Updates: Department Activities

Students of BS Family Life and Child Development at UP Diliman and Early Childhood Education at The Education University of Hong Kong came together for an online collaborative learning activity centered on a fundamental question in education: “What makes a good teacher?” The joint activity was held online via Zoom on October 23, 2026, and was attended by around 70 students and faculty members. The FLCD 199 course was handled by Assoc. Prof. Charla S. Saamong and Asst. Prof. Silahis Peckley, while the ECE course was handled by Dr. Ho Cheong from the Department of Early Childhood Education, The Education University of Hong Kong. This is the second time these professors have engaged in a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) as part of the DFLCD and ECE-EdUHK’s ongoing academic partnership. 

Before the presentation, each research class from FLCD and ECE-EDUHK had students conduct simple interviewing and data analysis activities. The joint session culminated this activity, where students presented their methods, analysis, and interpretations of responses about the qualities, characteristics, and practices that define a good teacher. Ms. Danica Mae Paño and Ms. Sheynna Diandra Galinada represented FLCD 199 and showcased the class's findings. For both BSFLCD and ECE-EDUHK students, the activity provided a meaningful opportunity to exchange perspectives, identify common themes, and explore how cultural and educational contexts may shape understandings of effective teaching. By working with peers from different educational contexts, the students broadened their perspectives and deepened their appreciation of the diverse ways good teaching is understood and practiced. 

The initiative highlights the value of international academic collaboration and experiential learning in preparing future educators and practitioners who are reflective, culturally responsive, and committed to quality education.

Here are some feedback from the students who participated in the activity: 

“There was genuine interest and curiosity about each other’s culture, practices, and perspectives, which led to a very interesting and lively discussion! We found more commonalities and similarities, which connect us more to each other.

Thank you very much for this wonderful opportunity to interact and learn from each other!”

“I have learned that our cultures have similarities and differences as well. I learned more about the research styles and strategies in Hong Kong and how my overseas peers show and present their work. Overall, it was a great experience, and I hope that we can get another opportunity to do it again.”

“I got a glimpse of education in Hong Kong, especially seeing how it really is given importance, like in the Philippines. It’s really nice to see how there are similarities in the culture even if we are also different at the same time.”

“The Course was quite inspiring. The interactive Q&A sessions encouraged critical reflection and promoted mutual learning between students from Hong Kong and the Philippines.”

#UPDiliman #DFLCD #EducationUniversityOfHongKong #InternationalCollaboration #CollaborativeLearning #GlobalLearning #CrossCulturalExchange

The Department of Family Life and Child Development (DFLCD) of the UP Diliman College of Home Economics warmly welcomed visiting professors from the Department of Early Childhood Education at The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) for an information and learning session with DFLCD faculty and students on October 21, 2026. Assoc. Prof. Ian Lam Chun Ban, Associate Head for Research and Development, and Asst. Prof. Jenny Yun Chen Chan, Associate Head for Internationalization, graciously shared information and experiences on the graduate academic programs and the research culture in the ECE Department of EdUHK.

The session offered a valuable opportunity for academic exchange, highlighting EdUHK's graduate programs, research initiatives, and scholarly contributions to early childhood education. It also provided a platform for meaningful discussions on emerging research interests and practices, as well as opportunities for future academic and research collaboration. It was well attended by faculty and students of the FLCD Department. 

In addition to the Information and Learning Session, Dr. Lam and Dr. Chan also met with the Dean of the College of Home Economics, Prof. Joanne Bantang, to discuss current and future joint activities between the ECE Department and the FLCD Department. They were joined by the DFLCD’s Chairperson, Assoc. Prof. Charla S. Saamong, and members of the DFLCD’s Quality Assurance Team, Asst. Prof. Lester John C. Lim and Asst. Prof. Miriam I. Ugaddan. 

Through this engagement, DFLCD continues to strengthen its commitment to fostering international academic partnerships, advancing research, and enriching the professional and scholarly development of its faculty and students.

The Department extends its sincere appreciation to the visiting professors from EdUHK for generously sharing their knowledge, experiences, and insights, and looks forward to future opportunities to advance early childhood education, family life, and child development.

#DFLCD #UPDiliman #CHE #EdUHK #EarlyChildhoodEducation #AcademicCollaboration #Internationalization

As part of the 65th Foundation Day celebration of the UP College of Home Economics (CHE), the Department of Family Life and Child Development (DFLCD) brought a beloved taste of childhood to the festivities: the UP Child Development Center’s (UPCDC) iconic champorado with dilis.

Featured in Tara, Igma Ta! Kaon Ran!, CHE’s commemorative recipe book of 100 recipes, the dish is known as “UPCDC Champorado (Champorado with Dilis).” The book celebrates Filipino food traditions, family memories, and the resourcefulness that lies at the heart of Home Economics. It is a fitting tribute to a recipe that has become part of the CDC’s own culinary heritage.

The story of this much-loved snack goes back to Mang Estoy, the CDC’s former cook, who carefully harvested and dried cacao fruits from a tree near the playground. From preparing the cacao to cooking the malagkit rice, every bowl was a labor of love. The CDC staff then ensured that each classroom received its share of this comforting treat.

And the children? They happily paired their sweet, chocolatey champorado with crispy dilis, often asking for “More please!” or declaring, “I want fish!”

Today, Kuya Mon, the cook of UPCDC, prepares the champorado using cocoa powder, but the care and thoughtfulness behind every serving remain unchanged. The dish continues to hold a special place in the hearts of CDC children, even earning a mention in their Paalam song, where they recall the delicious champorado among the things they will never forget when they leave the Center.

As DFLCD’s living laboratory preschool, the UPCDC reminds us that food, as heritage, can be enjoyed by different generations of children. For CHE’s 65th Foundation Day, this humble bowl of champorado with dilis is more than a snack. It is a celebration of shared memories, generations of care and the enduring flavors that make the College feel like home. 

The DFLCD co-hosted a film screening of the movie “Im Prinzip Familie” (The Family Approach) on September 24, 2026 at the UP Child Development Center. This activity was held in partnership with Goethe-Institut Philippinen as part of the prelude activities for the launch of Kinofest Film Festival 2026. 

The movie centers on the unique experiences of children and their alternative parents and family members in a foster care setting in Germany. A compelling documentary, the movie is an invitation to look into the day-to-day encounters of foster families and children and reconsider different perspectives on families. After the film viewing, a talk-back discussion was held with esteemed resource persons, including Prof. Apryl Mae C. Parcon of the UP Department of Psychology, Mr. Edgar G. Belda, Jr. of the UP Department of Family Life and Child Development, and the film’s producer, Lisa Nawrocki. 

The event was attended by students, faculty members, and guests from the UP community. This partnership, a first-of-its kind in the Department, aims to broaden learning opportunities for the DFLCD students and stakeholders. 

The Department of Family Life and Child Development (DFLCD) showcased its commitment to student support and quality service delivery at the QA Husayan Fair 2026: Empowering Excellence through a Culture of Quality, held at the Palma Hall Lobby from September 8–11, 2026. The UP Diliman Quality Assurance Office organized the event, which featured exhibits, conversations, and shared practices highlighting how quality assurance is lived across the university.

Department Chair and Quality Assurance (QA) Officer Dr. Charla Rochella Saamong and Project Assistant, Mr. John Robert Betic presented two posters reflecting the DFLCD’s initiatives.

• “Kalinga sa Saliksik: Enriching BS FLCD Students’ Research Experience through an Integrated Support System”  highlights innovations to enrich BSFLCD students’ research experience, including a thesis manual, faculty guide, and team‑teaching in FLCD 199 classes to strengthen proposals and manuscripts.

•  “Pamilyang FLCD: Cultivating and Nurturing Student Well-Being through the Informal and Formal Supports” showcases the Student Welfare Committee (SWC), established in 2020, which developed the undergraduate and graduate student guides, welfare protocols, townhall meetings, and private online groups to support academic and personal well‑being.

These efforts reflect DFLCD’s belief that as student needs evolve, systems must adapt to provide knowledge, guidance, and holistic support.

The Department of Family Life and Child Development (DFLCD) warmly welcomed its new students for Academic Year 2025–2026 through two orientation events held on August 11, 2025.

For undergraduate students—including first-year students, shiftees, and transferees—the DFLCD joined the College of Home Economics (CHE) Welcome Orientation held at the UP CDC Auditorium. Organized by the Office of the College Secretary, the event offered students a chance to learn more about the academic programs of the College, understand key university policies and student conduct guidelines, and connect with peers and faculty in a supportive environment.

Asst. Prof. Lester John C. Lim, College Secretary and DFLCD faculty member, emphasized the importance of such gatherings: “Attending orientation helps students feel more confident and informed as they begin their journey. We want this batch to start strong and feel supported every step of the way.”

Later that afternoon, the DFLCD hosted a separate online orientation via Zoom for its incoming graduate students enrolled in the Master of Family Life and Child Development (MFLCD) and Diploma in Early Childhood Development (DECD) programs. Department Chair Assoc. Prof. Charla Rochella S. Saamong welcomed the students and introduced key resources and protocols to guide them through their academic journey. The newly appointed Department Graduate Committee (DGC) Chair, Asst. Prof. Josephine Louise F. Jamero, was also introduced during the session.

With six new MFLCD students and three new DECD students this semester, the orientation served as a meaningful first step in building a strong foundation for their graduate studies.

As the new academic year unfolds, the DFLCD looks forward to walking alongside its students—fostering growth, deepening understanding, and shaping future advocates for child and family well-being.

(written by Asst. Prof. Lester John C. Lim)

The National Launch of the Child Rights Research Agenda (CRRA) was held on June 26, 2026, at Miriam College, Quezon City, marking a milestone in the country’s collective effort to advance evidence-based policies and programs for Filipino children. The event formally unveiled the nation’s research priorities for children and strengthened collaboration among government agencies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners committed to promoting and protecting children’s rights.

Representing the University of the Philippines Diliman was Asst. Prof. Lester John C. Lim, a faculty member of the Department of Family Life and Child Development (DFLCD), College of Home Economics, and the university’s official representative in the Research Consortium on Children’s Rights (RCCR). His participation reflected UP’s continuing engagement in national efforts to strengthen research and advocacy for child protection, family well-being, and inclusive education.

The Child Rights Research Agenda (CRRA) serves as the country’s unified framework for guiding research initiatives that address the most pressing issues affecting children. Developed through extensive consultation and collaboration, the CRRA identifies priority areas such as child protection, health and nutrition, education, participation, and digital safety. It ensures that research outputs directly inform policy formulation, program development, and community-based interventions that uphold the rights of every Filipino child.

Meanwhile, the Research Consortium on Children’s Rights (RCCR), a multi-sectoral body led by the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), brings together academic institutions, government agencies, and partner organizations to coordinate and implement the CRRA. The DFLCD humbly sits as one of the members from the academe, contributing its expertise in child and family development to ensure that research initiatives are inclusive, contextually grounded, and responsive to both national and global contexts.

The launch of the CRRA symbolizes a shared national commitment to building a future where every child’s rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled. Through the RCCR’s collaborative network, institutions like UP Diliman and the DFLCD continue to help shape a research culture that empowers communities and strengthens the foundations of child-centered development in the Philippines.

The Department of Family Life and Child Development (DFLCD) Student Welfare Committee spearheaded a Townhall Meeting for BSFLCD students today, May 12, 2026, at the FLERC Room of the UP Child Development Center. The event gathered 32 students for an engaging session that combined updates, dialogue, and community building.

Assoc. Prof. Charla Rochella Saamong, PhD opened the program by emphasizing that “students are the center of the BSFLCD program, and we want to amplify the services for you. This is also an avenue to be updated with what is happening from the program.”

The townhall featured a short icebreaker to set a warm and inclusive tone, followed by three key objectives:

• Launch of the revised BSFLCD Student Guide – providing students with updated policies and resources to navigate their academic journey.

• Relaunch of the Critical Incident Report System – ensuring a safe and confidential channel for student concerns.

• Announcement of the upcoming AUN QA assessment – highlighting BSFLCD’s commitment to international quality standards, with student participation as a vital component.

The program concluded with an open forum where students shared insights and questions, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the meeting. Light lunch were served.

The Department of Family Life and Child Development (DFLCD) Student Welfare Committee hosted a Kumustahan session via Zoom on 4 May 2026, for graduate students enrolled in FLCD 300 (Graduate Thesis). The event served as an avenue for the department to check in on students’ thesis journeys and explore ways to provide meaningful support. 

Ten graduate students attended the session, sharing both challenges and aspirations. 

A key concern raised was the need for a dedicated space where graduate students can regularly meet and write their theses together, fostering collaboration and focus. 

The session was thoughtfully facilitated by Asst. Prof. Silahis Peckley, who guided the conversation with warmth and encouragement. The committee emphasized that Kumustahan is not about monitoring progress, but about genuine care --listening to students, affirming their efforts, and building a stronger sense of community. 

The initiative reflects the department’s commitment to student welfare, ensuring that the thesis journey is not only an academic requirement but also a supported and shared experience.

The UP Department of Family Life and Child Development (UPDFLCD) attended the culminating ceremony of Kayang Kaya Para sa Bata, a certificate program for the upskilling of Child Development Workers (CDWs), held on April 13, 2025 at the municipal gym of Baras, Rizal.

The event recognized the achievement of 49 CDWs who successfully completed six months of intensive training and three months of mentoring. Notably, 10 CDWs who applied for the National Certificate III (NC III) for Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) also passed the qualifying exam, marking a significant milestone in their professional journey.

Kayang Kaya Para sa Bata is a project of the Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI), funded by the Rotary Club Global, aimed at empowering CDWs with developmentally appropriate, child-centered teaching strategies, digital resources, and certification to strengthen early childhood education. Through its partnership with KCFI, UP DFLCD faculty members played a vital role in designing, writing, implementing, and mentoring the CDWs of Baras, Rizal.

UPDFLCD’s engagement in this project supports the newly enacted Republic Act No. 12199, the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) System Act, which establishes an integrated system for holistic child development from birth to age eight. By professionalizing CDWs and strengthening Child Development Centers, the department contributes to advancing quality early childhood care and education in the Philippines.