The UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources facilitated a scoping workshop yesterday, July 2, at the Training Center for Tropical Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, together with the UP Open University Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), the Philippine Regulation Commission (PRC), and the Philippine Forestry Education Network (PFEN) The workshop aimed to develop free massive open online courses (MOOCs) for professionals nationwide to participate in tree-planting initiatives under the A Thousand Forests (ATF) program.
In his discussion, CFNR Dean Marlo D. Mendoza explained the importance of harmonizing and synergizing greening efforts in the Philippines to ensure that the ATF program can create a long-term impact in mitigating environmental issues, such as deforestation and climate change. “We’re putting a system para yung chances, whatever will be planted by anyone, professionals, non-professionals, local government units, schools, tataas ang survival rate,” Dean Mendoza said.
Specifically, the ATF program is now working on encouraging professionals to take action and participate in tree-planting activities. Dr. Maricel A. Tapia-Villamayor discussed possible topics for the MOOCs, such as climate change, the Philippines’ commitment as a signatory to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and information on the planting site.
Dr. Joanne V. Serrano, Dean of UPOU FMDS, discussed the basics of microcredentials and their significant impact on education and learning. Her main points of discussion focused on the principles of microcredentials, which include fast and flexible upskilling and reskilling, as well as the opportunity to acquire specific, relevant, and up-to-date knowledge and skills. “Microcredentials offer targeted learning opportunities. It addresses diverse learning needs and professional goals,” Dean Serrano said. She added that it also focuses on, practical real-world skills that can be applied in their chosen profession. Geographical and time constraints can also be overcome with this method.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) would be made between UP and PRC to officially establish their partnership in the ATF Program. Another workshop in the final week of July to officially start crafting MOOCs for the different modules is also in the pipeline. (JMH Medialdia and IGP Habig)