In celebration of Mother’s Day, the UPOU Office of Ugnayan ng Pahinungód (OUP), in collaboration with the Office of Gender Concerns (OGC), hosted Usaping Nanay: Launching of the Online Mothers’ Class MOOC last 14 May 2025, at the Pook Ugnayan, University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU). The event brought together members of the community and UPOU’s partner offices in a shared commitment to women’s health, empowerment, and lifelong learning.

At the heart of the event was the promotion of the Online Mothers’ Class, a massive open online course (MOOC) developed by the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, UPOU, in collaboration with the UPOU Faculty of Management and Development Studies, UPOU Office of Gender Concerns Department of Health, and the Safe Motherhood Program of the Department of Health CaLaBaRZon. The MOOC aims to support mothers, fathers, and other caregivers in their journey through pregnancy, and newborn and infant care. It also targets to provide accessible, science-based, and mother-friendly education, especially for women who may not have access to formal maternal care resources.

Jessica A. Hernandez, Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian and Course Coordinator of the Online Mothers’ Class, delivered a short but powerful talk on childbirth statistics and common pregnancy misconceptions. Her discussion shed light on the real challenges and misinformation many expectant mothers face, highlighting the critical need for inclusive and accurate maternal education.

The event was attended by UPOU officials and partners, including Dr. Maria Lourdes Jarabe, Director of the Office of Gender Concerns, Mr. Larry Cruz, Director of the Ugnayan ng Pahinungód, and Asst. Prof. . Ria Valerie Cabanes, Director of the Quality Assurance Office, who is also one of the volunteer partner-faculty members of the program from the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS). Select members from the San Antonio Women’s Brigade were also in attendance and have openly shared their experiences which enriched the conversation on child care and motherhood.

This gathering was more than just a course launch—it was a celebration of mothers and a reaffirmation of UPOU’s mission to serve through education, compassion, and connection. As the Online Mothers’ Class begins its roll-out, it carries with it the hopes of many women and caregivers who seek guidance, support, and empowerment during one of life’s most transformative journeys.

Volunteerism as a Channel for Compassionate Education

Much like other UPOU Ugnayan ng Pahinungód-led initiatives, the Online Mothers’ Class reflects a deeper advocacy: that education can be a form of care. And through the lens of volunteerism, this care can reach even the most underserved communities. It is through volunteers—educators, health professionals, and everyday advocates—that these programs find life, and it is through their heartwork that learning becomes healing.

As Jessica Hernandez shared in a post-event reflection, “Every mother deserves to feel supported and informed. This course is not just a resource—it’s a lifeline for those who may be quietly navigating the challenges of motherhood alone.”

The launch of the Online Mothers’ Class marks another step forward in UPOU’s ongoing effort to enhance access to essential maternal and child care knowledge, promote inclusive and lifelong learning opportunities, and support women in their nurturing roles—advancing Sustainable Development Goals such as Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), and Gender Equality (SDG 5).

Written by: Jessica Hernandez and Xandra Marie Villareal ♦ Edited by: Larry Cruz