The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), through the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) warmly welcomed a group of Immersive Science Communication Open Laboratory (ISCOLab) interns in the FMDS Perma G.A.R.D.E.N. (Growing Appreciation toward Resilience, Development, Entrepreneurship, and Nutrition). As part of their internship program, the interns toured the University’s living laboratory on 13 July 2026 to immerse themselves in its development and implementation, serving as additional inspiration for their Sustainability Game Plan, a product they are developing for the internship requirement.

ISCOLab, under the UPOU Immersive Open Pedagogies (IOP) Program, is an immersive and interactive physical space that optimizes extended reality. Curating and creating engaging and instructive immersive content are leveraged in this immersive space. Further, integrate hands-on activities and experiments while iterating immersive experiences. It pushes the boundaries of reality, blending the physical and digital realms to create captivating experiences.

[from left to right] Mr. John Orbe of FICS, five students from UP Cebu, Ms. Reondanga, and Mr. Ongos

Learning visit joined by Ricardo, the permaculture goat

Interns tour experience in Zone 3 (left photo) and Zone 4 (right photo) of the FMDS Perma G.A.R.D.E.N.

During the visit, the interns documented the layout and features of the Perma G.A.R.D.E.N. hoping to use this as a reference in exploring and conceptualizing another potential immersive technology project. 

These interns were students from the University of the Philippines Cebu taking Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, and Mr. Hanes Ongos, a student of the Master of Information Systems (MIS) program of the UPOU Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS). They were assisted by the FMDS Perma G.A.R.D.E.N. team including Ms. Maryjane Reondanga, Junior Utility Worker, and Ms. Raizza Anna Alforja, Project Staff.

Written by: Raizza Anna M. Alforja • Edited by: Larry N. Cruz

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