UPOU Faculty of Information and Communication Studies

19/08/2026

Malayo man, pero malapit pa rin sa pagkakataong matuto at umunlad

For Filipinos working and building their lives abroad, pursuing education and professional growth can come with unique challenges.

Through the “Talk Story” UP VINTA Learning Caravan in Honolulu, UPOU connected with Filipino workers in Hawaii to share opportunities for accessible education, lifelong learning, and skills development while listening to their experiences, needs, and learning goals.

Because being away from home should never mean being far from opportunities to learn and grow.

Are you an OFW looking to continue your learning journey?

Discover how UPOU can help you access education and lifelong learning opportunities beyond borders.

Read the full story: https://www.upou.edu.ph/.../talk-story-learning-caravan.../

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), through the University of the Philippines Ventures for International and Transformative Academia (UP VINTA), in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Honolulu, brought its Learning Caravan to Hawaii on 11 August 2026, m...

18/08/2026

Wherever Filipinos are, learning should be within reach

UPOU is strengthening its commitment to overseas Filipinos through potential academic collaborations with the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu.

The discussions explored lifelong learning opportunities for OFWs and Filipinos with dual citizenship, including possible programs in entrepreneurship, community building, and continuing education.
As UPOU expands its international partnerships, it continues to create pathways that bring accessible, quality education closer to Filipinos, wherever they may be in the world.

Read the full story and discover how UPOU is expanding learning opportunities for Filipinos abroad: https://www.upou.edu.ph/.../upou-philippine-consulate.../

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) and the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Honolulu explored academic partnerships and lifelong learning opportunities for overseas Filipinos in Hawaii during a courtesy meeting on 11 August 2026.

17/08/2026

From the Philippines to Hawaiʻi! 🌴

UPOU is set to further expand the international reach of its expertise in immersive learning technologies through the potential collaborations discussed during the visit of UPOU Chancellor Dr. Joane V. Serrano and FICS Dean Dr. Roberto B. Figueroa Jr. to the College of Arts, Languages & Letters (CALL) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UH Mānoa).

🔗 Read more: https://fics.upou.edu.ph/news/upou-uh-manoa-call-explore-potential-collaborations-on-immersive-learning-technologies/

14/08/2026

Congratulations to Prof. Diego S. Maranan on being conferred the title of University of the Philippines (UP) Artist II for Visual Arts for CY 2023-2025 under the University of the Philippines Arts Productivity System (APS).

A transdisciplinary artist, educator, designer, and researcher, Prof. Maranan explores the intersections of art, technology, ecology, and future imaginaries through creative and collaborative work. He currently serves as Professor of Art, Media, and Design at the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), and as Executive Director of the UP Intelligent Systems Center (UP ISC).

The APS recognizes the outstanding artistic contributions of UP faculty, REPS, and administrative staff whose works exemplify excellence in artistic practice and strengthen the University's presence in the national and international arts landscape.

UPOU proudly celebrates Prof. Maranan's achievement and his continued contributions to the arts, creative scholarship, and innovation.

13/08/2026

Thinking about pursuing graduate studies through Open and Distance e-Learning (ODeL)?

The Counseling and Guidance Program (CGP) conducted a panel discussion on “Gusto Mo Bang Maging Graduate Student sa ODeL?” as the 4th session of the OSA Career Education Series AY 2025-2026 with the theme Success in Progress: Navigating Your Career Journey in ODeL, held last August 7, 2026.

Facilitated by Asst. Prof. Blancaflor P. Arada, UPOU University Registrar, she asked our panelists: Prof. J. Aleta R. Villanueva (FED), Asst. Prof. Raz S. Dela Torre (FICS), and Ms. Sitti Ram Maela J. Pasandaan (FMDS Graduate student) about their insights on what it is really like to pursue graduate studies in an ODeL environment. They highlighted the uniqueness of ODeL due to its virtual nature, diverse student profiles, self-directed learning environment, and character development.

Some key takeaways from the session include:

- ODeL is flexible, but it is not easy or self-paced, as learners follow the structured pace of the syllabus, develop their own study rhythm, prioritization, and self-regulation skills;
- Graduate studies require managing time and academic workload, developing self-discipline, staying motivated, and balancing studies with work, family, and other responsibilities;
- UPOU maintains academic standards to support student learning. Discussion covered the academic rigor, workload, expectations, communication, and adherence to submission deadlines;
- Success requires genuine motivation, commitment, and a passion for learning.

Did you miss the live session? Watch the recorded discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M135eYEg2to. We'd also love to hear from you: https://url.upou.edu.ph/OSA-80726. Your feedback will help us with our future activities and programs led by Asst. Prof. Roda L. Tajon, the OSA Director.

Prospective students are encouraged to explore UPOU programs: https://registrar.upou.edu.ph/ and even try our MOOCs: https://model.upou.edu.ph/ to better understand the ODeL learning experience

12/08/2026

Bringing UPOU learning opportunities closer to Filipinos in Hawaii

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), through the University of the Philippines Ventures for International and Transformative Academia (UP VINTA), in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Honolulu, conducted the “Talk Story: A UP VINTA Learning Caravan” on 11 August 2026.

UPOU Chancellor Prof. Joane V. Serrano, Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) Dean Assoc. Prof. Roberto B. Figueroa Jr., and Information and Communication Technology Development Office (ICTDO) Director Assoc. Prof. Reinald Adrian DL. Pugoy introduced UPOU programs and learning opportunities to on-site and online participants of the learning caravan.

The learning caravan also provided an avenue for UPOU to hear about the training needs and interests of overseas Filipinos in Hawaii, opening opportunities for future learning and capacity-building initiatives.

Learn more about UPOU’s learning opportunities for overseas Filipinos: https://upvinta.upou.edu.ph/

11/08/2026

LOOK: University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) delegation led by Chancellor Joane V. Serrano, together with Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) Dean Roberto B. Figueroa, Jr. and Information and Communication Technology Development Office (ICTDO) Director Associate Professor Reinald Adrian D. Pugoy, paid a courtesy call on the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu last 10 August 2026.

11/08/2026

LOOK: Asst. Prof. Raz Dela Torre from the UPOU Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) talked about effective communication in the government workplace during the Midyear Review and Planning of the Center for CES Development (CCD) of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) last August 5, 2026.

This engagement reflects the commitment of FICS faculty members to meaningfully sharing their expertise beyond the University.

07/08/2026

From coding workshops to the international judging panel. 🌏

After mentoring participants in a three-day Scratch programming workshop, Asst. Prof. Mary Kristene D. Clariño of UPOU FICS served as a judge for the SUGOROKU Language eBoard Game Design competition at the 19th Annual International Japanese Language Festival (JLfest 2026).

🔗 Read the full story: https://fics.upou.edu.ph/news/fics-faculty-member-joins-international-panel-of-judges-at-japanese-language-festival-2026/

04/08/2026

Digital literacy to equip Filipinos in Hong Kong

Empowering Filipinos abroad goes beyond providing access to education, it also means preparing them for the realities of an increasingly digital world.

Through the UP Ventures for International and Transformative Academia (UP VINTA), the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) conducted a Digital Literacy Workshop for OFWs in Hong Kong. The workshop covered topics such as identifying misinformation, avoiding online scams, understanding the impact of artificial intelligence, and strengthening digital citizenship.

The initiative forms part of UPOU's continuing commitment to lifelong learning and empowering overseas Filipinos with skills that matter wherever they are.

Read more about how UPOU helps OFWs in Hong Kong: https://www.upou.edu.ph/.../upou-brings-up-vinta-digital.../

Philippines Ventures for International and Transformative Academia (UP VINTA), conducted a lecture-workshop for the Filipino community in Hong Kong titled "LEVEL UP SI MARITES! Joining the Fight Against Fake News, Scams, and Malicious AI." The event was held on 26 July 2026 at Connaught Road Central...