On October 22, 2024, the pioneering Metaverse Academic Nexus for Global Opportunities (MANGO) Philippines Forum took place at the UP Open University’s Centennial Center for Digital Learning (CCDL) in Los Baños, Laguna, as well as virtually via Zoom. This groundbreaking event, initiated by Immersive Open Pedagogies (IOP), was a collaborative effort involving institutions across Southeast Asia, including Chulalongkorn University, Duta Wacana Christian University, and the National University of Laos. Together, they aimed to explore the metaverse’s transformative potential in education, showcasing the MANGO project and UPOU’s advancements in digital learning through the creation of a “digital twin.”
The forum began with an inspiring address from UP Open University Chancellor Melinda Bandalaria. Chancellor Bandalaria emphasized UPOU’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of digital education through immersive technology, reinforcing the university’s dedication to providing accessible, interactive learning experiences. Her opening remarks set the stage for the forum’s discussions on the future of education within the metaverse.
Following this, Dr. Roberto Figueroa Jr., the IOP director, introduced the esteemed panel of speakers. He shared insights into the collaborative efforts between UPOU and international partners, describing how these partnerships bring together shared goals to reshape education through the metaverse.
Professors Lunchakorn Nuttasitittakulkj from Chulalongkorn University and Kadek Dendy Senapartha from Duta Wacana Christian University, along with the MANGO Team, then took the stage to present an overview of the MANGO Project. The session offered a fascinating look at how the metaverse could elevate educational experiences, showcasing the project’s capabilities in enhancing student engagement, creating lifelike simulations, and facilitating international academic collaboration. Through live demonstrations, the speakers brought the metaverse to life, showing its power to transform classrooms into immersive, interactive spaces.
The highlight of the afternoon was UPOU’s launch of its Digital Twin, a virtual replica of its physical campus. Dr. Figueroa, with support from the MANGO Team, Chancellor Bandelaria, and Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Dr. Jean Saludadez, introduced this innovation as a means of allowing students worldwide to experience UPOU’s unique campus environment from anywhere. With the digital twin, students could navigate the campus virtually, and immerse themselves in the UPOU academic culture, bridging physical and virtual learning environments in an unprecedented way.
As the forum neared its conclusion, Prof. Lunchakorn and the MANGO Team led an engaging discussion on the future of metaverse-enhanced education. They emphasized the possibilities that immersive technologies offer across various fields of study, inviting educators and institutions to join this forward-thinking movement. Their vision underscored that innovation is essential in meeting the evolving needs of today’s students.
The event concluded with a brief closing ceremony that left participants feeling inspired and motivated to explore the metaverse’s potential in their own educational practices. Through the collaborative vision presented, it became clear that metaverse technology holds the promise of reshaping educational landscapes and making learning more accessible, engaging, and impactful. The MANGO Project’s continued evolution offers exciting possibilities for creating global educational opportunities that transcend physical boundaries and redefine academic collaboration.
Written by Hannah Gabriella Macaldo
Edited by Roberto Figueroa Jr.
