By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr. 

To prepare for the implementation of open and distance e-learning in their respective institutions, members of the Consortium of Open and Distance Education Providers in the Philippines (CODEPP) convened in a seminar-workshop hosted by the Mariano Marcos State University. 

Held on April 3 at the MMSU Center for Flexible Learning, the activity finalized the constitution and by-laws and amendatory agreement of the CODEPP. It also discussed the accreditation of its members by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for the offering of distance education programs. 

Moreover, the consortium members planned for the timeline of their specific activities for 2023, including capability training programs, massive open online courses, and the global advocacy campaign on open, flexible and distance learning. 

Led by the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), the seminar-workshop was participated in by technical working group members from MMSU, Benguet State University, Cavite State University, Central Luzon State University, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Ifugao State University, and the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University - Arevalo Inc.

UPOU Chancellor Melinda Bandalaria thanked the consortium members for their commitment to promote distance education. “As the leading open and distance education provider in the country, UPOU will walk alongside with you in reaching your goals,” Dr. Bandalaria assured the attendees. 

For her part, University President Shirley C. Agrupis expressed MMSU’s commitment to meet the expected outcomes of the CODEPP plan for 2023. She also reaffirmed the university’s support to the consortium in building a more resilient, responsive, and innovative educational system in the Philippines. 

Prior to this, a strategic workshop was conducted in February in BSU to finalize its consortium’s constitution and by-laws, craft its three-year plan, and set its schedule of activities this 2023.

CODEPP was formally established in January this year through the signing of a memorandum of agreement between UPOU and the consortium members. (HLY/JVBT, StratCom)