UPOU FMDS Dean Delivers Keynote Speech as Guest of Honor and Facilitates Training at the National Police Training Institute’s Academic Summit 2023

The Dean of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), Prof. Joane V. Serrano, delivered a keynote speech as the guest of honor in the National Police Training Institute (NPTI) Academic Summit on 09 November 2023 at the Development Academy of the Philippines, Tagaytay City. The summit was themed, “Innovations in Policing and Empowering Excellence: Exploring Technologies, Strategies and Best Practices for Enhanced Public Safety and Effective Law Enforcement Training”. Prof. Serrano was welcomed by the following administrators from NPTI: PCol Luis Maria T. Pascual, Chief of Staff, PCol Arnold E. Abad, Chief of Administrative Division, PCol Roman B. Dela Cruz, Chief of Career Courses Management Division, and PLtCol Ariel H. Asuncion, Assistant Chief of Career Courses Management Division.

The need to promote public safety and elevate the standards of law enforcement training for non-commissioned officers is imperative and call of the times. Prof. Serrano delved into the evolving landscape of policing and the critical role an effective police education plays in meeting contemporary challenges. 

Beyond the keynote address, Prof. Serrano also served as the resource person of the training session on the first day of the summit. She gave practical examples on how to better navigate the challenges of a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous) and its implications for police education. This hands-on approach provided a unique opportunity for participants to glean insights, fostering an interactive and dynamic learning environment during the said session. 

At the center of the discussion were the global trends of police education and training, quality assurance, and the different modalities of teaching and learning. In addition, Dr. Serrano emphasized the importance of risk assessment and incorporating the eight pillars of quality assurance in the existing curriculum of NPTI’s Training Centers (TCs). The training participants were Chief of Academics and Non-Academics Sections of the 18 TCs from all over the country. Assisting these TCs in the development of their curriculum design and improvement of teaching delivery strategies are all part of UPOU’s mandate (Republic Act No. 10650) to help higher education institutions, including training providers like NPTI. This initiative also addresses a number of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly on SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

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