UPOU officials, faculty and staff during the launching ceremony of the UPOU Microcredentials and ASCEND.

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) publicly launched its Microcredentials and its dedicated ASCEND platform in a ceremony held on 20 June 2024 at the UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna. The event was also streamed live through the UPOU Networks, UPOU Networks Facebook Page, and UPOU Facebook Page.

UPOU's Microcredentials program offers stackable, career-focused courses designed for flexible completion. Learners can upskill or reskill at their own pace, tailoring their learning journey to their specific needs. These micro courses are transferable as a credit load towards a degree program.

ASCEND, which stands for Advancing Skills and Competencies thru e-Learning for Development, serves as the central online hub for the courses under the Microcredentials and Continuing Education programs offered by UPOU. This platform streamlines the learning experience from the moment a student registers to the successful course completion of the microcourse, accessible through ascend.upou.edu.ph.

Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria, Chancellor of UPOU, shared in her welcome message that "The launch of the microcredential roadmap in 2023 laid the groundwork for UPOU's current and future efforts in this area. This official launching of the microcredentials is important because it recognizes the contributions of various UPOU units and emphasizes UPOU's leading role in offering accessible, relevant, and high-quality education – which are the key factors for the sustainability of open distance e-learning." She then led the launch of the UPOU Microcredentialling Program, together with Dr. Jean A. Saludadez, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration. After this, UPOU Microcredentials was launched, led by Dr. Joane V. Serrano, Dean of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies and Asst. Prof. Luisa A. Gelisan, University Registrar. The launch of ASCEND was led by Dr. Myra C. Almodiel, the Director of the Office of Public Affairs, Dr. Finaflor Taylan, the Director of the Office of Gender Concerns, Dr. Queenie R. Ridulme, the Director of Ugnayan ng Pahinungod UPOU, and Ms. Margeret Jarmin-Suarez, Linkages Officer.

The short ceremony concluded with Dr. Primo Garcia's closing message, where he said, "The UPOU has always pursued educational innovation, and our Microcredentials Program through ASCEND highlights our commitment to lifelong learning. By providing flexible pathways between non-formal and formal education, we hope to contribute to eliminating traditional barriers to education. We believe education should extend beyond traditional stages and be a lifelong process that adapts to the needs of the learners.."

The UPOU Microcredentials and ASCEND is part of UPOU's commitment to widen access to quality higher education. In addition, this initiative shall also contribute towards Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

For inquiries about the UPOU Microcredentials, email .

Written by Anna Canas-Llamas ♦ Edited by Primo G. Garcia and Myra C. Almodiel ♦ Photos by Anna Mhari Duria