UP Open University is 13 years old

"At 13 years old, UPOU enters the stage of adolescence. A phase usually associated with turbulence, crisis, transition, passion, resistance, etc...characteristics not to be feared, but in fact are the same characteristics that describe UP; in other words, UPOU is now in that stage that reinforces the fact that UPOU is indeed a bonafide member of UP", said Dr. Emerlinda R. Roman, President of the UP System during the 13th Anniversary Celebration of the UPOU.

On 20 February 2008, the UPOU family with its friends and supporters, gathered to celebrate another milestone at the headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna. The day-long celebration, themed " Matibay na Ugat, Mayabong na Sanga" , started with the groundbreaking for the UPOU Centennial Center for Digital Learning and the UPOU Centennial Plaza. The rites were led by National Artist Napoleon Abueva, UP President Emerlinda R. Roman, UP Faculty Regent Felix Librero, and UPOU Chancellor Grace J. Alfonso.

This was followed by the opening of the UPOU exhibit;  presentation of a research paper; launching of a new book titled  Distance Education in the Philippines: Issues and Concerns, authored by Dr. Felix Librero; signing of memoranda of agreement; and the turn-over by Ms. Paz Singson Abad-Santos to the UPOU of the first copy of  The Code of the University of the Philippines.

In her welcome speech, UPOU Chancellor Grace Javier Alfonso said that UPOU, when compared to a tree, has already established roots, which are made sturdier and anchored well by continuous collaboration with government and private institutions and associations. She added that its well-developed branches are even made more lush with the unrelenting support of the UP System. Dr. Alfonso also acknowledged the UPOU alumni, students, and supporters for giving a part of
themselves to the the University.

Meanwhile, Centennial Faculty Regent Felix Librero challenged the UPOU to "continue to strengthen its grassroots connection." He said that the university must be able to serve the underserved sector of the Philippine society. To do this, Dr. Librero proposed that UPOU adopt a "wider scale open admission" for all its program. He added that by adhering to UP’s academic excellence, and creative and innovative mentoring strategies, the UPOU should be able to transform the entrants to "high quality graduates that UP will be proud of."

The day's festivities were capped by giving Service Awards to 15 personnels of UPOU who had served the university for 5 years or more. Thirteen of them had served for 10 years and two for 5years. (Luisa A. Gelisan, Office of the Chancellor).

(Date posted: February 26, 2008)