The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Office of Gender Concerns (OGC) launched its 10th anniversary celebration last 16 October 2024. 

The UPOU faculty, staff, and visitors gathered at the lobby of the UPOU Main Building from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm for a fun-filled launching of the Anniversary Celebration. This was done through a vibrant booth set up in the UPOU headquarters which facilitated giving out information flyers with important information about the history, mandate and accomplishments of OGC. Advocacy souvenirs and various snacks were also given out as a symbol of solidarity. 

In the afternoon, before the UPOU Faculty Conference, OGC Director, Dr. Finaflor Taylan led a short program where videos  highlighting the OGC’s mandate and its remarkable decade-long journey filled with accomplishments and advancements in gender advocacy were shown.

UPOU Chancellor Melinda Bandalaria, who also serves as the Chairperson of the UPOU Gender Focal Point System (GFPS), delivered a heartfelt message of congratulations to the OGC. She commended the office for its impactful initiatives that align with UPOU’s Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL) framework. Among the highlighted initiatives and projects were the following: Gender-Sensitive Training Massive Open Online Course (GST MOOC), Open Educational Resources (OERs) on gender and its related issues and topics, the Gender-Focused Research Grant (GFRG), and the introduction of microcredentials on GAD and Social Welfare Perspectives in collaboration with major industry partners. The Chancellor also affirmed the university’s commitment and continued journey towards gender equality and inclusivity not just in the university but also to the larger society. 

As the celebration unfolds, the OGC aims to engage the UPOU community and encourage conversations around gender issues, further promoting awareness and advocacy efforts in the years to come. The achievements of the past decade serve as a testament to the dedication and hard work of the OGC and university as a whole, laying a strong foundation for future initiatives that champion gender equality and inclusivity in all aspects of university life and beyond.

As UPOU looks to the future, the commitment to gender concerns remains unwavering, ensuring that progress continues for the benefit of all.