In an event marked by renewed commitment and increased cooperation, the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on 29 June 2023 at the UPOU campus in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines.
The MOU represents a revival of the institutional collaboration that will continue to foster joint programs, projects, and related activities between SEARCA and UPOU, capitalizing on viable opportunities that may arise.
In a parallel move, the MOA establishes the framework for their collaboration on the forthcoming International Tri-Conference, an event combining the International Conference on Open and Distance e-Learning 2023 (ICODEL 2023), the International Symposium on Education and AI Convergence 2023 (ISEAC 2023), and ASEANnale 2023. Scheduled for 22–25 August 2023, the tri-conference centers on "Sustainability in Education: Intersections, Ideation, Innovations."
The upcoming event signals a commitment to supporting the ongoing evolution of open and distance education both in the Philippines and globally. It also offers a platform to investigate the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in optimizing higher education delivery within the country. The tri-conference promises a hotbed for new insights, ideas, and sustainable innovations in the realm of education.
Leading the ceremonial signing were Dr. Glenn Gregorio, SEARCA director, and Dr. Melinda Bandalaria, UPOU chancellor. They were joined by various delegates from both institutions, affirming the shared commitment to these agreements.