Dr. Bernardo D. Lamadrid, the Executive Director of the Open University System (OUS) of DMMMSU, along with OUS officials, met with Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Director Gerardo C. Rimorin on February 22, 2024 to talk about possible initiatives in reaching out to OFWs or Filipino migrants who have not yet finished their bachelor’s degree or continue taking up their master or doctorate degree, even working abroad.

During their meeting, Dr. Lamadrid emphasized that through distance education or online learning, Filipinos abroad can continue with their studies through a full online learning modality. This means that they can work full-time and study at their own pace.

Also, they discussed the potential collaboration on research and extension. OWWA Region 1 Director Gerardo C. Rimorin expressed strong support for the extensive promotion of OUS programs abroad, stating, “This undertaking can indeed strengthen OFWs, and it fosters diversity and inclusivity not only in the country but globally.” 

Present during the meeting includes OWWA personnel, Marissa C. Naboye, OIC-PSD, Christian Brylle T. Navarro, OIC-SAO, Amapola Z. Villar, OWWO III, Christian Paul M. Maglaya, OWWO II, Dino S. Dizon, FWO. OWWA works for the protection and promotion of the well-being of all OFWs and their families. 

Also present from OUS were Dr. Cristita G. Guerra, HR Officer and Program Chair of Graduate School, and Dr. Brillo S. Paje, Head for Auxiliary, Atty. Jonald F. Carrera – Administrative Officer, and Prof.  Claudia Denise P. Barbadillo – Head for Extension.

OUS is a distance education arm of DMMMSU. Currently, it offers the following degree programs – BS in Business Administration, BS in Agriculture, Bachelor in Elementary Education, Master in Science Education, Master in Development Administration major in Local Government Administration, Master in Development Administration major in Law Enforcement Administration, and PhD in Development Administration. Certificate and diploma courses are also offered online.