Following an exploratory meeting held on 08 April 2025 between the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) and Samahan ng Industriya ng Paggugulayan (SIPAG) ng Pagsanjan, the involved committee, such as FMDS Sustainable Livelihoods Innovation and Digitally-transformed Enterprise (SLIDE) and SIPAG Pagsanjan representatives, set an introductory meeting with the interested community partners on 30 April 2025 at the UPOU Oblation Hall, UPOU Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna. This meeting is intended to define the purpose of the upcoming OUgnayan (Open University na Gumagabay at Nagbubuklod sa PamaYANan) Wednesdays, under the OUgnayan, a flagship program that strengthens the university’s public service and community engagement initiatives. 

OUgnayan Wednesdays, in collaboration with SIPAG Pagsanjan, provides a dedicated and inclusive space within the university for UPOU staff, local merchants, artisans, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase and sell their products as part of the university’s commitment to inclusive development, sustainable entrepreneurship, and active community engagement.

Engr. Emilio Climaco, FMDS  Continuing Education Program (CEP) Course Coordinator and SIPAG Pagsanjan President, and Assistant Professor Tricia C. Ascan, FMDS Associate of Arts in Digital Entrepreneurship (AADE) Program Chair and SLIDE Chair, a public service initiative under the Community Inclusivity, Digital Transformation and Acceleration towards Sustainability (CIDAS), led the discussion by introducing the proposed concept of the said activity, to set realistic goals and clarify expectations for all parties involved in the event. By establishing a strong foundation for an ongoing partnership, logistical details were primarily discussed, particularly its location, schedule, activity requirements, and other operational rules.

Among the community partners were farmers and small producers selling their produce, inspiring chefs and food establishments who create and sell innovative dishes featuring local, native, and endemic fruits and vegetables, or micro to small enterprises selling local products that adhere to fair trade. Local community representatives who attended include the San Antonio Women’s Brigade, led by Ms. Jovy Moises. Representatives from the local entrepreneurs include Mr. Rommel Bailey, Ms. Pauline Pocsedio (online), Ms. Marlene Francia, Ms. Carol H. Masajo, and Ms. Anna Victoria Dolores also joined the said meeting. Showcasing the products and practices of FMDS Perma G.A.R.D.E.N. (Growing Appreciation towards Resilience, Development, Entrepreneurship, and Nutrition) is highly expected, represented by Ms. Maryjane Reondanga, FMDS Perma G.A.R.D.E.N. caretaker, Ms. Tiffany Leanne Catbagan and Ms. Raizza Anna Alforja, support staff. Additionally, local coffee varieties will be showcased, Kahawa Sug in particular, through the ongoing project of UPOU funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) entitled “Enhancing Sustainability, Profitability, and Inclusiveness of Coffee Value Chains Involving IP Communities: The Case of Kiangan, Ifugao and Patikul, Sulu” represented by Ms. Mary Grace Campollo, Project Technical Assistant.

As a defining feature of OUgnayan Wednesdays, the Alitaptap Community Currency (CC) was discussed in the meeting that Dr. Ferdinand Maquito attended virtually to explore the exciting possibility of combining social entrepreneurship with community building via digital Ali CC.

Written by: Tiffany Leanne C. Catbagan and Raizza Anna M. Alforja • Edited by: Larry N. Cruz

Sustainable Development Goals

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