BukSU Launches Month-Long ODeL Training to Advance Flexible Graduate Education

Bukidnon State University (BukSU), through the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Open Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) Office, has launched its month- long Training in Open Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) on July 1, 2026, as part of the continuing efforts to strengthen flexible, technology- enabled graduate education.

Graduate school leaders, deans, program chairs, and faculty members developed competencies in designing, developing, and delivering high-quality online and distance learning courses in partnership with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Open University System (PUP OUS), one of the country’s pioneering institutions in open and distance education.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Hazel Jean M. Abejuela emphasized that the University’s transition toward ODeL is anchored on Republic Act No. 10650 and aligns with the University’s vision of making quality education more accessible, responsive, and inclusive.

“Strengthening ODeL delivery will enable BukSU to expand educational opportunities for learners across Northern Mindanao, particularly those in geographically isolated communities and underserved sectors who face barriers to traditional classroom-based instruction,” Abejuela said.

ODeL Director Dr. Salome L. Escalona described the initiative as a strategic investment in the University’s future.

“ODeL is no longer simply an innovation in instructional delivery but a necessary step in preparing BukSU for the evolving landscape of higher education. The training also responds to the requirements of CHED Memorandum Order No. 12, s. 2025, which calls for specialized preparation of faculty members engaged in online and distance education,” Escalona stated.

Delivered through a combination of synchronous lectures, asynchronous learning activities, and hands-on workshops, the training required participants to develop instructional materials and other learning resources that will serve as foundational outputs for the University’s future ODeL graduate programs.

Throughout the sessions, participants receive technical guidance, mentoring, and feedback from experts of the PUP Open University System.

Representing the Institute of Continuing Professional Development of PUP, Dr. Desserie T. Maynes-Blanco expressed appreciation to BukSU for its trust and partnership. She encouraged participants to maximize the learning opportunity by actively engaging in discussions, collaborating with colleagues, and embracing innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

“ODeL has become an essential approach to delivering accessible, flexible, and high-quality education in today’s rapidly changing educational environment,” Maynes-Blanco expressed.

Over the course of the month-long program, participants will work closely with resource persons and course specialists from the PUP Open University System, who will facilitate the six learning modules and provide guidance during workshops that lead to the development of quality instructional materials and flexible learning resources.

The training will culminate on July 21, 2026, with participants presenting their outputs, receiving expert feedback, and taking part in the awarding of certificates and closing ceremonies. (Joanna Ruth S. Paloma, PhD/ Chairperson, MAEL)