The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), through the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) and in collaboration with Samahan ng Industriya ng Paggugulayan (SIPAG) ng Pagsanjan, is set to launch the “OUgnayan Wednesdays” on 14 May 2025, from 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM at The Walk, located at the back of the UPOU main building. This event marks the beginning of a weekly initiative aimed to cultivate and integrate a culture of community engagement, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and innovation within the academic environment.
OUgnayan Wednesdays is part of a broader public service program called “OUgnayan”, a coined word consists of “OU”, an acronym for Open University (which is how UPOU is more popularly known for) and “ugnayan”, a Filipino term which means engagement. This initiative is a testament to UPOU’s commitment to public service and openness—opening its doors to its communities and to the public at large, fostering inclusive engagement, knowledge sharing, and collaborative growth.
Anchored on UPOU’s four pillars—sustainability and resilience, entrepreneurship, lifelong learning, and well-being—this effort supports the university’s mission of being a transformative and socially responsive institution.
Moreover, one of the highlights of the launch is the onboarding session for the digital Alitaptap Community Currency, also called “Ali (pronounced as eli)”. It is a local exchange system that supports circular, solidarity-based economies. Through this, the UPOU community can experience and contribute to a more conscious, inclusive, and resilient local economy.
This activity directly supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Partnership for the Goals (SDG 17).
Interested community partners may register through this link:
Written by: Vanessa T. Autor • Edited by: Larry N. Cruz
Sustainable Development Goals
FMDS Socials