Building a Sustainable Future: UPOU’s Commitment Highlighted at the Japanese Speakers’ Forum
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 UP Open University has been working on making the campus a living laboratory that showcases sustainability in action—one that provides a platform for research and interdisciplinary collaboration aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
One highlight of the forum is the delegates’ visit to the UPOU Perma GARDEN (Growing Appreciation toward Resilience, Development, Entrepreneurship, and Nutrition). Chancellor Serrano explained how the project grew from a 200-square-meter plot in 2022 into its current more than 9,000 square meters of intercropped fruit-bearing plants, herbs, and vegetables that serve as a learning laboratory for the public.
Another project that was showcased is the use of a community currency, Alitaptap, that aims to foster collaboration, mutual support, and inclusive economic participation within and beyond the university community. Other initiatives under the university’s sustainable practices focus on waste management by promoting a circular economy, creating green spaces, conserving energy, and fostering collaborative initiatives. Student involvement was also emphasized, especially in developing a comprehensive land use plan for the university. Presently, UPOU is exploring renewable energy solutions, looking into the use of solar power in the near future.
According to Chancellor Serrano, the key for an open university to meaningfully contribute to sustainable development lies in learning together and having that shared responsibility in the community—choosing to take part, care, and act.
After her talk, she challenged the students to identify an issue or concern in their own school community and think about a small but concrete step they can take to be part of the solution.
In the succeeding days of the forum, the delegates visited the sculptors of Paete, Laguna, and explored the Makiling Botanic Gardens (MBC). Before their visit to MBC, they held a screening of A Thousand Forests and engaged in a meaningful discussion with the film’s producers. On the final day of the forum, the students showcased their insights and experiences through creative video presentations that impressed both the facilitators and organizers.
The Japanese Speakers’ Forum Tour is an event organized by The Japan Foundation Manila (JFM), in partnership with the UP Open University (UPOU) and the Kamenori Foundation. The forum is part of the implementation of the tripartite partnership signed in August 2025.
Written by: Joy Abigail Rebulanan | Edited by Anna Cañas-Llamas