UP VINTA - University of the Philippines’ Borderless Education Program Launched in Bangkok, Thailand

Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Millicent Cruz Paredes joined by the officials of UP, the Philippine Embassy and participants at the official launch of the UP VINTA Program in Bangkok, Thailand. (Bangkok PE photo)

BANGKOK 23 May 2024 – Embarking on a mission to strengthen its borderless education program, the University of the Philippines (UP) launched the UP Ventures for International and Transformative Academia (UP VINTA) in Bangkok, Thailand on May 18, 2024. 

UP VINTA is one of the 10 flagship programs of the UP System, dedicated to providing top-notch education to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families, regardless of location.

In his opening remarks, UP Vice President for Development Engr. Daniel C. Peckley, Jr. emphasized how the UP VINTA program embodies the university’s new motto, “Honor, Excellence, Service.” Bringing the UP education closer to the Overseas Filipino community and their families represents a significant step toward harnessing the power of technology to serve Filipino learners regardless of location.

UP Vice President for Legal Affairs Atty. Abraham Acosta expressed that the UP VINTA initiative ushers in the future of UP education. As supported by available technology, studying in UP is no longer exclusively through physically attending classes in brick and mortar campuses.

Meanwhile, UP Open University (UPOU) Chancellor Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria provided an overview of the UP VINTA Program including its framework, admission/retention requirements, and academic prerequisites. 

Dr. Bandalaria also proudly shared UP's pioneering legacy in distance and online learning through UPOU, established in 1995. She underscored that UPOU showcased the university’s commitment to innovation and adaptability long before the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated educational institutions to transition to virtual learning. 

Ambassador Paredes expressed gratitude to UP for bringing the project to Thailand, highlighting that the launch of this initiative this year coincides with the 75th Anniversary of the Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Thailand.  She added that this program is a significant achievement not only for the Filipino community in Thailand and elsewhere but also for the whole UP community as the UP VINTA program demonstrates the university’s commitment and capability to continuously lead in providing accessible and quality education to the Filipino people, wherever they may be.

The UP Vinta launch in Bangkok was well-received and elicited interest from the attendees, composed primarily of Filipino teachers in Thailand, with some of them already enrolled in UPOU programs.

The UP delegation to Bangkok comprised Vice President for Legal Affairs Atty. Abraham Rey Acosta, Vice President for Development Engr. Daniel C. Peckley, Jr., UPOU Chancellor Dr. Melinda DP. Bandalaria, and UPOU Linkages Officer Ms. Margaret Jarmin Suarez. END

UPOU Chancellor Bandalaria engaging the attendees during the Q&A session. (Bangkok PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.bangkokpe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinThailand/.