FMDS new and continuing students attend the AY 2026–2027 Hybrid Student Orientation onsite

The Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) welcomed students for the First Semester/Trimester of Academic Year 2026–2027 through its Hybrid Student Orientation held on 19 September 2026 at the Centennial Center for Digital Learning (CCDL) Auditorium, UPOU Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna, and online via Zoom. The event was also livestreamed through the UPOU Networks Facebook Page.

More than 800 students join the orientation via Zoom

The orientation brought together 58 students onsite and more than 800 students online for an afternoon of introductions, important academic reminders, and information on the various support tools, services, and initiatives available to FMDS students.

Assoc. Prof.  Finaflor F. Taylan, FMDS Dean, welcomed the students and emphasized the importance of becoming familiar with the Faculty and the resources available to support them throughout their studies. Through an audio-visual presentation (AVP), students were introduced to FMDS and its officials, Program Chairs, faculty members, and staff.

An H5P video presentation, “Things to Remember by FMDS Students,” was also featured to provide students with essential information and reminders for their studies at UPOU. This was followed by a presentation on University Library Support by UPOU Librarian Ms. Noreen Viktoria D. Anenias, who introduced the students to the library resources and services available to support their learning and research needs.

UPOU Librarian Ms. Noreen Viktoria D. Anenias introduces students to the library’s resources and services

The orientation also highlighted the FMDS Student Support Site, the Faculty’s one-stop hub for student support. The site provides information on various student concerns and helps students identify the appropriate office, unit, or person to approach for assistance. As self-directed learners, students were reminded to maximize the self-help resources and information available on the site and to check first whether the information they need is already available. This helps ensure that faculty and staff can attend more promptly to concerns that require direct assistance.

To encourage participation and engagement, interactive icebreakers were also incorporated throughout the program following selected AVPs.

Students pause, breathe, and find their focus during a mindfulness meditation session

Student well-being was likewise highlighted through Y-OU Matter @ FMDS. Ms. Erma S. Tidon, psychotherapist and meditation coach, facilitated a mindfulness meditation session as part of the Y-OU Matter @ FMDS initiative, giving students an opportunity to pause, reflect, and practice mindfulness amid their academic responsibilities.

The program also included a message from Ms. Kristina Paula Anacleto Ratio, President of the UPOU Research and Development Management Society (UPRDMS), a newly accredited University Student Organization and the first student organization in FMDS. UPRDMS is a student organization committed to cultivating competent and ethical future leaders in Research and Development Management.

Dean Finaflor F. Taylan and Faculty Secretary Lloyd Lyndel P. Simporios present the Early Bird Award to the student awardee

The Faculty-level Orientation concluded with the Early Bird Award and raffle draw, followed by closing remarks from FMDS Secretary to the Faculty Asst. Prof. Lloyd Lyndel P. Simporios. Program Orientation reminders were then provided before participants joined in singing the UP Naming Mahal.

Following the Faculty Orientation, students proceeded to their respective Program Orientation breakout sessions. Program Chairs welcomed their students and, together with the Faculty-in-Charge (FICs), provided program-specific information through orientation videos and messages. Open forums were also conducted to give students an opportunity to raise questions and clarify concerns related to their respective programs.

Through the hybrid orientation, FMDS provided incoming and continuing students with essential information and opportunities to connect with the faculty, staff, and student support services that will accompany them throughout their academic journey at UPOU.

Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) – Quality Education and Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) – Good Health and Well-being, FMDS continues to promote inclusive, accessible, and equitable education by providing students with relevant information, academic guidance, support services, and initiatives that contribute to their academic success and overall well-being.

Written by: Jelaine R. Bagos • Edited by: Larry N. Cruz

Sustainable Development Goals