Holy Name University (HNU) launches its Urban Learning Development Program (UDLP), a new course offering, which was developed in partnership with the Golden Gate University in San Francisco, California and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The said program was launched on Friday (June 6, 2020).
The program is a 21-unit post-graduate diploma course covering at least three to four semesters. It includes subjects such as fundamentals and practice of urban and regional planning and development, research methods in planning, land use planning and development, planning analysis, urban plan implementation, natural resource use and development, and urban planning workshop.
“HNU is grateful and fortunate to pioneer this program in the southern part of the Philippines. We hope that through this program, we will be able to mentor and capacitate the planners for the development of the communities through strategic plans and directions,” Fr. Ruel Lero, President of the Holy Name University, during his message; said.
Through the UDLP, national and local government agencies, professional planners, and private organizations are envisioned to work hand in hand to strengthen comprehensive integrated planning and decision-making for the city’s and Bohol province’spressing challenges and issues. The program is also expected to contribute to the formation of a pool of capable professionals with a deep sense of social responsibility and cultural identity in urban and regional development.
With the technical support from Golden Gate University and USAID since 2019, HNU underwent a series of coaching sessions to design the UDLP.
Although HNU did not have any academic program associated with urban development, the curriculum and resource mapping showed that there are several subjects relevant to urban planning across its colleges and centers. A participatory approach was employed in the module creation, particularly on the components of clustered themes, module description, learning outcomes, methodology, content outline, and learning assessment tool.
“USAID is looking forward to a new generation of students, urban planners, architects, and local executives gain holistic knowledge in planning and transform urban development to create livable and resilient cities and communities,” Marian Navata, Urban Planning Specialist of USAID/Philippines said.
“Golden Gate University is very pleased to support this initiative. Here in San Francisco, a lot of tech companies work with urban development professionals to build resilience, growth, and an accessible and socially just society. We are very happy to share this experience with the Philippines,” Dr. Joaquin Gonzalez III, Chair of the Department of Public Administration and Executive MPA Program of the Golden Gate University said.
Engr. Gerry Araneta, President of Bohol League of Environmental Planners,joined the virtual launch along with other key HNU and Golden Gate University officials.
In December 2019, HNU conferred an honorary Doctorate of Management in Human Resources to U. S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim in recognition of his valuable contribution to the development of the Bohol province.
For more information on the program, one may call HNU at +63 38 4112283 or 5017731local 501 and look for Anne Mariquit Oppus. The classes will start in August 2020.