News - Faculty of Information and Communication Studies

UPOU-Japan Foundation Partnership Featured in Official Newsletter of The Japan Foundation, Manila
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UPOU-Japan Foundation Partnership Featured in Official Newsletter of The Japan Foundation, Manila

Jessa Perez2026-03-05T01:54:40+00:00

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) was featured in the February 2026 issue (No. 7) of Nihongojin Connect!, the official newsletter of The Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM). The feature article, titled “Milestones in Our Journey of Collaboration with UPOU,” highlights the deepening partnership between the two institutions in advancing Japanese language education and strengthening intercultural engagement in the Philippines. The article traces the evolution of this collaboration, anchored in shared commitments to sustainability, innovation, and mutual learning. It recounts key milestones, from the signing of the initial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in August 2024 to the rollout [...]

UPOU-Japan Foundation Partnership Featured in Official Newsletter of The Japan Foundation, ManilaJessa Perez2026-03-05T01:54:40+00:00

Assistant Professor Lei Kristoffer Lactuan is the New ASIT Program Chair
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Assistant Professor Lei Kristoffer Lactuan is the New ASIT Program Chair

Jessa Perez2026-02-11T01:03:02+00:00

The Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) has named Assistant Professor Lei Kristoffer Lactuan as the new Chair of the Associate of Science in Information Technology (ASIT). He takes over from Dr. Reinald Adrian Pugoy, who served in the role until January 2026. Assistant Professor Lactuan brings with him a strong academic foundation in computer science and information technology. He earned his Master of Information Technology from the Institute of Computer Science, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños. He also completed his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the same institution. With [...]

Assistant Professor Lei Kristoffer Lactuan is the New ASIT Program ChairJessa Perez2026-02-11T01:03:02+00:00

UPOU FICS Introduce Front-end Development Microcredentialing Courses in FICS Launching Event
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UPOU FICS Introduce Front-end Development Microcredentialing Courses in FICS Launching Event

MARIA ANDREA BODAÑO2026-02-10T01:19:17+00:00

The Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) is set to empower professionals in the digital industry as active creators of web design through the launch of its Front-end Development Microcredentialing Courses, scheduled for March 2026. The new course offerings were announced during the MOOCs and Microcredentials Launching Event held at the UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna. The initiative responds to the growing demand for upskilling and reskilling in the digital economy and forms part of FICS’ strategic contribution to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: Industry, Innovation, [...]

UPOU FICS Introduce Front-end Development Microcredentialing Courses in FICS Launching EventMARIA ANDREA BODAÑO2026-02-10T01:19:17+00:00

UPOU FICS, Concentrix Launch MOOC Series Targeting High-Value BPO Skills
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UPOU FICS, Concentrix Launch MOOC Series Targeting High-Value BPO Skills

MARIA ANDREA BODAÑO2026-02-10T01:21:40+00:00

Aspiring Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) Professionals may now enroll in free Data Annotation courses through a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) offered by the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS), in partnership with Concentrix and UPOU Ugnayan ng Pahinungod. The “Data Annotation for Aspiring BPO Professionals” MOOC was formally launched during FICS’ MOOCs and Microcredentialing Launching Event held on 30 January 2026 at the UPOU Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna. The course responds to the increasing integration of artificial intelligence in business operations and aims to equip learners with industry-relevant skills in data annotation, an essential process in [...]

UPOU FICS, Concentrix Launch MOOC Series Targeting High-Value BPO SkillsMARIA ANDREA BODAÑO2026-02-10T01:21:40+00:00

UPOU FICS and UPLB INREM Drive Climate Resilience with Climate Information Services MOOCs Launch
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UPOU FICS and UPLB INREM Drive Climate Resilience with Climate Information Services MOOCs Launch

MARIA ANDREA BODAÑO2026-02-10T00:38:28+00:00

Bridging quality education with climate action, the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) formally launched its free Climate Information Services Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) on 30 January 2026 at the UPOU Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna. The MOOCs were developed in partnership with the University of the Philippines Integrated Natural Resources and Environment Management (UPLB-INREM) and in collaboration with UPOU Ugnayan ng Pahinungod. Enrollment is currently ongoing, with the courses scheduled for release on 16 February 2026. Designed primarily for key stakeholders and decision-makers in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, the Climate Information Services MOOCs aim to [...]

UPOU FICS and UPLB INREM Drive Climate Resilience with Climate Information Services MOOCs LaunchMARIA ANDREA BODAÑO2026-02-10T00:38:28+00:00

UPOU Partners with Taiwan Universities and Industry Leaders to Bridge Semiconductor Skills Gap
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UPOU Partners with Taiwan Universities and Industry Leaders to Bridge Semiconductor Skills Gap

Jessa Perez2026-02-11T05:11:11+00:00

In a strategic move to address the growing skills gap in the Philippines’ emerging semiconductor sector, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) launched a pioneering collaboration with industry leaders and academic institutions in Taiwan through a series of high-level engagements held from 12 to 16 January 2026. This partnership aims to develop and deliver microcredential courses designed to establish a reliable, industry-ready talent pipeline for the global semiconductor sector. Delegates from UPOU, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST) officials, and industry partners gather during the high-level engagement at NTUST Chancellor Joane Serrano [...]

UPOU Partners with Taiwan Universities and Industry Leaders to Bridge Semiconductor Skills GapJessa Perez2026-02-11T05:11:11+00:00

FICS Faculty Teaches Scratch Programming to pre-JLfest 2026 Participants
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FICS Faculty Teaches Scratch Programming to pre-JLfest 2026 Participants

Jessa Perez2026-03-10T06:15:59+00:00

To equip young learners with foundational programming skills, Asst. Prof. Mary Kristene D. Clariño of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) led a three-day workshop on Scratch programming for participants of the Pre-JLFest 2026 Workshop. The workshop introduced national and international students to Scratch, a visual, block-based programming platform widely used to teach computational thinking and creative coding. Drawing on her expertise in computer programming, Asst. Prof. Clariño guided participants through the basic concept and practical applications of the platform. On the first day, participants were introduced to key programming terms and concepts essential to understanding Scratch. The [...]

FICS Faculty Teaches Scratch Programming to pre-JLfest 2026 ParticipantsJessa Perez2026-03-10T06:15:59+00:00

UPOU to Launch Project on Advanced Chatbot Ecosystem for Student Support
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UPOU to Launch Project on Advanced Chatbot Ecosystem for Student Support

FICS News (JR)2026-02-10T00:38:28+00:00

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) is set to implement a major research and development initiative titled “Advanced Chatbot Ecosystem for Comprehensive Student Support and Learning Experience in Higher Education.” The project aims to strengthen student and staff support services through a practical, user-centered, and sustainable AI-driven chatbot system. Led by Dr. Reinald Adrian Pugoy from the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) with Dr. Ria Mae Borromeo also from FICS, and Ms. Rhea Subong-Espina from the University of the Philippines Visayas, the research team brings together expertise in artificial intelligence, academic services, and user experience [...]

UPOU to Launch Project on Advanced Chatbot Ecosystem for Student SupportFICS News (JR)2026-02-10T00:38:28+00:00

FICS Honors Graduates at Recognition and Thanksgiving 2025
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FICS Honors Graduates at Recognition and Thanksgiving 2025

FICS News (JR)2026-02-10T00:38:28+00:00

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) celebrated the achievements of its graduating students during the Recognition and Thanksgiving 2025 ceremony held on 5 December 2025 at the UPOU International Convention Center, Los Baños, Laguna. The ceremony brought together graduates, faculty members, and families to mark the end of the Class of 2025’s academic journey at UPOU. The program opened with a warm welcome from UPOU Chancellor Prof. Joane V. Serrano, who congratulated the graduates on their remarkable achievements and emphasized the vital role of the FICS in advancing UPOU’s mission [...]

FICS Honors Graduates at Recognition and Thanksgiving 2025FICS News (JR)2026-02-10T00:38:28+00:00

ISRGA22-2024 Team Discusses Culminating Research Project Plans in Baguio
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ISRGA22-2024 Team Discusses Culminating Research Project Plans in Baguio

FICS News (JR)2026-02-10T00:38:28+00:00

Professor Emeritus Dr. Alexander G. Flor (center left), together with the ISRGA22-2024 research team, closes the 4th Project Coordination Meeting in UP Baguio with a commemorative photo. UPOU-FICS, together with the seven UP constituent units (CU), discussed the research team’s remaining deliverables during its 4th Project Coordination Meeting last 20-23 November 2025 in Baguio as it approached project completion. UP ISC Research Project ISRGA22-2024 explores the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and quantum computing in higher education, especially in terms of curricula, pedagogy, delivery, and assessment. In its routine meeting, Principal Investigator Dr. Alexander G. Flor shared [...]

ISRGA22-2024 Team Discusses Culminating Research Project Plans in BaguioFICS News (JR)2026-02-10T00:38:28+00:00