Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU takes part in PH distance education dialogue at Asian Development Bank

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) engaged with global education leaders at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Headquarters in Mandaluyong City on September 25 for the Knowledge Dialogue on Sustainable, Inclusive, and Scalable Education, a national effort to build flexible learning systems that leave no student behind.

Co-organized by ADB, the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE), and the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), the forum convened experts from development agencies, government bodies, and higher education institutions to design accessible, high-quality learning models nationwide.

Representing MMSU were Open and Distance e-Learning (ODeL) Chief Dr. Regie Boy Fabro and Dr. Jareason Fabre, both members of the Consortium of Open Distance Education Providers in the Philippines (CODEPP).

To translate these national goals into concrete action, Dr. Fabro announced that MMSU will roll out the newly approved degree programs under ODeL starting next academic year.

Underscoring the vision for open learning, CODEPP President and UPOU Chancellor Dr. Joane V. Serrano emphasized, "Progress is not simply about how many programs we can put online. It is about whether we are creating education that is truly inclusive, scalable, and sustainable."

ADB Director for Human and Social Development Sectors Shanti Jagannathan explained the gathering's value, noting, "If we want to make universal access to quality tertiary education, this form of dialogue is invaluable." Meanwhile, ICDE Secretary General Torunn Gjelsvik stressed that global education challenges require innovative, shared solutions.

The dialogue served as a preparatory activity leading to the 31st ICDE World Conference in 2027, which UPOU will host in Cebu, Philippines.

Before the ADB event, Dr. Fabro and Dr. Fabre conducted benchmarking visits to enhance MMSU’s distance learning operations. They engaged in knowledge exchanges with PUP Open University System Executive Director Dr. Rudolf Anthony Lacerna and FEU Institute of Technology Quality Assurance Senior Director Engr. Alexis Mervin Sy, to study best practices in learning management systems.