pugoy, Chairperson of ISEAC 2025 and Associate Professor at the University of the Philippines, [...]

As part of the FICS Artist-in-Residence/Futurist-in-Residence Program, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) invites both the UPOU community and the public to an open studio on Monday, 24 February 2025, featuring multimedia artist Carlo Dimaano. Dimaano, a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) candidate from UP Diliman and FICS Artist-in-Residence, is using UPOU’s Galeria Sinag as a workspace in preparation for his thesis exhibition titled, Aglomerasyon: Mga Tunog at Imahe ng Ilusyon at Alyenasyon. Aglomerasyon is a multimedia project that will be exhibited in April 2025 at UP Diliman. It explores alienation, consumerism, and capitalism’s impact on people [...]

The Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) has named Dr. Benigno Agapito, Jr. as the new Chair of the Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies (BAMS) program. He takes over from Dr. Emely Amoloza, who served in the role until December 2024. During her term, Dr. Amoloza introduced the BAMS Colloquium and promoted undergraduate participation in academic conferences and foreign exchange opportunities. Dr. Agapito’s background in communication and multimedia arts, along with his role on the CHED Technical Panel for Multimedia Arts, brings new opportunities for further development and alignment of the program to industry trends. He earned [...]

The University of the Philippines Open University Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (UPOU FICS) proudly announces the appointment of new program chairs for the Diploma in Computer Science (DCS), Master of Information Systems (MIS), and the Master of Development Communication (MDC) Programs. Assoc. Prof. Myra Almodiel was appointed the new Program Chair of the Master of Development Communication (MDC) Program, effective 02 January 2025. She is the current Director of the UPOU Office of Public Affairs (OPA). She holds a Doctor of Communication (DComm) degree from UPOU, a Master of Science in Development Communication from the University of [...]