About Us
What we do
Our mission is to create the optimal learning experience for our students and teachers. This means evaluating our teaching practices, finding what works & ways to improve, and implementing pedagogically-sound, technology-assisted, and data-driven ways to optimize teaching.
We also work directly with students (through our CTL Production Team and other student organizations) to help them with their learning journey and to achieve the learning outcomes of their programs of study. Together, we improve instructional materials, make sense of feedback, facilitate teaching and learning cases, and more.
How we do it
LXD
The Learning Experience Design Section crafts innovative, learner-centered and faculty-friendly educational experiences that enhance engagement, accessibility, and academic success across diverse learning environments. This is done through Student Learning Support (e.g., improving learning environments, eliminating learning barriers) and Academic Technologies (e.g., providing teacher training for pedagogy and technology, facilitating technology-assisted ways of teaching).
TRD
The Teaching Research and Development Section conducts research on the best teaching practices and provides programs and resources (such as research assistance and grants) to help the faculty improve their teaching practices. This section also collaborates with other units in the University to study data related to retention, attrition, passing and failing rates, and more. As such, this section provides teaching and learning reports and feedback.
Meet the Team
Jason de Villa
[email protected]
Managing Director
What I do
I manage the Center for Teaching and Learning, and guide the CTL team in planning and implementing activities and projects that improve the learning experience in UA&P.
My Background
My degrees are in science (undergrad) and communication (Master’s), and have worked in both administrative (15 years) and teaching (12 years) posts in UA&P for more than 25 years.
Best Way to Reach Me
Via email or Google Chat, but please note that I check them only at specified periods within the day so expect a response in about 24 hours (or less).
Where You'll Find Me
Onsite on most days of the week.
Working Together
If you want to schedule a meeting, I would appreciate advance notice (a week would usually be ok), and an idea of what will be discussed, so I can prepare for it.
Celerino Tiongco
[email protected]
Associate Director for Research
What I do
I teach undergraduate and graduate courses in SED and have been designated Associate Director for Research (essentially “Institutional Research”) at CTL.
My Background
At least multidisciplinary and doing my best to make my work interdisciplinary. Someone who skims and scans my curriculum vitae will likely (and maybe rightly) conclude that here is someone who could not seem to make up his mind about what he would like to be. I have an undergraduate degree in science (Geology, UP Diliman) and a graduate degree in business management (AIM) and earned three degrees at Teachers College, Columbia University (Master of Arts, Master of Education, and Doctor of Education). As regards work experience, I began as a Geology instructor in UP and after getting my business management degree got employed as a manager and executive in a mining company. Then I joined CRC and spent many years doing editing work and overseeing CRC publications. I later took on various managerial and executive positions in CRC and in UA&P. Then I was sent to the US for doctoral studies in higher education. When I came back, I was asked to head SED until I retired. Since then, UA&P has retained me as a consultant.
Best Way to Reach Me
By e-mail. I usually respond within a day or two.
Where You'll Find Me
Since I now live close by, I have a more flexible schedule. Meeting on campus can be easily arranged.
Working Together
I appreciate advance notice of meetings, including the agenda. I prefer meeting between 10:00 and 12:00 in the morning and between 2:00 and 4:00 in the afternoon.
Bing Urgel
[email protected]
Executive Assistant
What I do
I attend to the team’s needs and coordinate with other units to ensure that deliverables are met.
My Background
I have a background in Interior Design and have worked in BPO industry for several years and currently into administrative tasks.
Best Way to Reach Me
Via email or chat. I typically get back to you within the day.
Where You'll Find Me
My fixed onsite day is Thursday and my other onsite usual days are Monday and Wednesday.
Working Together
I appreciate a heads-up especially on requests which involve other units.
Za Elises
[email protected]
EdTech Specialist
What I do
As the EdTech Specialist, I focus on technology for teaching-and-learning — yes, I am Ms. Canvas! Being the LMS administrator, I work closely with ICT, REG, and the academic programs. EdTech is my work specialization but I’m generally involved in everything related to the learning experience. As a whole, my role in CTL is highly adaptable, and I contribute to various projects or tasks even outside of the LXD team, especially when I have the experience and/or skillset for it.
My Background
Before coming to UA&P, I was an online teacher, an early childhood teacher, a site manager, a school principal, a support associate for home-based teaching operations, and a brand officer for a review center. All these experiences contributed to my adeptness at navigating my current work. I have an undergraduate degree in the Humanities, with MA units in Literature (UA&P), and I also earned units in Professional Teaching (UP). At present, I’m taking my Master’s in Educational Leadership (UA&P).
Best Way to Reach Me
I am best reached via email, and mostly respond within the hour if not within the day. I rarely go online on Google Chat, therefore it’s not a “quick” way to reach me. I stop responding to emails by 5 PM (M/Tue/F) to regroup at the last hour of the workday, and by 3 PM (Wed/Thu) because I am commuting home by then. Kindly expect delayed to no replies on Saturdays because I am in class. However, I do my best to respond in real-time when it concerns disruptive Canvas issues.
Where You'll Find Me
Onsite Wednesdays and Thursdays; Remote Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.
Working Together
I appreciate a week’s notice for meetings. While I’m mostly WFH, I may be able to accommodate onsite preference if it is the best modality for the agenda. Meetings don’t have to be formal! I welcome invitations to brainstorming, check-ins, or “Share ko lang, this happened in my class” chats.
Van Mendoza-Llanos
[email protected]
Teaching Research and Development Lead
What I do
At CTL, I get to do one of my favorite things: spark fresh, thoughtful approaches to teaching and learning as the Teaching Research and Development Lead. I’m also back in the classroom as a faculty member, where I continue to learn just as much as I teach. I’m passionate about creating spaces where both students and teachers feel supported, challenged, and inspired.
When I’m not in meetings or the classroom, you’ll probably find me in full mom mode with my baby girl—or chasing after my very energetic fur babies.
My Background
I hold a bachelor’s degree in Human Ecology, major in Human Settlements Planning, from the University of the Philippines Los Baños. My early work explored the intersection of human behavior and the built environment. Over time, however, I found myself drawn to the world of education, where I discovered both my passion and purpose.
In 2019, I earned my Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Asia and the Pacific, where I deepened my understanding of school systems and leadership in learning communities. Most recently, in March 2024, I completed my Doctorate in Educational Management at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, further grounding my work in evidence-based, inclusive, and forward-thinking educational practices.
Best Way to Reach Me
Email is the best way to get in touch—I do my best to reply within 24 hours or less. For quick messages, you can also reach me on Google Chat. Feel free to connect anytime with questions or requests!
Where You'll Find Me
I’m usually onsite on Wednesdays and Fridays, holding down the fort. The rest of the week, I’m fully embracing the remote work life.
Working Together
I’m committed to collaborating with students, faculty, and staff to create a thriving learning community. Don’t hesitate to send me a message anytime within office hours if you’d like to explore innovative approaches to education and support student success together.
Cess Plugio
[email protected]
Learning Experience Designer
What I do
As a Learning Experience Designer, I assist teachers with Canvas-related concerns and help moderate TDP courses. I support faculty in integrating technology into their lessons and co-manage the CTL Production Team with Cy to ensure smooth content delivery.
My Background
My background in education and technology supports my work as an LXD. I finished SHS under the ICT Programming strand and earned my Bachelor’s in Secondary Education, Major in English, from PUP. I’m a licensed professional teacher currently pursuing my Master’s in Educational Management. Before this role, I worked as a grade school teacher and academic support staff for two years, which strengthened my skills in teaching and tech support.
Best Way to Reach Me
You can reach me via email or GChat—I typically reply within a day. For urgent Canvas concerns, contact [email protected]; for CTL reservations, email [email protected]. Feel free to send a quick follow-up if I haven’t responded.
Where You'll Find Me
I’m onsite from Monday to Wednesday, and working remotely from Thursday onwards.
Working Together
I prefer morning meetings, especially onsite, and appreciate 2–3 days’ notice for planning. Brief, focused meetings help me manage other commitments. Please include an agenda and send a Google Calendar invite for alignment and efficiency.
Cybel Madamba
[email protected]
Learning Experience Designer
What I do
I innovate to provide a holistic learning experience for both faculty and students by bridging the gap between education and technology—applying psychological principles through the lens of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). This involves tailoring Canvas to meet the needs of the UA&P community and leveraging various multimedia platforms.
Alongside Cess, I also serve as a co-moderator for the CTL Production Team.
My Background
I am a graduate of Mapúa University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Arts in Psychology at Saint Paul University, Quezon City. These academic pursuits, along with my education in Medical Neuroscience from Duke University, have deepened my expertise in cognitive science.
My background as a university lecturer, corporate instructor, and behavioral therapist has equipped me with a strong foundation in delivering quality education and interventions for a wide range of learners—both neurotypical and neurodivergent.
Best Way to Reach Me
You may reach me via email. For urgent matters, feel free to contact me on Google Chat. For any Canvas-related concerns, please send your inquiry to [email protected]. 😸
Where You'll Find Me
I am usually available onsite from Monday to Wednesday. For the rest of the week, you may reach out to me online.
Working Together
I would appreciate receiving a complete briefing regarding pressing matters and meetings in advance, specifically a week ahead if it is possible. 😸
Anne Sarenas
[email protected]
Research Assistant
What I do
As a research assistant, I contribute to research initiatives that aim to improve educational practices and support the CTL team’s decisions and recommendations. I also engage in various opportunities that help enhance teaching and learning experiences.
My Background
I have a bachelor’s degree in BS Psychology. I have a background in research, analytical and critical thinking.
Best Way to Reach Me
You can send me an email or send me a message on Google Chat. I can get back to you within 24 hours.
Where You'll Find Me
My onsite days are from Wednesday to Friday. I work remotely from Monday to Tuesday.
Working Together
Morning meetings work best for me on days when I’m onsite. On remote days, virtual meetings are ideal. Don’t hesitate to message me if you want to collaborate!
