THE UNIVERSITY of the Philippines Open University was among the recipients of the 2021 Institutional Prize awards given by the International Council for Open and Distance Education.

“The award recognizes deserving institutions for very significant achievements or contributions to the international community of open, flexible and distance education,” UPOU said.

“The award relates particularly to leadership and innovation that contribute to the continuing enhancement of open, flexible and distance education across cultural and linguistic barriers,” it added.

The evaluation was carried out by an independent international jury who are active contributors in the field of open and distance education, UPOU said.

Meanwhile, UPOU Chancellor and Professor Dr. Melinda Dela Pena Bandalaria and former Chancellor and Professor Emeritus Dr. Grace Javier Alfonso, also received the Prizes of Excellence for 2021 during the closing session of ICDE Virtual Global Conference Week 2021 on Friday, October 29.

Established in 1938, ICDE is a global association partly funded by the government of Norway.

It also has a longstanding partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.