LOS BAÑOS, Philippines—The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), in partnership with the College of Development Communication (CDC) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), piloted YES! (Your English Sidekick) Micro-credential. This new online initiative is designed to bolster the English language proficiency of SEARCA scholars.
The initiative builds on SEARCA's established language support efforts, particularly the Basic English Course. Previously, this course offered month-long in-person training to new scholars as part of their onboarding before they arrive at their study posts. However, shifting needs saw fewer incoming scholars requiring face-to-face instruction. At the same time, increasingly frequent typhoons and weather-related disruptions often hampered the program's usual July schedule in Los Baños. These factors necessitated a more flexible and accessible approach that provides support to scholars for English communication skills enhancement without requiring physical travel. In response, SEARCA and UPLB-CDC introduced the YES! Micro-credential as a robust online alternative.
The YES! Micro-credential is a structured, competency-based program delivered via an online learning environment that enables learners to build practical skills for academic success. It offers focused modules on basic English grammar, academic reading, and academic writing, providing a guided yet flexible pathway to strengthen essential academic communication skills. The learning management system allows participants to access course guides, announcements, learning materials, activities, and assessments. All quizzes, assignments, and feedback forms are completed and submitted online, facilitating centralized progress tracking and timely feedback to support learners' development.
To accommodate diverse learning preferences and varying internet connectivity, each module is available in three formats: structured Moodle lessons, downloadable PDF modules for offline study, and video lectures. While this multi-format design ensures broad accessibility, Moodle remains the official platform for course completion and formal assessment.
To evaluate the program, SEARCA and UPLB-CDC conducted two pilot runs in early 2026. The first was held from 27 January to 19 February 2026 and involved SEARCA scholars. The second was conducted on 18-28 February 2026 and involved 14 Bachelor of Science in Development Communication students from UPLB. With their background in distance learning and instructional design, the UPLB students provided valuable feedback on platform usability, instructional clarity, and overall learner experience.
Feedback across both pilot runs were generally positive. Participants reported that the modules clear and relevant, which improved their understanding of key concepts and enhanced their practical skills. They noted that the instructional materials directly supported knowledge acquisition and skill application. They also found the Moodle platform accessible and easy to navigate, which contributed to a positive and effective learning experience.
Based on this encouraging feedback, SEARCA will continue offering the YES! Micro-credential to its scholars as part of its Graduate-on-Time (GOT) Program. The Center is also exploring the possibility of extending the program to non-scholars, particularly beneficiaries of its Institutional Development Assistance.