Prof. Joane V. Serrano, the Dean of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), has been actively championing the cause of microcredentials in various academic forums throughout May and June 2024. Her engagements were part of her role as a local coordinator for the Micro-credentials for Lifelong Learning and Employability: Building Capacities for Developing Agile Educational Interventions in South East Asian Universities or MicroCASA project in the Philippines, funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Commission, aimed at enhancing agile educational interventions in Southeast Asian universities. Microcredentials, mostly treated as a solution to the growing demand for flexible and learner-centered education nowadays, have garnered significant attention in the field of teaching and learning. In fact, microcredentials are part of UPOU’s strategic thrust. Prof. Serrano participated in three major events to discuss their implications and future for education, leadership, and training.

At the 4th Passion for Scholarship and Love for Mission (PSALM) International Conference for Teacher Education and Formation on 4 May 2024, hosted by the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Prof. Serrano delivered a plenary talk on the future of microcredentials in teacher education and training. She drew insights from UPOU’s roadmap titled, “Equipping Filipino Professionals through Lifelong Learning: Roadmap for UPOU Microcredentials,” emphasizing the need for a coherent policy framework in the Philippines to facilitate broader adoption across Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), universities, and schools.

Continuing her advocacy, Prof. Serrano spoke at the 6th Leadership and Management Perspectives in Higher Education (LAMP) Summit on 31 May 2024, held at the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, Las Piñas Campus. Here, she highlighted efforts of the MicroCASA project to establish a consortium among HEIs interested in developing and implementing microcredentials. This consortium aims to standardize the accreditation and recognition processes for digital badges and other forms of credentialing, and concretize efforts of providing opportunities for individuals to reskill and upskill. 

Wrapping up her series of engagements, Prof. Serrano was invited to tackle microcredentials by the Educational Leadership and Management (HPEd 361) course under the Doctor of Health Professions Education (DrHPEd) program of the National Teacher Training Center for the Health Professions (NTTCHP) of the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) on 04 June 2024 via Zoom. She provided an introduction to microcredentials and has outlined key strategies to apply their significance in healthcare leadership and practical use for health professions educators, making education more responsive to the needs of society.

Participating in these varied events demonstrate UPOU and Prof. Serrano’s dedication to advancing innovative educational practices through microcredentials which help address both the potential and challenges associated with their integration into the Philippine educational landscape, and accelerate the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly on SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Written by: Janelle G. Ebron• Edited by: Larry N. Cruz

Sustainable Development Goals

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