The Ugnayan ng Pahinungod conducted the UPCAT simulation sessions for aspiring Iskolar ng Bayan from Region X last August 5-8, 2024 as part of the University’s commitment to democratizing access to UP education.

The initiative aims to familiarize UPCAT takers with exam procedures, guidelines, and protocols, orient them on exam materials, and provide a mock examination experience. Day 1 was conducted at Cagayan de Oro City National High School, while Day 2 took place at Bukidnon National High School in Malaybalay City. The final two days of the simulation took place on 7 August at Iligan City National High School and 8 August at Molugan National High School in El Salvador City. With the official UPCAT scheduled for 10-11 August 2024, this initiative provided invaluable preparation for the aspiring Iskolar ng Bayan.

On the other hand, the team also paid a courtesy call to DepEd Regional Diector, Dr. Arturo Bayocot, at the Department of Education Region 10, Cagayan De Oro City on 5 August 2024. The UP Open University (UPOU) delegates were led by Asst. Prof. Queenie Roxas-Ridulme, Director of Ugnayan ng Pahinungód UPOU, and Asst. Prof. Luisa A. Gelisan, University Registrar.

Included in the agenda was the presentation of the Bridge Program and Introductory Course on Contact Center Services (ICCS) offered by the Ugnayan ng Pahinungód UPOU. This was facilitated by Ms. Charlene Mina and Ms. Jestine Crhistia Gatdula, respectively. Discussions on the future plans of DepEd and other possible partnerships between UPOU and DepEd Region 10 were made. Other attendees include Assistant Regional Director Federico Martin, 10 Education Program Supervisors from Curriculum and Learning Management Division (CLMD), and staff from Pahinungód UPOU.