To formalize the distance education consortium, DMMMSU, represented by President Jaime I. Manuel, Jr. entered into an agreement with Benguet State University (BSU), Cavite State University (CvSU), Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Ifugao State University (IFSU), Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), and John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University – Arevalo, Inc (JBLFMU-Arevalo, Inc), and the University of the Philippines OU at BSU on January 31, 2023.

The MOA signing is geared towards increasing the opportunities for knowledge and idea-sharing to raise the standard of distance education in the Philippines; promoting and concretely implementing strategies for inclusive and lifelong learning, providing a forum for the sharing of experiences and best practices in instruction and research findings in flexible technology-enhanced, and open distance eLearning among consortium members and other interested institutions; equiping consortium members to increase their capacity to accept more students covered by the RA-10931 (Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act) by delivering instruction via fully open and distance eLearning modalities that are technology-enhanced; and reinforcing and highlighting the consortium’s and other universities’ collaboration in supporting open and inclusive education.

Based on the MOA, DMMMSU along with other founding partners will serve as coordinators while UPOU will Chair the Consortium for 2 years after the consortium’s launching – a role in which all the member institutions will take turns.

During the ceremony, Dr. Felipe S. Comila, President of BSU, welcomed the Consortium Members and congratulated the members for binding the Consortium’s collaborative efforts and partnership through MOA signing as he led the Presidents with a ceremonial toast. (by Ayu)