Mom of Three Completes Two Free UP Open University Courses

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) has opened enrollment for its Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) scheduled from July to December 2026.

The good news is that anyone can enroll. If you already have a registered account, signing up is easy. UPOU offers free, self-paced online courses through its MODel platform.

Here’s How To Enroll:

1. Log in to https://model.upou.edu.ph/. 

2. Click Log in or create a new account. 

3. Fill out the registration form with your updated details, then log in and wait for the email confirmation. (UPOU highly recommends using a Google account or Gmail account.) 

4. Browse the homepage and choose the short course that interests you. Click Enroll me to access each course’s modules and topics. 

From July to November 2026, UPOU MODeL offers free short courses on highly relevant topics, including:

• Fundamentals of Marketing 

• Social Entrepreneurship 

• AI Essentials: Theory and Practice 

• Understanding the Language of Business: Accounting Overview & Basic Financial Statements 

• Climate Information Services 

• Risk Analysis for Project Management 

• Research Ethics: Fundamental Concepts and Review Process 

• Blended Teaching and Learning Using OERs 

• Introduction to Technology for Teaching and Learning 

• Teaching and Learning with Modern ICTs

Find more courses here.

Each short course can be completed within four weeks at your own pace. Some courses include discussion forums or quizzes that must be completed within specific timeframes. Enrollees can also participate in discussion threads and learn from other participants’ insights. According to the university, the MODeL homepage lists courses currently open for self-enrollment, while others may become available at a later date.

At six months postpartum, I enrolled in two courses from the UP Open University: Business Concepts, Ideation & the Business Plan and Understanding the Child Better.

I was hesitant at first because we are a yayaless family of five, and finding uninterrupted time to study isn’t always easy. Still, I had already made up my mind to “bring my pink back” by intentionally doing something for myself, and that meant learning something new.

The workload differed between the two courses. One required more reading, while the other had a lighter workload. I completed most of the coursework during my children's naps, after they had gone to bed, or whenever my parents visited and gave me a few quiet hours to focus on my studies.

Since each course runs for only four weeks, learners are expected to complete the quizzes and submit their discussion insights within the assigned deadlines. Despite juggling motherhood and other responsibilities, I found the schedule manageable. I truly believe that where there's a will, there's a way. If you're committed to finishing the course, it's definitely achievable.

The quizzes I took were straightforward and very manageable to take. --as you just have to remember important details from the course.

As a small business owner, I particularly enjoyed the course on Business Concepts. While I was already familiar with many of the ideas, the course was a valuable refresher. It reinforced the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, business risks, and understanding the people behind running a business. Although experience may be the best teacher, the readings helped me understand the technical concepts and gave me the language to better explain what I have learned in practice.

I also found Understanding the Child Better especially meaningful as both a mother and a teacher in our church community. The course deepened my understanding of child development, child protection, and creating safe environments where children can learn and thrive. I believe this course would also be valuable for social workers, educators, caregivers, and anyone working with children, as it explores the realities faced by vulnerable children and highlights the important roles of families, communities, and government in protecting and supporting them.

As a mother of three who gave birth six months ago, I found it empowering to complete a short course that gave me new knowledge and fresh insights. Whether you want to upskill, broaden your perspective, or simply learn something new, these courses are worth exploring.

As parents, we need to understand how the world continues to evolve. Now that AI has become part of everyday life, it’s even more important to strengthen the qualities that make us uniquely human: our ability to think critically, create, adapt, communicate with empathy, and continue learning.

You’ll get an online certificate in about one to two months after submitting all requirements. It would require you to read, engage, and take short quizzes, but it's designed to be accessible and manageable for everyone.

Social media is readily available, but excessive use can diminish creativity and critical thinking. One of the best ways to break the habit of doom-scrolling is to become more intentional about how we spend our time. Technology can distract us, but it can also become a powerful tool for lifelong learning when used wisely.

The world continues to evolve, and each of us has a role to play. Learning does not end after receiving a certain degree. If we want our children to become lifelong learners, it begins with us modeling a love for learning. If we develop the habit of learning every day, we continue to grow throughout life.

Access to media and entertainment has never been easier, and it takes a curious and intentional mind to pursue new knowledge from a critical and objective perspective. At a time when clear thinking is increasingly challenged, these short courses help us strengthen our collective ability to think critically and become more informed citizens.

All of us have equal time, and it’s understandable how everyone is busy working on something, but if we find time to invest in learning, then we invest not only in our own growth but also in the future of those we influence. Whether you are a mom who is on a career hiatus or a working parent who wants to contribute more, investing in us doesn’t have to be costly. The UP Open University opens doors to learning that is both accessible and flexible.

As someone who gave birth just six months ago, I didn’t hesitate to enroll in a short course and invest in learning. I’m grateful for the opportunity to gain knowledge that I can immediately apply in my current work.

In a world where change happens faster than ever, choosing to keep learning is one of the best investments we can make. The programs offered by UP Open University remind us that quality education is more accessible than ever. Whether we’re parents, professionals, business owners, or lifelong learners, every new skill strengthens our ability to serve our families, contribute to our communities, and adapt to a rapidly changing world. While earning a certificate is rewarding, the greatest value lies in the new knowledge, perspective, and confidence we gain along the way.

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