The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), through the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), officially commenced the research project “Cultivating Digital Transformation: A Collaborative Model for Philippine Higher Education” through a two-day teacher training and focus group discussion held on 17–18 June 2026 at the E-Library Building of Bulacan State University (BulSU) in Malolos, Bulacan. The project is being implemented in partnership with the Higher Education Research and Policy Reform Program (HERPRP) of the University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP CIDS).

UPOU team paid a courtesy visit to Bulacan State University President, Dr. Teody C. San Andres, together with Dr. Warlito M. Galita, OIC–Vice President for Academic Affairs, and other BulSU officials.

The BulSU activity marked the first phase of the collaborative research project, which seeks to examine how digital transformation enhances learning design, accessibility, inclusivity, and flexibility in Philippine higher education. It also aims to analyze UPOU’s pioneering role in advancing Open and Distance e-Learning (ODeL) and identify opportunities for strengthening BulSU’s technology-mediated learning initiatives through knowledge sharing and capacity building. 

The two-day activity, attended by faculty members, researchers, and academic stakeholders from BulSU, combined teacher training with focus group discussions to generate research data while equipping participants with practical knowledge on digital teaching and learning. The sessions also supported the implementation of Republic Act No. 10650, or the Open Distance Learning Act, which designates UPOU as the country’s lead institution in promoting and strengthening open and distance learning through capacity-building initiatives for higher education institutions.

BulSU faculty members engage in collaborative discussions and hands-on learning activities during the Digital Transformation Project training, aimed at strengthening digital competencies and promoting technology-enabled teaching and learning.

The UPOU research team was led by Associate Professor Juvy Lizette M. Gervacio, PhD, project leader; together with Assistant Professor Rose Nonette Capadosa, PhD; Assistant Professor Tricia C. Ascan, MM; Assistant Professor Edmerson Z. Calungsod, MA, and Ms. Dona Lyn Piamonte, graduate student mentee.

Associate Professor Gervacio opened the program by introducing the Digital Transformation Project and presenting the evolution of e-learning in the Philippines. She highlighted UPOU’s role in advancing ODeL and discussed how digital transformation continues to expand educational access, promote lifelong learning, and respond to the evolving needs of learners.

Assistant Professor Capadosa facilitated a session on “Reimagining Course Design for Flexible Higher Education,” where participants explored learner-centered instructional design through workshops on syllabus diagnosis, constructive alignment, and the development of flexible course designs for ODeL.

Assistant Professor Ascan led the training on “Online Educational Resources (OER),” discussing the principles, selection, and management of OER while emphasizing ethical and responsible use of digital learning materials and compliance with intellectual property and copyright policies.

Assistant Professor Calungsod conducted the session on “Designing Assessments for ODeL in Higher Education Institutions,” sharing assessment strategies that promote academic integrity, critical thinking, and authentic learning in online environments.

As part of the research component, Ms. Dona Lyn Piamonte facilitated discussions on “Participatory Communication in OER Development and Collaborative Learning Design,” gathering insights on collaborative approaches to developing inclusive and sustainable digital learning resources.

The BulSU training and focus group discussion constitute the first of four major activities under the Digital Transformation Project. The succeeding activities include an online Brown Bag Session in September, where participating researchers will present the project’s initial findings, followed by a symposium at UP Open University in November to share the completed study and its recommendations for strengthening digital transformation initiatives in Philippine higher education.

This initiative contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. 

Participants from Bulacan State University (BulSU), together with facilitators from the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), pose for a group photo while holding their certificates of completion at the conclusion of the Digital Transformation Project training.

Written by: Marie Lara Pauline Bobier• Edited by: Dona Lyn Piamonte and Larry N. Cruz

Sustainable Development Goals