“UPCAT is a chance – isang pagkakataon para subukan ninyo ang inyong mga sarili at buksan ang mga bagong posibilidad para sa inyong kinabukasan.”
With the aim of making quality education more accessible to aspiring Iskolars ng Bayan, the Ugnayan ng Pahinungód UP Open University (UPOU) conducted the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) 2027 Online Orientation last 23 March 2026 via Zoom Video Conferencing Platform and Facebook Livestream. Around 360 participants including senior high school students, teachers, and parents attended the orientation.
The program began with the welcoming remarks of the UPOU Chancellor, Prof. Joane V. Serrano. In her message, she shared valuable tips on how students can effectively maximize the wide range of online resources available to them throughout their studies. She also encouraged everyone “to explore different ways of learning, especially independent and online learning.” Highlighting the accessibility of knowledge in today’s era, she noted that “there are now numerous materials online including practice exercises and learning resources that can help strengthen [the students’] skills.”
Dr. Gerald Pio M. Franco, the UP Office of Admission Director, introduced UP as well as its eight constituent universities, and one autonomous college by providing a brief overview of each campus and highlighting their areas of expertise. His presentation also focused on the university’s admission process, including the UPCAT application requirements and deadlines, and the important do’s and don’ts when applying. To support students from remote areas, he also discussed various scholarship opportunities available in the university. Lastly, he presented the relevant platforms where students can seek assistance for any issues that they will encounter during the application process.
The next resource speaker, Ms. Ma. Joanna Viñas, University Extension Associate I from the Admissions Section of the Office of the University Registrar UPOU, presented the different undergraduate and associate degree programs offered by the university. She explained that the two undergraduate programs particularly Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies (BAMS) and Bachelor of Education Studies (BES) are part of the UPCAT admission process, while the five associate programs are covered by the UPOU Undergraduate Admission Test (UgAT).
Ms. Viñas also discussed the admission qualifications and requirements for the UgAt, along with the important dates and helpful tips for those interested in enrolling in the associate programs. She encouraged students who are balancing both work and academics to consider applying to UPOU as this campus makes UP education more flexible and accessible through independent and self-paced online learning.
The last presenter is Dr. Jennifer P. Fronteras, the Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for Instruction of UP Mindanao. Since Pahinungód UPOU has a lot of student-participants from Region X through the Online Bridge Program, the office decided to not only introduce UPOU but also promote the undergraduate programs offered at UP Mindanao— one of the closest UP campuses in the region.
Dr. Fronteras presented the undergraduate and associate degree programs available on their campus. To provide further guidance, she also discussed the career opportunities associated with each program, helping students make more informed choices for their applications.
The webinar concluded with the closing remarks of Mr. Larry N. Cruz, the Director of Ugnayan ng Pahinungód UPOU. He emphasized that the university’s Affirmative Action Program aims to make quality education more inclusive and accessible, especially for students with limited access to opportunities. He also reminded the students that “Hindi lamang talino ang mahalaga kundi pati ang determinasyon, paghahanda, at tiwala sa sarili.” Lastly, he encouraged them to review, stay curious, ask questions, and maximize the support systems available to them including initiatives like this.
The UPCAT 2027 Online Orientation successfully met the activity’s objective, which is to provide the aspiring Iskolars ng Bayan with the necessary information about the UP admission process and the different pathways available to them within UP. The webinar is in support of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 (Quality Education) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Written by Iarra Mae D. de Silva ♦ Edited by: Larry N. Cruz