CODTL Leads Comprehensive Training on ODeL Curriculum and Management for PSA

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), through its Center for Open and Digital Teaching and Learning (CODTL), capped a month-long facilitation of the Blended Training on Open and Distance e-Learning (ODeL) Curriculum, Technical Infrastructure Management, and Program Administration for the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA). The training which began with a focus on the Community-based monitoring system (CBMS), later drew in staff from various PSA sub-units, each bringing their own expertise, reflecting how the agency is working together to strengthen its digital learning capacity and knowledge sharing across its diverse functions. The culmination day, held on 9 September 2025 at the PSA office in Eton Centris, Quezon City, showcased the final outputs of participants who completed the comprehensive program.

Designed as more than a skills workshop, the training aimed to equip participants with competencies in developing instructional materials for online learning, managing the technical infrastructure for ODeL, and applying governance policies and strategic planning in program administration. Spanning 56 hours—32 face-to-face and 24 online—the program was structured into eight modules covering frameworks for online teaching and learning, course design, resource selection, activity development, online facilitation, assessment in online learning, learning management systems and technical support for ODeL, and strategic planning and management for ODeL programs.

The online sessions were delivered through UPOU EXTEND, the University’s platform for EXternal Training for Enhancing and Nurturing Development, via extend.upou.edu.ph. The training was spearheaded by CODTL Director Dr. Juvy Lizette M. Gervacio, with the Learning Design Unit, under Deputy Director Dr. Joseph A. De Mesa, leading the program design and facilitation, ensuring the training flow, course activities, and sessions were cohesive and aligned with the training objectives. The facilitation team also included CODTL Deputy Directors Dr. Juliet Aleta R. Villanueva and Dr. Benigno B. Agapito Jr., UPOU Faculty of Education Assistant Professor Ana Katrina T. Marcial, and CODTL members who served as session facilitators and provided technical and logistical support. The online phase of the training was facilitated by Assistant Professor Cecille A. Moldez for Week 1, Dr. Ricardo Bagarinao for Week 2, Dr. Primo Garcia and Associate Professor Ria Borromeo for Week 3, and Ms. Eleanor Manipol and Dr. Joseph De Mesa for Week 4.

The final presentations by PSA participants centered on course prototypes – course blueprints enhanced during the training and translated into Moodle course pages – while also reflecting their grasp of program management and strategic planning concepts from the final module. CODTL facilitators commended the participants’ work, noting how their efforts highlight PSA’s growing capacity to modernize training and build inclusive, technology-driven approaches to learning.

In accordance with RA 10650, the Open Distance Learning Act, and its commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) No. 4 (Quality Education) and No. 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), the UPOU CODTL continues to champion the development of open and distance learning programs across the country.

Inquiries regarding capacity-building programs and training initiatives may be directed to CODTL via [email protected].

Written by Lovelyn P. Petrasanta | Edited by Dr. Juvy Lizette Gervacio and Dr. Joseph De Mesa