TARLAC CITY, Tarlac — In a major push to make higher education universally accessible, Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap announced a strategic partnership with the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) to bring tuition-free tertiary education directly to the doorsteps of aspiring students across the province.
The local government units of Tarlac, in collaboration with the state university, are rolling out the UPOU Admission Orientation Caravan, which will travel through various municipalities from July to September 2026.
The initiative aims to streamline the application process for the upcoming January 2027 academic intake (2nd Trimester, Academic Year 2026-2027).
“Bawat Tarlaqueño ay karapat-dapat magkaroon ng pagkakataong makapag-aral at magkaroon ng mas magandang kinabukasan. Kung pangarap mong makapag-college, baka ito na ang pagkakataong hinihintay mo,” Mayor Susan Yap stated in her post.
The program highlights UPOU’s specialized undergraduate offerings, specifically the Associate in Arts (AA) and the Associate of Science in Instructional Design and Technology (ASIDT) programs. Under the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), qualified applicants can pursue these associate degrees entirely tuition-free.
As the country’s pioneer in Open and Distance eLearning (ODeL), UPOU provides quality, flexible, and accessible UP education through online platforms. This enables students to study anytime and anywhere, eliminating the need to relocate.
Local officials emphasized that this model is perfectly designed for working professionals, recent high school graduates, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), entrepreneurs, and lifelong learners trying to balance family and career commitments.
Admission Requirements & Guidelines
To qualify for admission, applicants must be at least a Senior High School graduate. Interested residents are advised to prepare their application documents ahead of the caravan’s arrival in their respective towns.
The following documents must be compiled and enclosed in a clean brown envelope:
– Birth Certificate: Original copy issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
– Academic Records: Original copies of Form 137 and Form 138.
– Identification Photos: Two (2) pieces of 2″ x 2″ ID photos (Full face centered, eyes visible, no eyeglasses or accessories that obscure facial features, featuring a handwritten name tag indicating First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name, Extension Name, and a signature over the printed name).
– Envelope Markings: The back of the brown envelope must clearly indicate the applicant’s Full Name (Last, First, Middle Name), Complete Address, and Contact Number.
– Application Fee: ₱350.00 processing fee.
The Provincial Government of Tarlac and the Tarlac City Government will post the specific itinerary and caravan dates on their official Facebook pages. For further official updates, schedules, and digital inquiries, residents can visit www.upou.edu.ph.
