A few days ago, a brother-in-law smiled and wryly said, "never a dull moment". He was referring to my grandchildren, very active Godly creations, noisily playing while visiting us at home. I never lost that situation after that. I was inspired to concoct a title from the idea to drive through some critical points on the current realities in the open university systems and its environment. As a complimentary idea, I will also dwell on the original adage, "never a dull moment."

And as related ideas multiply as I read the title, I am more aware, although very elementary that dolls after all are creations of human beings. These are either originally made or improved or bad copies from the original. Further reflections made me realize that there are both physically lifeless dolls, living dolls or imaginary dolls. Without deviating from the reality, dolls are coddled, lavishly loved, gently caressed, and taken cared tenderly. The tender love, care and attention given to the doll make its physical being more realistic, even for a few moments, which are somehow very significant to the lover. In early childhood, the fantasy of attachment is realistic that is absence or loss severely affects the behavior of the child.

In adulthood, the realities of life never detach from some kind of creations or even dreams. Some are merely imaginations, some are inventions, and others may result to real objects or intangible beings such as organizations or institutions. All of these provide the mission and direction to a more meaningful and productive life. Ultimately, these are the means and ends to some desired levels of comfort, confidence, pride and life benefits.

I can safely generalize therefore, that dolls are creations of, by, and for the human being. It is not really the physical or the imagined doll that matters. A doll may not feel the love in order to reciprocate on a mutual situation. The doll may not even enjoy that love, or in the long term realize its own aspirations, for these may not have it. The logic therefore, is that, it is never a doll's moment. It is not the doll that matters. It is the beholder that matters or the performer that makes things true or transform things to fruition. On the contrary however, man also creates intangible or tangible but living dolls. These can be perpetuated through the years by the next generations. Some create dolls for their own benefit. There are situations where these creations result to mutual benefit though not originally intended. Man seeks to perpetuate its own kind, through meaningful and purposeful creations.

In the area of learning, teachers and providers create their own doll-images from their students. The loving and coddling may differ. The situation is more mutual, realizing desired benefits from the interrelationship. It is in this interrelationship where I can consider logically that "there is never a dull moment". With an aura of open and enjoyable arguments and discussions, theory and concepts are easily understood and applied in realistic or simulated situations. The academic noise and heat created by sometimes unruly spontaneous interactions spark far greater or deeper ideas. Recitation from a book or other sources are never the end itself. The actual situations in the professional practice of individuals, the prevailing problems of organizations, systems and processes, the difficulties and problems easily emerge without inhibitions.

While the professor is the main source of learning as an expert, the realities of the field of practice is openly discussed by primary sources most often in contradiction to the written work of authorities as found in the volumes of books written in the syllabi of professors. There is often a change of roles in terms of expertise easily catalyzing the theory or concept as seen in the real world. Hence, learners easily find their way in identifying research problems and stating their specific questions, clarifying processes and tools such as statistics, the use of technology in learning, and finally to the generalization of a situation and the selection of the most enlightened choice.

It's never a dull moment, as issues and problems emerge in the current national and sectoral situations, some of which touch on patriotism against the exercise of freedom, religiosity versus faith as in the religions of the world, the separation of the church and state, poverty and the culture of the people, corruption and acquiescence or even participation of the society, peace and terrorism based on faith, the state of the electorate and the government we deserve as a nation, etc. Of course some officers of affected government agencies studying in the open university systems are apologetic and defensive, however they ultimately contribute some solutions on holistic conditions.

Of course heated discussions are results of differing views based on the background, current situations and biases of participants. But what is important is the participation and contribution of discussants.

Even while on the road, professor-friends, students and alumni continue some kind of linkage and interactions through the cell phone either by call or text messaging, of which some immediate reactions are needed. The more serious queries are sent through the e-mail where time for reflections and further study are needed for good feedbacks to the students.

Professors too disagree. This is the true essence of academic life. The dynamic interchange within the academe provides the vital life systems that make the institution stronger. Never shall one dominate the other, unless requested for an expert opinion or expert authority in the discipline. All of us in the academe are equals. Position-based authority is only for the administration of the institution. However, there should be no fence-sitters. Each must contribute or play a part even in the wildest discussion for new ideas or desired change or development. The collegiality of Professors is practiced following the famous phrase "primus inter pares."

On the side of learners, the burden of learning primarily is lodge on their self initiative, discipline, and scholarly papers that are submitted for rating purposes. They are required to attend the face-to-face interactions after reading or preparing for the assigned topics for the session. They are ready to present their problems for clarifications and possible assistance by the professors. If the definition of leadership is being first or different, this applies to all students of the open university systems.

As an institution, the open university systems is a creation of man, The PSU- OUS maybe a good or bad copy from the original whichever and whoever views it. It is still a growing and developing institution far from the ideal based on the pioneer or old systems in the world. It is however a unique institution where varying needs are responded to, and different approaches are utilized. Especially in this age of scientific and technological development, the world is realizing its potentials for greater access to millions of people requiring continuing and life-long education from the non-degree to the doctorate degree levels.

If it is a rightful copy or re-creation, it is a doll that should be further developed and strengthened to be more responsive to the learning styles and needs of the Filipino, notwithstanding the changes that should be introduced to eliminate the culture that is endemic to current development approaches and appropriate applications of technology.

It is a living doll that should be perpetuated in line with new thinking and dimensions in terms of new structures and processes. If it is truly an institutional and living doll, there should never be a dull moment for administrators, handlers, processors, beneficiaries, stakeholders to nurture, love, caress and care for it. There will always be appropriate roles of everyone as in a performing orchestra where each can play a part effectively. With the unity of intentions, varied processes and dynamic exchange for development, there will be music and there will never be a dull moment in the life of the institution. And as a actors and performers, its never a doll?s moment. It is us the creators and movers that can make the doll a dynamic creation, and a great institution.

Long Live ! Congratulations to the 10^th Year Anniversary of the PSU-OUS.