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https://up.edu.ph/get-thesis-writing-tips-from-fics-chat-with-sir-lex/ | Get thesis writing tips from “FICS Chat with Sir Lex” – University of the Philippines | Get thesis writing tips from “FICS Chat with Sir Lex” Get thesis writing tips from “FICS Chat with Sir Lex” October 20, 2020 | Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo Screenshot from the first episode of “FICS Chat with Sir Lex”. All episodes can be accessed at the UPOU’s YouTube channel. Professor Emeritus and former UP Open University (UPOU) Chancellor Felix “Lex” Librero is dishing out thesis writing advice with “FICS Chat with Sir Lex”, a program on UPOU Networks that he conceptualized himself. UP Professor Emeritus Lex Librero talks about thesis and dissertation matters in a virtual fireside chat. Screenshot from the first episode of “FICS Chat with Sir Lex”. It is a community service initiative of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) that aims to equip learners with knowledge and harness their skills in writing theses and dissertations. It premiered on September 4 with “General Practices in Thesis Writing”. It has streamed live on the UPOU Networks-Multimedia Center Facebook page, UPOU FICS Facebook page, UPOU Networks website, and the UPOU YouTube channel every Friday since. Recordings of the streamed videos are accessible on the said sites and pages for those who want to view or review the episodes. As of this writing, “FICS Chat with Sir Lex” has had a total of seven episodes. The second installment, “Writing the Introductory Chapter”, was streamed on September 11; “How to Review the Literature” on September 18; “Writing the Methodology: The Quantitative and Qualitative Research Designs” on September 25; “Survey Research Designs” on October 2; “Writing the Discussion on Sampling Design” on October 9; and, “The Frameworks of Your Thesis” on October 16. Apart from “FICS Chat with Sir Lex”, UPOU Networks also has Librero’s “Thesis Writing: A Practical Guide”. Librero has a PhD in Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University. He served as the UPOU chancellor for two consecutive terms, from 2001 to 2007.He was awarded the rank and title of UP Scientist in 2006. He has given multiple master classes on research, thesis, and dissertation writing, and has published two books on the subject: How to Write a Thesis Proposal: Some Practical Guidelines in 2003; and, Writing Your Thesis (A Practical Guide for Students) in 2012. |
https://up.edu.ph/upou-graduates-412/ | UPOU graduates 412 – University of the Philippines | UPOU graduates 412 UPOU graduates 412 December 15, 2020 | Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo It was the first online graduation for the UP Open University (UPOU)—13 years after its education delivery mode went fully online. On December 5, in its 24th commencement exercises, UPOU conferred degrees and titles upon the 412-strong Class of 2020 in a virtual ceremony. Sixty-one were in the undergraduate level and 351 in the graduate level. The symbolic shifting of the UP Sablay from the right shoulder to the left indicates graduation from the University. Screenshot by Misael Bacani of UP MPRO from the 24th UPOU Commencement Exercises live stream via YouTube. Four graduated magna cum laude: Anne Margarette Bacomo and Kimberly Dollente with Bachelor Arts in Multimedia Studies (BAMS) degrees, and Mariebelle Balazuela and Klaudette Zarah Leisibach with Bachelor of Education Studies (BES) degrees. There were three cum laude graduates: Katherine Joy Cruz (BAMS), Paulo Reyes (BES), and Candice Mae Tiongson (BAMS). On the graduate level, 11 made it to the Chancellor’s List, which requires a general weighted average (GWA) of 1.00 to 1.14. Twenty-two were on the Dean’s List, which requires a GWA of 1.15 to 1.24. UPOU Chancellor Melinda Bandalaria delivers her message to the graduates. Screenshot by Misael Bacani of UP MPRO from the 24th UPOU Commencement Exercises live stream via YouTube. While UPOU’s traditional commencement exercises may have been the only opportunity for some to finally meet their classmates and teachers in person, UPOU Chancellor Melinda Bandalaria pointed out that attendance by members of the graduating class was only at 70 to 80 percent. In her message, she asked the Class of 2020 to look at the online ceremony from a different perspective–that of UPOU’s advocacies on equity and inclusion. The first virtual graduation ceremony harnessed the same technologies UPOU uses to provide inclusive education so as to also make sure each and every graduate, and their family members and loved ones, are part of the celebratory event. “This is not just a ceremony, but a symbol of inclusion and equity that better demonstrates the openness of our University,” Bandalaria said. UP President Danilo Concepcion tells the UPOU Class of 2020 that it is part of the first generation of Iskolar ng Bayan to graduate in a time of pandemic. “I expect you to lead our country in rising from the ravages of this tragedy. Use your UP education wisely. With courage and excellence, may you fulfill your duties as good citizens with the heart and mind for our people and nation.” Screenshot by Misael Bacani of UP MPRO from the 24th UPOU Commencement Exercises live stream via YouTube. In his message, UP President Danilo Concepcion reminded the graduates that a time of crisis should be used as an opportunity to further persevere, improve, and serve the country. “Live the UP spirit—unity and service rendered with honor and excellence—and prove that we, the University and its alumni, will not waver in our quest to find effective, alternative solutions to society’s problems.” Senator Joel Villanueva, who chairs the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, was the commencement speaker. Screenshot by Misael Bacani of UP MPRO from the 24th UPOU Commencement Exercises live stream via YouTube. In his commencement speech, Senator Joel Villanueva urged the UPOU Class of 2020 to be “purposeful agents of change” toward growth and development. While the COVID-19 pandemic has, according to Villanueva, “laid bare the country’s deep digital divide and even intensified the existing inequalities in education,” he expressed hope that the disruption caused by the crisis would lead to a greater acceptance of distance education as an equally viable teaching and learning mode. Villanueva called on the graduates to “revolutionize disruptions” by turning them into opportunities for positive change. “Each of you is a success story. You have the power to inspire, to build societies. Be a blessing in the midst of suffering.” Mariebelle Balazuela, who earned a Bachelor of Education Studies, magna cum laude, delivers a message on behalf of the UPOU Class of 2020. Screenshot by Misael Bacani of UP MPRO from the 24th UPOU Commencement Exercises live stream via YouTube. Speaking on behalf of the graduating class was Balazuela, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who left the country 26 years ago. She entered UP Diliman as a Fine Arts major in 1989 but wasn’t able to finish her degree because she went abroad and “life happened”. “I had to migrate to Spain to study, or so I thought. Instead of wearing a smock at an art studio, I had to wear a maid’s uniform and work as a nanny and domestic helper,” she revealed. Using her 31-year journey to a baccalaureate degree and her experiences as an OFW, she told her fellow graduates, “Never give up on your dreams no matter how elusive they are. If you fail to climb that wall, do it again, and again, and again.” Graduates pledge their loyalty to the University. Screenshot by Misael Bacani of UP MPRO from the 24th UPOU Commencement Exercises live stream via YouTube. Members of the UPOU Class of 2020 raise their fists as they sing “UP Naming Mahal. Screenshot by Misael Bacani of UP MPRO from the 24th UPOU Commencement Exercises live stream via YouTube. |
https://up.edu.ph/professor-emeritus-felix-librero-writes-30/ | Professor Emeritus Felix Librero writes 30 – University of the Philippines | Professor Emeritus Felix Librero writes 30 Professor Emeritus Felix Librero writes 30 March 22, 2021 | Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo The UPOU community deeply mourns the loss of its former Chancellor, Dr. Felix Librero. Dr. Librero died Tuesday, 16 March 2021. He served as Chancellor of UPOU from 2001 to 2007. Watch the tribute video for Dr. Librero on the UPOU Facebook page. “At some point in one’s life, death is the only thing that must happen.” This was how Professor Emeritus Felix Librero concluded one of his musings on the subject of death in his blog, Connecting, back in February 2017. While his was a matter-of-fact declaration of a universal truth, its simplicity and directness did not take away from the complexity of human emotion that resulted from the news of his passing on March 16. Sadness, shock, disbelief, regret. These were only some of the reactions people expressed when they learned that he was gone. He succumbed to liver cirrhosis at the age of 77. The wealth of wisdom and knowledge he chose to share with the world through his publications and lectures, his mentorship and guidance, had a deep and lasting effect on his students and colleagues in the University. This is evident in the many recollections and stories about him that have been shared in social media groups. That he was well loved in the academe, that he was much appreciated by people who have had the privilege of interacting with him, is certain. The UP community, especially those in UP Los Baños (UPLB) and UP Open University (UPOU), is feeling this great loss. “Sir Lex,” as he was known to most in UP, was born on May 30, 1943. He grew up in Itbayat, Batanes, where he said he “had to work the dirt almost 24/7 to eke out a living”. He left for Basco in 1959 to study in Batanes National Science High School. In 1963, he entered the UP College of Agriculture in Los Baños, Laguna, which was not yet UPLB, the constituent university then. After graduating in 1968 with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, major in Agricultural Communications, he began his University career. He rose through the ranks, from being DZLB station supervisor, to becoming an instructor, and eventually a full professor. It was also in UPLB where he earned his Master of Science in Development Communication degree in 1974. He received his Doctor of Philosophy in Instructional Systems Technology degree in 1981 from Indiana University, USA. One of Professor Emeritus Felix Librero’s last projects in UPOU was the web series he conceptualized himself, FICS Chat with Sir Lex. It is a community service initiative of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) that aims to equip learners with knowledge and harness their skills in writing theses and dissertations. The first episode, “General Practices in Thesis Writing” was streamed on 04 September 2020. Screenshot taken by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo, UP MPRO. He occupied administrative positions as well. In UPLB, he served as the chairperson of the Department of Development Communication and was later its director when it became an Institute. He was also appointed Associate Dean of the UPLB College of Agriculture. In UPOU, he was Dean of the School for Distance Education, later on becoming Vice Chancellor for Research and Development, and eventually serving two consecutive terms as Chancellor. In 2008, UP’s centennial year, he was selected to be part of the University’s highest governing body, the Board of Regents, as faculty regent. “I was assured that there would be only one Centennial Faculty Regent within 100 years,” he said. He turned 65 that same year and while that was the compulsory age of retirement, his valuable expertise was still needed by UP. His appointment as Professor 12 was extended for five more years, in accordance with the rules of the Civil Service Commission. “I shall be (what I call) absolutely retired,” he said, looking toward his 70th birthday in 2013. “Absolutely retired”, but with plans on how to spend his days as retiree: to continue doing research, writing, editing, teaching, giving lectures, and perhaps taking a brief break “before moving on again”. Three months before marking his seventh decade, the University conferred upon him the rank and title of Professor Emeritus, effective upon his retirement. And he made good on his retirement plans. Among his other activities, he continued to teach in UPOU as professorial lecturer, was chief editor of the International Journal of Open and Distance e-Learning, and until last year, he was still giving lectures on “topics and issues many undergraduate and graduate students are interested in, such as writing theses, development communication, media research, and the like”. This included the web series he conceptualized himself that premiered on 04 September 2020, FICS Chat with Sir Lex. He is survived by his sister Juanita, wife Jeanette, son Al, daughter-in-law Vanessa, and grandson Aiden. His first wife and Al’s mother, Araceli, passed away in 2003. Read Al’s 75th birthday tribute to his father here. Some resources from Professor Emeritus Felix Librero may be read or viewed in UPOU Networks. |
https://up.edu.ph/up-celebrates-113th-anniversary-and-2nd-anniversary-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/ | UP celebrates 113th anniversary and 2nd anniversary during the COVID-19 pandemic – University of the Philippines | UP celebrates 113th anniversary and 2nd anniversary during the COVID-19 pandemic UP celebrates 113th anniversary and 2nd anniversary during the COVID-19 pandemic June 18, 2021 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta The University of the Philippines (UP) celebrates its 113th founding anniversary today and its second during the COVID-19 pandemic. As with last year’s celebration, UP’s 17 campuses are still closed. In addition, the country remains under quarantine to contain the spread of the viral disease that shut the world down in 2020. However, the faculty, students, staff, alumni, and other members of the UP community continue to commemorate UP’s annual milestones with a sense of nostalgia and longing for life in the University’s verdant campuses again, a sense of pride in UP’s continuing achievements through this extraordinary period in its history, and hope for a University of the Philippines for the future in a post-COVID world. 113 years of excellence The country’s premier state university was founded on June 18, 1908, through Act No. 1870 of the Philippine Assembly, with the mandate to give “advanced instruction in literature, philosophy, the sciences and arts, and to give professional and technical training” to every qualified student regardless of “age, sex, nationality, religious belief, and political affiliation.” Over the past 113 years, the University evolved from being the pinnacle of the American-established educational system to a “University for the Filipino” as envisioned by its first president, Murray Simpson Bartlett. It weathered through World Wars and the recovery effort, periods of political unrest and the subsequent declaration of Martial Law in 1972, the end of a dictator’s reign and the return to democracy, and the transition into a digital world racing toward the Fourth Industrial Revolution. [Click here for a more detailed history of UP.] In 2008, UP celebrated its first centennial. The Republic Act No. 9500 was also signed this year, establishing UP as the country’s national university. By the year 2017, when former UP College of Law Dean Danilo L. Concepcion took the reins as UP President, UP had grown into a massive University System consisting of eight constituent universities located in 21 campuses throughout the Philippine archipelago. UP in the “new normal” Then in 2020, UP confronted its biggest crisis since the Second World War as the world grappled with a hundred-year pandemic. The University met this new challenge head-on, harnessing its considerable knowledge resources to aid the members of its academic community, the government, and the country’s citizens. UP scientists and engineers have created locally produced, accurate, and affordable COVID-19 test kits, personal protective equipment, sanitation facilities, and much-needed sanitation chemicals. UP social scientists and researchers have mapped the progression of the disease through the country, creating databases and generating research that would inform policy and decision-making on the national and local levels. UP artists and musicians have shared works that inspire, give hope, and pay tribute to the country’s heroes. UP students, alumni, administrators, and residents have come together to help the UP community survive the viral outbreak and the quarantine. And UP’s doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers through the UP Philippine General Hospital once again heroically serve those in need despite the risks to life and well-being. UP has been moving non-stop since then. The run-up to its 113th anniversary has been marked with shifts, breakthroughs, progress, and a selfless commitment to serve the people throughout the pandemic. UP held fast not only against the pandemic but against threats to its academic freedom as well. Even in the face of a fire that hit the third floor of the UP Philippine General Hospital, the country’s premier COVID-19 referral center, UP medical and administrative personnel responded with courage and discipline, thus preventing any loss of life and earning for several staff members conferment of the Order of Lapu-Lapu for their extraordinary acts of service and exceptional contributions to the country. Shift to remote learning By the time the first semester of Academic Year 2020-2021 began, UP had made the necessary preparations to shift to fully remote teaching and learning, with guidance from the UP Open University and its wealth of resources that help guide academic institutions in making the shift. To take on the admittedly tricky challenge of shifting abruptly from traditional classroom learning, UP crafted its Academic Roadmap for AY 2020-2021 along with three operational principles: 1) to protect the UP community from the pandemic; 2) to sustain the continuity of instruction and learning; and, 3) to consider equity concerns in all plans. Some measures UP were: subscribing to a Zoom account for webinars that can accommodate up to 3,000 participants; purchasing the learning management system, Canvas, and continuing upgrade UP’s own LMS; acquiring software to support remote work, teaching, and learning; and procuring additional library resource subscriptions and library information systems. In addition, UP faculty prepared course packs that are made available online and offline, with physical course packs produced and delivered to students via courier or through the various campuses at no cost to students. To help support UP students from vulnerable households who were at the risk of dropping out because they lacked the means to continue their studies via remote learning, UP launched the Kaagapay sa Pag-aaral ng Iskolar ng Bayan fundraising campaign to help provide these students with the gadgets and connectivity they needed. UP also provided device and connectivity support for faculty and staff who are working from home. To help care for and support the students’ mental health and well-being during this exceptionally trying period, UP also created and is currently strengthening its Mental Health and Wellness Network across the UP System to provide psychosocial support and services to UP students and facilitate referrals for treatment and other interventions. Breakthroughs, honors, and expansion Despite the pandemic, UP scientists and researchers continued to produce cutting-edge research and make history-defining discoveries. Just to name a few: In March 2021, Dr. Deo Florence L. Onda of the UP Marine Science Institute became the first and only Filipino and one of the first two human beings to make the first crewed descent into Emden Deep, the third deepest point on Earth. In the next month, a team of researchers, including UP archaeologists Dr. Janine Ochoa and Dr. Armand Mijares, discovered fossil remains of three extinct giant cloud rat species in northern Luzon. And UP scientists and engineers continued to work with the Philippine Space Agency to create breakthroughs in the country’s space program, such as the successful launch of the nano-satellite Maya-2 and the planned launch of the Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment or MULA satellite. The University also set in motion its plans to expand the UP Visayas campus in the province of Antique to more effectively implement its continuing education programs. The UP Manila has similarly signed a Memorandum of Agreement to establish a UP School of Health Sciences extension campus in Tarlac. In UP Mindanao, discussions are ongoing for a proposed city hospital on campus, in line with its Mindanao Health Initiative. In recognition of their outstanding lifetime achievements and valuable contribution to the University and the country, two former UP presidents—National Scientist Emil Q. Javier and Alfredo E. Pascual—and Amb. Edgardo Espiritu and retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio T. Carpio were conferred honorary degrees by the University. UP para sa bayan Fulfilling its mandate and role as the country’s national university, UP continued to do its utmost to aid the national and local governments and serve the people during the COVID-19 pandemic. The UP Manila, the UP National Institutes of Health, and the UP College of Medicine share their knowledge, expertise, and experience in treating and managing COVID-19 through the ongoing weekly webinar series, “Stop COVID Deaths,” produced by TVUP. These webinars, a valuable source of scientifically and medically accurate COVID-19 information, are available to the public via TVUP’s YouTube channel. The Philippine Genome Center and the UP Manila National Institutes of Health also detect and track the different SARS-CoV-2 variants spreading throughout the country through genomic biosurveillance. At the same time, the UP-PGC’s two satellite facilities based in UP Visayas and UP Mindanao train local health professionals in rRT-PCR testing and helped set up laboratories in their regions. The PGC Visayas and Mindanao also monitoring their respective areas for other pathogens that might pose a threat to health and food security. UP Los Baños (UPLB) opened the COVID-19 Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory to serve as a subnational testing center for Laguna and nearby provinces. Both UPLB and UP Diliman have offered their Copeland Gymnasium and College of Human Kinetics gymnasium, respectively, as COVID-19 vaccination centers for the UP community and nearby municipalities. UP constituent units continue to produce free, educational webinars for the public, live-streamed on their respective social media sites and YouTube channels. UP has also supported and promoted the establishment of community pantries, which have become symbols of the Filipino’ bayanihan spirit since it was pioneered by entrepreneur and UP College of Fine Arts alumna Ms. Ana Patricia Non. These and much more are UP’s achievements in just a year since its anniversary celebration last year. As the national university turns 113, the UP community and the country continue to look forward to the new heights UP will reach as a University of the Future, moving firmly into the “next normal” of a post-COVID-19 world. |
https://up.edu.ph/pahinungod-extols-puso-para-sa-bayan-in-anniversary-webinar/ | Pahinungod extols “Puso Para sa Bayan” in anniversary webinar – University of the Philippines | Pahinungod extols “Puso Para sa Bayan” in anniversary webinar Pahinungod extols “Puso Para sa Bayan” in anniversary webinar February 21, 2022 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc The University of the Philippines (UP) Ugnayan ng Pahinungod kicked off its 28th anniversary celebration with an online webinar, “Puso Para sa Bayan,” on February 14, 2022, with faculty members, student volunteers, and community partners talking about lessons and gains from their participation in the program. Screenshot from the “Pahinungod: Puso para sa Bayan” February 14 webinar. Screenshot by Raden Agustin, UPMPRO. Watch the replay here. The webinar featured: Pahinungod psychological first-aiders, Davidson Oliveros of UP Diliman and Marianne Hazzale Bullos of UP Mindanao; Gurong Pahinungod volunteers, Floravel Ambas of UP Visayas and Donna Teressa Oropel of UP Cebu; and, UP Baguio Communications scholar and Pahinungod volunteer, Benjamin George Meamo III. Elementary School Principal Loredel Gecolao, Municipal Health Officer Kristine Leonido, Governor Dakila Carlo Cua, and LGU Climate Change Liaison Officer Zaldy Ybardolaza represented the partner communities of UP Open University, UP Manila, and UP Los Baños. Slides from the presentations of UP Diliman Pahinungod’s Davidson Oliveros’ [top] and UP Baguio Pahinungod volunteer Benjamin Meano [bottom]. Screenshots by Raden Agustin, UPMPRO. Watch the replay here. On the question, “Is volunteering for everybody?” Oliveros pointed out the need: to allocate time; to know one’s strengths which one can use to contribute to a program; to know one’s weaknesses which volunteering can address; and, to commit oneself. Asked about lessons from working with communities, Ambas, who volunteered in Tawi-Tawi for eight years, talked about the joys of gaining friends and family, thinking out of the box, overcoming hardships, and making a difference. Speaking on making volunteering attractive to the youth, Meamo framed it as a question of love and what one does when in love. He urged future volunteers to treat it as a “relationship.” According to Gecolao, the reading program with UPOU and Laguna elementary schools encouraged community volunteers to assist schools and engage beneficiaries’ families in meaningful activities. Dr. Leonido talked about how the leadership of UP Manila volunteers in medical relief operations enabled rural health units of Limasawa Island to deal with the aftermath of Typhoon Odette. It linked them with organizations that provided essential supplies and equipment, including solar-powered equipment and water filtration technology. Slides from the presentations of elementary school principal Loredel Gecolao [top] and LGU climate change liaison officer Zaldy Ybardolaza [bottom], representing two of UPOU’s partner communities Screenshots by Raden Agustin, UPMPRO. Watch the replay here. On sustaining the partnership with the UP volunteers, Cua proposed a joint planning committee to plan programs between UP Manila and the Quirino province. On the same question, Ybardoloza cited the need for further studies and research for future programs with the Laguna LGU. The open forum articulated challenges brought about by the pandemic. The community partners expressed thanks to the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod for providing internet resources to facilitate communication. Leonido talked about prioritizing needs during a pandemic to maximize resources. According to the volunteers, the Ugnayan helped them cope with the pandemic by providing: a virtual family; regular “kamustahan” sessions; honoraria; and continuous training. The webinar also featured remarks from Ugnayan ng Pahinungod System Director Marie Therese AP Bustos, who talked about volunteering based on a love alluded to in the famous Andres Bonifacio poem, “Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa” as well as from Ugnayan ng Pahinungod UP Visayas Director Ruben Gamala, who went back to the founding of the program as a means to bridge “utak at puso”, and to its revival to balance “galing at malasakit”. Ugnayan ng Pahinungod UP Cebu Director Aurelio Vilbar synthesized the various presentations in the webinar. |
https://up.edu.ph/staff-regent-elect-belegal-takes-oath-of-office/ | Staff Regent-elect Belegal takes oath of office – University of the Philippines | Staff Regent-elect Belegal takes oath of office Staff Regent-elect Belegal takes oath of office October 22, 2021 | Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo UP President Danilo Concepcion (left) administers the oath of office to Staff Regent-elect Victoria Canape Belegal. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UPMPRO. Victoria Canape Belegal was formally installed as the 7th Staff Regent on October 18 at the UP Open University (UPOU) Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna. UP President Danilo Concepcion administered the oath of office. Belegal, currently Administrative Officer V at the UPOU Office of the University Registrar, will serve a two-year term from October 2021 to October 2023. She was the president of the All UP Workers Union-UPOU Chapter at her nomination to the Staff Regent post. In her speech, Belegal focused on blessing and service. Blessing, she said, came in the form of the tremendous support given by her family, friends, and REPS (administrative and research, extension, and professional staff) across the UP System. She believed that her track record in championing the causes of University staff and her capacity to lead convinced many to place their trust and faith in her to be the staff sector’s representative to the highest governing body of the University, the Board of Regents (BOR). Belegal emphasized the importance of wisdom and hard work in serving and fulfilling her duties. As Staff Regent, she acknowledged that she has taken on an even bigger responsibility to serve. Having been with UP for more than 25 years, she is no stranger to service, not only as a civil servant but as an active participant and leader in initiatives that sought to improve staff welfare. She said that as the voice of UP staff in the BOR, she will raise their concerns to the board and report on and celebrate their successes. 7th UP Staff Regent Victoria Canape Belegal delivers a speech after being sworn into office. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UPMPRO. In closing, she reiterated the call for unity among University administrative staff and REPS to strengthen the sector’s pursuit of benefits for all. The main items in her agenda as Staff Regent are the following: PHP 20,000 Health Support Grant; Sagad Award; regularization of UP contractual employees; widened coverage for eHope; Long Service Leave Benefit; and representation of REPS. Belegal has a Master of Public Management degree from Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand. She also took graduate units in Entomology from UP Los Baños (UPLB). She had earlier graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture, majoring in Entomology. She started working in UP in 1992 as a University Research Associate at the UPLB Institute of Plant Breeding. In 1996, she joined UPOU, then only a year old, and still building the country’s foundations of open and distance learning (now e-learning). She is considered one of UPOU’s pioneer staff members. While an administrative staff member, she continued to pursue research work, publishing in journals and presenting papers in international conferences. (With a report from the UPOU Office of Public Affairs and the UPLB Office of Public Relations) Staff Regent Belegal gave a few words to the UP System, UPLB, and UPOU officials who attended the small celebratory dinner following the oath-taking ceremony. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UPMPRO. |
https://up.edu.ph/up-adapts-blended-learning-for-ay-2022-2023/ | UP adopts “blended learning” for AY 2022-2023 – University of the Philippines | UP adopts “blended learning” for AY 2022-2023 UP adopts “blended learning” for AY 2022-2023 July 15, 2022 | Written by Fred Dabu The University of the Philippines (UP) will be implementing blended learning delivery modes for the academic year (AY) 2022 to 2023, according to Memorandum No. 2022-88 recently circulated by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA). Read the memo here. The said memorandum, dated 20 June 2022, guides all UP faculty, institute directors, department chairs, program directors, deans, and officials in their planning of programs and designing of courses to be used in the reopening of UP campuses beginning in the First Semester of AY 2022-2023 this September. The OVPAA memo explained how blended learning combines face-to-face (f2f) and online teaching and learning modes. It expounded how blended or mixed methods allow greater flexibility for the University. Blended learning fosters academic excellence, develops 21st-century competencies, and strengthens UP’s institutional resilience and learning continuity in the next normal during the COVID-19 pandemic and in preparation for other possible disruptions such as disasters and social crises. According to the memo, blended learning further improves the quality of teaching and learning by providing access to a wide range of learning resources in various media (text, video, audio, multimedia, interactive multimedia). It also enhances interaction using numerous technologies, expanding opportunities for collaborative learning online and f2f, and developing independent means to understanding and furthering one’s digital skills. The memo presents four learning delivery modes: face-to-face instruction, which was the traditional mode during pre-pandemic times; distance education, as offered by UP Open University; blended learning, which varies from f2f and/or synchronous and/or asynchronous online, developed in 2020; and, the hybrid flexible or HyFlex learning, which adapts simultaneous f2f and synchronous online teaching and learning. OVPAA articulated three main models for UP’s blended learning: blended online learning, which combines synchronous and asynchronous online learning; blended block learning, which combines blocks of online learning and f2f, including practicum, fieldwork, and hands-on workshops; and classic blended learning, which combines f2f and asynchronous online learning, and includes f2f group work, seminars, discussions, laboratory work, and studio classes. The memo also stated that UP recognizes the many difficulties students and faculty face in transitioning to the next normal, the numerous requisites intended for the safe return of students and faculty, and the effective implementation of the University’s blended learning modes for the AY 2022-2023. Thus, UP will continue providing much-needed support to its faculty and students. Related stories: UP OVPAA’s resources for remote teaching and learning UP announces grading policy for the rest of AY 2021-2022 and Midyear 2022 UP faculty discusses return to face-to-face classes this semester |
https://up.edu.ph/upou-fmds-in-partnership-with-the-edu-connect-taiwan-launched-project-lakbay-a-youth-cultural-and-learning-immersion-camp/ | UPOU-FMDS in partnership with the Edu-Connect – Taiwan Launched Project LAKBAY, a Youth Cultural and Learning Immersion Camp – University of the Philippines | UPOU-FMDS in partnership with the Edu-Connect – Taiwan Launched Project LAKBAY, a Youth Cultural and Learning Immersion Camp UPOU-FMDS in partnership with the Edu-Connect – Taiwan Launched Project LAKBAY, a Youth Cultural and Learning Immersion Camp August 7, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Ceremonial program of Project LAKBAY with LAKBAY fellows and facilitators. The Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) of the UP Open University (UPOU), in partnership with the Edu-Connect Southeast Asia Association – Taiwan launched the Project LAKBAY: Learning Actively through Knowledge-Based Appreciation for Youth, a Youth Cultural and Learning Immersion Camp. The Project LAKBAY was a hybrid event, with the first part conducted online through the UPOU Canvas from 28 to 30 June 2023, and the immersion camp facilitated in person from 4 to 14 July 2023 at UPOU Headquarters, Los Banos, Laguna. The Project LAKBAY was participated in by a total of 36 LAKBAY fellows – 24 Taiwanese participants from different universities in Taiwan, 17 Filipino participants from Kaya Natin! Youth – Los Baños (KNY-LB), and seven members of the University of the Philippines Open University Student Council (UPOU-USC). The term “LAKBAY” itself holds profound significance as it translates to “Journey” in Filipino. This project sought to foster awareness and encourage active engagement in global sustainability programs, emphasizing the importance of including youth voices in shaping sustainability-related initiatives across various development fields. Dr. Joane Serrano, Project Head and Dean of FMDS during the ceremonial program of Project LAKBAY. FMDS Dean Joane Serrano and University of the Philippines Visiting Professor Dr. Eing-Ming Wu spearheaded Project LAKBAY by focusing on the interconnections between multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The LAKBAY fellows embarked on learning visits to various institutions such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG), and UP Resilience Institute (UPRI). These visits aimed to broaden the fellows’ understanding of the contributions of different institutions to national and global development. Project LAKBAY fellows interact with the children of Gawad Kalinga during their drawing workshop. In addition to institutional visits, the LAKBAY fellows engaged in hands-on and social learning visits to local communities. They explored the woodcarving communities of Paete, Laguna, the embroidery communities of Lumban, Laguna, and the trolley community of Brgy. San Antonio, and the Gawad Kalinga community, both situated in Los Baños, Laguna. These experiences allowed the participants to gain a profound understanding of local challenges and witness the power of community-driven solutions. Through hands-on learning, LAKBAY fosters personal connections and supports local businesses. It goes beyond traditional education, igniting the fellows’ empathy and understanding. These learning visits and workshops are an effective way of communicating knowledge and information. Learning by doing offers a more personal approach and a deeper sense of connection to the community. Project LAKBAY fellows riding a Trolley at Brgy. San Antonio Trolley Station Embodying the spirit of Bayanihan, a traditional Filipino practice of communal unity and cooperation, Project LAKBAY sought to foster collaborations among the participants. Workshops, group activities, and seminars conducted at the Centennial Center for Digital Learning (CCDL) facilitated active participation and brainstorming for context-specific solutions to address community needs effectively. Project LAKBAY fellows test their skills using the Paet or chisel to carve wood during their hands-on learning visit at Paete, Laguna. The learning visits, workshops, and discussions emphasized the significance of English as the universal language for global cooperation. This approach ensured that the LAKBAY fellows, hailing from different backgrounds, could communicate effectively and collaborate seamlessly in their challenge for sustainability. Ms. Kathleen Claire Cuaresma, a Filipino LAKBAY fellow from Edu-Connect Southeast Asia Association, during ACB’s Q&A Activity. Moreover, Brown Bag Sessions, film showings, socials, and cultural presentations encouraged stimulating debates and discussions among the participants. The immersive experience also featured community visits and walking workshops at the Perma G.A.R.D.E.N (Growing Appreciation toward Resilience, Development, Entrepreneurship, and Nutrition), an initiative by FMDS supporting sustainable production and consumption. The project highlighted the role of sustainable community or home gardens in enhancing food accessibility and nutritional diversity, contributing to SDG 2: Zero Hunger. Project LAKBAY fellows’ Walking Workshop at Perma G.A.R.D.E.N. During the immersive journey of Project LAKBAY, the participants were not only engaged in a series of enlightening visits, workshops, and discussions but were also privileged to have a special encounter. They were granted the opportunity to meet and have meaningful conversations with the esteemed University of the Philippines (UP) President, Angelo A. Jimenez. Taiwanese LAKBAY fellows’ meeting with UP President, Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez. This meeting with UP President Jimenez added a layer of significance to the participants’ journey, as they were able to gain insights from a prominent figure in the academic and leadership spheres. The interaction provided the LAKBAY fellows with valuable guidance and encouragement to continue their pursuits of active engagement in sustainability-related initiatives. Taiwanese LAKBAY fellows imitate the pose of the famous UP Symbol, The Oblation Statue. As Project LAKBAY concluded its remarkable journey in the three campuses of the University of the Philippines – UP Open University, UP Los Baños, and UP Diliman, it surely left an impact and an unforgettable impression on the hearts and minds of all the LAKBAY fellows. Project LAKBAY emerged as a beacon of hope, empowering youth to become champions of sustainability and active contributors to their communities’ well-being. By embracing the values of cultural exchange, civic engagement, and collaborative problem-solving, these young individuals are now better equipped to lead the way toward a brighter and more sustainable future. In line with the success of the launch of the first-ever project LAKBAY, the FMDS is looking forward to more collaborations with different institutions and seeing what we can all accomplish together for the next Project LAKBAY armed with the confidence that it has built a solid foundation to shape future leaders and more socially aware and involved youths. Feature article contributed by UP Open University Office of Public Affairs. |
https://up.edu.ph/asean-youth-volunteer-programme-2021-pushes-through-with-online-trainings/ | ASEAN Youth Volunteer Programme 2021 pushes through with online trainings – University of the Philippines | ASEAN Youth Volunteer Programme 2021 pushes through with online trainings ASEAN Youth Volunteer Programme 2021 pushes through with online trainings September 7, 2021 | Written by Fred Dabu Although physical travel across states and physical activities involving international delegations have been restricted by the pandemic, people and institutions worldwide have developed a greater capacity to utilize communications technology to overcome this obstacle. With the theme of “Strengthening the ASEAN Education Delivery Systems in Challenging Times”, the 2021 ASEAN Youth Volunteer Programme (AYVP) officially began last August 30 using Zoom, social media apps, and online platforms provided by the University of the Philippines (UP). Screenshot from the e-ASEAN Youth Volunteer Programme 2021 opening ceremony. Watch the replay of the event here. Images from Rad Agustin, UPMPRO. Dubbed “e-AYVP Philippines 2021”, the three-week-long trainings this year feature online workshops, webinars and masterclasses to prepare ASEAN youth in addressing complex challenges faced by the education sector. The programme develops leadership and volunteerism skills among youth for them to initiate or sustain progress in their own communities. Previous ones were conducted physically in Malaysia (2013 & 2014), Cambodia (2015), the Philippines (2016), Indonesia (2017) and Malaysia (2018 & 2019). The e-AYVP Philippines 2021 is using the UP Open University’s MoDEL Learning Management System as the conference platform. This enables participants to access announcements, information about the sessions, assignment and related readings, session recordings, and other features. The online opening ceremony was attended by more than 200 participants, including key university officials, resource persons, partners and AYVP secretariat members. Initially, there were 73 youth registered as participants from Malaysia, 71 from the Philippines, 52 from Indonesia, 46 from Vietnam, 30 from Myanmar, and dozens more from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, The People’s Republic of China, and Japan. Images of youth volunteers who participated in AYVPs of the past. Watch the replay of the event here. Images from Rad Agustin, UPMPRO. Prof. Dato’ Ts Dr. Mohd Ekhwan Hj. Toriman, Vice-Chancellor of the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Screenshot from the e-ASEAN Youth Volunteer Programme 2021 opening ceremony. Image from Rad Agustin, UPMPRO. Prof. Dato’ Ts Dr. Mohd Ekhwan Hj. Toriman, Vice-Chancellor of the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, explained that the AYVP is being jointly implemented by the Secretariat at UP through the Ugnayan ng Pahinungód/Oblation Corps, the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (The National University of Malaysia), the University Community Transformation Centre (UCTC), and the ASEAN University Network University Social Responsibility & Sustainability (AUN USR&S), in partnership with the ASEAN Secretariat and Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia. He added that the participants of the AYVP receive inputs and trainings from expert resource persons from university faculty, and representatives of government and international organizations. The topics include: best practices in addressing gender inequalities, empowering youth, enhancing social integration, and many others related to promoting “unity in diversity” and understanding of ASEAN. Prof. Danilo L. Concepcion, UP President. Screenshot from the e-ASEAN Youth Volunteer Programme 2021 opening ceremony. Image from Rad Agustin, UPMPRO. Prof. Danilo Lardizabal Concepción, UP President, said the discussions will be motivational and interesting, empowering and unifying, and life-changing for the youth. He added that the youth volunteers, who embody hope for a better future, will be trained to provide services that are most needed in their own communities and will benefit the underserved. He also highlighted the “bayanihan” spirit of cooperation, unity, service and volunteerism among ASEAN members to achieve shared goals. Dr. J. Prospero “Popoy” de Vera, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines, shared insights on how AYVP can strengthen ASEAN education delivery systems during the pandemic. He discussed the role of the programme in harnessing the strengths of ASEAN members, institutions and organizations to help develop young leaders and advocates for sustainable development. His Royal Highness Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin ibni Tuanku Muhriz, Royal Fellow at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, discussed the role of youth in the ASEAN community. He said the youth are actively participating in politics, economic activities and other beneficial initiatives. He emphasized that they can maximize the use of technology to promote understanding and engage fellow youth across communities in achieving development goals. Ms. Shalina Miah, Regional Manager of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Asia and the Pacific, discussed roles and responsibilities of volunteers in introducing innovations and consequently changing society. She outlined the many ways the various advocacies are interconnected to building a better future for today’s youth. Earlier that day, Dr. Nasruddin Yunos, a senior fellow at CITRA of the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, provided participants an orientation on ASEAN cultural diversity and unity. He emphasized the need for awareness, respect and cooperation, and that these are expected of the programme participants at all times. Screenshots from the e-ASEAN Youth Volunteer Programme 2021 opening ceremony. Watch the replay of the event here. Images from Rad Agustin, UPMPRO. Webinars and workshops during the e-AYVP will be facilitated by resource speakers from the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UP, USAID Philippines, UNICEF Malaysia, Miriam College, Ibaraki University, Ehime University, Hallym University, De la Salle University, Chiang Mai University, National University of Singapore, and many other renowned educational institutions and organizations. The e-AYVP Philippines 2021 UP Steering Committee is headed by (Ret.) Prof. Grace H. Aguiling-Dalisay (November 29, 2019-July 31, 2021) and Prof. Marie Therese A.P. Bustos (August 1, 2021-present), Director of the Ugnayan ng Pahinungód System Office, and assisted by Ms. Regina Elizabeth Capuno. Committee members are: Ms. Rhonna Robles-Vereña, Director of the Ugnayan ng Pahinungód Open University; Prof. Ruben Gamala, Director of the Ugnayan ng Pahinungód Visayas; Mr. Jose Limbay Lahi Espaldon, Director of the Ugnayan ng Pahinungód Los Baños; Prof. Aurelio Vilbar, Director of the Ugnayan ng Pahinungód Cebu; Ms. Luisa Gelisan, Director of the UP Open University Multimedia Center; and Ms. Diana Ruth Arcega, Senior Project Officer of the Ugnayan ng Pahinungód System Office. [youtube_video]5Cig4LHdalw[/youtube_video] |
https://up.edu.ph/belmonte-moreno-bare-vaccine-rollout-plans/ | Belmonte, Moreno bare vaccine rollout plans – University of the Philippines | Belmonte, Moreno bare vaccine rollout plans Belmonte, Moreno bare vaccine rollout plans March 24, 2021 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc The mayors of the two largest cities in the Philippines will discuss the COVID-19 vaccine deployment plans of their cities, in the latest edition of the University of the Philippines’ “Stop COVID Deaths” webinar series, to be livestreamed on March 26, 2021 at 12 nn. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso will answer the webinar title question: “Is My LGU Prepared for COVID-19 Vaccine Roll-out? Part 1”. Their responses will follow the talk of Dr. Mahar Lagmay, the executive director of the UP Resilience Institute, on “the importance of digital data systems to move faster than the virus”. For opening remarks, Myrna Cabotaje, Health Undersecretary and Special Adviser to the National Task Force on COVID-19, will discuss the current national preparedness for the vaccine deployment. Anthony Faraon, Zuellig Family Foundation Deputy Executive Director for Local Health Systems, will be a reactor. Experts’ remarks and synthesis will be provided by UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla and a public health expert and webinar facilitator, Susan Pineda Mercado. The webinar is the 46th in the series of weekly webinars, “Stop COVID Deaths”, produced by UP in partnership with the UP Manila National Institutes of Health-National Telehealth Center and in cooperation with the UP Philippine General Hospital. According to the organizers, many sectors need to coordinate in a whole-of-society approach to the vaccination roll-out involving millions of Filipinos and to keep wastage at a minimum. At the local government unit (LGU)level, this requires micro-planning, coordination for logistics, cold chain management, use of information technology, training of vaccinators, and leadership, they point out. The talks of the two LGU leaders and experts can provide a benchmark of preparedness to the rest of the LGUs of the country, they added. Those who wish to participate in the webinar may register at bit.ly/StopCOVIDDeathsWebinar46 . If registration is already at full capacity, a YouTube Live broadcast will also be available on TVUP at http://tvup.ph and http://www.youtube.com/tvupph. |
https://up.edu.ph/managing-the-covid-19-pandemic-in-the-philippines-a-policy-sourcebook-volume-ii/ | Managing the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Philippines: A Policy Sourcebook Volume II – University of the Philippines | Managing the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Philippines: A Policy Sourcebook Volume II Managing the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Philippines: A Policy Sourcebook Volume II August 4, 2020 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office Confused about the many issuances from your local government about the COVID-19 pandemic? The UP Resilience Institute’s (UPRI) Research and Creative Work team is ready to help with the launch of the second volume of the Managing the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Philippines: A Policy Sourcebook. This policy sourcebook, which is updated monthly, is a way for ordinary Filipinos to stay up-to-date with the national government’s and their local government’s latest policies and measures to defeat the viral pandemic in the country. While Volume I focused on national issuances, Volume II covers local government policies. [Download your free copy of Volume I] Download your free copy of Volume II of the Managing the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Philippines: A Policy Sourcebook |
https://up.edu.ph/everything-you-need-to-know-about-covid-19-and-leptospirosis/ | Everything you need to know about COVID-19 and leptospirosis – University of the Philippines | Everything you need to know about COVID-19 and leptospirosis Everything you need to know about COVID-19 and leptospirosis August 4, 2021 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office The University of the Philippines (UP), in partnership with UP Manila NIH National Telehealth Center, and in cooperation with UP Philippine General Hospital (UP PGH), is inviting you to join the fight against COVID-19. Join us this Friday, August 6, 2021 at 12 noon for another special topic episode of the “Stop COVID Deaths” webinar series. Titled “COVID-19 na, Lepto pa!,” the webinar will revolve around the possible rise of not only COVID-19 cases, but leptospirosis and other seasonal-related diseases as well because of the constant rains and floods. We will take a look at the overall situation in relation to leptospirosis from a report by Department of Health Director, Dr. Enrique Tayag. Meanwhile, Dr. Mahar Lagmay of UP Resilience Institute and UP NOAH Center will focus on climate change challenges the country is currently facing. He will also share a map of areas at risk for continuous flooding in the months ahead. With these two diseases having very similar symptoms, an infectious disease expert, Dr. Rontgene Solante of San Lazaro Hospital, will discuss leptospirosis, its clinical signs and its management as differentiated from COVID-19. Dr. Nina Gloriani, lead in the Vaccine Expert Panel and former Dean of UP College of Public Health, will talk about the public health aspects of leptospirosis, such as how it is transmitted, what precautions are needed, and what we need to do to prevent outbreaks. Last but not least, Dr. Romina Danguilan of the National Kidney Transplant Institute will talk more about severe leptospirosis and its effect on the kidneys. A panel discussion will be rounded up by UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Carmencita Padilla in her closing synthesis. Register here or watch the livestream at TVUP’s official Facebook and YouTube pages. Article by Deina Ida Blancaflor |
https://up.edu.ph/up-campuses-around-the-nation-light-it-up-for-christmas/ | UP campuses around the nation light it up for Christmas – University of the Philippines | UP campuses around the nation light it up for Christmas UP campuses around the nation light it up for Christmas December 20, 2022 | Written by Andre DP Encarnacion This December saw the return of a familiar sight in UP campuses across the nation as crowds gathered—the first time for many since the COVID-19 pandemic began—to celebrate their respective pag-iilaw or lighting ceremonies. From UP’s Baguio to Mindanao campus, officials, performers, and onlookers gathered to switch on the lights and decorations that herald the holiday season. After two long years, the familiar crowds were there to greet the turning on of the lights in UP Diliman’s Oblation Plaza on December 9. Diliman’s pag-iilaw had the theme, Bagong Tahak, Bagong Galak, and celebrated the strength of the UP community and its ability to face and move beyond adversity. The pre-lighting ceremony featured performances by the acapella group Iskollas, UP College of Music Professor of Strings and Chamber Music Solaiman Jamisolamin, and UP student RJ Balledos. The UP Filipinania Dance Group (FDG) performed wasiwas, a Pangasinan dance, as a prelude to the light ceremony. With all other lights turned off, UPD College of Fine Arts faculty member Abdulmari Imao’s art installation, KAThAKATAKA, was finally switched on. Inspired by the ‘miracle plant,’ katakataka, found at the Oblation base, the installation symbolizes resilience and, in Oblation creator and National Artist for Sculpture Guillermo Tolentino’s words, the capacity of deep-rooted patriotism to “grow anywhere in the Philippines.” UPD College of Fine Arts Abdulmari Imao’s art installation, KAThAKATAKA, is inspired by the ‘miracle plant’ growing at Obie’s feet. Photo by Jonathan Madrid (UP MPRO) Colorful cultural presentations serve as a prelude to UPD’s lighting ceremony. Photo by Jonathan Madrid (UP MPRO) UPD Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo addresses the UP Diliman community. Photo by Jonathan Madrid (UP MPRO) According to an article by the UP Diliman Information Office (DIO), the main lantern surrounding the Oblation is shaped like a katakataka leaf, its veins alluding to the branches of the “tree of life” or the arbol de la vida and the luhul, folk art forms originating from Mexico and Tausug tapestry, respectively. Once the installation was lighted, UP Diliman Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo joined Jamisolamin and Balledos in performing National Artist Felipe Padilla de Leon’s Payapang Daigdig with lyrics by Brigido C. Batungbakal. Those present were then treated to a medley of beloved Christmas hits courtesy of Soundscapes Manila. Lights gather at the feet of UP Baguio’s Oblation. Photo from the UP Baguio Facebook page Performances from UPB Gitara and Awit 5 marked UP Baguio’s lighting ceremony. Photo from the UP Baguio Facebook page Up north, UP Baguio held its pag-iilaw earlier on December 2. Marked by performances from UPB Gitara and Awit 5, the lighting ceremony climaxed when streams of white lights cut through the darkness all over the campus, the heart of the spectacle being the lighted base of UP Baguio’s own Oblation statue. Similarly, UP Manila began its Christmas events on December 5 with a lighting ceremony led by UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla. With the theme, Kita-Kita, Sama-Sama, Ang Saya Ng Pasko Sa UP Manila, the lighting saw UP Manila introducing various merry and charitable holiday events for the month, like the Adopt-a-ward project, Misa de Gallo, Christmas jingle/TikTok making contest, and a face-to-face Lantern Parade on December 16. UPM Chancellor Carmencita Padilla addresses the UP Manila and UP-PGH community. Photo from the UP Manila Facebook page UP Manila’s Christmas tree in front of the UP-PGH brings joy to all. Photo from the UP Manila Facebook page UP Visayas officially opened the holiday season through its celebration, Paskua, with a lights ceremony in both its Iloilo and Miagao campuses on December 5 and 6, respectively. With the theme, Pagsaulog sang Kabuhi kag Kadalag-an, Paskua,2022, and also featured a first-ever Christmas concert featuring eight performing acts from the Iloilo area. UPV’s Iloilo campus comes alive with light and song. Photo from the UP Visayas Facebook page UPV Tacloban College’s Oblation shows off his colors. Photo from the UPVTC Facebook page Not to be outdone, UP Los Baños also held its #PaskongUPLB event on December 9. Several Christmas-themed decorations in different locations across the campus were lit up, including the giant UPLB Christmas Tree and the UPLB Belen in Carabao Park. The opening of #PaskongUPLB also coincided with the launching of UPLB’s Christmas Bazaar near the grounds of the Student Union Building. Aside from a Buskers’ Night held on December 10, the Christmas celebration in UPLB also featured several concerts, a Christmas party, and a fireworks display on December 19. Keeping the tradition alive, UPLB Chancellor Jose Camacho, Jr. led the countdown to the simultaneous lighting of Christmas displays on campus. Aside from the traditional Belen at Carabao Park, this year’s decorations included lights and Christmas decor at Pili Drive, Freedom Park, and DL Umali Hall. The event also featured dance and music performances from different student groups and the College of Economics and Management (CEM), last year’s Paskong UPLB TikTok contest winner. Photo from the UPLB Facebook page UP Cebu also kicked off its Christmas celebration with its Pasko sa UP 2022 event on December 16. With the theme, Hudyaka: Madasigong Pasko, Malaumong Pilipino, Kanunay nga Nangandoy sa Nasudnong Pagbag-o, the celebration marked the first time in three years that the UP Cebu community could gather to celebrate the holidays joyfully. It featured a lighting ceremony, a lantern parade, and other thrilling events. UP Mindanao also kicked off its Christmas celebration with Kasadya, and the theme, Pagtambayayong Lig-onon, Kalambuan Ipadayon, on December 7. Like many other campuses, it marked the first time after almost three years of virtual celebrations that the UP Mindanao community could band together and celebrate the holiday season. It featured a pailaw or lighting ceremony, as well as building decorations. That evening was just the first of many other Christmas-themed events in UP Mindanao, with the UP Symphony Orchestra holding its Christmas concert there on December 20 and the lantern parade on December 21. Moonlit UPMin’s Oble amid Christmas trees. Photo from UP Mindanao’s Facebook page UP Mindanao lights UP. Photo from the UP Mindanao Facebook page |
https://up.edu.ph/example-post-2/ | Introduce Yourself (Example Post) – University of the Philippines | Introduce Yourself (Example Post) Introduce Yourself (Example Post) February 16, 2021 | Written by UP System Administrator This is an example post, originally published as part of Blogging University. Enroll in one of our ten programs, and start your blog right. You’re going to publish a post today. Don’t worry about how your blog looks. Don’t worry if you haven’t given it a name yet, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just click the “New Post” button, and tell us why you’re here. Why do this? Because it gives new readers context. What are you about? Why should they read your blog? Because it will help you focus your own ideas about your blog and what you’d like to do with it. The post can be short or long, a personal intro to your life or a bloggy mission statement, a manifesto for the future or a simple outline of your the types of things you hope to publish. To help you get started, here are a few questions: Why are you blogging publicly, rather than keeping a personal journal? What topics do you think you’ll write about? Who would you love to connect with via your blog? If you blog successfully throughout the next year, what would you hope to have accomplished? You’re not locked into any of this; one of the wonderful things about blogs is how they constantly evolve as we learn, grow, and interact with one another — but it’s good to know where and why you started, and articulating your goals may just give you a few other post ideas. Can’t think how to get started? Just write the first thing that pops into your head. Anne Lamott, author of a book on writing we love, says that you need to give yourself permission to write a “crappy first draft”. Anne makes a great point — just start writing, and worry about editing it later. When you’re ready to publish, give your post three to five tags that describe your blog’s focus — writing, photography, fiction, parenting, food, cars, movies, sports, whatever. These tags will help others who care about your topics find you in the Reader. Make sure one of the tags is “zerotohero,” so other new bloggers can find you, too. |
https://up.edu.ph/statement-on-the-hacking-of-the-up-system-twitter-account-upsystem/ | Statement on the Hacking of the UP System Twitter Account (@upsystem) – University of the Philippines | Statement on the Hacking of the UP System Twitter Account (@upsystem) Statement on the Hacking of the UP System Twitter Account (@upsystem) April 26, 2022 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office UPDATE: As of 5:13PM of 26 April 2022, the UP System Twitter account @upsystem, has been retrieved by the UP Media and Public Relations Office, with the assistance of the UP Information Technology Development Center. It has since been posting official content from the University and its units. —– The University of the Philippines Media and Public Relations Office (UP MPRO), which maintains the UP System website (up.edu.ph) and the UP System’s official social media accounts, reports that unknown users took over @upsystem on Twitter at 7:20 PM on 25 April, Monday. Since then, the account has been renamed and has posted content not affiliated with the University. The UP MPRO has been trying to retrieve the @upsystem account as soon as possible. The incident deprives its online constituency on Twitter, of important announcements, news stories, and other online content that the Office publishes on the University’s website and promotes on its social media accounts. In the meantime, the Office calls upon the university community members to keep abreast with the latest announcements, news stories, and online features from UP via the official accounts on other social media platforms. For announcements, news, and features from the UP System, please follow us on: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/upsystem/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-the-philippines/ Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/UniversityofthePhilippines1908 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/UniversityofthePhilippines1908/ Issuu – https://issuu.com/upsystem The UP MPRO assures the public that @upsystem will be recovered and again used in the service of the University community and the Filipino people. #UPFight |
https://up.edu.ph/up-campuses-light-up-for-the-season/ | UP campuses light up for the season – University of the Philippines | UP campuses light up for the season UP campuses light up for the season December 10, 2021 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc Quezon Hall and the Oblation Plaza in UP Diliman are lit up for the season featuring art installations by Toym Imao that symbolize connection, life and hope in this time of pandemic. Photos by Bong Arboleda, UPMPRO. University of the Philippines (UP) campuses marked the beginning of their celebration of the holidays with the traditional pag-iilaw or lighting ceremony, when officials turned on the holiday lanterns and decorations on campus. UP Diliman had its pag-iilaw on December 3, 2021. It is celebrating the holidays with the theme, “Ugnayan at Pagpupugay: Tulay ng Buhay at Pag-asa Ngayong Pandemya”, roughly translated as, connecting and giving praise: bridge for life and hope in this time of pandemic. This is reflected in the art installations of Toym Imao, consisting of the likeness of a blazing star in front of the Quezon Hall columns and “UP” in baybayin at the Oblation all the way to the Quezon Hall bridge; and of “Sambabaylaan” lanterns marking the portals and locations on campus allocated for COVID-19 response, with smaller versions lining up University Avenue and the Academic Oval. Prof. Toym Imao’s installation at the Amphitheater. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UPMPRO. UPD facilities dedicated to COVID-19 response include: the University Health Service; the Philippine Genome Center that has led its network in UP campuses in serving as a national center for whole genome sequencing of viral samples and for bio-informatics; Silungang Molave isolation facility and swabbing center that has sheltered around 700 patients; the Kamia community quarantine facility that has served more than 2,000; and, the College of Human Kinetics Gymnasium where some 16,000 individuals have been vaccinated. Lanterns featuring the image of a babaylan light up the University Avenue. Photos by Bong Arboleda, UPMPRO. The image of a babaylan is prominent in the lanterns. According to Imao, UP has played the role of babaylan during the pandemic. “Ang Unibersidad ay naglaan ng ugnayan para sa paghilom at nagsilbing gabay para sa sambayanan sa gitna ng pandemya” (The University has offered connections for healing and served as guide to the nation during the pandemic), according to the UPD Information Office. This role of the University was cited in the messages of UP President Danilo Concepcion and UPD Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo. The pag-iilaw began with a tribute to the UPD constituents who died during the pandemic. The top UPD officials recited each epitaph as it was flashed on screen and a ritual was performed at an installation in the amphitheater. A pagdidiwata is performed during the lighting ceremony. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UPMPRO. Performances in the ceremony included a pagdidiwata which referenced a babaylan ritual and songs to inspire hope, composed by National Artists Felipe de Leon and Ryan Cayabyab, and by Prof. Chino Toledo and Grace Nono, executed by Cherry Garlan Caballero, Himig Sanghaya, and the College of Music Chamber Ensemble. Watch the livestream of UPLB community’s lighting ceremony to welcome the holiday season. UP Los Baños held its lighting ceremony on December 6, 2021, with the theme, “Paskong UPLB 2021: Salubungin Natin nang may Saya at Pag-asa” (UPLB Christmas 2021: Let us welcome it with happiness and hope). The festive online program featured carols from UPLB Choral Ensemble, Harmonya: The UPLB String Ensemble, Prof. Ronilo Jose Flores, and TikTok “funny little Christmas” productions from 19 units of the campus to launch UPLB’s TikTok account. UP Manila held its kick-off celebration of the holidays with the program, “Kumukutikutitap mga Kulay ng Pasko sa UP Manila”, on December 2, 2021. Personally attended by UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla and Philippine General Hospital Director Gerardo Legazpi at the UP Manila Oblation grounds, the program featured songs rendered by the UP Manila Chorale and Martin Nievera, and greetings from National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab. Watch the livestream of the Kick-off Ceremony: Lighting of UP Manila Colleges, Units and Oblation, with the theme “Kumukutikutitap mga Kulay ng Pasko sa UP Manila!” UP Visayas opened its lights on December 1, 2021 with Christmas celebrations following the theme, “Paghiliusa kag Pagkabalaka sa Paskua” (unity and care during Christmas). The ceremony held at the Iloilo City and Miagao campuses was highlighted by performances from Clyde Xerxes Ortencio of UPV Rhapsody, community singing, dancing, and refreshments. Watch the livestream of UP Visayas’ lighting ceremony for its main campus in Miag-ao and its Iloilo City campus. Photo by the UPV IPO via the UPV website . UP Baguio held its lighting ceremony on December 2, 2021 after a cañao and flagpole unveiling with the UP Vanguard. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the campus under the theme, “Formations, Transformations”. Watch the livestream of UP Baguio’s 60th anniversary celebration dubbed “Formations, Transformations”. |
https://up.edu.ph/up-building-momentum-for-final-four/ | UP building momentum for Final Four – University of the Philippines | UP building momentum for Final Four UP building momentum for Final Four April 27, 2022 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc UPMBT players celebrate a winning shot during the game vs UE.. Photo by the UAAP Media Group. The University of the Philippines (UP) is back on track after the loss to Adamson University, with a back-to-back win over De La Salle University (DLSU) and University of the East (UE), in the second round of the 84th UAAP Senior Men’s Basketball eliminations being held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The victory over its second match with UE on April 26, 2022 gave the UP Fighting Maroons a 10-2 win-loss card, securing for it its solo second seed and its place in the playoffs with a twice-to-beat advantage together with the yet-to-be-beaten Ateneo de Manila University. UPMBT’s Joel Cagulangan going for a layup during the game vs UE. Photo by the UAAP Media Group. Earlier, UP’s 8-game winning streak was dashed by Adamson University, 58-66, on their second match on April 21, 2022, but UP recovered through its second-round victory over Final Four candidate DLSU, 72-69, on April 23, 2022, giving it the momentum to trample for the second time the winless UE, 81-66. After securing an 18-8 advantage over UE upon a dunk by Zavier Lucero in the first quarter, UP never lost a 9-point edge and secured its biggest lead, 81-61, on a shot downtown also by Lucero, a minute and fifty seconds into the final buzzer. UPMBT’s Car Tamayo shooting over DLSU’s defense in their April 23 match. Photo by the UAAP Media Group. “Itong remaining games namin—although alam namin nasa top 2 na kami—we need to work on and continue building momentum towards the Final Four,” UP Men’s Basketball Team coach Goldwin Monteverde said post-game. UP has two more games before the semifinals, one on April 28, 2022 against the University of Santo Tomas, which it subdued in the first round, 98-82; and the last one on May 1, 2022, against ADMU, to which UP lost in the first round, 81-90. The scores: UP vs DLSU — Tamayo 23, Diouf 15, Rivero 11, Lucero 9, Fortea 8, Cagulangan 4, Spencer 2 = 72. UP vs UE — Lucero 20, Rivero 17, Cansino 8, Tamayo 7, Eusebio 7, Diouf 6, Abadiano 6, Cagulangan 4, Fortea 4, Spencer 2 = 81. Reporting and photos by the UAAP Media Group. |
https://up.edu.ph/up-to-have-its-channel-on-satellite-tv/ | UP to have its channel on satellite TV – University of the Philippines | UP to have its channel on satellite TV UP to have its channel on satellite TV June 24, 2022 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc TVUP and Cignal TV, Inc. partner to deliver quality educational TV programming through a UP digital channel. UP President Danilo Concepcion (2nd from left) and UP Vice President for Development Elvira Zamora (extreme left) sign on behalf of UP. Cignal TV, Inc., on the other hand, is represented by its President and CEO Robert Galang (middle), VP and Head of Industry Relations and Regulatory Affairs Erwin Galang (2nd from right), and Chief Finance Officer John Andal (extreme right). Photo by Misael Bacani (UP MPRO). UP President Concepcion describes the creation of a UP digital channel as a “perfect opportunity to nurture lifelong learning in our people.” Photo by Misael Bacani (UP MPRO). The University of the Philippines (UP) will have its channel on Cignal TV, where it can air hundreds of its video productions 24/7. UP President Danilo Concepcion, Cignal TV President and CEO Robert Galang, and Cignal TV Chief Finance Officer John Andal signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) on June 23, 2022, at the new TVUP headquarters in the Student Union Building of UP Diliman. Cignal TV will make the UP channel available to more than four million homes via its satellite direct-to-home service. The channel will include TVUP productions, consisting thus far of 591 episodes of programs such as The Platform; Science Innovations; NOAH Updates; Maikling Pelikula; Kultura, Sining, Atbp.; DRRM; the Documentaries: The Filipino series; Kalusugan at Karapatan; Batas at Bayan; Gender Talks; Financial Sense; Health Issues; UP Talks; CHE FN1; and Gulayan sa Tahanan. According to TVUP, the offerings have been a resource for students and teachers for remote and blended learning. “Our friends from Cignal TV recognize the value of our work and our goal to extend our services to as many as possible, whether these are students looking to enrich their lessons or ordinary citizens who wish to gain more knowledge and develop skills,” Concepcion said after the signing. “What we have now is the perfect opportunity to nurture lifelong learning in our people, ” he added. Media Quest Holdings President and CEO Jane Basas, a UP BSBAA alumna, reiterates Cignal TV’s responsibility to enable every customer to be better informed and educated. Photo by Misael Bacani (UP MPRO). “The launch of the digital TVUP channel presents an opportunity to give back not once but every day for the next 365 days and beyond to the entire Filipino community who happens to be carrying a Cignal service,” says Media Quest Holdings, Inc. President and CEO.Jane Basas. “We also have a responsibility to enable every single customer to become better informed and better educated so they can give back to the country as more discerning and responsible individuals,” she added. Cignal TV President and CEO Robert Galang touts the ability of satellite TV to reach the most remote parts of the country, which allows Cignal TV to expand its offerings and introduce distance learners to a new way of experiencing remote learning. Photo by Misael Bacani (UP MPRO). “If you want to be able to reach the most remote parts of the country, only a satellite TV provider can do that,” Galang pointed out. “This partnership allows us to expand our offerings to our more than 4.1 million subscribers and introduce distance learners to a new way of experiencing remote learning,” he added. TVUP Executive Director Grace Alfonso introduced the directors of new TVUP operations as it expands into digital TV. TVUP Executive Director Grace Alfonso talks about the exponential growth of TVUP in service of its mandate to create and deliver open education resources. Photo by Misael Bacani (UP MPRO). “Since its inception in 2016, we witnessed the exponential growth of TVUP in service of its mandate: to create and deliver open education resources that are freely shared for everyone; nationally, serving our students and teachers; and internationally, to reach our learners in other countries.” However, Alfonso adds, delivery had been limited to those with internet service.” Concepcion recalled the history of UP campuses in broadcasting, citing the establishment of DZUP and DZLB in the 1960s and DYUP in Iloilo in the 1980s. The first was a laboratory radio station for Mass Communication students, and the other two stations served farmers with educational programs. He said the UP Open University was the UP pioneer in television, producing a local television magazine program in Los Baños, Laguna, featuring research and science and technology issues. He said UP would have established a television station because of the need to disseminate UP expertise were it not for lack of available frequency. Concepcion said UP instead applied for digital TV channels. UP Vice President for Development Elvira Zamora and Erwin Galang Cignal, TV VP and Head of Industry Relations and Regulatory Affairs signed the MOA as witnesses. Also present at the signing ceremony were UP Diliman Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo, UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla, UP Los Baños Chancellor Jose Camacho, and Philippine General Hospital Director Gerardo Legaspi. UP and Cignal TV officials celebrate the signing of the MOA. Standing, from left to right: UP Vice President for Administration Nestor Yunque, Media Quest Holdings President and CEO Jane Basas, Atty. Gaby Concepcion, TVUP Executive Director Grace Alfonso, UP Vice President for Academic Affairs Ma. Cynthia Rose Bautista, UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla, UP Los Baños Chancellor Jose Camacho, UP Diliman Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Louise Jashil Sonido, UP Diliman Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo, and UP-PGH Director Gerardo Legaspi. Photo by Misael Bacani (UP MPRO). |
https://up.edu.ph/example-post/ | Introduce Yourself (Example Post) – University of the Philippines | Introduce Yourself (Example Post) Introduce Yourself (Example Post) February 16, 2021 | Written by UP System Administrator This is an example post, originally published as part of Blogging University. Enroll in one of our ten programs, and start your blog right. You’re going to publish a post today. Don’t worry about how your blog looks. Don’t worry if you haven’t given it a name yet, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just click the “New Post” button, and tell us why you’re here. Why do this? Because it gives new readers context. What are you about? Why should they read your blog? Because it will help you focus your own ideas about your blog and what you’d like to do with it. The post can be short or long, a personal intro to your life or a bloggy mission statement, a manifesto for the future or a simple outline of your the types of things you hope to publish. To help you get started, here are a few questions: Why are you blogging publicly, rather than keeping a personal journal? What topics do you think you’ll write about? Who would you love to connect with via your blog? If you blog successfully throughout the next year, what would you hope to have accomplished? You’re not locked into any of this; one of the wonderful things about blogs is how they constantly evolve as we learn, grow, and interact with one another — but it’s good to know where and why you started, and articulating your goals may just give you a few other post ideas. Can’t think how to get started? Just write the first thing that pops into your head. Anne Lamott, author of a book on writing we love, says that you need to give yourself permission to write a “crappy first draft”. Anne makes a great point — just start writing, and worry about editing it later. When you’re ready to publish, give your post three to five tags that describe your blog’s focus — writing, photography, fiction, parenting, food, cars, movies, sports, whatever. These tags will help others who care about your topics find you in the Reader. Make sure one of the tags is “zerotohero,” so other new bloggers can find you, too. |
https://up.edu.ph/up-faces-a-p22-295b-budget-cut-for-fy-2023/ | UP faces a P22.295B budget cut for FY 2023 – University of the Philippines | UP faces a P22.295B budget cut for FY 2023 UP faces a P22.295B budget cut for FY 2023 August 31, 2022 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta The University of the Philippines (UP), which includes the UP Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), is facing a potential budget cut of P22.295 billion, or nearly half of its proposed budget for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. The national government allotted a total budget of P21.854B instead of the P44.149B the University originally proposed. The total of P21.854B is net of the Retirement and Life Insurance Premium (RLIP) in the amount of P1.253B. Most of the reductions in the UP budget were made in the allotment for capital outlay (CO) and equipment outlay (EO), impacting many of the University’s infrastructure projects for the next year. Under the National Expenditure Program (NEP) 2023 submitted by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on August 22 to Congress, UP is provided a total budget that is a little less than half of what it needs, broken down as follows: Personnel Services (PS) P 14,226,520,000 Maintenance and Other Operating Exp (MOOE) 7,602,067,000 Capital Outlay (CO) / Equipment Outlay (EO) 25,000,000 TOTAL P 21,853,587,000 DBM’s NEP 2023 contrasts the total budget proposal presented by the University to the Regional Development Council – National Capital Region (RDC-NCR) Social Development Committee on February 15, 2022, which the RDC-NCR strongly endorsed. UP’s proposed budget is broken down as follows: Personnel Services (PS) P 19,527,596,000 Maintenance and Other Operating Exp (MOOE) 9,788,449,000 Capital Outlay (CO) / Equipment Outlay (EO) 14,833,195,000 TOTAL P 44,149,240,000 Under UP’s proposed budget, the UP-PGH would account for P1.959B out of P44.149B. Moreover, a big part of the budget UP requested under PS includes requests for additional items for faculty, REPS (research, extension, and professional staff) and administrative positions, retirement gratuity and terminal leave benefits, lump-sum for casual/contractual honoraria and allowances, and provisions under the Magna Carta for Public Health Workers. Under the proposed MOOE would fall funds to cover janitorial, security, and utility expenses, as well as for maintenance of the new buildings. As presented by the UP Office of the Vice President for Planning and Finance (OVPPF), a comparison of UP’s budget proposal with the provision for the University in the NEP 2023 shows that a budget requirement of P22.296B, or 51% of what UP proposed, was not provided in the NEP. The breakdown of this comparative analysis by expense class is as follows: This total budget for UP for FY 2023 is lower than the University’s P24.392B budget (net of RLIP of P1.208B) under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for FY 2022. In the submitted budget proposal, UP presented a list of over 80 capital outlay projects and 30 equipment outlay projects across the UP System. Of this list, only five UP projects and programs are ultimately included in the NEP 2023, as follows: According to DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, the President’s Proposed Budget for the Fiscal Year 2023 is “a proactive budget felt by the people with education, infrastructure, health, agriculture, and social safety nets as priorities.” During the DBM’s presentation of the proposed NEP 2023 to Congress, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez urged the President and DBM to restore the P3.3B cut from UP’s proposed budget. UP-PGH would lose P893M. DBM Undersecretary Goddes Hope Libiran responded in a press statement, however, that in reviewing and evaluating UP’s proposed budget, the DBM considered the University’s “absorptive capacity, which is 66 percent as of end-2021.” Absorptive capacity is the ability of agencies to utilize resources made available to them. It must be noted that the budget utilization rate of UP for 2021 is 84%, higher than the “absorptive capacity” reported by DBM. Libran also said that UP’s budget in the 2022 GAA included infrastructure projects and the purchase of hospital equipment, which were non-recurring expenditures. She assured the public that the education sector would still have one of the highest budgetary allocations under this administration as mandated by the Constitution. |
https://up.edu.ph/example-post-3/ | Introduce Yourself (Example Post) – University of the Philippines | Introduce Yourself (Example Post) Introduce Yourself (Example Post) February 16, 2021 | Written by UP System Administrator This is an example post, originally published as part of Blogging University. Enroll in one of our ten programs, and start your blog right. You’re going to publish a post today. Don’t worry about how your blog looks. Don’t worry if you haven’t given it a name yet, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just click the “New Post” button, and tell us why you’re here. Why do this? Because it gives new readers context. What are you about? Why should they read your blog? Because it will help you focus your own ideas about your blog and what you’d like to do with it. The post can be short or long, a personal intro to your life or a bloggy mission statement, a manifesto for the future or a simple outline of your the types of things you hope to publish. To help you get started, here are a few questions: Why are you blogging publicly, rather than keeping a personal journal? What topics do you think you’ll write about? Who would you love to connect with via your blog? If you blog successfully throughout the next year, what would you hope to have accomplished? You’re not locked into any of this; one of the wonderful things about blogs is how they constantly evolve as we learn, grow, and interact with one another — but it’s good to know where and why you started, and articulating your goals may just give you a few other post ideas. Can’t think how to get started? Just write the first thing that pops into your head. Anne Lamott, author of a book on writing we love, says that you need to give yourself permission to write a “crappy first draft”. Anne makes a great point — just start writing, and worry about editing it later. When you’re ready to publish, give your post three to five tags that describe your blog’s focus — writing, photography, fiction, parenting, food, cars, movies, sports, whatever. These tags will help others who care about your topics find you in the Reader. Make sure one of the tags is “zerotohero,” so other new bloggers can find you, too. |
https://up.edu.ph/51st-commencement-exercises-guest-of-honor-and-speaker-to-see-msu-tcto-campus-and-tawi-tawi-for-the-first-time/ | 51st Commencement Exercises Guest of Honor and Speaker to see MSU-TCTO campus and Tawi-Tawi for the first time – University of the Philippines | 51st Commencement Exercises Guest of Honor and Speaker to see MSU-TCTO campus and Tawi-Tawi for the first time 51st Commencement Exercises Guest of Honor and Speaker to see MSU-TCTO campus and Tawi-Tawi for the first time August 4, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Atty. Angelo Azura Jimenez, 22nd President of the University of the Philippines, arrived today at the Mindanao State University – Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography. He was escorted from the Sanga-Sanga airport to the campus and was welcomed by the University officials. The Institute previously announced the 22nd President of the country’s premier national university will be sharing his Commencement Address on August 2, 2023, 3:00 pm at the Henry V. Kong Gymnasium. Atty. Jimenez has never set foot at Tawi-Tawi before, making this occasion his first visit. Tawi-Tawi is located at the southernmost tip of the Philippines, often referred to as being closer to Malaysia than the rest of the Philippine archipelago. Tawi-Tawi belongs to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and is considered to be the heart of the Sulu Archipelago.The province has a land area of 3,626.55 square kilometers or 1,400.22 square miles, with a population of 440,276 as determined in the 2020 Census. Moreover, Tawi-Tawi has 11 municipalities with 203 barangays. BARMM, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi evoke menacing security concerns of terrorist activities, illegal immigration, and even the typical kidnap-for-ransom group (KFRG) having ties with the infamous Abu Sayyaf group. Moreover, the logistical challenges of remote travel and the perceived lack of tourist facilities and organized tours deter tourists from flocking the region. Tourists have yet to discover the vibrant culture, geographical wonders, and the most splendid beach resorts the island has to offer. However, those who brave this off-beaten path will be treated to Tawi-Tawi’s vibrant culture, geographical wonders, gastronomic delights, and the most stunning beaches, in their rawest beauty, untouched by commercialization and overcrowding. Atty. Jimenez’s firsthand taste of Tawi-Tawian hospitality began the moment he arrived at the Sanga-Sanga airport and will continue throughout his stay. Bihing Tahik Resort in Barangay Pahut will be his sanctuary in Sanga-Sanga. Bihing Tahik means seaside in the Sinama dialect. The resort is well-renowned for its velvety, white sand, pristine, aquamarine waters, the freshest sea breeze, and the most picturesque sunrises and sunsets that could rival the country’s premier resorts. The most delectable part of this trip will be the cornucopia of cuisines Atty. Jimenez will partake in as he will be treated to gastronomic delights unique to the history and daily lives of the Tawi-Tawians. Tawi-Tawi’s waters are abundant with rich marine life. The most prized seafood are mostly exported to other places and are marketed for higher prices. But in here, Atty. Jimenez has vast choices from agar-agar and other types of seaweed, crabs, high-end fish, squid, and even high-grade lobsters, sea centipede (alupihang dagat), and octopus. Due to its strategic location, the diverse flavors of Tawi-Tawi evoke a blend of culinary cultures in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the dominant Muslim cuisines of the Philippines. A blend of spices, native chilies, coconut milk, and hearty broths from seafood dominate the food scene in the region. As Atty. Jimenez dines on rich flavors, we not only look forward to his first morning at Bihing Tahik, we also anticipate his message as he inspires the new generation of young professionals who are destined to shape the region. For the future of Tawi-Tawi is in the hands of the new graduates. One day, we wish to see more tourists confidently considering Tawi-Tawi as a major beach and resort destination that would lead the Philippines hospitality industry, apart from the usual choices such as Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, and Bohol. If Tawi-Tawi could leave an indelible mark on the heart and mind of UP’s 22nd President, immeasurable experiences definitely await future local and international visitors to the region. UP President Angelo Azura Jimenez was the 51st Commencement Exercises Guest of Honor and Speaker of the Mindanao State University-Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography. President Jimenez delivered his Commencement Address on August 2, 2023, at 3:00 pm at the MSU-TCTO’s Henry V. Kong Gymnasium. |
https://up.edu.ph/upaa-awards-exemplary-alumni-for-2022/ | UPAA awards exemplary alumni for 2022 – University of the Philippines | UPAA awards exemplary alumni for 2022 UPAA awards exemplary alumni for 2022 November 23, 2022 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The Distinguished Alumni Awardees for 2022 are honored by the UP Alumni Association. Photo by Misael Bacani (UP MPRO) UPAA President and UP Alumni Regent Reynaldo Laserna addressed the UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awardees and their families. Photo by Misael Bacani (UP MPRO) The University of the Philippines (UP), through the UP Alumni Association (UPAA), honored this year’s Distinguished Alumni Awardees on November 11 at the Luciano E. Salazar Hall, Ang Bahay ng Alumni in UP Diliman, Quezon City. The Distinguished Alumni Awardees present during the ceremonies were headed by Albay Representative Edcel C. Lagman (AB, 1962 cum laude; Bachelor of Laws, 1966), who was named the UPAA Most Distinguished Alumnus for 2022. The roster of awardees includes eminent scientists and academics; leaders in business, finance, and entrepreneurship; healthcare and law practitioners; public servants and diplomats; and lifelong socio-civic advocates, among others. The event also paid tribute to Ms. Daisy Magalit-Rodriguez (Graduate in Nursing, 1965; BS in Nursing, 1969; Master of Nursing, 1971), the UPAA Distinguished Service Awardee for an Alumna, and a past president of the UPAA in America. She passed away on October 24. She was represented in the awarding ceremony by her nephew Pedro N. Magalit. “Critical thinking is the hallmark of UP.” Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Lagman said: “Recognition is not sought; it is deservedly bestowed. We do not work to be recognized but must ensure our work is meritorious.” “I am certain all of the awardees excelled in their chosen fields not to be cited, but to give back to and honor UP for giving us quality education and imparting in us the fidelity to patriotism and passion for freedom,” Lagman said. Rep. Edcel Lagman, UPAA Most Distinguished Alumnus for 2022, urges his fellow Distinguished Alumni Awardees to “give back to and honor UP for giving us quality education and imparting in us the fidelity to patriotism and passion for freedom.” Photo by Misael Bacani (UP MPRO) “Much of my enduring advocacies and steadfast commitments were honed here in UP. My UP education taught me the option to conform but, more instructively, the right to reasonably differ. Indeed, critical thinking is the hallmark of UP,” emphasized Lagman. He connected this to his decades-long political career as an Opposition member and a fiscalizer. The distinguished lawmaker further explained, “The right to dissent is integral to a free society and is at the heart of democracy. It encompasses our individual and collective rights to freedom of expression, association, assembly, and nation-building participation. Dissent encourages debate. It is vital in making informed decisions on issues of public concern.” Lagman ascertained, “Verily, dissent can prevail.” He added, “The freedom of expression is abused today by the proliferation of excessive misinformation, which malevolently manipulates public opinion and even electoral will. Consequently, let us all be sentinels of truth and verities against the purveyors of lies and false news. It is also incumbent on UP to start extensively teaching—if it has not yet started—media or news literacy so that our youth can readily discern truth from falsehood.” “Finally, on behalf of the awardees, I call on all Filipinos to courageously fight for and enjoy the freedom and exercise the right of expression and dissent, fearless of prior restraint or subsequent reprisal,” concluded Lagman. The UPAA awardees for 2022 include: UPAA Multigenerational UP Alumni Family Awards: Three Generations: Agustin Family, Alentajan Family, Reyes Family, Rojas-Aleta Family, Rola-Bustrillos Family, Tejano Family, and Yap-Rodriguez Family. Four Generations: Barzaga Family, Beleno-Guia Family, Clemente Family, Consunji Family, and Fandialan-Dalmacio Family. UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards: Banking and Corporate Social Responsibility Ms. Isabelita Manalastas-Watanabe (BS in Business Economics, 1974) Culture and the Arts Visual Arts Professor Abdulmari D.L. Imao, Jr. (BS in Architecture, 1994) Architectural Heritage Conservation Dr. Gerard A. Lico (BS in Architecture, 1997; MA, 2000; Ph.D., 2006) Music and Dance Research and Performance Dr. Flora Elena Rivera-Mirano (AB, 1971 cum laude; MA, 1976; PhD, 1991) Entrepreneurship and Employment Creation Dr. Edgardo L. Arcinue (Associate in Arts, 1961; Doctor of Medicine, 1966) Dr. Lucenia Adrias-Arcinue (Doctor of Medicine, 1966) Mr. Joaquin M. Teotico (BS in Business Economics, 1976) Good Governance in Public Service Mr. Arthur Luis P. Florentin (BS in Statistics, 1977; Diploma in Industrial Relations, 1987; Master of Industrial Relations, 1988) Rep. Edcel Lagman (standing) with his fellow 2022 UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awardees. Photo by Misael Bacani (UP MPRO) Nursing Education Dr. Remedios Lapidez-Fernandez (BS in Nursing, 1967; Master of Nursing, 1976; Ph.D., 2003) Nursing Practice and Advocacy Dr. Nerissa Mendoza-Gerial (Master of Hospital Administration, 2000) Poverty Alleviation and Human Development Dr. Anabella Bautista-Tulin (MS, 1987) Public Health Promotion (Medicine) Dr. Eva Marie Ester Clemente-Ortile (BS in Biology, 1990 cum laude; Doctor of Medicine, 1996) Dr. Malaya Pimentel-Santos (BS in Basic Medical Sciences, 1994; Doctor of Medicine, 1996) Dr. Beaver R. Tamesis (BS, 1979 cum laude; Doctor of Medicine, 1984) Public Health Promotion (Pharmacy) Dr. Imelda G. Peña (BS in Industrial Pharmacy, 1984; MS in Industrial Pharmacy, 1994; Ph.D., 2007) Public Service Atty. Francis Pancratius N. Pangilinan (AB, 1988; Bachelor of Laws, 1993) Dr. Lorelei Regilme-Vinluan (AB, 1992 cum laude; Master of Education, 1996) Public Service and Community Development Dr. Marie Frances Magno-Advani (BSBA, 1972 magna cum laude; Master of Public Administration, 1974) Public Service for Empowerment of Indigenous People Ms. Victoria Lucia Tauli-Corpuz (Graduate in Nursing, 1976) Public Service and Good Governance for Development Promotion (National Export Promotion and Development) Mr. Senen M. Perlada (BS in Business Economics, 1978) Science and Technology (Agriculture-Plant Breeding and Stress Tolerance) Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio (BS in Agriculture, 1986; MS, 1991; Ph.D., 1997) Science and Technology (Environment-Waste Water Management and Sanitation) Dr. Francis L. de los Reyes III (BS in Agriculture Engineering, 1990 magna cum laude) Science and Technology (Geology) Dr. Carlo A. Arcilla (BS in Geology, 1981 cum laude) Science and Technology (Medicine-Cardiovascular Epidemiology) Dr. MacArthur A. Elayda (Doctor of Medicine, 1972) Science and Technology (Medicine-Reconstructive Microsurgery) Dr. Emmanuel P. Estrella (BS, 1991; Doctor of Medicine, 1996; MS, 2015) Science and Technology (Molecular Medicine-Translational Cancer Research) Dr. Benigno C. Valdez (BS in Sugar Technology, 1979 cum laude) UPAA Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Awards: Professor Rigoberto C. Advincula (BS in Chemistry, 1987) Atty. Leovillo C. Agustin (Associate in Arts, 1958; Bachelor of Laws, 1962) Mr. Leopoldo M. Clemente, Jr. (BS in Business Administration, 1959) Dr. Jose O. Juliano (ROTC, 1952; BS in Agriculture, 1952 magna cum laude Dr. Ceferino P. Maala (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, 1971) Professor Josefino J. Toledo (Bachelor of Music, 1979) UPAA Distinguished Service Awardee for an Alumni Chapter: UP International Nursing and Healthcare Forum UP officials and guests toast the 2022 UPAA Distinguished Awardees during the November 9 dinner in their honor hosted by UP President Danilo Concepcion. Photo by Misael Bacani (UP MPRO) UP officials host dinner for awardees UP President Concepcion leads the toast for the 2022 UPAA Distinguished Awardees. Photo by Misael Bacani (UP MPRO) On November 9, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion hosted a dinner honoring the UPAA Awardees at the Ang Bahay ng Alumni. In his message, Concepcion said the awardees “exemplify the true meaning of UP’s principles of honor and excellence.” He praised this year’s awardees, and also those of the past two years, for their bravery, for “the courage to stand up for what is right, no matter the circumstances, no matter the opposition,” and for “unshakable commitment to your values, no matter the obstacles you face, be it a global crisis such as a pandemic or climate change, political or economic turmoil, or pervasive social injustice.” Concepcion said the UP alumni “exemplify to our communities, our publics, and the world at large what it means to be Iskolar ng Bayan, what it means to bear the Tatak UP.” In his message on behalf of the awardees, Rep. Lagman said, “UP has taught us to be free citizens in a free country or a country that must be free.” He emphasized that “the right of expression does not recognize any patronage” and that “all the honorees, all of us exercise our right of expression, even dissent, in our various endeavors and expertise.” Concepcion was joined by Alumni Regent and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna, Vice President for Public Affairs Elena E. Pernia, Vice President for Administration Nestor G. Yunque, Chancellor Jose V. Camacho Jr. of UP Los Banos, Chancellor Clement C. Camposano of UP Visayas, Chancellor Corazon L. Abansi of UP Baguio, and other University officials. The awardees were serenaded by the UP Rondalla that evening. Prof. Jose Wendell P. Capili, Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs, served as master of ceremonies. Capili called on each of the awardees to be recognized on stage, followed by Lagman’s and Concepcion’s messages, the ceremonial toast, and the singing of the “UP Naming Mahal” to cap the event. Rep. Lagman (3rd from left) stands with UP President Concepcion (2nd from left), UPAA President and UP Alumni Regent Laserna (3rd from right) and UP Vice President for Public Affairs Elena Pernia (extreme left), and Rep. Lagman’s family members. Photo by Misael Bacani (UP MPRO) Reports from Jo. Florendo Lontoc and Fred Dabu, MPRO. |
https://up.edu.ph/memorandum-no-ovpaa-2020-38-on-suspension-of-classes-in-all-up-constituent-universities/# | Memorandum No. OVPAA 2020-38 & 39 on Suspension of Classes in All UP Constituent Universities (except Open University) and Lifting of Deadline for Dropping and Filing of Leave of Absence for Second Semester AY 2019-2020 and Addendum – University of the Philippines | Memorandum No. OVPAA 2020-38 & 39 on Suspension of Classes in All UP Constituent Universities (except Open University) and Lifting of Deadline for Dropping and Filing of Leave of Absence for Second Semester AY 2019-2020 and Addendum Memorandum No. OVPAA 2020-38 & 39 on Suspension of Classes in All UP Constituent Universities (except Open University) and Lifting of Deadline for Dropping and Filing of Leave of Absence for Second Semester AY 2019-2020 and Addendum March 17, 2020 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office Download the full memorandum in PDF format here and the addendum here. |
https://up.edu.ph/salaries-of-up-lecturers-teaching-assistants-and-fellows-to-be-released-early/# | Salaries of UP lecturers, teaching assistants and fellows to be released early – University of the Philippines | Salaries of UP lecturers, teaching assistants and fellows to be released early Salaries of UP lecturers, teaching assistants and fellows to be released early March 20, 2020 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc In light of the lockdown of Luzon and provinces in other regions, the UP System administration, through Memorandum No. OVPAA 2020-40 dated March 20, 2020, instructed the constituent universities (CUs) to process the early release of salaries due to lecturers and to teaching assistants (TAs) and fellows (TFs) up to April 15, 2020. Lecturers who are paid at the end of the semester will receive half of the amount, even without the required certifications, which can be submitted after April 15, 2020. TAs and TFs, whose salaries are half paid for by the UP System and half by the CU, will receive their salaries even if the UP System contribution has not yet been downloaded to the CU, in which case the CU will be reimbursed after April 15, 2020. Download copy of the memo here. |
https://up.edu.ph/memorandum-from-ovpaa-academic-contingency-plan-in-light-of-covid-19/# | Memorandum from OVPAA: Academic Contingency Plan in Light of COVID-19 – University of the Philippines | Memorandum from OVPAA: Academic Contingency Plan in Light of COVID-19 Memorandum from OVPAA: Academic Contingency Plan in Light of COVID-19 March 10, 2020 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office In order for the University of the Philippines to continue educating its students in the face of possible class suspensions following the confirmed local transmission of COVID-19, UP is rolling out a contingency plan consisting of blended learning and the use of online materials and platforms to alternate with and augment traditional classroom learning. All classes across all UP campuses will be disseminating learning materials, giving and submitting assignments, and engaging in interactive online exchanges between students and faculty through a variety of virtual learning platforms, while the UP Open University has offered its Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and Quick Guides to Online Learning for UP faculty members to use immediately. Please read the attached memorandum and be guided accordingly. |
https://up.edu.ph/up-pgh-is-designated-as-covid-19-referral-hospital-for-ncr/# | UP-PGH is designated as COVID-19 referral hospital for NCR – University of the Philippines | UP-PGH is designated as COVID-19 referral hospital for NCR UP-PGH is designated as COVID-19 referral hospital for NCR March 20, 2020 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta UP-Philippine General Hospital, a unit under UP Manila. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO. The University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) has been designated by the Department of Health (DOH) as one of its COVID-19 referral hospitals for the National Capital Region (NCR) in line with UP’s mandate as a public service university. UP-PGH is tasked with admitting COVID-19 patients within its cluster. This is according to a letter sent by DOH Secretary Francisco Duque to UP officials on March 19, 2020. Aside from UP-PGH, two other hospitals have been designated COVID-19 referral hospitals for NCR: the Dr. Jose M. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and the Lung Center of the Philippines. UP-PGH, a unit under UP Manila, is considered the biggest modern government tertiary hospital in the Philippines with the expertise and equipment to treat COVID-19 patients. Servicing more than 600,000 patients annually, UP-PGH remains the only national referral center for tertiary care, providing direct and quality patient services to thousands of indigent Filipinos all over the country. The UP-PGH is also one of the hospitals involved in the field validation of the GenAmplify Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) rRT-PCR Detection Kit developed by scientists at the UPM National Institutes of Health and the UP-based Philippine Genome Center. In a measure to deal with the public health emergency brought about by COVID-19, the DOH has designated at least one hospital per geographic cluster that would take in COVID-19 patients. Specialty and Level 3 hospitals were considered possible candidates for COVID-19 referral hospitals. The DOH has committed to providing full support for the UP-PGH and other designated referral hospitals. As of March 19, 2020, the DOH has reported 217 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Related: UP-PGH preparing to operate as COVID-19 referral center |
https://up.edu.ph/protocols-carried-out-as-2-up-faculty-members-undergo-test-for-covid-19/# | Protocols carried out as 2 UP faculty members undergo test for COVID-19 – University of the Philippines | Protocols carried out as 2 UP faculty members undergo test for COVID-19 Protocols carried out as 2 UP faculty members undergo test for COVID-19 March 11, 2020 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc The University of the Philippines is strictly carrying out protocols following a recent case of two faculty members being declared patients under investigation (PUIs) for COVID-19 or the novel coronavirus disease. University officials coordinating with the UP Diliman Health Service (UPHS), a primary hospital on campus, have confirmed on March 10, 2020, that two faculty members had submitted themselves for possible COVID-19 infection after attending an academic conference in Japan. UPHS declared the two as PUIs after showing fever and respiratory symptoms. UPHS Director Jesusa Catabui has assured the community that protocols were followed in isolating the patients and disinfecting the premises and the ambulance used to carry them to a referral hospital. Following a general protocol the UP System promptly prepared after the first reports of the disease breaking out of Wuhan, China and which it released early February 2020, UP administrators instructed all constituents who “have come into close contact with a confirmed case, or have been exposed to potential infection during travels, to seek consultation with the University Health Service on campus, or at the nearest health facility, and undergo a health assessment before resuming their daily routine.” Under the same protocol, the UPHS and the Quezon City Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (CESU) coordinated the monitoring of the persons with whom the PUIs had been in close contact. Contact tracing resulted in a list of persons for monitoring (PUMs), a term which means they did not manifest any symptoms of the disease. The PUMs are currently under monitored home quarantine. Buildings that have been visited by the PUIs are now being disinfected. On Monday night, March 9, 2020, the UP Diliman administration, led by Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo, suspended classes and limited work to a skeletal force on campus until Saturday, March 14, 2020. It met with experts from the UPHS and the UP Manila-Philippine General Hospital to come up with specific protocols on travel, events and academic programs, which it released on March 10, 2020, to the UP Diliman community. Summarizing the guidelines, Nemenzo announced that: “1) Official travel, whether local or international, will be prohibited indefinitely. . . . All members of the community returning from travel overseas will be required to self-quarantine for fourteen days; “2) All big events on campus will be called off, until further notice; “3) We are moving towards online platforms in place of conventional classroom delivery. The Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, in coordination with the Deans, will soon be communicating the instructions to all faculty and students; “4) We remind the community that the most effective way of containing the spread of COVID-19 is social distancing, proper hygiene and behavioral etiquette.” Nemenzo also formed a COVID-19 Task Force, which can be contacted at uhs.updiliman@up.edu.ph (with “COVID-19” as subject), 0947-427-9281 (mobile) or 8981-8500 local 2709, to answer questions and receive relevant information. — Contact person: Elena E. Pernia, PhD Vice President for Public Affairs University of the Philippines +63 2 8981 8500 local 2507 |
https://up.edu.ph/in-memoriam-former-up-asian-center-dean-aileen-sp-baviera/# | In Memoriam: Former UP Asian Center Dean Aileen SP Baviera – University of the Philippines | In Memoriam: Former UP Asian Center Dean Aileen SP Baviera In Memoriam: Former UP Asian Center Dean Aileen SP Baviera March 21, 2020 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta Photo from Dr. Baviera’s Facebook page Dr. Aileen San Pablo-Baviera, UP political science professor, former Dean of the UP Asian Center, and one of the country’s foremost experts in international relations and Asian and China studies, passed away at 3:55 a.m. on March 21, 2020, at San Lazaro Hospital. She was 60 years old. The cause of her death was severe pneumonia caused by COVID-19, which she contracted during a recent trip to France, according to an announcement made by her daughter, Mayi Baviera, on Facebook. Dr. Aileen SP Baviera was a well-known resource person and media consultant specializing in contemporary China studies, China-Southeast Asia relations, Asia-Pacific security, territorial and maritime disputes, and regional integration. She was also among the country’s experts on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea who were convened to discuss how to defend the West Philippine Sea against the incursions of China. Aside from teaching and serving as Dean of the UP Asian Center from 2003 to 2009, she was editor-in-chief of the international journal Asian Politics & Policy. She was also a lecturer at the Foreign Service Institute, National Defense College of the Philippines; President and CEO of the Asia Pacific Pathways to Progress Foundation, Inc.; member of the Board of Trustees of Economic, Social, Cultural Rights-Asia; Director of the Philippine Association for Chinese Studies; and former convenor of the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies’ Asia Pacific program. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Foreign Service, her master’s degree in Asian Studies (China), and her doctorate degree in political science all from UP. In UP, she taught courses on the politics, governance, and social and economic development of China; international relations of Southeast Asia; security issues in Asia; regionalism and community building in East Asia; and Philippine foreign relations. She was editor of the book Regional Security in East Asia: Challenges to Cooperation and Community Building (2008), published by the UP Asian Center, and has contributed numerous articles and chapters in books. She has lectured and held visiting fellowships at various academic and research institutions in Australia, China, Japan, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and the United States. Dr. Baviera is survived by her children and relatives. |
https://up.edu.ph/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-advice-for-the-up-community/# | Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the UP Community – University of the Philippines | Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the UP Community Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the UP Community February 10, 2020 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Advice for the UP Community as of 14 February 2020 On December 31, 2019, an outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus or novel coronavirus disease, previously called 2019-nCoV, was first reported from Wuhan, China, and has since spread across the globe. Coronaviruses belong to a large family of viruses found in both animals and humans. Some of these viruses cause illnesses that include both the common cold and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). With over 20,000 cases reported across 24 countries, including the Philippines, it is important to know what we must do to prevent an infection. For us in the UP community, the University has a set of protocols if we or someone we know contract what the World Health Organization has named the COVID-19 acute respiratory disease. Positive for exposure If you have traveled to China, Macau, Hong Kong or other areas with confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection, or if you have had close contact (within one meter) with a confirmed case of COVID-19 infection, you should stay at home and monitor yourself for symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath, for 14 days from the date of arrival or exposure. While current data show that people who have symptoms contribute most to the spread of the disease, it may also be possible that people infected with COVID-19 may be infectious before they even show any symptoms. If you have come into close contact with a confirmed case, or you have been exposed to potential infection during your travels, please seek consultation with the University Health Service on campus, or at the nearest health facility, and undergo a health assessment before resuming your daily routine. At this point, you will be considered a Person Under Monitoring (PUM), and you will be advised to go on self-quarantine for 14 days. Here are some home quarantine instructions for PUMs: Stay at home except when getting medical care. Separate yourself from the other people in your home. Avoid sharing household items. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water and sanitize with alcohol. Cover your cough and sneezes with tissue. Wear a face mask with the colored side facing outward. Monitor your symptoms. Call ahead before visiting your doctor. Positive for symptoms If you have been exposed to COVID-19 through your travels or through close contact with a confirmed case, and you are showing respiratory symptoms, here is what you should do: Seek consultation with your University Health Service on campus or go to the nearest health facility. Once there, you will be asked to fill out a form that will include questions about your travel history and/or if you have come into contact with a confirmed case. Make sure you wear your face mask properly and call ahead. You will be brought to a holding area where the physician on duty will more closely investigate the timing of your symptoms. At this point, you will be designated as Patient Under Investigation (PUI). The physician will inform the City Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (CESU) or the Municipal Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (MESU), and will continue to coordinate with the CESU/MESU in monitoring your condition, which will include admitting you to specialized hospitals with the capacity to treat the disease. Preventive measures When it comes to good health, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. For the members of the UP community who have not recently traveled to China, Macau, Hong Kong or come into close contact with a confirmed case, follow these infectious respiratory disease-prevention rules from the Department of Health and World Health Organization: OBSERVE PROPER HAND HYGIENE. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds (or two rounds of “Happy Birthday”), and, if available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. REMEMBER THAT YOUR FACE IS SACRED. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Your hands may have touched contaminated surfaces, and you can transfer germs from the surface to yourself. RESPECT PERSONAL SPACE. Avoid crowded places and maintain at least a one-meter or three-foot distance between yourself and other people, particularly those who are coughing, sneezing and have a fever. PRACTICE GOOD COUGH ETIQUETTE. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and properly and immediately dispose of the tissue. Wash your hands properly afterward. (Refer to Item No. 1.) You may be asked to wear a face mask to protect others. WEAR THE FACE MASK PROPERLY. Wear the face mask with the colored side facing outward, fully covering the nose, mouth, and chin. Never touch the mask with your hands. Remove the mask by holding only the strings. Properly dispose of the mask. Wear a face mask only when necessary, such as if you are immunocompromised or have a cough and cold. AVOID EATING RAW OR IMPROPERLY COOKED ANIMAL PRODUCTS, as COVID-19 is also animal-transmitted. WASH YOUR HANDS WITH SOAP AND WATER AFTER CONTACT WITH PETS. Although there is no evidence yet that pets can be infected with COVID-19, this will help prevent the spread of other germs such as E. coli and Salmonella. Also, wash your hands with soap and water after visiting an animal market or wet market, and avoid unprotected contact with wild or farm animals. WASH YOUR HANDS AFTER HANDLING THINGS SUCH AS DOOR KNOBS AND TABLE TOPS. Although coronaviruses do not survive long on objects such as letters and packages, they have been detected on places like door knobs, table tops or other surfaces. KEEP YOUR GADGETS AND PERSONAL ITEMS CLEAN. Disinfect your mobile phones, tablets, laptops, bags, eyeglasses, etc. regularly. GET YOUR INFORMATION ONLY FROM THE PROPER AUTHORITIES to prevent the spread of fake news and disinformation. Proper health authorities include your University Health Service on campus, the Department of Health and its city and regional offices, and the WHO. BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM by eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and exercise, and drinking plenty of water. A strong immune system will be better able to fight off COVID-19, as well as other diseases. Know who to ask To prevent the spread of misinformation and undue alarm, it is important that we get our information only from the proper authorities. For questions and concerns, please contact the Public Health Unit of the University Health Service on campus or in the health facility near you. For UP Diliman, call (02) 8981-8500 local 2709, 2701, or visit the UP Diliman Public Health Unit’s Facebook page. For UP Manila, call (02) 8554 8400 local 2076 and 2077; or (02) 8523 5350 For UP Baguio, call (074) 442 0363. For UP Los Baños and the UP Open University, call (049) 536 6238. For UP Cebu, call (032) 232 2642 local 305. For UP Mindanao, call (082) 293 0863 local 9051. For UP Visayas’ Miag-ao campus, call (033) 315 8301; for its Iloilo campus, call (033) 337 8594. For daily updates and information about COVID-19, please visit the DOH website and the WHO website. Infographics version of infographics References ABS-CBN News. (2020, January 31). Coronaviruses on Made-in-China goods, door knobs? DOH chief distinguishes fact from fiction | ANC [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seLvkqH4Euw Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020 February 2). About 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020 February 2). Frequently Asked Questions and Answers. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html Department of Health. (2020, February 3). FAQS on novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Updates on Wuhan coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-NCOV ARD). Retrieved from https://www.doh.gov.ph/2019-nCov/FAQs Department of Health. (2020, February 3). Infographics. Updates on Wuhan coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-NCOV ARD). Retrieved from https://www.doh.gov.ph/2019-nCov/infographics Department of Health. (2020, February 3). Updates on Wuhan coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-NCOV ARD). Retrieved from https://www.doh.gov.ph/2019-nCov Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases 2019 Novel Coronavirus (nCoV) Taskforce. (2020, January 31). Algorithm for triage of patients with suspected 2019-nCoV infection. UP Health Service, UP Diliman. (2020, January 31). Memo for all UP Diliman Community Members on the subject of the 2019-nCoV update. World Health Organization. (2020 February 2). Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 World Health Organization. (2020 February 2). Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) advice for the public. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public World Health Organization. (2020 February 2). Q&A on coronaviruses. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses World Health Organization. (2020 February 3). Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) situation as of 3 February 2020, 16:00 (CET). Retrieved from http://who.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/c88e37cfc43b4ed3baf977d77e4a0667 *Featured image courtesy of UP MPRO photo archive |
https://up.edu.ph/isang-pagsaludo-sa-mga-intern-ng-philippine-general-hospital/# | Isang Pagsaludo sa mga Intern ng Philippine General Hospital – University of the Philippines | Isang Pagsaludo sa mga Intern ng Philippine General Hospital Isang Pagsaludo sa mga Intern ng Philippine General Hospital March 17, 2020 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office Last March 14, 2020, the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges gave out a directive to pull-out medical interns out of all NCR hospitals. However, over 100 interns at the Philippine General Hospital volunteered to go back on-duty to help the patients and the remaining health care workers in the hospital. The PGH Administration has since welcomed these reinforcements with assurances of PPE, food, lodging, and standby medical care for all of them. The University salutes the hard work and bayanihan spirit among the frontliners, health workers, and medical professionals in the country’s battle against COVID-19. Mabuhay po kayo! *Featured image courtesy of Manila Bulletin |
https://up.edu.ph/up-officials-discuss-the-establishment-of-up-pgh-bayanihan-operations-center/# | UP officials discuss the establishment of UP PGH Bayanihan Operations Center – University of the Philippines | UP officials discuss the establishment of UP PGH Bayanihan Operations Center UP officials discuss the establishment of UP PGH Bayanihan Operations Center March 18, 2020 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office From left, UP President Danilo Concepcion, UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla, and UP Philippine General Hospital Director Gerardo Legaspi discuss the establishment of a formal system and structure to facilitate the University’s reception of support for its frontline workers. While UP has the financial capability to readily procure personal protective equipment for its health and medical personnel, the challenge has been on the supply end. “Necessity is the mother of invention,” the idiom goes and there is certainly no better time like the present for ingenuity. Dealing with supply shortage and delays in regular government procurement of PPEs, UP’s health workers need to get creative. Here, Dr. Gerardo Legaspi dons a makeshift face shield made of ordinary office supplies such as acetate, cardboard, and staples or tape. |
https://up.edu.ph/message-from-up-president-danilo-l-concepcion-on-academic-matters/# | Message from UP President Danilo L. Concepcion on academic matters – University of the Philippines | Message from UP President Danilo L. Concepcion on academic matters Message from UP President Danilo L. Concepcion on academic matters March 20, 2020 | Written by Danilo L. Concepcion Message from UP President Danilo L. Concepcion on academic matters March 20, 2020 Dear members of the UP community: As you all know, our national government has placed all of Luzon under enhanced community quarantine. Regions south of Luzon are also undergoing similar safety measures within their localities. All of these is part of our government’s effort to contain the spread of the COVID-19 disease. In light of these developments, the UP System has suspended all classes, both residential and online, as well as alternative learning activities, across all constituent units until April 14, 2020, with the UP Open University as the only exception. A new schedule for online classes will be announced in an upcoming Memorandum. Moreover, the deadline for dropping and filing leave of absence for the second semester of AY 2019-2020 has been lifted. New deadlines will likewise be announced soon. We are continually assessing the situation throughout the UP System, including factors such as students’ access to the Internet and digital technology and the time needed for faculty to shift their curricula to online and alternative modes of delivery. In the meantime, we exhort our faculty to continue exploring the different avenues for blended learning, and to be as creative and resourceful as possible so as to give all students equal access to the lessons and learning materials, and an equal chance to interact with the class and submit requirements, regardless of Internet access. The use of UP’s learning management system such as Zoom, which can now be accessed by all UP faculty and REPS at up-edu.zoom.us, is highly encouraged to aid faculty in transitioning to online and blended learning. Please refer to the email sent out by the UP System ITDC for more information and support. The UPOU also provides webinars on how to migrate to online teaching formats. While the March 23 deadline for the submission of revised syllabi is lifted, we must all continue to learn, to adapt, and to help one another by sharing our ideas and insights. The situation at the local and national levels remain in a state of flux. We need to be nimble and flexible in responding to the shifting conditions under which our academic systems are operating. We in the administration remain on the highest alert, and we are constantly strategizing ways to facilitate learning, manage academic requirements, and maximize our academic resources in this time of COVID-19. Above all, we continue to prioritize the health and wellbeing of all members of the UP community. This is an extraordinarily challenging time and it demands much of us. But UP has survived wars, natural disasters, civil and political turmoil, and martial law, and it has done so with brilliance, courage, an unshakable sense of unity, and a bayanihan spirit. UP will do so again. Naglilingkod, Danilo L. Concepcion COVID-19 UPdates: Information and Resources |
https://up.edu.ph/message-from-up-president-danilo-l-concepcion-ups-response-to-covid-19/# | Message from UP President Danilo L. Concepcion: UP’s response to COVID-19 – University of the Philippines | Message from UP President Danilo L. Concepcion: UP’s response to COVID-19 Message from UP President Danilo L. Concepcion: UP’s response to COVID-19 March 11, 2020 | Written by President Danilo L. Concepcion Message from UP President Danilo L. Concepcion UP’s response to COVID-19 11 March 2020 Dear members of our UP community and fellow Filipinos, As the national university, the University of the Philippines is mandated to take the lead in the nation’s quest for true, equitable and sustainable development by harnessing the expertise of its academic and scientific community to address the nation’s most pressing problems, one of which is the COVID-19 outbreak. The University can only fulfill this mandate through the active cooperation of and partnership with other national and local government agencies and the private sector. In this light, we in UP welcome the Certification of Exemption by the Food and Drug Administration for the SARS CoV-2 PCR detection kit developed by UP Philippine Genome Center Deputy Director Dr. Raul Destura and other scientists and researchers from the UP Manila National Institutes of Health and the PGC. This SARS CoV-2 detection kit was developed with funding from the Department of Science and Technology through the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development. It is currently being manufactured and stockpiled by Manila HealthTek, Inc. The GenAmplify™ COVID-19 rRT-PCR Detection Kit, as it is called, will be used for field testing coupled with gene sequencing at the PGC. Using the local GenAmplify™ will cost only around Php1,320 per test, in contrast to the foreign kit which costs around Php8,500 per test. Around 200 GenAmplify™ kits can be produced in a week, and enough kits are in stock now for around 6,000 tests, with more orders for around 20,000 tests already expected. This SARS CoV-2 detection kit developed by UP scientists will greatly help in the early detection and effective treatment of COVID-19. The FDA’s issuance of a Certificate of Exemption for the kit will ensure that this locally produced technology will be made available to a greater number of Filipinos at much less cost. With the increased availability of testing, we can expect that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 will likely grow in our country and perhaps in our university community. This might become a source of anxiety and concern, even fear. However, we assure you that the UP administration is taking immediate and appropriate action in response to this outbreak, with the guidance of our experts from the PGC, PGH and UP Manila. To respond to the possible increase in the number of patients infected through local transmission, the PGH has protocols in place, which include: 1. Setting up hospital response to assure readiness and safety of health staff triage, diagnose, manage patients suspected and confirmed to have the COVID-19, including the creation of an Incident Command System or COVID Task Force. 2. Training front-liners and paramedical staff to address technical proficiency and emotional/occupational concerns related to COVID-19. 3. Disseminating information and communicating risk about COVID-19 to the members of the UP community and the public. 4. Preparing the public for COVID-19 through public education. I strongly exhort all the members of our university community and the public to please study and practice the good habits and measures to prevent infection, as described in our previous health advisory. For members of the UP community who have a travel history to countries with confirmed cases and are exhibiting respiratory symptoms, please seek consultation with your University Health Service on campus or go to the nearest health facility. We must all work together to keep our campuses and our communities safe, not just for ourselves but for all members of our University. Ultimately, the development of the nation and the protection of health and wellbeing of its people are the purpose of the University of the Philippines. UP stands at the ready to serve the Filipino people with honor, excellence and compassion. Sincerely, Danilo L. Concepcion President Related: Protocols carried out as 2 UP faculty members undergo test for COVID-19 |
https://up.edu.ph/message-from-up-president-danilo-l-concepcion/# | Message from UP President Danilo L. Concepcion – University of the Philippines | Message from UP President Danilo L. Concepcion Message from UP President Danilo L. Concepcion March 20, 2020 | Written by Danilo L. Concepcion March 20, 2020 Dear members of the UP community: I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to you all for your amazing response to this crisis—a global situation the likes of which we have not seen in our lifetimes. We have been forced to suspend classes, work and all other campus activities, and to stay inside our homes and practice social distancing, all to contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and to keep our healthcare system from being dangerously overwhelmed. For some of us, the effects of these measures on our finances, work, and social lives, and on our mental and physical health, have been devastating. Yet, I have seen UP rise magnificently to the challenge. Every constituent unit, every sector, and every member of the UP community has demonstrated and continues to demonstrate incredible courage, resourcefulness, intelligence, selflessness, and compassion. Our scientists have used their knowledge to help their fellow Filipinos. Our medical and health practitioners, including our interns, are serving heroically at the frontlines of this war. Our faculty are exploring new ways and alternative platforms to fulfill their mission to teach, no matter the circumstances. Our skeleton staff are working to keep our University running and to protect our communities. Our administrative officials have been tirelessly steering the University through rough waters. And our students, alumni and campus residents are doing their part by using their training to build sanitation tents for public use, or by donating food and supplies to fellow members of the UP community in need, or by campaigning for support for our doctors, nurses and health centers, or by simply doing what they can to educate, to ease people’s burdens, and uplift their spirits. You are all an inspiration to us. Ang iskolar ng bayan ay tunay na maaasahan. I cannot say for certain how the future will be shaped by this global crisis. However, I can assure you that we will keep moving forward as one UP community. We will continue to harness the expertise of the country’s premier community of scholars to make thoughtful and informed decisions. We will continue to communicate with you and disseminate information as often as possible. We will support your efforts to help yourselves, your families and your communities. Together, we will emerge stronger, better, and more united than ever. We must and will remain in touch with one another. To facilitate this and to make sure that we disseminate and receive only official and verified information at a time when misleading and even dangerous rumors abound, we are opening a dedicated webpage at https://www.up.edu.ph/index.php/covid-19-updates/ for the UP community. I urge you to bookmark and to follow that page for future announcements and updates, and stay safe. Once again, I thank all the individuals and teams who are toiling bravely through this uncertain time. Thank you for showing the world what honor and excellence in the service of the Filipino people truly mean. Maraming salamat po. Naglilingkod, Danilo L. Concepcion COVID-19 UPdates: Information and Resources |
https://up.edu.ph/philippine-transparency-seal/vision-and-mission/# | Vision and Mission – University of the Philippines | Vision and Mission Our Vision for UP A great university, taking a leadership role in the development of a globally competitive Philippines. Driven by: Academic excellence and operational excellence; Strong research and creative capability, supported by an expanded graduate program and geared to addressing the country’s problems; Excellent faculty and staff working in an environment conducive to outstanding performance and high productivity; The best and brightest students from across the country prepared for successful careers and responsive citizenship; Strong support from the alumni and other stakeholders; High visibility and effective public service; Modernized physical facilities and technological infrastructure for teaching, research and administration; and Financial sustainability achieved by resource generation and administrative efficiency, while preserving its public character. For more information on the the Vision and Mission of the University, please click here. |
https://up.edu.ph/philippine-transparency-seal/mandate-and-functions/# | Mandate and Functions – University of the Philippines | Mandate and Functions Section 3 of the UP Charter of 2008 (Republic Act 9500) states that: As the national university, a public and secular institution of higher learning, and a community of scholars dedicated to the search for truth and knowledge as well as the development of future leaders, the University of the Philippines shall perform its unique and distinctive leadership in higher education and development. The University shall: Lead in setting academic standards and initiating innovations in teaching, research, and faculty development in philosophy, the arts and humanities, the social sciences, engineering, natural sciences, mathematics, and technology; and maintain centers of excellence in these disciplines and professions. Serve as a graduate university by providing advanced studies and specialization for scholars, scientists, writers, artists, and professionals especially those who serve on the faculty of state and private colleges and universities. Serve as a research university in various fields of expertise and specialization by conducting basic and applied research, promoting research and development, and contributing to the dissemination and application of knowledge. Lead as a public service university by providing various forms of community, public and volunteer service, as well as scholarly and technical assistance to the government, the private sector, and civil society while maintaining its standards of excellence. Protect and promote the professional and economic rights and welfare of its academic and non-academic personnel. Provide opportunities for training and learning in leadership, responsible citizenship, and the development of democratic values, institutions, and practice through academic and non-academic programs, including sports and enhancement of nationalism and national identity. Serve as a regional and global university in cooperation with international and scientific unions, networks of universities, scholarly and professional associations in the Asia Pacific Region and around the world. Provide democratic governance based on collegiality, representation, accountability, transparency, and active participation of its constituents; and promote the holding of fora for students, faculty, research, extension and professional staff (REPS), administrative staff, and alumni to discuss non-academic issues affecting the University. For a full text of the UP Charter, please click here. |
https://up.edu.ph/student-academic-information-systemcomputer-registration-system/ | Student Academic Information System/Computer Registration System – University of the Philippines | Student Academic Information System/Computer Registration System The University of the Philippines uses the Computerized Registration System (CRS) and the Student Academic Information System (SAIS). Each constituent university has its own system which allows students to check if the courses they plan to take for the semester are available. UP Diliman uses the CRS. To access the system, please click here. UP Los Baños, UP Manila, UP Open University, UP Baguio and UP Cebu use the SAIS. To log-on the system, please click here. UP Visayas also uses a CRS system similar to UP Diliman. To log-in, please click here. UP Mindanao has a Student Records System, which is similar to the UP Diliman CRS. To access the system, please click here. Other sections which you might be interested in: Socialized Tuition System Academic Calendars |
https://up.edu.ph/socialized-tuition-system/ | Socialized Tuition System – University of the Philippines | Socialized Tuition System What is STS? In the University of the Philippines (UP), all students receive financial support from the National Government since the full tuition is much lower than the cost of education in the University. Given that students in UP come from all walks of life, there are those who may not be able to afford paying the full tuition. So UP created the Socialized Tuition System (STS) which provides tuition discount at rates that are based on the assessment of the paying capacity of the household to which a student belongs. This assessment looks at the income as well as the socio-economic characteristics of the household. The current STS was approved by the UP Board of Regents on 13 December 2013. Who can apply? To qualify for tuition discounts from STS, the student must: 1. Be a Filipino; 2. Be a bonafide undergraduate student. Except for students of Law and Medicine, the applicant must not have a bachelor’s degree. For new students, the applicant must have an admission slip; 3. Never have been adjudged guilty of any offense that carries a penalty of more than 30 days suspension; and 4. Be in need of financial assistance as determined by the University Application Process 1. Visit https://sts.up.edu.ph/ and log in using your Student Number and 5-digit PIN. 2. Indicate your intent to apply and your consent to the terms and conditions of STS. 3. Complete your Student Profile with information about yourself and your parents/guardian and siblings. 4. Answer the Household Characteristics questionnaire. 5. Accomplish the Household Income form. 6. Review all entries before proceeding to submission. You cannot view or change your answers after you submit your application. 7. Proceed to submission. You and your parents/guardian need to indicate consent to the terms and conditions of the application. 8. Confirm submission of your STS application. Results will be released according to the posted schedule. You may view the results by logging into https://sts.up.edu.ph/ using your account. Check out the Announcements tab for any updates during the application period. Terms and Conditions before applying for tuition discount The University reserves the right to determine whether the student deserves financial assistance, and the amount and form of assistance. The STS Office, in co ordination with the Offices of Student Affairs (OSAs) and the Office of Scholarship and Student Services (OSSS), will organize a fact-finding team to check information submitted by the applicants. STS privileges may be withdrawn when a student withholds or gives false information, without prejudice to other penalties that may be imposed by the University. All information supplied in the application will be kept secure and confidential. All information may be used by the University for research, with the assurance that personal details of the applicant will be kept secure. Other sections which you might be interested in: Academic Programs offered by the constituent universities How to get to UP Diliman Campus Maps |
https://up.edu.ph/campus-maps/# | Campus Maps – University of the Philippines | Campus Maps For maps of the constituent universities, please click on the images below. |
https://up.edu.ph/academic-calendar/# | Academic Calendar – University of the Philippines | Academic Calendar Pace yourself accordingly. Know when the midterm and final exam periods are or check the enlistment period for the succeeding terms. Click on the links below to view or download the academic calendar of your constituent university. Diliman Los Baños Manila Visayas Open University Mindanao Baguio Cebu Other sections which you might be interested in: Socialized Tuition System Student Academic Information System/Computer Registration System How to get to UP Diliman Campus Maps |
https://up.edu.ph/the-burden-of-being-a-national-university/ | The Burden of Being a National University – University of the Philippines | The Burden of Being a National University The Burden of Being a National University May 28, 2019 | Written by Randolf S. David Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO. Raising the quality of public discourse Universities like UP are uniquely positioned to intervene in the ongoing public discussion of issues and problems. This is a terrain that tends to be dominated by politicians, social activists, church people, mass media commentators, and opinion writers. Each one of these players represents a perspective, a way of framing, speaking or understanding, a given topic. When the media turn to a professor for his or her views on a topic, however, they do not expect just any type of opinion but a specialist’s opinion that is informed by the disciplines in which he/she operates. There will be times when we may have no basis to give an expert opinion, but an interviewer may nonetheless press us to speak as a sociologist, economist, linguist, biologist, geologist, or physicist. Under such circumstances, if the statements we give do not proceed from what we know as specialists, then it behooves us to make clear that we are speaking as lay citizens rather than as scholars. To pretend otherwise—i.e., to lend the authority of our institutional or disciplinal affiliation to the plain opinions we hold as members of a society is to risk undermining the authority of our disciplines, and indeed, of the university we represent. Certainly, the problem that our people face with regard to information cannot be underestimated. The exponential growth in the capacity of the mass media to bring a broad range of issues into the realm of public discourse has not been matched by an increase in the high-mindedness of public discussions. This is a social need that the university, especially one that calls itself the national university, must attempt to systematically address. It should not be difficult for us, with commensurate support and encouragement from the university administration, to form working groups on a variety of public issues. Our interventions need not be couched in the language of advocacy—it is enough that they offer conceptual clarity, critique, and concrete proposals for finding solutions to problems. Such think pieces need not always be based on new research either; they could be syntheses of existing studies and data, new interpretations that can bring out the blind spots of current analysis. The mandate we have earned for ourselves as a subsystem of society is not so much for us to take sides in the conflict of partisan interests as to be arbiters of what constitutes knowledge in our time, of what is true and what is false, and of what can be claimed as a rational idea or course of action. But we are not precluded from drawing conclusions that are politically consequential. It is important, however, that as we perform this task, we need to remind ourselves that political strife, even if we cannot entirely shield ourselves from it, is not the business of the university. Knowledge is. Reason is. No less important than writing these is getting them into the circuit of public discourse—by way of symposia, press conferences, media interviews, television appearances, and articles in the popular media. We could aspire to do this until we reach a point when, as far as the public is concerned, no issue is considered closed until UP has spoken. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO Forming our students as the future leaders of the nation We love to say that every UP graduate is more than just a college degree holder. He/she is, above all, a leader with a clear sense of purpose, a profound awareness of the basic problems of the country and of the world, and a passionate commitment to the national good. I still believe that, in general, this is true, although that is no reason to place upon the shoulders of UP graduates the entire weight of the Filipino nation’s past and future. Our students come to us as young adults already equipped with basic ideas of right and wrong. The values of their families and of the communities in which they are raised are already impressed on their character when they enter UP. But the public forgets that we do not run a monastery or a total institution that regulates every aspect of a student’s existence. And so, during the period they are with us, our students remain open to a variety of other influences—the mass media, their families, their churches, their political organizations, their friends, and what they see in the larger society outside. Still, we make sure our students pick up some important values while they are with us, notably those associated with the General Education Program: love of country, social justice, solidarity, the need to think for oneself, rational argument, critical inquiry, thirst for knowledge, etc. Among the things we teach our students is precisely that they must learn to differentiate—e.g., that what is good for their family is not always good for the country, that what is profitable is not always legal, that what is legal may not always be moral, etc. I have always believed, in this regard, that the so-called moral crisis gripping our country today is not due to Filipinos’ lack of any moral sense, or a weakness in their values. Much of what we call corruption stems precisely from a failure to differentiate the multiple dimensions of human activity. Whether we like it or not, our graduates, more than the graduates of any other tertiary school in the country, are today called upon to lead the nation through these difficult times—to inspire our people by their example, to personify the heroic ideals of public service, and to commit themselves to the unfinished task of building the nation. To me, this is the biggest burden that being the national university of our country has placed upon us. It is a reminder that we don’t just train professionals, we produce the nation’s leaders—Filipinos who, on top of what they must learn as professionals, are especially educated to become familiar with the nation’s history, to identify with its aspirations, to take on its manifold problems as their personal responsibility, to integrate commitment to the public good in everything they do, and most of all, to chart the nation’s future. Prof. Randolf S. David is a professor emeritus of sociology at UP Diliman. He currently writes a weekly newspaper column for the Philippine Daily Inquirer and is a member of the board of advisers of the ABS-CBN Corporation. Exerpts from the original article published in the UP Forum July-August 2009 issue Get your FREE copy of the UP Forum magazine now. Please send an email to upforum@up.edu.ph or visit the UP Media and Public Relations Office at Room 6B, Fonacier Hall, Magsaysay Avenue, UP Diliman, Quezon City. |
https://up.edu.ph/up-forum-roundtable-discussion-what-do-you-think-is-the-legacy-of-the-up-forum/ | UP Forum Roundtable Discussion: What do you think is the legacy of the UP Forum? – University of the Philippines | UP Forum Roundtable Discussion: What do you think is the legacy of the UP Forum? UP Forum Roundtable Discussion: What do you think is the legacy of the UP Forum? May 28, 2019 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office Dr. Jose Y. Dalisay Jr. Vice President for Public Affairs UP System (2003-2005, 2017-2019) The UP Forum was created to serve as a venue for University-focused and University-related think pieces. Appearing quarterly, it’s different from a newsletter or a research journal; it was meant to talk about issues important to the University community—not just the faculty or administration, but also the students, the staff, and even the campus residents and alumni. I had the unique privilege of serving as UP Forum’s editor twice, on the two occasions that I was appointed Vice President for Public Affairs between 2003 and 2005 and between 2017 and 2019. Being a writer and a journalist myself, I felt personally invested in the UP Forum (as in our other media) and sought ways of broadening its appeal while deepening its coverage. The first time, I had it reformatted into something a bit more formal but devoted to the hot topics or issues of the hour, such as “Financing the University,” which I felt was needed at a time when very few UP people—including administrators—understood what it took to keep the University afloat. I also introduced the UP Forum Roundtable—and I acknowledge the slight redundancy in the title—to bring in more personal viewpoints and responses from all the University’s eight CUs. This second time around, I again supported the reformatting of the Forum into a color magazine in a handier size, with better pictures, and shorter, more engaging pieces on less ponderous but no less interesting topics as our campus greens and architecture, UP in the movies, cherished UP traditions, and music in UP life. The Roundtable remains, although I’d like to see more divergent and provocative opinions, less safe answers, and as always, a truly broad representation of UP sectors and campuses. Our many academic journals provide a record of UP’s contributions to intellectual life, but the UP Forum’s legacy for me will be that of providing space for the things that mean something to us not just as scholars but as people in a community—a very special community with a very special mission. Professor Emeritus Teresita Gimenez Maceda Director UP System Information Office (1999-2001) I conceptualized the UP Forum with President Francisco Nemenzo. We were in agreement with the idea of an official system-wide newspaper that would not only be a channel to communicate administration programs and policies but would be also be a venue for a vibrant and free exchange of ideas of members of the UP community across UP constituent units. The tagline “Popular na Pahayag ng Malayang Komunidad” expressed the philosophy behind the newspaper. Using the format of a broadsheet, the UP Forum gave space to different voices within the UP community—administration. faculty, research staff, UP employees—on varied academic issues as well as national concerns that affect the community. It had a front-page regular column by the UP President, a section for news coming from the different constituent units, an opinion page with an editorial and monthly columns by faculty from different disciplines and persuasions, a section that featured innovative research and achievement of the UP faculty and research staff, essays contributed by faculty, staff and administrative personnel, a forum on contending views on UP and national issues. Our first issue in November 1999 with a front-page story and photos of the sorry state of disrepair of urinals in the men’s room of Palma Hall may have shocked readers, but it certainly made clear to all that President Nemenzo was serious in prioritizing the repair of rest rooms to make life better for UP students. Now and then, the UP Forum came out with special issues such as the detailing of the budget process from proposal to Congress approval in order to stir interest and involve the UP community in the process itself; a presentation of the proposed Revitalized General Education Program together with a background on the history of the GE and the varied views on the RGEP. Reminiscing the early years of the UP Forum is to acknowledge the research-based news gathering capability, informed writing, creativity and tireless effort of the staff of the UP System Information Office in making the broadsheet a popular venue for untrammeled discourse. Dr. Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo Vice President for Public Affairs UP System (2005-2010) I cannot talk about the paper’s “legacy,” since I was no longer able to follow it after I retired as a full-time UP faculty member. In fact, I considered requesting the office of the VP for Public Affairs that Professors Emeriti be given a kind of lifetime subscription. But I never got around to it. What I can do is describe what we wanted it to be during my term as its Editor in Chief. Our idea was to devote each UP Forum issue to just one theme, e.g., the World Financial Crisis of 2008, the Philippine Population Problem, Health Care for the Future, The State of Higher Education, The Undervaluing of Sports in UP, the State of the Arts in the Philippines, etc. There would be one lead article written by the University’s leading expert in the field. There would be a round table discussion, featuring members of different sectors in UP (faculty, administrators, students, alumni). There would be related feature articles, sometimes an interview story, and, when possible a book review. The idea was to ensure that the issue was explored as thoroughly as possible, given the time and space constraints, by people who enjoyed the respect of the community, as scholars and/or practitioners in the field. We deliberately did not include an editorial section or a column section, so that the paper would not run the risk of being suspected of representing a single point of view, least of all that of the UP Administration. I felt that this was one way of encouraging our colleagues to engage with important national issues, since the general public looks to UP, as the national university, for badly needed intellectual leadership. Get your FREE copy of the UP Forum magazine now. Please send an email to upforum@up.edu.ph or visit the UP Media and Public Relations Office at Room 6B, Fonacier Hall, Magsaysay Avenue, UP Diliman, Quezon City. |
https://up.edu.ph/off-the-press-the-up-forum-april-june-2019-vol-20-no-2-issue-is-now-online/ | OFF THE PRESS: The UP Forum April-June 2019 Vol. 20 No. 2 issue is now online – University of the Philippines | OFF THE PRESS: The UP Forum April-June 2019 Vol. 20 No. 2 issue is now online OFF THE PRESS: The UP Forum April-June 2019 Vol. 20 No. 2 issue is now online July 23, 2019 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office The concept of data privacy may sound esoteric, but it affects much of our lives today, from the way we work, conduct business, and communicate with one another online. This goes especially for those of us in the academe. In this issue, the UP Forum delves into the intricacies of data privacy and Republic Act 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012, and what these mean for the UP Community and for ordinary individuals. Get your FREE copy of the UP Forum magazine now. Please send an email to upforum@up.edu.ph or visit the UP Media and Public Relations Office at Room 6B, Fonacier Hall, Magsaysay Avenue, UP Diliman, Quezon City. You may access the digital copy here. |
https://up.edu.ph/how-to-get-to-up-diliman/# | How to get to UP Diliman – University of the Philippines | How to get to UP Diliman Via C-5/Katipunan Avenue a. For those with private vehicles: From the South, take C-5 and go straight ahead. After crossing Kalayaan Avenue, Makati, take the bridge past the elevated the u-turn. Go further ahead and take the flyover that crosses Ortigas Avenue. This flyover is just past Tiendesitas, which is on the left side. Go straight ahead. Take the Libis flyover and then take the tunnel, which is on the left side. You are now along Katipunan Avenue. Drive along and take the Katipunan flyover. Upon getting off the flyover, you will see the Ateneo de Manila University to your right. Go straight ahead and turn left at the traffic light, which is just past Miriam College, the La Vista gate, and Petron. You are now along CP Garcia Avenue. Drive along the avenue and turn right at the end. You are now along the University Avenue. Straight ahead is a checkpoint where you can ask for directions to the specific building you wish to go to. b. For commuters: Except for taxis, there is no other public transport that will take you to UP Diliman via C-5. If you are taking a cab, use the route for private vehicles described above. If you are coming from Marcos Highway or Aurora Boulevard, whether by jeep or fx, get off at Katipunan Avenue. You will see the jeepney terminal under the Katipunan flyover. Ride the jeep that goes inside the UP campus. Be sure to ask which ones enter the campus as there are jeeps that will only drop you off at the Magsaysay Gate because they are not allowed inside UP. If you are coming from areas served by the LRT-2, take the train and get off at the Katipunan Station. Walk to the corner of Katipunan Avenue and Aurora Boulevard. You will pass St. Bridget School. You will see the jeepney terminal under the Katipunan flyover. Ride the jeep that goes inside the UP campus. Be sure to ask which ones enter the campus as there are jeeps that will only drop you off at the Magsaysay Gate because they are not allowed inside UP. Via Philcoa a. For those with private vehicles: If you are coming from the South (Makati, Mandaluyong, San Juan, etc.) via EDSA, turn right at East Avenue. Go straight and turn right at the end. You are now along the Elliptical Road. It goes around the Quezon City Memorial Circle. There are street signs along the Elliptical Road. Turn right at Commonwealth Avenue. The entrance to the campus is just beyond the commercial complex to your right. The entrance also bears a University of the Philippines marker. Straight ahead is a checkpoint where you can ask for directions to the specific building you wish to go to. If you are coming from the North (Novaliches, Caloocan, etc.) take North Avenue. Go straight until you reach the Elliptical Road. It goes around the Quezon City Memorial Circle. There are street signs along the Elliptical Road. Turn right at Commonwealth Avenue. The entrance to the campus is just beyond the commercial complex to your right. The entrance also bears a University of the Philippines marker. Straight ahead is a checkpoint where you can ask for directions to the specific building you wish to go to. If you are coming from Manila, take Quezon Avenue. Go straight until you reach the Elliptical Road. It goes around the Quezon City Memorial Circle. There are street signs along the Elliptical Road. Turn right at Commonwealth Avenue. The entrance to the campus is just beyond the commercial complex to your right. The entrance also bears a University of the Philippines marker. Straight ahead is a checkpoint where you can ask for directions to the specific building you wish to go to. If you are coming from Fairview, go straight along Commonwealth Avenue until you reach the Elliptical Road. When allowed, you can make a u-turn to go to the campus. If it is not allowed, you have to turn right and drive along the Elliptical Road. Turn right at Commonwealth Avenue. The entrance to the campus is just beyond the commercial complex to your right. The entrance also bears a University of the Philippines marker. Straight ahead is a checkpoint where you can ask for directions to the specific building you wish to go to. b. For commuters: Take a bus, jeep, or fx going to Fairview. They ply the route on Commonwealth Avenue. Ask the driver to drop you off at Philcoa. There are jeeps that enter the UP campus from there. If your area is near the MRT, take the train and get off at the Quezon Avenue Station. There are jeeps that go inside the UP campus from there. If you are near SM City North EDSA or Trinoma, there are terminals with jeeps to the UP campus from there. If you are coming from Fairview, take a bus, jeep, or fx that plies the route on Commonwealth Avenue and ask the driver to drop you off at Philcoa. Cross the footbridge to the commercial complex. There are jeeps bound for UP from there. You might also want to look at the Campus Maps |
https://up.edu.ph/be-cautious-not-careless/ | Be Cautious, Not Careless – University of the Philippines | Be Cautious, Not Careless Be Cautious, Not Careless November 7, 2019 | Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo There’s no denying that we live in a digital world. Some of us check our emails or social media accounts upon getting up in the morning. We upload pictures and videos of where we are, what we are doing, or who we are with. The truth is, however, when it comes to personal information, sharing is not always such a good thing. The National Privacy Commission has some useful tips in protecting our data online, but there are still things we do off the internet that can potentially compromise our information. Here are some of the other ways you can protect your personal data, offline and online: 1. A chance to get freebies or discounts is something most of us cannot resist. See those little fishbowls or trays in restaurants asking for your business card so you can get treats? Think twice before dropping in your card. Remember, if it was not hard for you to put your business card in there, then it would be just as easy for someone else to get it. 2. It seems the need for photocopying services will not be going away just yet. Do not leave your documents on the scanner or do not forget to retrieve them if you had someone copy the documents for you. Make sure you destroy any spoiled copies where your information is visible. Some photocopying service providers may not allow you to do that, so block those pieces of information with a pen or marker instead. It may seem like such a hassle, but it is for your own security. 3. Sometimes you are asked for a copy of your debit or credit card. Do not copy the back of your card because the security code is printed there. Online payment gateways require this security code so if anyone gets hold of yours without your knowledge, you may end up paying for things you never bought. If you are being asked for a copy of both the front and back of your card, tell the requesting party that you will need to cover the security code. 4. Great service? Awful product? If your hand is itching to write on that feedback form, do not be so liberal with your personal information. You do not need to fill out all the fields, just what is necessary to get your message across. They do not need to know your home address nor your home number. 5. More and more shops are offering rewards programs for its customers and if they are your go-to stores, chances are you will be asked to fill out application forms ASAP. Just make sure you only put in the information required. Read the fine print. Do you want them to send you emails or text alerts? Do you want to be automatically enrolled in some third party services? Make sure you understand what you are signing up for. 6. Not everyone has a printer at home. Others need to avail of printing services. Do not allow the service provider to download your files. Do not agree to email the file to them for printing. If you are using a flash drive to have documents printed, scan it on a secure computer after it was plugged into a public terminal to ensure no malicious software infected the drive. Check your computer settings to see that it is not set to autoplay any drive plugged into it. 7. If you need to use a public computer, in the library or in a computer rental shop, for example, and you need to either save, send via email, or print your document, always check the location it was saved in. Delete the file if it was stored in the public computer and empty the recycle bin after deletion. Additionally, erase your browsing data, making sure to include passwords and autofill forms among the options to delete. It is important to note that you should never save passwords on any computer. 8. In the same manner, do not write down passwords, PIN codes, or anything that will allow access to your personal data, accounts, records, and communication. If you feel you might forget your access codes and want to write them down, keep them in a secure location, under lock and key, and away from prying eyes. If you really need to share these codes with someone else because you are unable to access your accounts (e.g., when you’re sick), change your codes the first chance you get. 9. Read privacy notices and policies of establishments and offices that you are giving your personal information to. Know what they are and are not allowed to do with your data. This way, it will be easier for you to lodge a complaint if you find your information was misused and handled improperly. 10. Ask your friends and relatives not to give away your personal information without your consent. With the Data Privacy Act of 2012, offices that hold your information usually have protocols in place when someone other than yourself is requesting your personal data. But things are a bit more relaxed when it comes to friends and family, so do tell them that you are not comfortable having any of your personal information being passed on to others without your permission. The bottom line is, be careful. Know how to secure your data. Before you can expect anyone else, even the law, to protect you and your information, you need to secure it yourself. Neglecting to do so may be construed as consent. Get your FREE copy of the UP Forum magazine now. Please send an email to upforum@up.edu.ph or visit the UP Media and Public Relations Office at Room 6B, Fonacier Hall, Magsaysay Avenue, UP Diliman, Quezon City. You may access the digital copy here. |
https://up.edu.ph/protect-and-leverage-ups-research-outputs/ | Protect and Leverage UP’s Research Outputs – University of the Philippines | Protect and Leverage UP’s Research Outputs Protect and Leverage UP’s Research Outputs November 7, 2019 | Written by Fred Dabu The University of the Philippines (UP) faculty, researchers, students, staff, and visiting professors who are engaged in research and/or creative works using University resources are expected to protect and leverage their outputs for the benefit of the Filipino people. This sums up the role of Intellectual Property (IP) creators, the Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (TTBDO), and related offices and committees of the University. Securing IP was among the key topics discussed at the 21st anniversary conference of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-University of the Philippines Manila (UP Manila) on February 28 at the Bayanihan Center, UNILAB Inc. Complex, Pasig City. In the panel discussion on securing IP, resource speakers Patricia San Jose, a technology transfer officer of TTBDO UP Manila, and Jerry G. Ligaya, director of the Technology Licensing Office of the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), advised the researchers to always protect their IP rights first before disseminating information about their outputs. This is in consideration of the researchers’ aim of contributing useful information and innovative outputs through publications and presentations in forums here and abroad. San Jose and Ligaya encouraged members of the academe who are involved in the process of creating new knowledge, technologies, products, or IP, to apply international protocols (e.g., copyright, patent, and trademark), national policies (e.g., Republic Act No. 10055 or the Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009) and University policies in order to secure their IP to make them more useful to the public. Participants from UP Manila showcase their “Virtual Reality for Health” devices during SYNERGY 2017, an event hosted by the USAID Science, Technology, Research, and Innovation for Development (STRIDE) Program, RTI International, and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHIL) at the Manila Hotel on September 19 to 21, 2017. Photo from UP Manila Technology Transfer and Business Development Office. An overview According to San Jose, “creations of the mind must be expressed” in tangible form before any type of IP protection or a right could be associated with it, either through a patent, trademark, copyright, industrial design, or other types of protection for IP. “It is part of the TTBDO service to identify what form of IP protection is suited to your research data sets,” she said. San Jose provided an overview of the process. “We search for IP in our university. We do an IP audit. Most of the time, the researchers just go to our office” to disclose a new invention or a research output, she said. “After we discover what the IP is, we recommend that we protect your IP…. We also have to determine what mode of technology transfer is best suited for your technologies. Technology transfer is a way to further develop a technology, and to commercialize, if it’s the track that you want to pursue,” explained San Jose. “IP protection will enable us to do more things. IP is not the only thing we have to discuss when we are talking about translating health research or other forms of research data sets into actionable policies and transferable technologies. I highly encourage everyone to approach the TTBDO,” concluded San Jose. The TTBDO offers services such as: Intellectual Property Consultation, Patent Search/Prior Art Search, Patent Drafting, Market Study, Technology Assessment, Intellectual Property Registration, Commercial Linkages/Industry Partnerships, and Innovation Deployment (see https://www.upm.edu.ph/node/2230). Ms. Patricia San Jose, Technology Transfer Officer of the UP Manila TTBDO, talks about Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer during a seminar held at the National Teacher Training Center for the Health Professions (NTTC-HP) Auditorium on September 20, 2018. Photo from UP Manila Technology Transfer and Business Development Office Facebook page Practical tips Ligaya further shared practical IP protection tips. “First, do not be a gossiper,” he said. This advice stems from the eagerness of various researchers to present their outputs in international conferences or to submit them to selected publications. “Most of them are destroying the novelty of their research,” lamented Ligaya. “You really have to prioritize what to do with your research. Your research should be subjected to patent searching or application, if it is really patentable. If you publish it first, then you have to rush on to file for patent,” he added. “Do not disclose your research, or the methodologies of your research. Do not uncloak it yet.” Ligaya emphasized that if the research is not sufficiently protected by the University, “don’t publish yet.” He lamented that long ago, his university had this particular research, an invention made by electrical engineering students that led to the production of the present-day prepaid electricity meter. Unfortunately, the said invention is now owned by a big corporation instead of the University due to its public disclosure and absence of IP protection. “We should protect our researches, our R&D,” he said. “If one has an invention but doesn’t know what to do with it, he or she should seek the assistance of the technology transfer officer for the protection and commercialization of his or her invention for the use of the public,” Ligaya said. “Consult with the technology transfer officer. License. Commercialize. Enter into an agreement and profit from it. You have to protect first before you profit.” While “commercialization” means generating income, “as a state university, we should not be focusing on how the university will earn from the commercialization. The researches should be utilized by the poor communities of the country,” concluded Ligaya. For more information, visit the UP TTBDO website. Get your FREE copy of the UP Forum magazine now. Please send an email to upforum@up.edu.ph or visit the UP Media and Public Relations Office at Room 6B, Fonacier Hall, Magsaysay Avenue, UP Diliman, Quezon City. You may access the digital copy here. |
https://up.edu.ph/more-information-on-the-data-privacy-act-highlights-of-atty-jj-disinis-talk-on-data-privacy-act-compliance-legal-issues/ | More Information on the Data Privacy Act: Highlights of Atty. JJ Disini’s Talk on “Data Privacy Act Compliance: Legal Issues” – University of the Philippines | More Information on the Data Privacy Act: Highlights of Atty. JJ Disini’s Talk on “Data Privacy Act Compliance: Legal Issues” More Information on the Data Privacy Act: Highlights of Atty. JJ Disini’s Talk on “Data Privacy Act Compliance: Legal Issues” November 12, 2019 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta Atty. JJ Disini during his talk on “Data Privacy Act Compliance: Legal Issues” at the UP Open University. Watch video here: https://networks.upou.edu.ph/4796/ In mid-2017, UP College of Law Associate Professor Jose Jesus “JJ” M. Disini, Jr., one of the country’s leading experts in information technology and intellectual property, cybercrime and privacy, gave a talk on “Data Privacy Act Compliance: Legal Issues” at the UP Open University. Some highlights of Disini’s talk were the following: The Philippine Constitution looks at privacy in three ways: Privacy in Physical Spaces, or the right against unreasonable searches and seizure. Decisional Privacy, or the recognition that there are certain decisions that are intimate to us, and that the State has no right to intervene. Data or Informational Privacy for information called personal information or personally identifiable information—information about ourselves or data that we have rights over. These data belong to us, and we control how they may be collected and used. Republic Act 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012 is one of the three areas of information that UP has to deal with. The others are the Freedom of Information program and the Open Data policy for research. We engage in many activities involving information, such as compiling lists of customers or suppliers, signing guest books during events, filling up raffle coupons in supermarkets, applying for credit cards, etc. Data subjects are individuals, not institutions. There is a class of personal information called sensitive personal information, which includes information about an individual: race; ethnic origin; marital status; age; color; religious, philosophical or political affiliations; health; education; genetic or sexual life; any proceeding for any offense committed or alleged to have been committed; and, information issued by government agencies, such as social security numbers, licenses and tax returns. Such information are considered sensitive because there is greater harm in collecting these data (e.g., exposing a data subject to potential discrimination based on the information, for instance), and are therefore protected to a higher degree. The entities the law regulates are personal data controllers, personal information controllers, or personal information processors: A data controller is somebody who makes decisions about the personal information, such as what and when to collect and how it will be used. A data processor is somebody who follows instructions of the data controller and does not make any decisions about the information. This distinction is important because the Data Privacy Act has penal provisions: imprisonment ranging from one to three years and a fine of not less than Php500,000.00. Your rights as a data subject in relation to data controllers are: You have the right to be informed when your data are being collected, how those data will be used, and with whom they will be shared, before you give your consent for your data to be collected and processed. You have the right to access your personal information. You have the right to correct your data if they are wrong, and to withdraw your data from the database. You also have the right to sue for damages. Aside from consent, there is another exception under the law: when personal information is necessary for the performance of a public function. Grades, for example, are necessary for the performance of an educational institution’s functions. For institutions, the steps in the compliance process are: Do a gap analysis. Study existing processes to find out what data you are collecting, if you are getting the necessary consent from your data subjects, and how you are processing, storing, transferring and destroying data. Spot the areas where you are not compliant with the law. Draw a roadmap. Using the information from the gap analysis, plan out the steps you need to undertake to close the gaps and implement these steps. Work with your institution’s IT department to put information security policies and procedures in place, including, for government institutions, the certain levels of encryption required for data. Implement the solutions in the roadmap. Draft your institution’s explicit data privacy policy informing individuals how they can exercise their rights. Formulate data management policies, including policies on what to do in case of a data breach. Appoint a data privacy officer. The authority of the data privacy officer can be further delegated to a compliance officer for privacy specific to an office. Audit your processes, policies and procedures. If everything has been found to be compliant, practice maintenance. Get your FREE copy of the UP Forum magazine now. Please send an email to upforum@up.edu.ph or visit the UP Media and Public Relations Office at Room 6B, Fonacier Hall, Magsaysay Avenue, UP Diliman, Quezon City. You may access the digital copy here. |
https://up.edu.ph/lets-get-ethical/ | Let’s Get Ethical – University of the Philippines | Let’s Get Ethical Let’s Get Ethical November 14, 2019 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc In a research university, not all vetting requires ethical certifications and clearances, but all work must pass standards of excellence, which cannot exclude research ethics. Incumbent upon the university is the institutionalization of ethical review. Research ethics has many components. One is data privacy. In all aspects, UP Manila has something to offer the rest of the UP System. Research proposals in UP Manila by regular faculty members, students, clinical faculty members, residents and fellows of the UP Manila-Philippine General Hospital and other UP Manila researchers are reviewed by a centralized ethics board prior to implementation. “No research project happens without the prior review and approval of the board,” Dr. Cecilia Jimeno of the UP Manila College of Medicine, chair of the UP Manila Ethics Board (UPM-REB) Panel 1, reiterates. This ensures that every research work protocol complies with ethical criteria, which include the data privacy of research participants. “We preceded the Data Privacy Act,” states Dr. Jacinto Blas Mantaring, overall chairman of the UPM-REB, which currently has six reviewing panels. The Data Privacy Act, or Republic Act No. 10173, was passed in 2012. Two years prior, UPM-REB was established to integrate ethics committees that had already been operating in UP Manila as far back as 1979. The National Institutes of Health, UP Manila’s resource center for health research, the UP Manila-Philippine General Hospital, which conducts hospital research, and the UP Manila College of Medicine had their own respective ethics review boards. They were three of only four internationally accredited research ethics boards in the Philippines in the 1990s, according to Dr. Mantaring. The UP Manila Research Ethics Board during an anniversary program of the UP Manila-National Institutes of Health. Photo from the UPM-REB. In streamlining the structure of continuing research ethics review, UP Manila harmonized these research protocols, forerunning the UP System directive. According to the UPM-REB Rationale: “This strategic move will provide a strongly supportive and enabling environment for research. In addition, it will maximize the utilization of its human and institutional resources, and ensure that all types of protocols are reviewed in accordance with international and national requirements.” According to Dr. Mantaring, UP Manila is a fitting pioneer in promoting research ethics. UP Manila is a campus where international research is conducted. As with journal publications, it requires approval of accredited ethics review committees. But foremost, UP Manila as a health sciences center deals with the health of human beings, whose rights are no less a priority when they become subjects of research. “We have to make sure that our patients and participants of research are protected.” Consequently, UP Manila has become a go-to campus for the rest of the University for research works that directly involve human subjects and those that would require formal ethical review. Approval from UPM-REB assumes compliance with international and national guidelines to protect human participants in research and to ensure the integrity of the scientific data. These include those of the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki (WMA-DoH); the International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use: ICH Harmonised Tripartite Guidelines for Good Clinical Practice E6(R1); the Council for International Organization of Medical Sciences International Ethical Guidelines for Biomedical Research Involving Human Subjects (CIOMS-Biomedical); and, the Council for International Organization of Medical Sciences International Ethical Guidelines for Epidemiological Studies (CIOMS-Epidemiology). Nationally, UPM-REB complies with the following: the National Ethical Guidelines for Health Research, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Administrative Order 001 Series of 2007, which requires ethics review of all health research involving human participants; the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Administrative Order 001 Series 2008, which requires all Ethics Review Committees (ERB)/Institutional Review Committees (IRB) to register with the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB); and, the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) Memorandum Order 34 Series 2007 in support of the DOST memorandum, which requires all academic institutions engaged in human research to establish ethics review boards/committees. These guidelines on data privacy precede the Data Privacy Act of 2012. They are in compliance with the Act that the UP System issued earlier for the establishment of research ethics committees or boards in each CU throughout the UP System and their accreditation with the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB). While other constituent universities may not focus on health research, “the Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Act and the National Ethical Guidelines on Health and Health-Related Research 2017 (NEGHHR) define health broadly, such that social research and other research will fall under the definition of ‘health research’ and ‘health-related research’ under the PNHRS law.” This is according to the memorandum from the Office of the UP President on Organizational and Technological Security Measures for Data Privacy Act Compliance dated February 13, 2019. “The CUs do a lot of health-related research where they have special expertise,” Dr. Mantaring expounds. “If UP Los Baños researchers submitted to us protocols on food and nutrition, that would not be our expertise. We would need to get a reviewer for that who would most likely come from the CU itself.” It is better a CU forms its own research ethics board. Dr. Jimeno is glad for the affirmation brought about by the Data Privacy Act and its implementation by the UP System. “It’s easier for us to just tell [researchers] to be compliant in the way the protocols are run, the way they obtain informed consent [in the privacy and confidentiality section], even the process of securing informed consent, down to the site where the consenting will take place.” The UPM-REB, the pioneer, currently composed of 150 regular members and independent consultants, can be tapped to share these experiences with the other CUs to help the UP System implement its directive institutionalizing data privacy and, by extension, research ethics. A collage of the review panels and the Serious Adverse Events Committee of the UP Manila Research Ethics Board. Photo from the UPM-REB. Get your FREE copy of the UP Forum magazine now. Please send an email to upforum@up.edu.ph or visit the UP Media and Public Relations Office at Room 6B, Fonacier Hall, Magsaysay Avenue, UP Diliman, Quezon City. You may access the digital copy here. |
https://up.edu.ph/up-forum-roundtable-discussion-what-do-you-understand-about-the-data-privacy-act-of-2012-what-do-you-do-to-protect-your-data/ | UP Forum Roundtable Discussion: What do you understand about the Data Privacy Act of 2012? What do you do to protect your data? – University of the Philippines | UP Forum Roundtable Discussion: What do you understand about the Data Privacy Act of 2012? What do you do to protect your data? UP Forum Roundtable Discussion: What do you understand about the Data Privacy Act of 2012? What do you do to protect your data? November 26, 2019 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office Gensela L. Lacambacal Records Officer V Chief, Medical Records Division Philippine General Hospital UP Manila The Medical Records Division of the Philippine General Hospital is aware of Republic Act 10173, also known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012, and is strictly complying with it. As Personal Information Controller relating to health care records, our office implements the security measures required by the provision under Chapter V – Security of Personal Information, Section 20, particularly letter (e), which states that employees, agents or representatives of a personal information controller who are involved in the processing of personal information shall operate and hold personal information under strict confidentiality. We make sure every information collected from data subject is well-kept, stored and secured, specifically researches and chart reviews. We also have guidelines on the release of sensitive information and information with clinical value, particularly: “The release of any information of a patient shall be done only with the written consent/waiver from the patients. This consent should be explicitly expressed in their general consent both in the in-patient admissions and out-patient consults.” When it comes to accountability for transfer particularly in research, we designate an individual/s who is/are accountable for the organization’s compliance with Chapter VI under Acceptability for Transfer of Personal Information. It is stated in Sec. 21, Principles of Accountability, letter b: The identity of the individual/s so designated shall be made known to any data subject upon request. We are also using a Non-Disclosure Agreement Form for various purposes such as research, mortality review and conferences. With regard to records disposition, particularly on records retention and disposal, we follow the legal records disposition schedule as prescribed by the National Archives of the Philippines. Michael P. Lagaya Chief Administrative Officer Human Resources Development Office and Data Protection Officer UP Open University The Data Privacy Act of 2012 is about protecting the employees’ personal information and sensitive personal information as enumerated in the RA. It also enumerates the rights of the data subjects and the corresponding penalties if we will be violating the law. To protect my data, I do not give my personal information to anyone or even write down my personal information unless it is really required. In our office, we provide the personal information of an employee only to him/her. If an employee will give us consent, that is only the time that we can disclose any information about him or her to a third party. We also secure our area by seeing to it that no other employee can access our physical and digital files. Our computers are all password-protected. Frederick P. Omalza 4th Year, BS Biology Chairperson, University Student Council University of the Philippines Mindanao The Data Privacy Act of 2012 is the government’s way of ensuring that personal and private data from various stakeholders are protected through law. It outlines the provisions, penalties, government responsibilities, rights and responsibilities of those who handle and own data and its implementation through the National Privacy Commission. It is an important law that every citizen must be familiar with, as our lives are now more intertwined with the Internet, and along with this comes more opportunities for criminals to take advantage of our data in the commission of crimes. To protect my data, I ensure that my online accounts are enrolled in more secure protocols such as the two-step verification. I take note of security advisories against phishing schemes and avoid writing down usernames and passwords. We should also make others aware—especially the student body—as our collective security is key in mitigating the risks of living in a more online world. |
https://up.edu.ph/off-the-press-the-up-forum-july-september-2019-vol-20-no-3-issue-is-now-online/ | OFF THE PRESS: The UP Forum July-September 2019 Vol. 20 No. 3 issue is now online – University of the Philippines | OFF THE PRESS: The UP Forum July-September 2019 Vol. 20 No. 3 issue is now online OFF THE PRESS: The UP Forum July-September 2019 Vol. 20 No. 3 issue is now online December 17, 2019 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office The first volume in the Profiles and Breakthroughs series of the UP Forum magazine is a collection of some of the best feature articles first published in the UP System website that focus on either a significant scientific or health-related breakthrough or project by UP researchers or a profile of a notable member of the UP Community contributing to the advancement of society through research in science, technology and the medical arts or through outstanding public service. Get your FREE copy of the UP Forum magazine now. Please send an email to upforum@up.edu.ph or visit the UP Media and Public Relations Office at Room 6B, Fonacier Hall, Magsaysay Avenue, UP Diliman, Quezon City. You may access the digital copy here. |
https://up.edu.ph/human-rights-icon-chito-gascon-passes-away/ | Human Rights Icon Chito Gascon Passes Away – University of the Philippines | Human Rights Icon Chito Gascon Passes Away Human Rights Icon Chito Gascon Passes Away October 9, 2021 | Written by KIM G Quilinguing “Perhaps, when I end my tenure as the Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights, and when I return to perhaps a teaching role or a mentoring role, I am certain, I will return once more to many of these great works of Philosophy and refresh my mind about the important things that we must confront as a people, as humanity. And I will always return to those important teachings.” Such were the words of the Commission on Human Rights Chairperson and University of the Philippine alumnus Jose Luis Martin Chito C. Gascon in a video for freshies posted by the UP Diliman Apeiron Core Group on September 28. The group is the official student volunteer arm of the Department of Philosophy. Early Saturday morning, October 9, Gascon’s brother Miguel shared a post on Facebook which read: “Sa dami mong laban, sa COVID pa tayo natalo.” He was 57. Gascon graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1988. He would also later earn his Bachelor of Laws degree in UP in 1996. Furthering his studies, he would finish a Master of Laws degree at Cambridge in 1997. In the video for freshies shared by the Apeiron Core Group, Gascon said he found Philosophy as an essential foundational subject. It provides, he said, “an opportunity to affirm one’s principles, as well as the capacity to look wide and long, towards our society, to see how there could be progress, [and] change might happen.” An active student leader, Gascon was Chair of the UP Student Council from 1985 to 1986. He led his fellow students in active-non-violent protest actions, which contributed to and culminated in the People Power Revolution and the ouster of Marcos in 1986. Later, Gascon represented the youth as the youngest delegate to the 1986 Constitutional Convention, which prepared the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Afterward, he served as the youngest member of the 8th Congress from 1990 to 1992. Chairperson Jose Luis Martin ‘Chito’ C. Gascon’s official portrait photo from the Commission on Human Rights website. After his studies abroad, he returned to the country and served as Undersecretary of Education from 2002 to 2005. He also worked as a political officer for then-Senator Mar Roxas at the Senate from 2008 to 2010. He was a Board Member of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority from 2010 to 2011. He served as Undersecretary at the Office of the President from 2011 to 2014. Simultaneously, he was part of the government delegation to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the Universal Periodic Review in 2012. After leaving Malacañang, he became a Human Rights Victims Claims Board member from 2014 to 2015. He was appointed Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights in 2015. His appointment to the Commission was no surprise. Gascon spent many years advocating for human rights, social justice, and social change. From 1997 to 2002, he was Executive Director of the National Institute for Policy Studies. In 2005, Gascon became the Executive Director of Lawyers League for Liberty (LIBERTAS). This organization aids advocacy groups in electoral reform, transparency in governance, and human rights. In the same year, he would also receive a Democracy and Development Fellowship from Stanford University’s Center for Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law. In 2007, Gascon became a Fellow at the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship of the National Endowment for Democracy. From 2008 to 2011, he was the Director-General of the Liberal Party. Aside from his involvement in civil society, Gascon was active in reconciliation efforts with insurgent groups. He was a member of the Technical Working Group on Power Sharing with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, an alternate panel member in the peace talks with the MILF. Gascon was also a member of the AdHoc High-Level Working group for the Tripartite Review of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Peace Committee for Southern Philippines. Gascon was a panel member of peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front between 2001 to 2004. From 2010-2014, he chaired the Government’s Human Rights Monitoring Committee. The Committee monitored the peace process within the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law framework. In recent years, Gascon would face challenges as head of the constitutional body, ensuring the promotion, protection, and preservation of human rights enshrined in the Constitution. In an interview on Esquire Philippines in 2017, he remained undaunted by the constant criticism of the CHR by those in halls of power and on social media. The Commission has been very vocal on the rise of extra-judicial killings and human rights violations. “Right now, in a sense, I’m going back to basics. I was moved into action by the human rights violations I saw happening during the dictatorship. And now I have been allowed to serve the people in an institution that is mandated to promote human rights, in a set of circumstances that are not ideal,” he said. He constantly faced challenges in his advocacy for human rights, social justice, and social change for many years. And yet, he remained optimistic, even telling the Esquire interviewer: “The revolution you aspire for is out there on the horizon. It’s something you never give up on.” In a recent video shared by the Apeiron Core Group, Gascon advised the new generation of Iskolar ng Bayan to “Find your niche, be as inquisitive, and as useful as you can be. And apply what you learn to society. That’s all that we can do.” |
https://up.edu.ph/the-philippine-genome-center-stockpiling-for-covid-19/ | The Philippine Genome Center: Stockpiling for COVID-19 – University of the Philippines | The Philippine Genome Center: Stockpiling for COVID-19 The Philippine Genome Center: Stockpiling for COVID-19 March 10, 2020 | Written by KIM G Quilinguing Video recorded and edited by KIM Quilinguing, UP Media and Public Relations Office, with additional materials from RVTM and Manila HealthTek, Inc. On February 13, 2020, President Rodrigo R. Duterte addressed the nation on television as fears over the spread of the Novel Coronavirus 2019 or Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) gripped many. Speaking in a video message recorded at the Malacañang Palace, he assured the public that his administration was taking all the necessary measures to limit the spread of the disease. “I call on our people to remain calm, vigilant, responsible. And I also ask [for] your trust and cooperation, support as we face the challenge,” he said. Earlier during the day, the Manila HealthTek Inc. posted on its official Facebook page a photo of the COVID-19 test kit developed by experts from the Philippine Genome Center and the National Institutes of Health of the University of the Philippines Manila. The GenAmplify Corona Virus Disease-2019 rRT PCR Detecion Kit. Courtesy of Manila HealthTek, Inc. on Facebook. The GenAmplify Corona Virus Disease-2019 rRT PCR Detection Kit was the product of several days and hours of intensive research and testing by experts from the University who built upon the genome sequence of COVID-19, made available by the World Health Organization on its website. According to PGC Executive Director Cynthia Palmes-Saloma, the kit was made possible after genetic experts from others countries used Next Generation DNA Sequencing in trying to understand the nature of the COVID-19 virus. Among the facilities of the center is its DNA Sequencing Laboratory which was established in 2013. Dr. Cynthia Palmes-Saloma, Executive Director of the Philippine Genome Center. Photo by KIM Quilinguing, UP MPRO DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid is the building block of every living being. These molecules contain the genetic makeup of an organism, it is composed of nucleotides guanine, cytosine, thymine and adenine (G-C-T-A). Sequencing is the process of determining the order of the nucleotides in a DNA. For the molecular biologist, Dr. Saloma, Next Generation Sequencing is essential in understanding the nature of living things, including viruses and bacteria. And it can even be used to determine the identity and properties of unknown organisms. “If there’s an emergency and there’s a totally unknown organism, and some might say that it’s a virus, it’s bacteria, or it’s an unknown, then Next Generation Sequencing will come in handy,” she said. The same process, she quickly added, was used in understanding the Novel Coronavirus from Wuhan, China. Next Generation Sequencing, also known as Massive Parallel Sequencing, is a process by which several DNA samples can be simultaneously sequenced using computers, which produces more results when compared to the Sanger Sequencing, which can only process one DNA fragment at a time. Dr. Benedict Maralit, Director, DNA Sequencing Core Facility, Philippine Genome Center. Photo by KIM Quilinguing, UP MPRO For Dr. Benedict Maralit, since DNA is found in all living organisms, it can be used in determining the nature of a bacteria or a virus. DNA sequencing is, he said, “a manner of characterizing DNA.” Through this method of analysis, he and his team can determine if a DNA is unique or comparable to those of other organisms. As head of the PGC’s DNA Sequencing Core Facility, he leads the center’s unit, which takes the first crack at the specimens which are sent to their institution for analysis. After a specimen is sequenced, it is then forwarded to another unit of the PGC called the Core Facility for Bioinformatics. The unit, according to its supervisor, Dr. Jan Michael Yap, will subject the sequenced samples to a verification process to establish its proper attributes. Dr. Jan Michael Yap, Director Computational Genomics and System Biology Program and Supervisor, Core Facility for Bioinformatics, Philippine Genome Center. Photo by KIM Quilinguing, UP MPRO In the case of the COVID-19, Yap, who is also the director of the Computational Genomics and System Biology Program, will head a team which will help in the process of sequenced DNA specimen to determine if a patient under investigation (PUI) has contracted the virus or not. He said, “We will verify if, with some degree of confidence, the person has a confirmed infection of NCOV [COVID-19].” With the PGC, NIH and Manila HealthTek, Inc. successfully creating a locally made COVID-19 test kit, the center’s Deputy Executive Director Raul Destura has instructed his team to stockpile the produced kits in anticipation of a possible need by the country’s public health agencies. “We are currently manufacturing them, just in case,” he said. The test kit produced by the collaboration has been presented to the Department of Health and is currently undergoing review and evaluation. Related: FDA OKs COVID-19 test kits developed by UP scientists Dr. Raul Destura, Deputy Executive Director, Philippine Genome Center. Photo by KIM Quilinguing, UP MPRO An infectious disease specialist and microbiologist by training, Dr. Destura, who is also affiliated with both the NIH and is the president and the chief executive Officer of Manila HealthTek, Inc. said they initially have started stockpiling kits for at least 1,000 persons. With a grant from the Department of Science and Technology, they are planning on adding more kits in anticipation of the possible need for testing more persons. The Manila HealthTek, Inc. is a company founded by Destura as an avenue for research and development efforts in creating affordable, portable and reliable testing kits for infectious diseases. He considers it as a spin-off from the studies conducted by experts in the university, where they can see the practical application of their research. An earlier test kit for dengue he and his team developed, is also being produced by the company under a license granted by the university’s Board of Regents. For now, Destura, Yap, Maralit and Saloma, prepare for the worse that COVID-19 might bring, as they continue to stockpile on test kits, observe the virus and identify possible avenues where they can extend their assistance to other government agencies. As of March 10, 2020, the DOH has recorded a cumulative total of 725 patients under investigation (PUIs), of which 657 have been discharged from hospitals. There are now 24 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country, with one resulting in the death of a Chinese tourist. Worldwide, the virus has spread to more than 104 countries and territories, resulting to 109,577 cases and 3,809 deaths. Majority of the cases are still in China, with significant numbers in South Korea, Italy and Iran. |
https://up.edu.ph/pgc-visayas-inaugurated-in-iloilo/ | PGC Visayas inaugurated in Iloilo – University of the Philippines | PGC Visayas inaugurated in Iloilo PGC Visayas inaugurated in Iloilo December 3, 2020 | Written by KIM G Quilinguing Video by UP Media and Public Relations Office “This is UP Visayas at its best.” That is how University of the Philippines Visayas Chancellor Clement Camposano described the new Philippine Genome Center Visayas during its inauguration on November 20, 2020 at the University of the Philippines Visayas Miagao campus in Iloilo. A product of the efforts of the Philippine Genome Center and UPV, with the support of the University of the Philippines System and the Department of Science and Technology, PGC Visayas will pursue research for fisheries and aquatics, agriculture and medicine. Unveiling of the facility Marker. Photo courtesy of UP Visayas Information and Publications Office. For PGC Visayas Program Director Victor Marco Emmanuel Ferriols, this “small investment in human capital in PGC Visayas will go a long way.” And prior to the inauguration, the unit has already delivered some dividends when it conducted activities related to the COVID 19 pandemic. Among these were: training of local health professionals in the use of the Manila HealthTek Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction or rRT-PCR test kit; assistance in the setting up of laboratories in the region; and, the conduct of four seminars in bioinformatics for local researchers and health workers. In the pipeline, according to Ferriols, is the creation of a research consortium with several universities and research institutions from Luzon to Mindanao, which will allow for the exchange of studies and collaborative efforts. “What we want to achieve is the multiplier effect,” he said. PGC Program Director Dr. Victor Marco Emmanuel Ferriols giving his Opening Remarks. Photo courtesy of UP Visayas Information and Publications Office. With its new facilities and equipment, the PGC Visayas will be able to offer services in nucleic acid extraction, new generation sequencing and bioinformation analyses. With its presence in the Visayas, PGC Executive Director Cynthia Palmes-Saloma said the rich environment will allow the conduct of new studies which could lead to discoveries in fisheries, agriculture and medicine. Being at the helm of the PGC, Saloma said the pandemic has posed a difficult challenge for science researchers, particularly in genomics. But she added, “It was also an opportunity for us to recognize our strengths and assist each other.” PGC Visayas Program Director Dr. Victor Marco Emmanuel Ferriols explaining the facilities to UP Visayas Chancellor Clement Camposano during the laboratory tour. Photo courtesy of UP Visayas Information and Publications Office. UP President Danilo Concepcion meanwhile said the PGC Visayas is an added asset of the University, which will allow its students, researchers and faculty, including high school students, to pursue genomics research. The facility will help shape the minds of the intrepid scientifically inclined members of the community as they help shape the nation. For DOST Secretary Fortunato de le Peña, the opening of PGC Visayas is a “milestone not only for UP Visayas but also for genomics research in the country.” With its recent efforts in response to the COVID 19 pandemic, which included the creation of a locally made testing kit, he is confident the PGC will continue to provide research and assistance in understanding and combatting the virus. He ended his message by reminding those present that scientific research “will always be in the service of the people.” UP Vice President for Academic Affairs Cynthia Rose Bautista and DOST Regional Director Rowen Gelonga also extended their congratulations via video messages during the inauguration. UP Visayas Chancellor Camposano and PGC Visayas Program Director Ferriols with UPV officials and guests. Photo courtesy of UP Visayas Information and Publications Office. After the short program, the officials present in the facility were given a short tour by Ferriols, as well as a short briefer on what PGC Visayas intends to pursue in the months ahead. PGC Visayas in UP Visayas in Iloilo is one of three facilities of the Philippine Genome Center of the University of the Philippines System. The other two are in UP Diliman in Quezon City, and in UP Mindanao in Davao City. It is mandated to conduct research and to foster collaboration and capacity building in the development of genome-based applications. The Center is a multidisciplinary research unit which also offers a range of bioinformatics services, such as single-gene sequencing and high-throughput sequencing. With reports from UP Visayas Information and Publications Office |
https://up.edu.ph/genomics-in-the-time-of-covid-19/ | Genomics in the time of COVID-19 – University of the Philippines | Genomics in the time of COVID-19 Genomics in the time of COVID-19 December 21, 2020 | Written by KIM G Quilinguing Screenshot from the Philippine Genome Center’s virtual conference, “OnePGC”, held on December 10. Watch the replay here. COVID-19 is a wake-up call not only for Filipinos in general, but for everyone to appreciate the significance of genomics. This was how Philippine Genome Center (PGC) Executive Director Cynthia Palmes-Saloma encapsulated the Center’s activities and role in the year of the pandemic. PGC Executive Director Cynthia Saloma during the Philippine Genome Center’s virtual conference, “OnePGC”, held on December 10. Watch the replay here. On December 10, Saloma and her colleagues from all over the country, particularly in the PGC’s satellite units in Iloilo for the Visayas, and Davao for Mindanao, gathered virtually for an online conference where they looked back at the challenges the Center confronted, and its growth despite the limitations resulting from the spread of the novel coronavirus. Since dedicating much of its facilities and efforts to research and testing for COVID-19, the Center has been able to conduct tests for at least 40,000 individuals. Its units in Visayas and Mindanao have also trained more than 100 health professionals for testing as well. PGC Visayas in action. Screenshots from the Philippine Genome Center’s virtual conference, “OnePGC”, held on December 10. Watch the replay here. For University of the Philippines President Danilo L. Concepcion, PGC’s efforts in the time of the pandemic exemplifies the theme of the conference, which was collaboration and unity. The activities of the Center reflect not only the fulfilment of its mandate, but also manifest the University’s commitment to serve the people through education, research and public service. Department of Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato de le Peña paid tribute to the Center’s growth since 2009, highlighting how it has been at the forefront of the country’s efforts in genomics research and testing. He emphasized how PGC has continuously produced world class research and solutions. Health Secretary Francisco Duque, meanwhile, underscored PGC’s research on COVID-19, and how it allowed the country’s policy-makers and health professionals to understand the virus better and enact measures that would limit its spread in the country. He also praised the Center’s researchers and experts for how they were able to produce the locally made GenAmplify real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) test kit. PGC Mindanao. Screenshot from the Philippine Genome Center’s virtual conference, “OnePGC”, held on December 10. Watch the replay here. Vice President for Academic Affairs Cynthia Rose Bautista for her part praised how the PGC has continued its service during the pandemic, praising its testing capabilities and thanking the members of the UP community and its friends for supporting the Center in its efforts. For DOST Undersecretary Rowena Guevara, the Center’s efforts during the pandemic reflected a fulfilment of its mission of conducting research in genomics and bioinformatics in the service of the people. The test kit produced by PGC’s experts and researchers, in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health, marks a significant achievement in the fight against the virus. Screenshot from the Philippine Genome Center’s virtual conference, “OnePGC”, held on December 10. Watch the replay here. Presenting the PGC’s DNA Sequencing and Core Facility activities for the year, Dr. Benedict Maralit talked of how their unit became the birthplace of the Center’s COVID-19 testing laboratory. Through the efforts of its personnel, and with the support of generous donors, it was established and later earned its International Organizations for Standardization (ISO) certification in April this year. In July, the laboratory became fully operational. Maralit also related how they were involved in the field testing of the GenAmplify kits and how their efforts helped in eventually having the locally made test kit accredited by the Food and Drug Administration. For Dr. Marc Edsel Ayes of the PGC’s Clinical Genomics Laboratory, COVID-19 jumpstarted the activities of his unit. Prior to the pandemic, the laboratory had been created to conduct studies in cancer, cardiology, diabetes and metabolism, pharmaco-genomics and mental health. The pandemic, Ayes said, reoriented the laboratory and required its personnel to focus on COVID-19, as the virus needed to be studied and understood in the most immediate time. He added that at present they are able to process an average of 258 samples a day, with a maximum capacity of between 600 to 800 samples. They run on a 24-hour operation, able to conduct COVID-19 biosurveillance and research, elective swabbing services, and community mass screening. Screenshot from the Philippine Genome Center’s virtual conference, “OnePGC”, held on December 10. Watch the replay here. Speaking on bioinformatics and genomic epidemiology, Core Facility for Bioinformatics Director Jan Michael Yap talked of how PGC has pursued biosurveillance in order to document diseases and use the information for the benefit of the country’s health system and policy makers. While the PGC is currently capable of performing its biosurveillance function, Yap suggested strengthening this unit of the Center, as the COVID-19 experience, he said, highlighted the need for more equipment, tackling some ethical considerations in the acquisition of data, as well trained personnel who can process and analyze the data gathered for understanding a particular disease, organism or pandemic. The PGC’s Deputy Executive Director Raul Destura concluded the conference by explaining the Center’s game plan for the next six years. With its mandate to conduct research in genomics and bioinformatics, the Center, he said, will continue to establish new linkages and collaboration with local and international organizations. PGC Deputy Executive Director Raul Destura answers questions from the media [photo above] during the press conference for the GenAmplify test kits, which held early this year prior to the lockdown [photo below]. Photo from the UPMPRO. With the pandemic in mind, Destura said, the PGC would continue to conduct research and public service as a unit of the University. The Philippine Genome Center is a research and public service unit of the University of the Philippines, created in 2009. It is mandated to conduct research in genomics and bioinformatics, as well as establish collaboration with other research and educational institutions. |
https://up.edu.ph/democracy-and-disinformation-the-role-of-campuses-campus-journalism-citizen-journalism-and-fact-checking-in-the-struggle-for-democracy/ | Democracy and Disinformation: The role of campuses, campus journalism, citizen journalism and fact-checking in the struggle for democracy – University of the Philippines | Democracy and Disinformation: The role of campuses, campus journalism, citizen journalism and fact-checking in the struggle for democracy Democracy and Disinformation: The role of campuses, campus journalism, citizen journalism and fact-checking in the struggle for democracy April 14, 2021 | Written by KIM G Quilinguing “A large part of the struggle to keep democracy alive in this country—in any country—will be the struggle to keep our campuses free.” Such were the words spoken by University of the Philippines Visayas (UP Visayas) Chancellor Clement Camposano at the 3rd National Conference on Democracy and Disinformation, hosted this year virtually by UP Visayas. For Camposano, colleges and universities, particularly UP, have become the subject of disinformation campaigns on social media. He characterized the attacks on the platforms as a vilification campaign, which not only poses a challenge to members of the university community, but also to the country’s democracy at large. “The University is under siege because there is a campaign of vilification against it, a campaign intent on portraying our campuses not only as breeding grounds of radicalism. . . but also as safe havens for enemies of the state,” he added. UP Visayas Chancellor Clement Camposano giving his presentation. Screengrab from video courtesy of UP Visayas and the Consortium for Democracy and Disinformation. Speaking to an online audience largely composed of the academe, particularly campus journalists, the chancellor underscored the role of campus journalists in challenging disinformation, particularly among members of the university community. “To keep democracy from breathing its last, we need to keep our campuses alive. Alive with ideas, with disputations, with political dreams of all sorts. Alive with politics, broadly construed,” he said. Disinformation and government accountability Speaking of campus journalists, Senator Risa Hontiveros underscored their role in the fight against the dictatorship of President Ferdinand Marcos. She particularly highlighted the Philippine Collegian and its editor Abraham Sarmiento, Jr., quoting his words, “kung hindi tayo kikilos? Kung hindi tayo kikibo, sino ang kikibo? Kung hindi ngayon, kailan pa?” which were a challenge to fellow students to stand for freedom of speech and democracy. Hontiveros also recalled how the Marcos dictatorship immediately closed down media organizations after proclaiming Martial Law, resulting to the growth of clandestine media organizations which would later emerge during the 1986 People Power Revolution. “The role of the media in protecting our democracy cannot be understated,” she said, mentioning its role as providing check and balance of government, acting as the virtual 4th branch of government. Senator Risa Hontiveros giving her talk at the conference. Screengrab from video courtesy of UP Visayas and the Consortium for Democracy and Disinformation. The former broadcast journalist also paid tribute to local media organizations all over the country, including regional newspapers in the Visayas and Mindanao, whose relentless reports on the pivotal moments during Martial Law aided in the fight against state-sponsored disinformation and the restoration of democracy. “The Filipino media’s courage and ingenuity paved the way for more and more Filipinos to know the truth. For more Filipinos to wake up from a deep, deep slumber,” she added. The senator also emphasized how the media plays an important role in providing the public with information which serves as the baseline of facts, from which people of different persuasions can have a rational discussion. “Without media, and if all we’re fed is propaganda or dis- and misinformation, this can polarize societies and skew public debates,” she said. She said that this lack of a common set of evidence-based facts will not only mean distortions of reality, but it will also make government accountability impossible. Speaking likewise on the accountability of government, Rappler Chief Executive Officer Maria Ressa said it was important for people to have accurate information from the media, as it will enable them to demand accountability and transparency from their government. “If we don’t have facts, we can’t have a shared reality and we cannot hold government to account, protect our rights, and protect our democracy,” she said. Ressa, who has been the subject of several law suits regarding the ownership of Rappler and a supposed libelous news article against a businessman, views the charges against her as harassment of the media by the Duterte administration. She has been the subject of disinformation efforts by trolls on social media with the use of memes, altered images and misquotes. She has also been threatened by dubious social media users via messages and comments. “We have been demolished. We have been attacked, like Leila de Lima. Like Leni Robredo. We have been ridiculed. We have been dehumanized,” she said. Rappler CEO Maria Ressa giving her presentation on disinformation. Screengrab from video courtesy of UP Visayas and the Consortium on Democracy and Disinformation. Aside from threats against journalists, Ressa also highlighted how social media platforms in recent years have been used to disseminate false information on the Marcos dictatorship. Coupled with constant attacks on journalists and media organizations, these are intended not to disprove what one already knows and has learned from studies, but to sow doubt. “The goal is not to make you believe something, although they seed a metanarrative for it. But the goal is to make you doubt everything. Because if you don’t trust anyone, then you’re not gonna do anything,” she added. Citizen journalism and newsrooms Also speaking on the role of citizens in exacting accountability in governance, the former head of ABS-CBN Bayan Mo iPatrol Mo, Inday Espina-Varona, said social media have over the years, become platforms where aside from personal rants, users can share issues of public concern. She is however careful to distinguish a citizen journalist from an ordinary social media user. “When you say you are a citizen journalist, you may not be a professional practitioner of journalism, but you report with the basics of journalism,” she said. That would include sharing accurate information and unadulterated multimedia materials like videos, audio materials or photos, to news organizations. Emphasizing the importance of facts, the veteran journalist said one does not need to be a journalist to have the obligation to respect the truth. She even highlighted how one well known pro-administration blogger excused herself from being factual in her online postings by saying she is not a journalist. “You don’t need to be a journalist to be able to appreciate the need to be loyal to facts,” she said. Veteran journalist and former Bayan Mo iPatrol Mo head Inday Espina-Varona sharing her experience working with citizen journalists. Screengrab from video courtesy of UP Visayas and the Consortium on Democracy and Disinformation. Aside from respecting facts, Varona said social media users, particularly citizen journalists, must also adopt journalism ethics in posting information online. This, along with loyalty to facts and training from news organizations, would be important skills in documenting and reporting social and political events. And speaking from her experience, she shared how enthusiastic ordinary citizens were in learning about the basics of journalism, enabling them to share stories of their community. “The citizen journalist does not make stories based on assignments, like us professional journalists; rather they report on the important things that matter to them, their communities, their lives. So, it is even more important for them to get the skills right.” she added. Speaking of the role of citizen journalists in newsrooms, ABS-CBN Desk Editor and Producer Israel Malasa recounted how their newsroom broke the story of the Maguindanao Massacre in 2009, after they received information from a Bayan Patroller. Malasa related how in November 2009, they received a photo from a Bayan Patroller of what were the bodies of the victims of the massacre. Working as the desk editor for the broadcast company’s Regional Network Group, based in Quezon City, he and his colleagues had to verify the information. “There was this photo that was sent to news by a Bayan Patroller. So, what we did was vet it. We called the authorities. The editors and reporters called up their various sources. And then it was confirmed that it was the massacre site,” he said. Without that courageous citizen journalist, he added, news of the horrendous incident would not have been known. ABS-CBN Desk Editor and Producer Israel Malasa talking about how citizen journalist help newsrooms gather news. Screengrab from video courtesy of UP Visayas and the Consortium on Democracy and Disinformation. Tracing the roots of citizen journalism, Malasa illustrated how it began long before social media, when viewers of news programs such as TV Patrol, would send them information on community concerns such as ill-maintained roads and ditches, defective electricity posts and others. These stories were featured in a segment called Citizen Patrol. What made a difference between then and now was that the newsroom still needed to send a crew for these stories. “Back then what we would do is send a crew to the community. The crew would then engage the resident, the Citizen Patroller or citizen journalist, as how we call them now, get the facts and go to the authorities, interview, and then a solution about a particular problem is reached,” he said. For Malasa, citizen journalists have contributed much to newsrooms, particularly with stories in different communities all over the country, which could not have been covered if information had not been provided to news organizations. “Citizen journalism, or information from the public, is in a way valuable, because it shows that it is not only the reporter who has knowledge of what is happening in society. If people on the ground are helping, if they are providing the facts, as long as it is substantiated, it is vetted, checked, it is an enormous contribution to a news organization,” said the UP Visayas alumnus. Much has changed since then, as citizen journalists now can record their own materials and send their own information to the networks. For National Union of Journalists in the Philippines Chair Nonoy Espina, anyone can be a journalist as long as the person has the motivation, proper training and ethics. “[Ordinary] people can be very, very good journalists, if they have the motivation, and if they are given the skills to do it,” he said. For Espina, training remains an important aspect of journalism which both citizen and professional journalists must have, as these are essentials in news gathering and crafting a story. “Putting a story together is not that easy. We might make it seem easy, but it actually isn’t. From gathering the facts to actually putting the story together,” he said. National Union of Journalists in the Philippines Chairman Nonoy Espina sharing his thoughts on how citizen journalists and professional journalists can collaborate on news stories. Screengrab from video courtesy of UP Visayas and the Consortium on Democracy and Disinformation. And while citizen journalists may have undergone training, Espina, like Malasa, still suggests newsrooms must vet stories coming from the communities, as those in news organizations are more steeped in the professional standards of journalism and the legal regulations which affect the practice should there be lapses. Newsrooms, he also said, are liable, should libel cases arise from erroneous reporting. Referring to journalists and editors he said “If a story gets past you, especially an erroneous story, then you didn’t do your job. That is your fault. Then, you have to take responsibility for that.” Espina however is quick to add that the collaboration between citizen journalists and professional journalists has been beneficial, particularly in situations which made it necessary for both to work together. “Actually, the best combination is the citizen journalist and the journalist. They should always work together. If one is separated from the other, then there is a disconnect [in the story they are working on],” he said. Fact-checking vs disinformation For investigative journalist and UP Associate Professor Yvonne Chua, one of the avenues where the public and journalism professionals best intersect in the age of disinformation is in fact-checking. As an educator, she has been teaching courses in fact-checking in the UP College of Mass Communication. “Fact-checking is increasingly becoming an important component of media literacy initiatives. In journalism education is an essential component,” she said. Emphasizing journalism as a discipline of verification, Chua said the concept and practice of fact-checking in journalism has quickly evolved in recent years. In the past, the task of the practice of fact-checking in a news organization was undertaken by editors, who ensured the factual accuracy of the stories submitted by reporters before these were published. “The fact-checking we now refer to, has expanded to include verifying, and often debunking textual and visual claims, especially falsehoods, made by individuals, groups or institutions, ranging from our public officials, public figures, to netizens that produce user-generated content,” she said. UP Associate Professor Yvonne Chua speaking about how fact checks need to be integrated in journalism programs and media literacy efforts. Screengrab from video courtesy of UP Visayas and the Consortium on Democracy and Disinformation. Sharing some notes from a recent study she was part of, Chua illustrated how the majority or 57% of the 19,621 respondents they had from all over the country, said disinformation is a serious problem. About 28% see it as somewhat of a concern. While 15% see no problem at all with disinformation. Among the age groups, she said those between ages 18 to 24 were more likely to view the proliferation of false information as serious. The same age group also viewed disinformation as having possible effects on the elections. Despite these reactions, the respondents revealed they don’t verify news as much as they should. “Despite being aware that disinformation is a problem and could affect elections, the proportion of young Filipinos who have never verified the news or information that reaches them, is significantly higher than the 7% national average,” she added. Also with regard to the results of the survey she and her colleagues conducted, the respondents defined ‘fake news’ as news which are bad for the president or the country, with a significant number of respondents from the 14 to 17 age group, agreeing. “It’s a sentiment that we know is often spouted by populist authoritarian leaders including our own,” she said. Aside from concerns on disinformation, Chua said the study also revealed the lack of know-how among the respondents in how to verify news and information they came across. “This self-confessed gap in knowledge and skills certainly needs to be addressed,” said the journalism professor. Viewing fact-checking as an invaluable tool for aspiring journalists, Chua views the course as essential in journalism education, particularly in the wake of the massive proliferation of disinformation and misinformation. The skills can either be included in teaching journalism ethics or as a stand-alone course. In recent years, she and her students have been involved in several projects where they verified the claims of political candidates and leaders. Among these are Tsek.ph and Factrakers. In the interest of keeping fact-checkers safe from possible threats and intimidation from those who may dislike their findings, Chua said it is important that those involved in these projects refrain from posting unvetted fact checks on their personal social media accounts. They must also process negative feedback on their stories. And they must also consider whether their stories should have bylines or not. Campus publications and democracy Discussing threats and intimidation of campuses, UP Associate Professor Diosa Labiste talked about how in recent years, disinformation has taken the form of hate speech and red tagging, particularly against the UP community. Citing studies she did with Chua, she illustrated the similarities between hate speech and red tagging and how these contribute to the proliferation of disinformation online. For the former community journalist, red-tagging, much like disinformation, is made up of false or fabricated accusations disseminated by trolls online. It has from minimal to almost no basis in fact. It also vilifies activists, critics of the administration and journalists. And similar to hate speech, it uses threats, harassment, some even resulting to arrests and deaths. Labiste believes the vilification of the university community while serious, can be met with stories coming from campus journalists who continue to provide accurate stories of issues and concerns confronting its members. UP Associate Professor Diosa Labiste sharing a presentation on red-tagging as a form of hate speech. Screengrab from video courtesy of UP Visayas and the Consortium on Democracy and Disinformation. Underscoring the need for news reports that are fact-checked and verified, Labiste said campus journalists can fill gaps left by mainstream media in the exigencies of day-to-day news reporting. These means, young journalists-in-training can provide content which cannot be found in the commercial media. “Some news are not so sexy for commercial media or mainstream media to cover. But campus press has been covering these issues,” she said. Labiste said that aside from providing unique content on news events, campus press can pursue stories which provide differing perspectives, diverse issues and more vigorous discussions and debate. It also provides students with the capacity for citizen-witnessing, which blurs the line between news producer and news consumer, as well as that between a journalist and an advocate. “Campus journalism is a form of counter speech because it intervenes to help citizens and communities make sense of information amid lies and ‘fake news.’” For John Nery, a journalist, columnist and educator, campus journalism remains a strong pillar in the struggle against disinformation, not only in colleges and universities, but also in society at large. “Yes, we should use our campus publications to discuss school concerns; but at the same time, we have to realize that we actually occupy a position of privilege, and that our campuses are surrounded by what we call communities at risk,” he said. School publications, according to Nery, act not only as hubs for public discourse of those in the academic community, but they can also function as public spaces for discussions of social issues which confront a community. Using UP Visayas and other higher education institutions in Iloilo as examples, he said their publications can serve as venues for conversations. “Why shouldn’t the school publications of UP Visayas, of the University of Iloilo, of PHINMA, and other Iloilo-based schools, talk about what’s happening in Iloilo? And by doing so, turn their school publications into their own version of the public square,” he added. Journalist and Consortium for Democracy and Disinformation Convenor John Nery speaking on the potentials of campuses as hubs for public discourse. Screengrab from video courtesy of UP Visayas and te Consortium for Democracy and Disinformation. Emphasizing the dynamism of the youth in campuses, Nery underscored their capacity for reinvention and innovation, particularly at a time when there is a need for stories and voices from various communities in the country. Highlighting the potentials of campus journalists and publications, he said they could “very easily turn our campus publications from campus loudspeakers into community megaphones. We can use our campus newspapers, our campus news websites, into a forum where we can talk about the concerns of the people who live around us, literally.” Summing up the conflict between disinformation and democracy in the country, a veteran human rights lawyer, Chel Diokno, said that the country was already suffering from an epidemic even before the onset of the novel Coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19. “This is a different kind of epidemic. It did not affect our human bodies. But rather, the human body politic. And that really was what we experienced, the last few years. An epidemic of extra judicial killings. An epidemic of abuse of power. And an epidemic that uses fear and violence,” he said. According to Diokno, the current health pandemic has only served to exacerbate the difficulties ordinary Filipinos face. But in the same breath, he also highlighted how social media platforms have also served to condemn some of the questionable actions of public officials in the implementation of regulations of the public health emergency. He quickly added how sadly enough, the situation has also illustrated how the law is implemented differently for different groups of people. “We saw how poor people who violated quarantine regulations were given the full brunt of the law. While those who were connected or associated with those in power, just got a pat, sometimes even a mere reprimand, or not even that,” he said. Affirming his belief in the power of the people, the chairman of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) said citizens must always: speak truth to power; remain vigilant even in difficult times; call out falsehoods particularly those disseminated online; and, ultimately hold those involved accountable for their actions. He was also quick to add that all these actions necessitate the involvement of individuals and communities from different backgrounds. FLAG Chairman and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno shares his thoughts on the capacity of campuses to collaborate with communities in the fight against disinformation. Screengrab from video courtesy of UP Visayas and the Consortium for Democracy and Disinformation. Expressing faith in the transformative power of the right to suffrage, Diokno said it is important for citizens to choose the right leaders for the country. And for that to happen, those in colleges and universities must call on everyone to properly exercise the right to vote. “At the end of the day, given the way our situation politically is run, we will have a golden opportunity, especially you, young people, to choose our future leaders, our next leaders, and to determine the future of our country, when the next elections come along.” Aside from Diokno, Nery, UP Professors Labiste and Chua, the journalists Varona, Espina and Malasa, and Senator Hontiveros, former UP Student Regent and Youth Act Now Against Tyranny National Convenor Raoul Danniel Manuel also gave a talk on the role of the youth as defenders of press freedom. A UP alumna and ACCRALAW Associate Lawyer Kate Aubrey Hojilla also talked about press freedom and the Philippine Constitution. Another UP alumna, Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho, Director for Health Promotion of the Department of Health and Special Assistant to the Secretary for Universal Health Coverage, shared her experience in handling the department’s information campaign on the COVID 19 pandemic. Endy Bayuni, Jakarta Post Senior Editor and member of the Facebook Oversight Board, also talked about Campus Journalism and how the social media platform tackles disinformation. Aside from the speakers, presentations on the proliferation of myths and misinformation on the Marcoses were also given. Miguel Reyes and Joel Ariate, Jr. of the UP Third World Studies Center talked about publications. While Dr. Earvin Cabalquinto of Deakin University, and Dr. Cheryll Ruth Soriano of De La Salle University Manila talked about revisionists videos online. The 3rd National Conference on Democracy and Disinformation was hosted by UP Visayas on February 22, 24 and 26, 2021 as a project with the Consortium on Democracy and Disinformation. The consortium is a network of academics, journalists, bloggers and civil society groups. Among those which support the network are the University of the Philippines, the Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle Philippines and Holy Angel University. For more information on the consortium, visit https://fightdisinfo.ph/. The conference was also held in partnership with MOVE.PH, Daily Guardian, UPV Division of Humanities, UPV Information and Publications Office and DYUP 102.7 FM. For videos of the conference, please visit https://www.facebook.com/DandD2021. |
https://up.edu.ph/kwentongupcat-elicits-nostalgia-as-well-as-test-tips-from-up-community/ | #KwentongUPCAT elicits nostalgia as well as test tips from UP community – University of the Philippines | #KwentongUPCAT elicits nostalgia as well as test tips from UP community #KwentongUPCAT elicits nostalgia as well as test tips from UP community May 23, 2023 | Written by KIM G Quilinguing Mongol pencils, drinks and snacks were some of the things that quickly came to mind when alumni, students and staff of the University of the Philippines (UP) were asked to share their memories, under the hashtag #KwentongUPCAT, of the day they took the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT). Launched by the UP Media and Public Relations Office (UP MPRO) on the UP System’s social media accounts on Tiktok, Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, the #KwentongUPCAT videos are a mix of interviews and other contributions from alumni, students, and staff from different constituent units of the University all over the country. Among those who shared their experience in taking the UPCAT were ABS-CBN Meteorologist and UP alumnus Ariel Rojas, who recalled taking a tricycle from his home to the test venue. “I bought chips since my exam was scheduled in the afternoon. I also brought four newly sharpened Mongol #2 pencils,” he added. Rojas earned his Bachelor of Science in Food Technology and his Master of Science in Meteorology degrees from UP Diliman. @up.edu.ph Ang #KwentongUPCAT sa araw na ito ay mula kay ABS-CBN Meteorologist Ariel Rojas ☄️ Ikaw, may #KwentongUPCAT ka ba? Share mo na yan sa comments sa ibaba para mas ma-excite at ma-inspire ang mga UPCAT takers ngayong taon! #fyp #foryoupage #UniversityofthePhilippines #UPFight ♬ original sound – University of the Philippines Television personality Jervi Li, more famously known as KaladKaren, who has built a following by impersonating journalist and fellow UP alumna Karen Davila, also shared her experience in taking the UPCAT. She recalled that it was a rainy day when she left Bulacan to take the test in UP Diliman. She remembered arriving at Melchor Hall drenched, and how the proctor offered her a face towel to dry herself off. “The only thing that I was carrying during that time was a plastic envelope containing ballpens, paper and other requirements,” she said. Li earned her degree in Broadcast Communication, magna cum laude, also from UP Diliman. @up.edu.ph Umula’t bumagyo, ayos lang ☔️ Pakinggan ang #KwentongUPCAT ni KaladKaren at iwasang maging isang basang sisiw sa araw ng #UPCAT2024 🥲 #fyp #foryoupage #UniversityofthePhilippines #UPFight ♬ original sound – University of the Philippines For student JLO Garferio, who is in his senior year taking up Molecular Biology and Biotechnology in UP Diliman, there was a shortage of pencils at the time he was about to take the UPCAT. Hailing from Pigcawayan, Cotabato, he had to travel to Davao City to take the test in UP Mindanao. “I remember we went around Davao City to look for Mongol pencils. Good thing I was able to find three,” he recalled. @up.edu.ph Magdala ng grocery sa UPCAT? Why not! 🥖 Pakinggan ang tips at #KwentongUPCAT ni JLO, fourth year MBB student pero fresh na fresh pa rin 😌 Ikaw, ano kaya magiging kwento mo sa darating na #UPCAT2024 ngayong June 3-4? #fyp #foryoupage #UniversityofthePhilippines #UPFight ♬ original sound – University of the Philippines Aside from videos, alumni of the University also shared some memories, as well as tips for this year’s test-takers, particularly in the comments sections of the UP System’s social media accounts. On Instagram, alumna Patricia Tan-Tirados recalled wearing red on the day of her test. And as brain boosters, she brought with her one tablespoon of peanuts, one tablespoon of anchovies, and a small chocolate bar. She also had a lucky coin inside her shoe. “All these were from the advice of my parents. Masunuring bata eh (I was an obedient child),” she added. Tan-Tirados earned her degree in Chemical Engineering from UP Diliman. On Facebook, alumna Ardythe Santos, shared how she and her fellow test-takers were brought to the UP Diliman campus by her neighbor’s dad. They had also missed lunch, as her test started at 12:30 PM. “I brought Eng Bee Tin hopia with me. And once we were done (with the test), we bought meals at Jollibee’s drive-thru service so that we could immediately go home,” she added. Santos earned her degree in Nutrition from UP Los Baños. Meanwhile on LinkedIn, alumnus Raymond Sebastian shared how he lost his test permit the week before the UPCAT and how he was advised to bring instead an identification card and a couple of photos. He was issued a temporary test permit at the testing center. “My parents took it as a sign that I wasn’t meant to take the exam,” he wrote. He was the first graduate of his high school to study in UP. He eventually earned a Bachelor of Secondary Education degree from UP Diliman. Several more alumni shared their stories and tips for this year’s test-takers, as excitement fills the UP community, which is once again seeing the administration of the UPCAT to applicants after a hiatus of almost three years. At the height of the pandemic, applications for admission to the University were undertaken online via the UP College Admissions or UPCA, which assessed the students’ applications according to their high school grades. No general test was conducted in compliance with health regulations intended to limit the spread of COVID 19 and its variants. With most of the general population having been vaccinated in recent years, and the number of COVID 19 cases relatively under control, the University is once again conducting the UPCAT on June 3 and June 4 in 102 testing centers nationwide. Watch the whole #KwentongUPCAT video series for stories and tips via the playlist below. |
https://up.edu.ph/healthy-eating-during-the-holidays-up-webinar-shows-how/ | Healthy eating during the holidays? UP webinar shows how – University of the Philippines | Healthy eating during the holidays? UP webinar shows how Healthy eating during the holidays? UP webinar shows how December 1, 2022 | Written by Deina Blancaflor Filipinos love Christmas. It’s long been a tradition that the whole country instantly switches into a cheery holiday mood once the- ber months come. But what people love more than the holidays itself are the festivities—the numerous handaan and salo-salo with relatives, office Christmas parties, and the perfect noche buena and media noche meals with the family. Often, we get carried away during these gatherings. Who can say no to delicious food? One might even say, “It’s Christmas!” as an excuse to binge-eat. Yet despite all this, one must practice healthy eating habits—taking in a balanced diet, drinking lots of water, and sleeping well. How can everyone eat healthier and get their families to do the same during the holiday season? Is this even possible? Actually, yes. This December 2, from 12nn to 2 pm, the University of the Philippines (UP), in partnership with UP Manila National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH), National Telehealth Center (NTC), and cooperation with UP Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), would like to invite you to join the fight against C.O.V.I.D—current COVID-19 problems, other outbreaks, viruses, infections, and disasters. This episode of UP’s “Stop C.O.V.I.D. Deaths” webinar series, titled “P.A.S.K.O. NA N.A.M.A.N.: Healthy Holiday Eating,” will revolve around enjoying the holidays but still staying and eating healthy. The panel will include Dr. Virgith Buena, a well-known dietician/nutritionist practicing at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center, and Niña Marie Corpuz, a veteran broadcast journalist at the ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. Dr. Stella Marie Jose, Deputy Director for Health Operations at UP-PGH, will deliver the closing remarks and synthesis. Register here and catch our weekly live tweets and streams via the UP System Twitter account, TVUP’s YouTube channel, and Facebook page. The award-winning UP “Stop COVID Deaths” Webinar Series is the Philippines’ first and only frontline-focused medical webinar series. It pioneered the discussion, dissemination, and adoption of knowledge on COVID-19 treatment and management. Follow our accounts to stay connected with your credible online community. |
https://up.edu.ph/end-the-year-strong-with-health-exercise-up-webinar-shows-how/ | End the year strong with health, exercise—UP webinar shows how – University of the Philippines | End the year strong with health, exercise—UP webinar shows how End the year strong with health, exercise—UP webinar shows how December 9, 2022 | Written by Deina Blancaflor Physical activity is a major factor in staying healthy. It improves overall well-being and contributes to the prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. It also reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety and enhances the mental capacity. However, 80 percent of the world’s population is considered physically inactive. With the holidays fast approaching, let’s take this time to pause and think about how we can all be COVID-safe, active, and healthy. This December 9, from 12nn to 2 pm, the University of the Philippines (UP), in partnership with UP Manila National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH), National Telehealth Center (NTC), and cooperation with UP Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), would like to invite you to join the fight against C.O.V.I.D—current COVID-19 problems, other outbreaks, viruses, infections, and disasters. In this episode of UP’s “Stop C.O.V.I.D. Deaths” webinar series, titled “NGAYONG PASKO MAGING AKTIBO: Galaw, Sayaw, Hataw!”, Undersecretary of the Department of Health (DOH) Dr. Enrique A. Tayag will touch on how to be physically active during the holidays. He will also demonstrate some hataw moves. UP-PGH Director Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi, on the other hand, will share his personal journey in staying active and how this has helped him in his work. Dr. Dione P. Sacdalan, Coordinator for Training with the Office of Deputy Director for Hospital Operations at UP-PGH, will deliver the synthesis and closing remarks. Register here and catch our weekly live tweets and streams via the UP System Twitter account, TVUP’s YouTube channel, and Facebook page. The award-winning UP “Stop COVID Deaths” Webinar Series is the Philippines’ first and only frontline-focused medical webinar series. It pioneered the discussion, dissemination, and adoption of knowledge on COVID-19 treatment and management. Follow our accounts to stay connected with your credible online community. |
https://up.edu.ph/masakit-ang-puson-o-mas-malalang-sakit-ups-stop-c-o-v-i-d-deaths-webinar-is-back-with-answers/ | Masakit ang puson o mas malalang sakit? UP’s “Stop C.O.V.I.D. Deaths” webinar is back with answers – University of the Philippines | Masakit ang puson o mas malalang sakit? UP’s “Stop C.O.V.I.D. Deaths” webinar is back with answers Masakit ang puson o mas malalang sakit? UP’s “Stop C.O.V.I.D. Deaths” webinar is back with answers January 18, 2023 | Written by Deina Blancaflor The University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) has recently observed an increase in women consulting for pelvic pain, later diagnosed as endometriosis. Unfortunately, limited awareness seems to lead to delayed treatment and undue suffering. Endometriosis is a disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it, causing pain and even infertility. Globally, it affects about 10 percent of women and girls of reproductive age. It is a chronic disease associated with severe, life-impacting pain during periods, sexual intercourse, bowel movement, and other symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and anxiety. Is it possible that women who experienced pelvic pain in the pandemic paid less attention to it, resulting in many delayed diagnoses today? This January 20, from 12nn to 2 pm, UP, in partnership with the UP Manila National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Telehealth Center (NTC), and in cooperation with UP-PGH, would like to invite you to join the fight against C.O.V.I.D.—current COVID-19 problems, other outbreaks, viruses, infections, and disasters. The University’s award-winning webinar series “Stop C.O.V.I.D Deaths” is back, with “Masakit ang Puson: Endometriosis Kaya?” as its first episode for 2023. This episode will take a closer look at endometriosis, its signs and symptoms, and when consultation for pelvic pain is necessary. The main presenter will be an Ob-Gyn infertility specialist and past president of the Philippine Society for Reproductive Medicine, Dr. Angela Aguilar. Dr. Gladys Tanangonan from the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at UP-PGH will also share her insights. The synthesis and closing remarks will be delivered by Dr. Stella Marie L. Jose, the newly appointed head of the Expanded Education and Training Office at UP-PGH. Register here and catch our weekly live tweets and streams via the UP System Twitter account, TVUP’s YouTube channel, and Facebook page. The award-winning UP “Stop COVID Deaths” Webinar Series is the Philippines’ first and only frontline-focused medical webinar series. It pioneered the discussion, dissemination, and adoption of knowledge on COVID-19 treatment and management. Follow our accounts to stay connected with your credible online community. |
https://up.edu.ph/the-kraken-a-closer-look-at-the-latest-covid-sub-variant/ | The ‘Kraken’: A closer look at the latest COVID sub-variant – University of the Philippines | The ‘Kraken’: A closer look at the latest COVID sub-variant The ‘Kraken’: A closer look at the latest COVID sub-variant January 25, 2023 | Written by Deina Blancaflor A new COVID-19 Omicron sub-variant named XBB1.5 or “Kraken” has rapidly spread worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) claims that it is the most transmissible variant of Omicron so far. It is a descendant of the subvariant XBB which has recently swept Singapore. Fortunately, there is no evidence that it causes more severe illnesses. However, the sharp increase in cases caused by XBB 1.5 is still a cause for concern. In the United States, nearly 28 percent of COVID cases this January were caused by this sub-variant. Other countries are already taking precautions to prevent its spread. Are the signs and symptoms different for XBB 1.5? More importantly, are the current vaccines still effective? What’s the update on COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and vaccinations in the Philippines? This January 27, from 12nn to 2 pm, the University of the Philippines (UP), in partnership with UP Manila National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Telehealth Center (NTC), and cooperation with UP-PGH, would like to invite you to join the fight against C.O.V.I.D—current COVID-19 problems, other outbreaks, viruses, infections, and disasters. In this episode of Stop C.O.V.I.D Deaths, “Updates on the OMICRON Sub-variant XBB 1.5 (Kraken)”, an infectious disease expert, Dr. Franco B. Felizarta, and Philippine Genome Center Executive Director Dr. Cynthia P . Saloma will sort out the facts and discuss what front liners and the public need to know about this new strain. UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita D. Padilla will deliver the synthesis and closing remarks. Register here and catch our weekly live tweets and streams via the UP System Twitter account, TVUP’s YouTube channel, and Facebook page. The award-winning UP “Stop COVID Deaths” Webinar Series is the Philippines’ first and only frontline-focused medical webinar series. It pioneered the discussion, dissemination, and adoption of knowledge on COVID-19 treatment and management. Follow our accounts to stay connected with your credible online community. |
https://up.edu.ph/climate-change-and-covid-what-happens-now/ | Climate Change and COVID: What happens now? – University of the Philippines | Climate Change and COVID: What happens now? Climate Change and COVID: What happens now? February 1, 2023 | Written by Deina Blancaflor Climate change is said to be the greatest threat to public health. There are multiple and complex pathways for the negative impacts of climate change, from issues on food security, injuries, and disasters, to catastrophic events. Climate change also triggers slow onset events (SOE) like rising sea levels, which may threaten archipelagos like the Philippines. How can everyone prepare for these scenarios? What is the main role of the health sector in climate action? This Friday, February 3, from 12nn to 2 pm, the University of the Philippines (UP), in partnership with UP Manila National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Telehealth Center (NTC), and cooperation with UP-PGH, invite you to join the fight against C.O.V.I.D—current COVID-19 problems, other outbreaks, viruses, infections, and disasters. In this special episode of the “Stop C.O.V.I.D Deaths” webinar series, titled “Climate Change and Post-COVID-19 Health Security,” the webinar will deviate from its usual format as it welcomes a partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Dr. Eduardo Banzon, ADB Principal Health Specialist for Southeast Asia Development, will open the webinar with his message. He oversees the bank’s work in 11 countries and has prioritized climate and health in its work plan. Dr. Susan Pineda Mercado, Co-chair of the National Panel of Technical Experts of the Philippine Climate Change Commission and recently appointed Co-editor and Regional Advisor for Asia and the Pacific for The British Medical Journal will be the main speaker. She will be followed by the Department of Emergency Medicine Chair at UP-PGH, Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa. The closing remarks will be delivered by Dr. Stella Marie L. Jose, Head of the Expanded Education and Training Office at UP-PGH. Register here and catch our weekly live tweets and streams via the UP System Twitter account, TVUP’s YouTube channel, and Facebook page. Join us in this webinar in partnership with ADB through Technical Assistance 6767, which organizes the SECURE Webinar Series as a platform to document, disseminate, and promote innovative approaches for COVID-19 vaccination among Southeast Asia developing members. It serves as a venue for knowledge and exchange of information among governments, development partners, civil society organization networks, and other key stakeholders. The award-winning UP “Stop COVID Deaths” Webinar Series is the Philippines’ first and only frontline-focused medical webinar series. It pioneered the discussion, dissemination, and adoption of knowledge on COVID-19 treatment and management. Follow our accounts to stay connected with your credible online community. |
https://up.edu.ph/new-boosters-vs-covid-19-sub-variants-kailangan-nga-ba/ | New boosters vs COVID-19 sub-variants—kailangan nga ba? – University of the Philippines | New boosters vs COVID-19 sub-variants—kailangan nga ba? New boosters vs COVID-19 sub-variants—kailangan nga ba? February 9, 2023 | Written by Deina Blancaflor In the latter part of 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) authorized and recommended two updated COVID-19 boosters. These boosters target two Omicron sub-variants, BA.4 and BA.5. These are bivalent vaccines, meaning they contain two messenger RNA (mRNA) components of the coronavirus. Half of the vaccine targets the original strain, while the other half targets the BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variant lineages. These mRNA boosters promised easier formulation and tweaking to counter the rapidly mutating COVID virus. What else do we know about these bivalent vaccines? How frequently should people be given a booster? Are bivalent vaccines readily available in the Philippines? This February 10, from 12nn to 2 pm, the University of the Philippines (UP), in partnership with UP Manila National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Telehealth Center (NTC), and in cooperation with UP-PGH, would like to invite you to join the fight against C.O.V.I.D—current COVID-19 problems, other outbreaks, viruses, infections, and disasters. In this episode of the “Stop C.O.V.I.D Deaths” webinar series, titled “COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine Boosters: Kailan nga ba ito?”, Dr. Razel Nikka Hao from the Department of Health (DOH) will share the latest data on booster rates. An update will also be provided on the inclusion of bivalent vaccines in the country’s vaccination program. Dr. Maria Ofelia Ocana-Alcantara, former Mayor of the Municipality of Tolosa, Leyte, will reflect on the role of LGUs in strengthening the booster program for the government. Finally, Dr. Stella Marie L. Jose, Head of the Expanded Education and Training Office at UP-PGH, will deliver the synthesis and closing remarks. Register here and catch our weekly live tweets and streams via the UP System Twitter account, TVUP’s YouTube channel, and Facebook page. The award-winning UP “Stop COVID Deaths” Webinar Series is the Philippines’ first and only frontline-focused medical webinar series. It pioneered the discussion, dissemination, and adoption of knowledge on COVID-19 treatment and management. Follow our accounts to stay connected with your credible online community. |
https://up.edu.ph/the-beauty-and-history-of-emergency-medicine-at-the-up-pgh/ | The beauty and history of emergency medicine at the UP-PGH – University of the Philippines | The beauty and history of emergency medicine at the UP-PGH The beauty and history of emergency medicine at the UP-PGH February 16, 2023 | Written by Deina Blancaflor Over the past few decades, specialization in emergency medicine has grown and developed in response to a burgeoning need in the Philippines. An emergency physician diagnoses and treats patients with critical illnesses or injuries, particularly trauma victims with multiple organ dysfunction who require immediate care. Time is of the essence in an emergency. The key is to determine who can and cannot wait as far as getting immediate care is concerned. This requires precision training and mentoring, as situations are never clear cut and straightforward. Assessing a patient requires careful observation, skills in physical examination, and sound decision-making. This February 17, from 12nn to 2pm, the University of the Philippines (UP), in partnership with UP Manila National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Telehealth Center (NTC), and in cooperation with UP Philippine General Hospital (PGH), would like to invite you to join the fight against C.O.V.I.D—current COVID-19 problems, other outbreaks, viruses, infections, and disasters. This episode of UP’s “Stop C.O.V.I.D. Deaths” webinar series, titled “SAKLOLO! EMERGENCY PO! The Specialty of Emergency Medicine”, will focus on the Emergency Department of the UP-PGH, its history, and its operations. The discussion will also include updates on the management of commonly encountered emergency cases and an explanation of the range and scope of emergency medicine as a specialty. The panel consists of doctors from the UP-PGH Department of Emergency Medicine: Dr. Marjorie Cruz, Chief Emergency Medicine Specialist; Dr. Christopher Manalo, Emergency Medicine Specialist; and Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, Founding and Current Chair of the department. Dr. Leo Cubillan, the newly appointed UP System Vice President for Academic Affairs, will also share his thoughts. Register here and catch our weekly live tweets and streams via the UP System Twitter account, TVUP’s YouTube channel, and Facebook page. The award-winning UP “Stop COVID Deaths” Webinar Series is the Philippines’ first and only frontline-focused medical webinar series. It pioneered the discussion, dissemination, and adoption of knowledge on COVID-19 treatment and management. Follow our accounts to stay connected with your credible online community. |
https://up.edu.ph/up-webinar-tackles-how-to-prevent-a-dengue-outbreak/ | UP webinar tackles how to prevent a dengue outbreak – University of the Philippines | UP webinar tackles how to prevent a dengue outbreak UP webinar tackles how to prevent a dengue outbreak February 22, 2023 | Written by Deina Blancaflor The global incidence of dengue has grown dramatically, with about half of the world’s population now at risk. In fact, dengue incidence in the last 50 years has increased 30-fold, expanding to new countries, from urban to rural settings. The Philippines is among the top countries where dengue is endemic, and for several months now, sporadic cases have been showing up in communities. Dengue is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Although 80 percent are generally mild and asymptomatic cases, the remaining 20 percent still pose a great risk, and may even lead to hospitalization and worse, death. There is no specific treatment for dengue, but if diagnosed early and managed properly, severe cases may be avoided. What are the latest updates on clinical management and early diagnosis of the disease? What early symptoms should people watch for? What is needed to survive a dengue outbreak? This February 24, from 12nn to 2pm, the University of the Philippines (UP), in partnership with UP Manila National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Telehealth Center (NTC), and in cooperation with UP-PGH, invite you to join the fight against C.O.V.I.D—current COVID-19 problems, other outbreaks, viruses, infections, and disasters. In this episode of UP’s “Stop C.O.V.I.D Deaths” webinar series, titled “NAKAMAMATAY BA ANG DENUGE? Update on the Clinical Management of Dengue,” discussions will revolve around all the information needed to combat dengue, as well as the recent alarming outbreak in Region XIII. Dr. Rontgene Solante, Chairman of the Adult Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine at San Lazaro Hospital, will present information on the clinical management of dengue in the local setting. From a financing angle, Dr. Albert Domingo, Director III of the Quality Assurance Group of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), will talk about the case rates of dengue under the National Health Insurance Program. Register here and catch our weekly live tweets and streams via the UP System Twitter account, TVUP’s YouTube channel, and Facebook page. The award-winning UP “Stop COVID Deaths” Webinar Series is the Philippines’ first and only frontline-focused medical webinar series. It pioneered the discussion, dissemination, and adoption of knowledge on COVID-19 treatment and management. Follow our accounts to stay connected with your credible online community. |
https://up.edu.ph/up-webinar-to-discuss-early-cancer-detection-with-next-generation-sequencing/ | UP webinar to discuss early cancer detection with Next Generation Sequencing – University of the Philippines | UP webinar to discuss early cancer detection with Next Generation Sequencing UP webinar to discuss early cancer detection with Next Generation Sequencing March 16, 2023 | Written by Deina Blancaflor Over the past 15 years, cutting-edge research has made it possible to better understand cancer. It is a genetic disease that is borne out of genomic disruptions that drive gene expression changes or activate or silence genes, thereby altering gene networks and pathways. Global efforts to study multiple cancer types are opening up opportunities for innovation in diagnostics, prognostication, and therapeutics. Recently, one platform is emerging as a top choice over other sequencing modalities—next generation sequencing (NGS). NGS is an incredible advancement in DNA sequencing wherein one can sequence many DNA strands simultaneously. This major achievement has allowed the mapping of the entire human genome in less than 24 hours. What makes NGS different from older, more traditional methods is that it does not depend on chain termination for determining the nucleotide sequence of DNA, which takes three to four steps. Instead, a corresponding fluorescent signal is emitted and is then detected in real time. For doctors around the world, NGS has revolutionized cancer treatment. But how exactly does it work? This March 17, from 12nn to 2pm, the University of the Philippines (UP), in partnership with UP Manila National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Telehealth Center (NTC), and in cooperation with UP Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), invite you to join the fight against C.O.V.I.D—current COVID-19 problems, other outbreaks, viruses, infections, and disasters. This week’s episode of UP’s “Stop C.O.V.I.D. Deaths” webinar series, titled “LABANAN ANG KANSER: Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), Parating Na!,” will take a closer look at innovations in early diagnosis and treatment for cancer involving NGS. The main speaker is Dr. Eugene G. Odoño I, a Medical Specialist III at the UP-PGH Department of Laboratories. Dr. Januario Antonio D. Veloso, Chair of the Dept. of Laboratories at UP-PGH, and Dr. Dennis L. Sacdalan, a medical-oncologist and consultant with the UP-PGH Department of Medicine, will also share their wisdom and expertise on the topic. The synthesis and closing remarks will be delivered by Dr. Michele Sia H. Diwa, Chief of the Division of Molecular Pathology of the Department of Laboratories at UP-PGH. Register for the webinar here and catch the weekly live tweets and streams via the UP System Twitter account, TVUP’s YouTube channel, and Facebook page. The award-winning UP “Stop COVID Deaths” Webinar Series is the Philippines’ first and only frontline-focused medical webinar series. It pioneered the discussion, dissemination, and adoption of knowledge on COVID-19 treatment and management. Follow our accounts to stay connected with your credible online community. |
https://up.edu.ph/land-of-turmoil-colonization-and-division-of-the-korean-peninsula/ | Land of Turmoil: Colonization and Division of the Korean Peninsula – University of the Philippines | Land of Turmoil: Colonization and Division of the Korean Peninsula Land of Turmoil: Colonization and Division of the Korean Peninsula October 23, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office ️Date: November 6 and November 13, 9am – 12pm (GMT+8) ️Mode: Online (ZOOM, YouTube Live Streaming) ️Registration Link: https://bit.ly/SpecialLecture2023 The special lecture is co-hosted by the UP Center for International Studies (UPCIS), UP KRC, and Seoul National University – Asia Center (SNUAC) on two Mondays, Nov 6 & Nov 13, 2023. This is an ONLINE event and open to the public. ️TOPICS: (1) November 6: Japanese Colonialism and the Independence Movement (2) November 13: Division of Korea & Post-war Korean History and Democratization ️Speaker: Dr. Benjamin A. Engel is a Research Professor at the Institute of International Affairs, Seoul National University. He received his Ph.D. and Master’s in International Studies from the Graduate School of International Studies, Seoul National University. His dissertation, entitled “A Search for a Tacit Agreement: U.S.-ROK Relations and Human Rights, 1972-1980,” focuses on the development of U.S. human rights diplomacy toward South Korea and the subsequent ROK government response during the 1970s. His recent academic publications include “For the Sake of Appearances: The Case of South Korean Authoritarian Image Management in the 1970s” published in The Korean Journal of International Studies in 2023, and “Aiding and Abetting: Role of Foreign Missionaries in the South Korean Democracy Movement” published in Korea Observer in 2020. |
https://up.edu.ph/human-rights-and-palestine-occupation-apartheid-and-the-right-to-self-determination/ | Human Rights and Palestine: Occupation, Apartheid, and the Right to Self-Determination – University of the Philippines | Human Rights and Palestine: Occupation, Apartheid, and the Right to Self-Determination Human Rights and Palestine: Occupation, Apartheid, and the Right to Self-Determination October 23, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office UP Manila Political Science program invites you to an online forum “Human Rights and Palestine: Occupation, Apartheid, and the Right to Self-Determination,” on October 25, Wednesday, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, with Dr. Ramon Guillermo of the University of the Philippines Center for International Studies as speaker. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/2awfhc5c . The forum is organized by the Political Science 182, International Politics, WBD class under Prof. Carl Marc Ramota, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Department of Social Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, UP Manila. Activity partners include the Office of the UP Faculty Regent, All UP Academic Employees Union – Manila Chapter, CAS, DSS, and the UP Manila Political Science Program. |
https://up.edu.ph/science-film-festival-2023/ | Science Film Festival 2023 – University of the Philippines | Science Film Festival 2023 Science Film Festival 2023 November 8, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The Goethe Institut with the UPFI Film Center presents the Science Film Festival for the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030. The theme is a rallying call for the protection and revival of ecosystems all around the world. Watch the films for free! ~~ Science Film Festival 2023 Presented by Goethe Institut With UPFI Film Center (For United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030) Nov 14 Tue 4 p.m. Reabsorbing Carbon (7m)/Repackaging Naturally (7m)/Redesigning the Wheel (6) /Retrieving Plastic (6m)/Remapping Restoration (6m) 5:30 p.m. Duty of Care-The Climate Trials (56m) Nov 16 Thurs 4 p.m. Powering Puerto Rico (40m)/Wild Hope-Coffee for Water (28m) 5:30 p.m. Forest Partners (52m) Nov 20 Mon 4 p.m. The Last Seed (1h 17m) 5:30 p.m. Roots of the Sea (10m)/Searching for Sea Turtles in Carriacou, Grenada (6m)/Gardening Marine Forests: A Hands-on Approach to Restoration (20m)/Kelp-South Africa’s Golden Forests (14m) Nov 22 Wed 4 p.m. The Climate Frontier (7m)/ Big Ocean States (8m)/The Sinking Shore (8m)/A River Back to Life (10m)/The Forgotten Forest (9m)/The Mighty Mountains/The Dry Corridor (7m) 5:30 p.m. A League of Extraordinary Makers: Rise of the Makers (48m) ~~~ 🎬 The screenings are open to the public for free on a first-come, first-served basis. Register at the cinema entrance. 🎬 Eating and drinking are not allowed. |
https://up.edu.ph/this-november-at-upfi-film-center-with-films-by-jay-altarejos-as-flowers-for-the-dead/ | This November at UPFI Film Center with films by Jay Altarejos as flowers for the dead! – University of the Philippines | This November at UPFI Film Center with films by Jay Altarejos as flowers for the dead! This November at UPFI Film Center with films by Jay Altarejos as flowers for the dead! November 9, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office This November at UPFI Film Center with films by Jay Altarejos as flowers for the dead! ~~~~~ UPFI Film Center November 2023 Nov 15 Wed 4 p.m. Unfriend 5:30 p.m. Jino to Mari ~~~~~ Admission: Php 200 regular Php 150 discounted (students, pwd, senior, gov’t employees) 🎫Tickets are available 1 hour before screen time at the cinema entrance. 🎬The screenings are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Eating and drinking are not allowed. |
https://up.edu.ph/great-up-run/ | Great UP Run – University of the Philippines | Great UP Run Great UP Run November 9, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office After a four-year hiatus, the much-anticipated return of The Great UP Run is finally here! This iconic race was Runrio’s inaugural running event back in 2007. In keeping with tradition, The Great UP Run is rekindling its partnership with the #NowhereToGoButUP Foundation. This foundation has been a steadfast supporter of the University of the Philippines’ athletes. Mark your calendars for November 19, 2023; lace up your running shoes and proudly wave the flag of the University of the Philippines. Get ready for an exhilarating run and a celebration of the UP spirit! |
https://up.edu.ph/macli-ing/ | Macli-ing – University of the Philippines | Macli-ing Macli-ing November 10, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Malou Jacob’s Macli-ing goes onstage on Dec. 3 and 4, 2023 at 6PM at the Himnasio Amianan of UP Baguio! Tickets at P300 (Regular Patron) and P200 (Students/Senior Citizens/PWDs). For inquiries/reservations, email dkk.macliing2023@gmail.com or call/text mobile numbers 09151506921/09122490196. Original post here: https://t.ly/J6gzq |
https://up.edu.ph/this-november-at-upfi-film-center-with-encore-for-biyaheng-quiapo-ron-bryants-documentary-feature-on-national-artist-ricky-lee/ | Biyaheng Quiapo – Ron Bryant’s documentary feature on National Artist and UP alumni Ricky Lee. – University of the Philippines | Biyaheng Quiapo – Ron Bryant’s documentary feature on National Artist and UP alumni Ricky Lee. Biyaheng Quiapo – Ron Bryant’s documentary feature on National Artist and UP alumni Ricky Lee. November 14, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office This November at UPFI Film Center with encore for Biyaheng Quiapo – Ron Bryant’s documentary feature on National Artist Ricky Lee. ~~~~~ UPFI Film Center November 2023 Biyaheng Quiapo Nov 21 Tues 2:30 p.m. Nov 23 Thurs 2 & 5 p.m. Advisory: Films will continue to be shown even during a transport strike. ~~~~~ Admission: Php 200 regular Php 150 discounted (students, pwd, senior, gov’t employees) Tickets are available 1 hour before screen time at the cinema entrance. The screenings are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Eating and drinking are not allowed. |
https://up.edu.ph/bugta-embracing-talaandig-ancestral-soil/ | BUGTA: Embracing Talaandig ancestral soil – University of the Philippines | BUGTA: Embracing Talaandig ancestral soil BUGTA: Embracing Talaandig ancestral soil November 23, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The UP Fine Arts Gallery invites everyone to the activities related to the visiting artist program of Datu Waway Saway from November 16-24, 2023! Update: Due to the transport strike, the BUGTA SOIL PAINTING WORKSHOP is rescheduled to November 23, Thursday, from 1:00 – 5:00 PM. The Bugta Exhibition will be running from November 16-24, 2023 at the Plenary Hall of the UP Fine Arts gallery. Join us in its opening reception on November 16, 11:30 AM. ______ This is a project of the UP Diliman College of Music and College of Fine Arts, in partnership with UPCMu Department of Musicology, Department of Music Education, UP Center for Ethnomusicology, UPCFA Ceramic Studio, and the UP Fine Arts Gallery. Register for the artist talk and bead and soil painting workshop here: https://forms.gle/ZAdrkcQnpuitvv5G6 Original Post: link |
https://up.edu.ph/disarmament-nuclear-free-movements-perspectives-from-asia-and-the-pacific/ | Disarmament & Nuclear Free Movements: Perspectives from Asia and the Pacific – University of the Philippines | Disarmament & Nuclear Free Movements: Perspectives from Asia and the Pacific Disarmament & Nuclear Free Movements: Perspectives from Asia and the Pacific November 21, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Political Science 182 WBD, International Politics class, in partnership with the UP Manila Political Science Program and the Office of the UP Faculty Regent will hold an online forum on Disarmament and Nuclear-Free Movements: Perspectives from Asia and the Pacific on November 22, Wednesday, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, with Prof. Roland Simbulan of UP Manila, and Dr. Marcus Coll from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand as speakers. The event is in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Department of Social Sciences in the University of the Philippines Manila. Register here: link. |
https://up.edu.ph/thennow-binisaya-film-festival/ | “Then&Now” BINISAYA Film Festival – University of the Philippines | “Then&Now” BINISAYA Film Festival “Then&Now” BINISAYA Film Festival November 23, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Binisaya Film Festival, a homegrown grassroots film festival in Cebu City. A flagship program of the Binisaya Movement Inc. showcasing contemporary vernacular films helmed by Cebuanos and other regional filmmakers across the Archipelago. “Then&Now” 13 years of BINISAYA Film Festival at the UPFI Film Center in cooperation with PUP Center Heritage Studies. A tribute to Teddy Co featuring: The Adlaw Adlaw Films, the best film awardees, Archipelago. Rising and the shorts of keith deligero. ~~~~~~ UPFI Film Center November-December 2023 Binisaya for UP Diliman Nov 28 Tue 2pm Biyernes Biyernes 4pm Sabado Sabado 6pm Domingo Domingo Nov 30 Thurs 2pm Lunes Lunes 4pm Martes Martes 6pm Miyerkoles Miyerkoles Dec 4 Monday 2pm Best of Binisaya set 1 6pm Huwebes Huwebes Dec 5 Tuesday 2pm Best of Binisaya set 3 4pm Archipelago Rising (Jason Tan Liwag) 6pm The Shorts of Keith Deligero ~~~~~ General admission: Php 100 Tickets are available 1 hour before screen time at the cinema entrance. The screenings are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Eating and drinking are not allowed. |
https://up.edu.ph/using-dna-barcodes-against-the-wildlife-black-market/ | Using DNA barcodes against the wildlife black market – University of the Philippines | Using DNA barcodes against the wildlife black market Using DNA barcodes against the wildlife black market June 4, 2019 | Written by Andre DP Encarnacion Dr. Ian Kendrich Fontanilla, Head of the Institute of Biology’s DNA Barcoding Laboratory. Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO. While recent news of giant clams (Tridacna gigas) being harvested in the disputed Scarborough Shoal drew massive outrage online, it was only the latest low point in the dark history of wildlife exploitation in the region. A poignant series of cases also happened here in 2013 and 2014, this time involving pangolins or “scaly anteaters,” which have been described as the most trafficked animals in the world. All eight species of pangolins have been declared to be at least threatened globally. The Philippine pangolin (Manis culionensis), however, has been named critically endangered. It was no surprise then that the nation recoiled in horror in 2013 when a Chinese vessel stranded in the Tubbataha marine national park was found with over 3,000 frozen pangolins on board. Barely a year later, Palawan officials confiscated even more of these from two residential buildings and a tricycle in Puerto Princesa City. While everyone feared that Palawan-endemic Philippine pangolins were the ones involved, this proved difficult to confirm visually. As pangolins are hunted primarily for their scales, which are made of keratin (the same as that found in human hair and nails) and meat, they are typically skinned after being smoked out, bludgeoned to death, and boiled beyond recognition. For justice to be served, what was needed here was a scientifically credible system to ascertain the exact pangolin species found in these shipments. Luckily, a team from the University of the Philippines Institute of Biology led by Dr. Ian Kendrich Fontanilla, Mr. Adrian Luczon and the late Dr. Perry Ong had been working to perfect such a system. The geneticists and the conservation biologist joined forces with fellow experts to pioneer a method called DNA barcoding. DNA barcoding uses the molecular fingerprint of DNA found in even processed remains to accurately determine the specific species. This is done by reading selected genes like product barcodes against a database of samples collected, to aid both science and law enforcement. Together with a close-knit group of institutions, Fontanilla is working to help this database include all endemic species in the country and be a frontline tool against illegal wildlife exploitation. Genes and Shakespeare While the country is equipped with legislation to protect local biodiversity in the form of Republic Act No. 9417, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, Fontanilla explained how difficult it is to uphold this law. As in the case of the Palawan pangolins, agents of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) used to rely purely on morphology, or a specimen’s appearance, to determine species in their custody. This, as we have seen, can prove unreliable. Nice Genes – Graduate students at the DNA Barcoding Laboratory work to fill up the group’s public database of barcodes. Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO. It was in 2008 that Fontanilla, together with other geneticists, Dr. Jonas Quilang and Dr. Zubaida Basiao, joined forces with Ong, at that time the director of the Institute of Biology and a prominent wildlife biologist, to craft what would become their public database of DNA barcodes. A few years later, Ong approached the DENR with a proposal. “Why don’t we help each other?” Fontanilla recalled Ong proposing. “We can help you identify species at the molecular level, and you can provide us with samples.” This offer officially began the partnership between the two institutions that persists to this day. Being more focused on the molecular side as head of the Institute’s DNA Barcoding Laboratory and now the director of the Philippine Genome Center’s (PGC) Biodiversity program, Fontanilla explained that not just any gene can be used as a barcode. “You can think of the DNA of all species like the pages of Shakespeare’s books,” he said. “Now of course we can’t identify them without their titles so now we have to pick a page from each book.” This “page” or specific gene in our DNA is one that facilitates easy identification. “It’s like when you open page 5 and read Romeo’s words to Juliet, and then you know what work it is.” The copies of any collected gene are compared to the current contents of the database to find the most accurate match. “That’s what we do in DNA barcoding, we find a gene that can discriminate like that.” Powerhouse For animals, Fontanilla and his team use the gene Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I or CO1. Unlike most genes we are familiar with that are found in the cell’s nucleus, CO1 is found in mitochondria. “The mitochondria are what produce ATP (which produces energy for many cell processes); so the mutation rate there is very high,” he said. This high rate of mutation across time is what creates the variability that allows us to discriminate between even closely related species. With genes like CO1 playing the role of the perfect pages, Fontanilla and Ong joined their partners in filling up their database. This involved going out into the field to extract both tissue samples for DNA and measurements from enough animals. “As much as possible we try not to kill them,” Fontanilla said. Using the case of local bats, he illustrated the challenge of catching and releasing them unharmed for this purpose. Fontanilla explains the DNA barcoding pipeline from specimen capture to recording in the database. Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO. “We had mist nets for us to catch them,” he recounted. And when they had one trapped, the group had to be very careful not to damage their wings during the extraction process. After taking its measurements (which also go into the database), the bats are carefully released by allowing them to grab onto a tree. “Ideally we get more than 5 specimens per locale,” Fontanilla said. “Because if you just base your data on one individual, what is the variability of that population for that specific gene? We need population data.” Fortunately, the mission to create a good database is now one they share with key allies. Together with the University of the Philippines Diliman and the Philippine Genome Center, universities like De La Salle University and the University of Santo Tomas, among others, have since joined them. Government agencies like the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) are now also prominent members of this barcoding effort. Always Remembered When recounting the group’s successes so far, Fontanilla fondly remembers Ong’s contributions to the barcoding cause, which lasted up to his passing last March. “It was Doc Perry who pushed for this,” he said. “Because being in the academe, we could not do this all on our own. We could not stay in our ivory towers and do research that did not have societal impact. The government is paying us to make that impact.” A digital artwork given by colleagues to the late Perry Ong’s family. It depicts Ong with some of the animals he worked with—a pangolin, a Philippine eagle, a tarsier, a rat, and a bat. Art done by Nathalie M. Gaspar. This spirit of reaching out was exemplified fully by the late College of Science dean. His establishment of their mutually beneficial partnership with the DENR paved the way for the growth of both their allies and the DNA barcoding database itself. The publication of a paper in 2016 on the pangolin case above was the first to document the effectivity of these partnerships. Using the power of DNA barcoding, Luczon and Fontanilla of the DNA Barcoding Laboratory and Ong’s Biodiversity Research Laboratory managed to determine that the 73 specimens confiscated in Puerto Princesa were indeed Philippine pangolins coming from a single locality. The 12 samples they analyzed from the Tubbataha case, on the other hand, were from the closely related Malayan pangolin (M. javanica), another critically endangered variety from Southeast Asia. While Ong is no longer around to see the future growth of the barcoding database, Fontanilla said that his collaborative spirit continues to inspire him and his colleagues. “When Dr. Perry passed on, all of our partners came together in one place to pay their respects. A sad but necessary result of that is we all met and agreed to finish the projects that we had planned together. And we do plan on finishing them all.” To access the Barcode of Life Data System, visit: http://www.boldsystems.org. |
https://up.edu.ph/shaping-the-future-of-philippine-forensics/ | Shaping the future of Philippine forensics – University of the Philippines | Shaping the future of Philippine forensics Shaping the future of Philippine forensics June 10, 2019 | Written by Andre DP Encarnacion Video by KIM Quilinguing for the UP Media and Public Relations Office. It was a biology class unlike any other. When graduate student Lorraine Joyce del Rosario took to the podium to deliver a report on the last regular day of class, one could have expected to hear a thorough rundown of foundational topics in cell biology or genetics. Instead, the polo-clad MS Biology student opened the morning with the grisly case of Beverly Allitt, an English serial murderer nicknamed the “Angel of Death.” During a 59-day period in 1991, Allitt alternated between using potassium chloride and insulin to murder four children and grievously harm six more at Grantham and Kesteven Hospital in Lincolnshire, UK. “How should we investigate this case?” del Rosario asked. The class of nine students actively pitched their ideas. Some suggested checking going through mental health records of the hospital staff, while others suggested going through hospital logs to see who had access to the drugs used in the murders. It was a highly atypical discussion to end the academic year. Then again, there are few things typical about Biology 397: Current Topics in Forensic Biology. Offered nowhere else in the country, the second-semester graduate course at the UP Institute of Biology is understood by only few, even within the University of the Philippines. The course co-convener and head of the DNA Analysis Laboratory at UP Natural Sciences Research Institute, Dr. Maria Corazon De Ungria defines Forensic Biology concisely as the application of the biological sciences in answering legal questions. Most people, however, associate the word “forensics” merely with the study of dead bodies in criminal investigations. De Ungria explained that Bio 397 tackles a far broader landscape of topics. This scope is necessary to underscore how science in all its guises can be applied to answer questions that matter to the nation and its people. A Diverse Cast Diversity has been the course’s trademark since it began in 2012. Not only does it quietly draw students from different disciplines and institutions, it also changes each year depending on their needs and interests. The primary purpose of the course is to help postgraduate students in the sciences to realize the social dimension of their disciplines, and in the seven years of its existence, Bio 397 has never repeated itself in terms of content and composition. “Dynamic” is how graduate student Rance Pavon described the experience. Coming into the course with barely any background knowledge in forensics, the BS Microbiology graduate soon found himself engrossed in lectures from experts at the cutting-edge of their respective forensic disciplines. Lorraine Joyce del Rosario and Rance Pavon, students of Bio 397 2019. Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO “We had people like Dr. Raquel Fortun, currently the Chair of the Department of Pathology, UP Manila, who talked about crime scene reconstructions and the role of forensics in solving extrajudicial killings,” he said. “We had people like Atty. Jose Manguera Jose, formerly with the Office of Legal Aid in UP Diliman, who talked about the legal aspects of forensics and how DNA analysis had changed the Philippine legal system.” Other lecturers discussed pertinent topics like forensic chemistry, wildlife forensics, humanitarian work, and accurate science communication in the time of fake news. Eventually, Pavon said, students tried their own hand at discussing topics where their research interests intersected with forensics. They reported on everything, from the use of microbes in bioterrorism and how forensic botany can link places and people to crimes, to forensic Egyptology and how the study of preserved ancient remains can uncover facts that link past and present. In addition to a final exam, the course culminates in the drafting of a review paper that explores these intersections more deeply. This review paper will be submitted to one of the local journals within the University, so that the students can share their learnings with the wider academic community. Pavon who is pursuing graduate studies in microbiology, is writing about the use of innate microorganisms that reside in our bodies as a powerful tool for identification in forensic investigations. “Each person has a unique profile of microorganisms that can tell us apart from another. For example, we could use microbial profiles from human saliva samples to help us say that the saliva came from this particular person.” De Ungria considers this diversity to be a strength, but also acknowledges that differences can lead to healthy disagreements when people from various backgrounds come together. “Since we encourage students to share their thoughts, our conversations allow us to consider and accept different viewpoints. Our only running policy is to respect one another. We must agree to disagree.” Grads for Grads Bio 397 clearly encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning and this philosophy is most evident in the organization of the Forensic Science Symposium (FSS) which has become an annual event since 2014. It is organized by Bio397 students as part of their course deliverables. De Ungria describes organizing this symposium as a distillation of the “learning by doing” nature of the course, as well as a hands-on demonstration of how scientific inquiry works. “We first tell them to ask their own questions and then determine what questions they think their peers would also like to know about. And then the students must identify the experts who can best provide the answers to these questions, using FSS as the platform for these conversations.” Guided by De Ungria and fellow convener Dr. Ian Kendrich Fontanilla, Director of the Institute of Biology in UPD, the students manage everything, from planning the event to running it on the day itself to reporting on its conclusion. The concept of graduate students making the event their own and working to share their learnings to other graduate students, the so-called “grads for grads” further encourages the students to think beyond themselves. Students and conveners of Bio 397: (from left) Dr. Kendrich Fontanilla, Mark Raymond Vejano, Cydee Ramones, Theresa Tengco, Mark Carascal, Rance Pavon, Dr. Maria Corazon De Ungria, Ma. Greta Jacinto, Arizaldo Enriquez Castro, Lani Manahan-Suyom and Lorraine del Rosario. Photo from Dr. Maria Corazon De Ungria. Ultimately, this sense of responsibility helped the students organize a well-attended event last April 6. Among the speakers of FSS2019 were Dr. Mahar Lagmay of the UPD Resilience Institute, Atty. Theodore Te of the UP College of Law and former Supreme Court spokesperson, Dr. Francisco Datar of the UPD Department of Anthropology, Dr. Raquel Fortun, Dr. Emilia Lastica-Ternura of the UP Los Banos College of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Mudjekeewis Santos, Officer in Charge of the Training Division of the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute. Dr. Fontanilla also delivered a lecture on wildlife forensics in honor of the late Dean of the College of Science, Dr. Perry Ong. While the challenge of taking ownership of such an important event made them feel like giving up, both Pavon and Del Rosario now count the FSS as one of their favorite course highlights. “We were taught a lot of positive values,” Del Rosario admitted. “Patience, teamwork, and unity. Working harmoniously with your acquaintances. I think that organizing this symposium enriched us both personally, as well as academically.” Serving Society One might ask: What’s the point of this supremely holistic training? In De Ungria’s opinion, Bio 397 helps train the kind of scientists the country needs – individuals who not only lend a hand in solving national problems, but also help the general public to discover the importance of science to nation building. Dr. Maria Corazon De Ungria at the NSRI DNA Analysis Laboratory. Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO. “The take-home message is that students should see the social value of science, which might not be as emphasized in other courses,” she said. De Ungria believes that in the course of the semester, students come to appreciate the forensic casework and social advocacies that form part of the extension work in laboratories like the DNA Analysis Lab at NSRI. De Ungria compares what the course has slowly built over the years with Dumbledore’s Army of the Harry Potter book series, which was a network of like-minded graduates who aim to fight evil and to support each other and the greater good. “A number of Bio 397 students have helped teach science to law students through organizations like the Innocence Project Philippines Network,” she said. This exchange of information allows both sides to work towards finding potential cases that may need further investigation via DNA evidence that was not available at the trial. “It shares this very dynamic approach of ‘learning by doing’ to the student community, in the sciences and the law, and hopefully to other disciplines in the future.” Overall, the course works to answer that age-old question: What can science offer society? De Ungria believes that science can expand the realm of possible solutions, through new discoveries. “One can have so many more creative solutions to the same problem because scientists use our ingenuity to break barriers and advance forward. And we need more scientists who are able to integrate a living social consciousness with their creativity/ingenuity in order to put excellent science at the service of society.” |
https://up.edu.ph/space-age-spine-surgery-for-filipinos/ | Space age spine surgery for Filipinos – University of the Philippines | Space age spine surgery for Filipinos Space age spine surgery for Filipinos July 3, 2019 | Written by Andre DP Encarnacion Video by KIM Quilinguing for the UP Media and Public Relations Office. Sitting in the UP College of Medicine’s Department of Anatomy, Dr. Rafael Bundoc began by explaining how a big part of his mission was to change the attitudes of Filipinos when it comes to spine surgery. Spread out in front of the orthopedic surgeon as he spoke were his tools — silver streamlined instruments of various lengths. These instruments, and how to use them, held the key to the future of his discipline in the country, Bundoc said. While he is up to the challenge, Bundoc does indeed have several minds to change. The idea of having your spine operated on is a dreadful thought for patients and doctors alike. This fear was born in the 1960s and 1970s, when spine surgeries were long, bloody affairs. “In the past it was very dangerous,” he said, “because you go down to the spine, which is a very deep part of the body. To open it up is very bloody and of course, there’s the idea that you might get paralyzed because you have your nerves there. That’s really scary.” However, Bundoc insisted that technological advances have mostly made these scary scenarios a thing of the past. In their place, we now have a set of tools and techniques that make up Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS). MISS allows doctors to get a three-dimensional view of your spinal area and the ability to operate on it directly, while leaving only a tiny incision. This not only makes surgeries more precise; it also allows patients to recuperate faster. It also dramatically reduces hospital stays for patients, and the resulting expenses. As one of the pioneers of MISS in the country, Bundoc is committed to showing both colleagues and patients that this new world is one worth discovering. And as the chair of the 5th ASEAN Minimally Invasive Spine Surgical Techniques (MISST) 2019 Congress last month, he also now wants to show the world that the Philippines can be a leader in using these techniques to improve countless lives. Five Ailments When talking of innovative surgical techniques, an obvious question might be: what conditions do they treat? Bundoc says there are five fundamental conditions that afflict humans throughout their lifetime: trauma, congenital deformities, infections, neoplasms (cancers), and degenerative conditions. Dr. Rafael Bundoc of the University of the Philippines General Hospital (UP PGH) Department of Orthopedic. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO. Bundoc said that of these five, the most common he had encountered affecting the spine are: trauma, infections and degenerative conditions. “We see a lot of trauma now, especially now that we have so many motorcycles. We treat these minimally invasively because we don’t want to add insult to injury. You already have a massive wound and we don’t want to give you another one.” Of the infections, the most common he sees is tuberculosis of the spine. Today, with minimally invasive techniques, he and his colleagues need not split open a person’s back to drain the pus from the spine. “Now we just have to make a very small hole, and we’re able to drain the infection.” But hands down, the most common and what most people associate with spinal problems are degenerative conditions, specifically slipped discs and stenoses. “Our population is graying,” Bundoc says. “Filipinos are living longer and, as we age, we develop lots of spine problems.” For him, the thought of opening the back of an already aged person is a traumatic experience that no patient should go through. Hence, minimally invasive techniques can be both an effective and a dignified solution. Bundoc explains how the problem evolves in the case of stenosis. “You have a canal in your spine,” he says. And like most other canals in nature, the size of the channel eventually decreases as deposits build up on the bone, in this case, calcium. “Your bones and your ligaments get thicker, and when your spinal cord gets compressed, your back hurts. You can’t walk, and your lower extremities hurt.” Millimeters So how does a spine surgeon like Bundoc solve a problem like that? He walks us through a typical surgical process from beginning to end. Some models of the spine and tools used in minimally invasive spine surgery at the University of Philippines Manila’s College of Medicine. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO. First, after the room has been sterilized and the patient’s back has been scrubbed, a radiology technologist takes a fluoroscopy, a special X-ray of the area to be operated on. After this, and once the patient has been duly anaesthetized, surgeons like Bundoc make what is called a ‘‘stab incision,’’ or a very tiny cut on the back just big enough to fit a specialized endoscope only a few millimeters in diameter. This scope is connected to a camera system that ends in a set of monitors which allow Bundoc and his colleagues to have a three-dimensional view of the pathology and its surrounding structures. By inserting other very fine instruments, like the pituitary rongeur, a surgeon can then deal with the problem, such as the removal of vertebral discs or bone spurs. “If you’re going to operate on just a small area, why not direct your attention to just that small area? So other structures can be spared.” After the surgery, there is virtually no bleeding from the tiny incision made on the patient. Typically, only a single suture is needed to close it; and for patients with good skin, Bundoc says a Band-Aid may suffice. “Then the patient lies down for around an hour to rest. Afterwards, they get up and go home.” Taking only about an hour, the surgery is a far cry from past procedures where patients needed to recuperate in the hospital for one to two weeks. “We even needed blood transfusions, maybe 1-2 bags. These days we don’t even prepare blood anymore.” Changing Minds While the marriage of engineering and medicine has allowed spine surgeons like Bundoc to perform what previous generations might call miraculous operations, it has not been easy for developing countries like the Philippines to train enough specialists to meet demand. The cost of the sugery remains the most significant barrier. Getting a complete set of tools like the ones Bundoc uses (for which he had to borrow money to acquire) can cost upward of P9 million. Moreover, getting fellowships to master the techniques requires many months of staying in developed countries like Korea, which can be too much for a young physician. Orthopedic surgeon and 5th ASEAN MISST chair Dr. Rafael Bundoc asks those who really need it to give spine surgery a chance. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO. This is the reason Bundoc was excited about the 5th ASEAN MISST in Manila. With help from local government agencies and the North American Spine Society, the convention brought speakers from 21 countries and four continents to Manila last June 26. The primary focus of the event was mentorship. Notably, the first two days were a cadaveric workshop, where younger colleagues practiced their techniques on cadavers, ensuring that they can gain mastery there before moving on to the real thing. Watch the highlights of the 5th ASEAN MISST Congress in Manila For Bundoc, the next generation could not come any sooner. “Take Korea for example,” he said. “They have a population of 58 million, and, would you believe, around 4,000 spine surgeons. We have a population of 110 million and we only have around 140 spine surgeons. That’s not enough, we have to train more.” Bundoc noted that 70 percent of all consultations in an orthopedic or neurology clinic are for complaints of some sort of back pain. “And of that 70 percent, maybe 30 percent are candidates for surgery. That may not sound like a lot, but in a country of 110 million, that is a lot of patients.” “And that’s just for the back,” he continued. “If it gets worse, you get weakness of the legs. And how can you work, much less go around if you have weakness of the legs because of a spine problem?” Sometimes the only solution is to have an operation. “And for those who need it, MISS is heaven-sent.” To learn more about the 5th ASEAN MISST, please visit: https://5thaseanmisst.org. |
https://up.edu.ph/up-experts-call-for-more-substantial-bill-vs-fake-news/ | UP experts call for more substantial bill vs ‘fake news’ – University of the Philippines | UP experts call for more substantial bill vs ‘fake news’ UP experts call for more substantial bill vs ‘fake news’ September 23, 2019 | Written by KIM G Quilinguing UP College of Mass Communication Lecturer and Tsek.ph Editor Jake Soriano presents findings from the project’s fact checking operations. Photo by KIM Quilinguing, UP MPRO. Experts from the University of the Philippines on Friday called on lawmakers to reexamine a bill against fake news filed by Senator Vicente Sotto III. Faculty members and researchers from the College of Mass Communication said Senate Bill No. 9 assumes ‘fake news’ is a problem which only thrives on social media platforms. Under Senate Bill No. 9, persons who use the internet and social media platforms for the creation and dissemination of false information can be held liable. Known as the Act Prohibiting the Publication and Proliferation of False Content on the Philippine Internet, the proposed law will impose imprisonment and fines ranging from P300,000 to P2,000,000. While social media remains the primary mode of spreading misinformation and disinformation, the findings of the Tsek.ph team showed there were other sources and avenues for the spread of ‘fake news’ as well. A Journalism lecturer, Jake Soriano, said that data gathered by the project showed other sources of misinformation and disinformation, which included the candidates themselves while appearing on news media programs, and other public figures who also talked about the candidates. These include “their speeches, their appearances in television, in their CV’s [Curriculum Vitae], for example,” he said. From February 12, 2019 to May 31, 2019, the Tsek.ph team were able to gather and fact check 131 articles on disinformation and misinformation materials targeting candidates and political groups vying for positions in the May elections. Breakdown of ‘fake news’ materials gathered by Tsek.ph. Graphic provided by Tsek.ph. Breaking down their data further, the Tsek.ph team found Facebook to be the most favored platform in spreading misinformation and disinformation during the May elections. “Of course, Facebook is very popular in the Philippines. . . . You can access Facebook for free. There are a lot of people on Facebook,” said Soriano. Second was television, followed by other social media platforms; then websites, campaign advertisements, and even the curriculum vitae or profile of candidates. Aside from these, there are also unspecified avenues where politicians and their supporters shared false information as well. Platforms used for the dissemination of false information. Graphic provided by Tsek.ph. As for political groups, Tsek.ph data showed the Otso Diretso slate as the most targeted, followed by local candidates. Third most targeted group was the Makabayan bloc, followed by the Independent candidates for the Senate. Surveys were also the subject of misinformation and disinformation, as well as the Hugpong ng Pagbabago. The Commission on Elections was also not spared by attacks using false information. Breakdown of data on groups targeted with disinformation and misinformation. Graphic from Tsek.ph. As for individual candidates, data showed former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and former Senator Bam Aquino as the most targeted by misinformation and disinformation materials. Old photos of Roxas were reused in criticizing his supposed election gimmicks. False information even went so far as to claim that he had left the Otso Diretso ticket. Aquino on the other hand was targeted with fake quotes, with one claiming that he said poor people deserve food scraps. UP College of Mass Communication Professor and investigative journalist Yvonne Chua talks about how ‘fake news’ can erode the public’s trust in the media. Photo by KIM Quilinguing, UP MPRO. The Makabayan bloc was also the victim of false news which claimed that the group was disqualified on the eve of the elections. The false information was found by the Tsek.ph team to have originated from accounts which claimed affinity with the Iloilo City police and supposed Philippine Army reservists based in Mindanao. The Duterte administration’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago slate was also targeted with the use of altered photos and out of context quotes, as well as fake infographics. Tsek.ph data though showed only three instances where the ticket was the target of misinformation and disinformation. As for media organizations, Investigative journalist and Journalism Professor Yvonne Chua said that Tsek.ph’s data showed ABS-CBN News as the most targeted of misinformation and disinformation content. This, she said, was worrisome, as it would not only give legitimacy to false information being peddled but also undermine the credibility of news media organizations. “It erodes trust in the media, and in this current environment; this is of no help at all,” she said. According to Chua, the declining trust in the media is both a reason and a result of ‘fake news’ gaining traction in society. “This is highly problematic because ‘fake news’ confuses what information the public ought to trust or not,” she added. And the impact of false information is felt much more when it influences the decision people make during an election. Classification of materials gathered by Tsek.ph team. Graphic from Tsek.ph. As for classifying ‘fake news’ found during the election period, Tsek.ph’s data showed 84 out of the total content they found from February to May 2019, to be false; 21 needed context; 19 were misleading; 5 were accurate. And 2 had no basis. For Journalism Professor Diosa Labiste, misinformation and disinformation materials will become part of the tool kit of candidates and political groups in the coming years. She said it would be wise to anticipate the use of ‘fake news’ in the 2022, inasmuch as they were used in the 2016 and 2019 elections. Labiste recommends fact checking initiatives like Tsek.ph not only serve as tools for those in the news media and academe, but also for ordinary citizens desiring to know accurate and factual information. For Chua, Tsek.ph serves as a showcase of what can be achieved when news organizations collaborate in the fight against ‘fake news’. Collaborations, she said, allow involved news organizations to avoid duplication of fact check stories. “By doing so, we free up journalists and resources to enable them to focus on other types of coverage,” she said. Tsek.ph was a collaborative project involving the UP Department of Journalism, UP Department of Computer Science, UP College of Law, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, Rappler, Vera Files, ABS-CBN News, Interaksyon, Radio World Broadcasting Corporation, Baguio Midland Courier, Central Luzon Television, MindaNews, Probe Productions, The Philippine Star, Philstar.com and DZUP. |
https://up.edu.ph/the-problem-with-fake-news-up-experts-speak-on-the-impact-of-disinformation-on-politics-society-and-democracy/ | The problem with fake news: UP experts speak on the impact of disinformation on politics, society and democracy – University of the Philippines | The problem with fake news: UP experts speak on the impact of disinformation on politics, society and democracy The problem with fake news: UP experts speak on the impact of disinformation on politics, society and democracy September 28, 2019 | Written by KIM G Quilinguing Video by KIM Quilinguing, UP Media and Public Relations Office “It used to be that we could have a civilized conversation about political ideas. We used to have civilized conversations about disagreements in terms of issues, in terms of values, in terms of ideologies. What makes democracy work is that we can look across the aisle and have a decent conversation.” But much has changed since the proliferation of what is commonly called fake news on social media platforms. That’s the lament of Professor Clarissa David of the College of Mass Communication of the University of the Philippines. In an interview early this year, David said that while academics try not to use the term “fake news,” it is still used in situations where they need to discuss the phenomenon because the term is widely used and understood by more people. “We try to avoid the term now because it puts together into one category many different kinds of harmful content that’s online,” she added. David said that communications or media scholars have recently categorized fake news into two types: misinformation and disinformation. According to David, misinformation is false information which is unintentionally disseminated on online platforms. “There is no propaganda intention; mostly there is no political intention,” she said. Disinformation, on the other hand, is intended to convince online users to favor a group or individual political perspective. “Disinformation is orchestrated, it’s funded, … it’s planned. In politics, it’s run by professionals,” she added. For Associate Professor Danilo Arao of the Journalism Department of the College of Mass Communication, it could be because the journalist is not able to properly gather all the information necessary for a story or properly comprehend what is gathered from different sources. “The major mistakes would have to do with crucial data. As well as analyses that would tend to disregard other aspects of the data that are gathered,” he said. A journalist, he said, must have a good understanding of the issue being reported and the materials gathered from various sources; otherwise, the reporter risks providing wrong information to his superiors and the unwitting public. Arao also said journalists who may have reported the news by mistake must be quick to admit fault and rectify their errors, especially at a time when information is disseminated at a rate faster than it used to be when news stories are were aired and published only via traditional platforms such as television, radio and newspapers. Assoc. Prof. Danilo Arao. Photo by KIM Quilinguing, UP MPRO. On the other hand, Professor Rachel Khan, former Chairperson of the Journalism Department and now Associate Dean of the College of Mass Communication, thinks misinformation can also occur if a journalist is given wrong information by his or her sources; in which case, the journalist may not know that he or she is reporting false news. With various online resources now available, Khan said journalists may be able to verify and authenticate information given to them by a source, thus reducing the possibility of publishing inaccurate or wholly false news reports. At a time when some governments frequently accuse the media of disseminating fake news, these academics see the need for the public to be informed on how fake news is generated and disseminated and how media practitioners can enhance their capacity to verify information prior to publishing or airing their news stories on TV, radio, print and online. Social media use among Filipinos in the latest report from We Are Social and Hootsuite. In recent months, the social media platform Facebook announced the deactivation of several accounts which were found to have dubious identities and activities on the platform. They said that some of the accounts were even involved in the promotion of select politicians and political interest groups. Facebook remains the social media platform accessed by the largest number of people in the country. In a recent report from We Are Social and Hootsuite, studies showed that about 76 million Filipinos out of 107.3 million have access to the Internet. About 97 percent of these netizens access Facebook, while only 54 percent use Twitter. About 96 percent watch videos on YouTube and 64 percent post photos on Instagram. The report said 63 percent of social media users in the country belong to the 17- 34 age group, with females comprising a little over half of that number. About 13 percent belong to the 35-44 age group, while about 11 percent are teenagers in the 13-17 age group. Users over 45 years old comprise only about 12.3 percent. For communication educators like Arao, David and Khan, social media plays a key role not only in the proliferation of disinformation and misinformation, but also in the fight against the spread of the same troubling phenomenon. With a doctorate in Communication Research from the University of Pennsylvania, David teaches political communication, journalism and public opinion, research methods, and mass media, government and society at the UP College of Mass Communication, where she also took up a masteral studies in Communication Research. She earned a Bachelor in Communication degree from the Ateneo de Manila University. Aside from her time in the academe, David has also worked with The World Bank, the Philippine Institute of Development Studies, the Human Development Network, the Social Weather Stations, and the Philippine Competition Commission. A frequent resource person for media organizations, David has been actively giving her insights on the impact of fake news on media and society. Several of her interviews have been made available by the online news outfit Rappler. Prof. Clarissa David, PhD. Photo by KIM Quilinguing, UP MPRO. According to David, one of the hallmarks of fake news on social media is how these supposed news stories try to agitate readers or consumers. “If it’s screaming at you. If it’s trying to rile you up. If it makes you angry, if it has curse words, if it has exclamation points, the odds of it being not disinformation are very low.” Consistently used as a format, this style is very much the opposite of what comes out on legitimate news organizations, which are supposed to avoid sensationalizing news stories. Given the consistent efforts of individuals involved in disinformation to pass their work off as legitimate news, Arao sees the identification of such stories as a challenge. “The problem with fake news is that it mimics the reportage of more established news media organizations, especially the ones that are identified with the dominant media,” he said. This mimicry of established news media organizations even goes beyond how stories are written. In some cases, these purveyors of fake news mimic websites with similar web addresses or uniform resource locators (URLs). On a list compiled on Wikipedia, they incude: “ABCnews.com.co” passing itself of as abcnews.go.com; “Bloomberg.ma” mimicking Bloomberg.com; “cnn-channel.com” for cnn.com; “aljazeeranews-tv.com” for aljazeera.com; and, “gma-tv.com” masquerading as gmanetwork.com/news. Distribution of social media users in the Philippines according to We Are Social and HootSuite. Arao said it is disturbing that a significant number of Filipinos believe stories from fake news websites and dubious social media pages. It is also troubling that there are those who actively promote and disseminate these stories as well. He said that if people start believing in fake news more than they should news from legitimate sources, they will tend to make decisions that would not be based on reliable information. “If you fall for the lies, then you tend to fall for the purveyors of such lies,” he added. Arao teaches Journalism, Media and Communication courses. Aside from teaching in his home college, he has also taught courses on global studies for the UP Center for International Studies. He is also the former Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs of the UP System and the former Director of the UP System Information Office. An advocate of alternative media, Arao is member of the Board of Editors of Bulatlat.com, as well as a columnist for the online opinion website, The Lobbyist. He was also the managing editor of the Philippine Journalism Review of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility and a member of the Board of Critics for the ABC 5’s Dokyu. He also headed Ibon Foundation’s research programs and was the editor-in-chief of the foundation’s publications. He is currently finishing a dissertation for his doctorate in Journalism at the Technische Universitat Ilmenau in Germany. He earned his Master of Arts in Philippine Studies degree from the De La Salle University and his Bachelor of Arts in Communication, major in Journalism, degree from UP Diliman, where he had also been news editor of the Philippine Collegian. In the recent elections, Arao, as convenor of the election watchdog, Kontra Daya, urged people to be vigilant on social media and be careful with fake news. He said some groups might resort to deception and misinformation. Recognizing how false stories online are also fueled by political beliefs and ideologies these days, Arao said people should be more discriminating about new information and stories which can be picked up online, especially if these were picked up from dubious online sources. “We cannot just accept everything, hook, line and sinker, because the problem with fake news is that it is out there, particularly in social media, along with the truth.” For Khan, the impact of disinformation on democracy particularly in the Philippines, is something which everyone must seriously consider. “The horrible thing about fake news is it undermines democracy. Especially because social media is supposed to be a platform where the ordinary citizen can have a voice.” With fake online accounts and the machinery which produces and disseminates these false stories, Khan said it is possible for legitimate concerns and problems of ordinary citizens, minority groups and various sectors to be silenced by their ideological or political rivals. She said that these groups will manipulate public opinion to favor the political, economic or ideological interests of a particular group, sector or politician. “They drown out the legitimate voices in favor of paid voices that want to skew public opinion,” she said. Prof. Rachel Khan, DPA. Photo by KIM Quilinguing, UP MPRO. Khan teaches several undergraduate and graduate courses. A former print journalist, she earned her Bachelor in Economics degree from UP Diliman and her Master of Science in Journalism degree with concentration in New Media, from Columbia University in New York, as a Fulbright scholar. She later earned her doctorate in Public Administration from the UP National College in Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG). Khan was the former deputy director of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility. She was a finalist in the 1998 Jaime V. Ongpin Award for Investigative Journalism for her story, “Comelec: Weighed but Found Wanting”. She was also first runner-up in the Citibank Pan-Asia Journalism Award for Business Reporting for an in-depth story on the 1995 inflation crisis. Active in the promotion of responsible journalism, she is also affiliated with the Asian Congress for Media and Communication, the Philippine Studies Association of the Philippines, and the Asian Media and Information Center. A strong advocate against online disinformation, Khan has been very active in events which discuss the impact of fake news on Philippine society and governance. In the recent elections, she was the project leader for Tsek.ph, the collaborative election initiative intended to fact check claims made by candidates. Composed of academic and media partners, Tsek.ph verified dubious statements made by candidates, their supporters and online accounts favoring or opposing specific candidates in the May elections. Their findings were published on the website and disseminated via social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter. On a personal level, Khan said that everyone can help in the fight against disinformation. “If we are going to combat fake news, we can all contribute by making sure that we do not share fake news,” she said. It was important, she added, that people verify the information they see online before disseminating it further by sharing it on social media. “For me it’s an obligation, especially these days. Don’t add to the proliferation ng fake news.” For these experts, the proliferation of disinformation online, while worrying, serves as a challenge for media scholars and practitioners to collaborate and find ways to promote media literacy and responsible journalism. It has also become an opportunity to appreciate the important role the press plays in societies like the Philippines, which remain experiments in nation-building and representative democracies. |
https://up.edu.ph/safeguarding-our-institutional-heritage/ | Safeguarding Our Institutional Heritage – University of the Philippines | Safeguarding Our Institutional Heritage Safeguarding Our Institutional Heritage November 19, 2019 | Written by Andre DP Encarnacion A time capsule, a bridge between past and present. Visit any UP campus and such a description might come close to embodying UP’s place in Philippine history. Everything, from the structures to the discourses taking place within them, was shaped by some of the most profound ideas ever thought of. In the case of UP Diliman, there is probably no other place that embodies this role of being a memory keeper as the University Archives. Located in a nondescript place on the third floor of the Main Library, the Archives contains some of the most timeless pieces bearing the University’s cultural heritage. University Archives Head Librarian Eimee Rhea Lagrama. Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO. “We are, to coin a term, the memory keeper of our University,” said Archives Head Librarian Eimee Rhea Lagrama. “What we have here are materials—paper-based for now—with cultural heritage, research, informational and historical value.” As one might imagine of a place that contains everything, from a National Artist’s handwritten notes to the theses and dissertations of UP students, the protection of sensitive information is a pressing and constant priority. Sadly, even for a University that prides itself on its history, not many know about the contents of the Archives and, consequently, what to make of the information found therein. So what kind of information does the Archives section contain, and what are the right steps to protect them? Four sections What might appear as a unitary section is actually divided into four. According to Lagrama they are: (a) the bindery/preservation section; (b) the UPiana (containing all UP publications) section; (c) University records; and, (d) the personal papers section. Inclusion in any of these is determined by the permanent value a document gains through the course of the University’s transactions, in addition to its specification under Republic Act No. 9470 or the National Archives Act. Many visitors associate the Archives with either University records or the personal papers section. What distinguishes the two? According to Lagrama, University records are defined strictly as comprising of documents that are part of regular transactions (e.g., leave forms). Personal papers, on the other hand, are explicit products of UP-associated persons, be they faculty, administrators or notable alumni. “I’ll give the example of Guillermo Tolentino,” Lagrama said. “He has personal papers with us. What exactly? Biographical information, legal documents. I think the death certificate is there, school records. Some of his drafts are also there.” Sensitive and confidential While Tolentino has long since passed, his case makes it easy to imagine how sensitive or confidential information might be included in the Archives relating to living people. Lagrama admits that there are some personal papers and University records that contain information that cannot be accessed by just anyone. One basis they have for allowing access to personal papers is the actual donor’s request. “We have donors who do not want specific parts of their collections opened while they are alive. I also remember that we have a collection where even the owner’s passport was with us. Although he is long gone, we decided that for passports and other personal documents, we need to look if they are covered by data privacy and err on the side of caution.” For University records, Lagrama and her staff are careful, especially when legal documents are included for cases still being disputed. “Usually they are related to the law or, for example, to cases filed against students and facylty. These are documents that we can’t just grant access to and we are very strict about that.” Specific measures Lagrama said that it might be a good idea to review their current collection to meet the University’s data privacy needs since, while the concept of data privacy is fairly new, their office has been collecting UP’s documents since it was founded in 1974. Personal collections as well as scholarly products might contain information that could prove risky to either their owners or research participants. Luckily, at least for theses and dissertations, there exists Memorandum No. FRN 15-XXX issued in 2015 by UP Diliman Vice Chancellor for Research and Development (OVCRD) Fidel Nemenzo. The Memorandum provides guidelines to mark their titles as containing: I: a patentable/registrable innovation; P: content that the author intends to publish personally; or, C: confidential information from a third party. For studies marked as above, Lagrama said that the Archives gives the authors an embargo period of one year, which is renewable, to either publish, patent or delete the information in question before their work is made publicly available. Thankfully, Lagrama noted that in many of the colleges, students do avail of, and even extend, the embargo period if necessary. She also added that there are current plans to extend the initial embargo to three or five years. For now, students can easily request for an extension when the time is up. Photo by Jonathan M. Madrid, UP MPRO. Institutional memory Lagrama said the primary importance of a University Archives is, recalling George Santayana, to protect the history that helps people in the here-and-now to avoid repeating its mistakes. As the UP Main Library currently undergoes renovation, however, she and her colleagues hope to start a project focused explicitly on the future. Lagrama believes that before the data privacy policy can be effectively exercised, offices in government should be well-versed in effective records management practices. It makes sense that before we protect the information we have, we should have a records retention and disposition schedule that helps everyone know what documents they should be keeping, who can access them, and how long they should be kept. Armed with an instrument that she helped design with one of her graduate students, Lagrama hopes to use the time available to her and her colleagues to strengthen record-keeping practices across UP. Guiding others towards a better future is, of course, part of what makes the University Archives a beloved reflection of what UP stands for. Lagrama says, “Having this institutional memory instills in you a sense of identity. It gives you a better sense of who you are as a UP student and Filipino citizen, and at the same time of why we are here and where we are going.” Get your FREE copy of the UP Forum magazine now. Please send an email to upforum@up.edu.ph or visit the UP Media and Public Relations Office at Room 6B, Fonacier Hall, Magsaysay Avenue, UP Diliman, Quezon City. You may access the digital copy here. Published on: Nov 19, 2019 |
https://up.edu.ph/up-and-dost-asti-engineers-prototype-set-top-box-to-help-bridge-educations-digital-divide/ | UP and DOST-ASTI engineers prototype set-top box to help bridge education’s digital divide – University of the Philippines | UP and DOST-ASTI engineers prototype set-top box to help bridge education’s digital divide UP and DOST-ASTI engineers prototype set-top box to help bridge education’s digital divide December 9, 2020 | Written by Andre DP Encarnacion Video by KIM Quilinguing, UP MPRO It would be safe to think, when skimming through recent news articles of his activities, that Dr. Joel Joseph Marciano, Jr.’s sights are set intently on space. While space does certainly preoccupy most of his thoughts as the director of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), a good number of his advocacies are much closer to earth. Indeed, together with his fellow UP experts and engineers, the 26-year veteran faculty member at UP Diliman’s Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute (EEEI) has his eyes set on a problem—the country’s digital divide that continues to be a thorn in the side of those whose efforts are on providing quality virtual education. Dr. Joel Joseph Marciano, Jr., director of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), explains during an interview the possibilities of the set-top box for the country’s educational sector. Photo by Jun Madrid, UPMPRO. “Everybody is aware of the challenges we are facing in terms of delivering education to the people,” Marciano said. “Our young people need to get back to school—but they can’t. We need to deal with the lack of connectivity.” According to Marciano, to fully realize the country’s goal to meet every student’s distance learning needs, it is necessary for the internet to be pervasive, which it currently is not. “How then do we deliver education and services if the Internet is still not that ubiquitous, many people are still unconnected, and there are communities that are still left unserved?” As a complementary measure, Marciano and colleagues from the Department of Science and Technology’s Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI), where he previously served as Director prior to moving to the PhilSA, are looking into adapting an emerging technology to reach the places that the Internet currently cannot. While some television networks have explored the possibilities of digital TV in providing quality entertainment to more people, they believe that the same medium can be maximized to serve the needs of students and teachers. The powers of digital In the Full Anechoic Chamber at the heart of the UP EEEI’s ULyS3ES building, Marciano’s small group of like-minded engineers demonstrate a prototype of what some TV networks have brought into a considerable number of our households: the set-top box. This device, which allows analogue televisions to receive digital broadcasts, has traditionally been used to provide exclusive programming from digital-only channels. As experts in wireless communication, however, Marciano and a team of engineers led by Mr. Calvin Artemies Hilario of the DOST-ASTI, are confident that these devices can do much more. There are inherent advantages for TV broadcast to go digital, which can be leveraged for educational applications. Marciano mentions a few. First is the fact that digital signals can be more robust. Unlike analogue TV broadcast, which is similar to traditional AM and FM radio, information in digital broadcasts is converted into ‘bits’ or binary digits, which can be more readily processed by computers. These bits can be computed on and stored to make the broadcast system more efficient and reliable. “If your house is far away from the broadcast station, the signal that reaches you can be very weak and therefore prone to errors or distortion.” Marciano says. “The very nature of digital information means that computers can detect errors in the transmissions and also apply corrections to them.” Explaining the concept of the noise floor, or the threshold below which a communication signal cannot normally be picked up, he says that digital signals, even when badly degraded or noisy, can be fitted with protections that assure reliable reception. Mr. Calvin Artemies Hilrario and Mr. Jean Jay Quitayen (sitting in front of the PC), both from the Solutions and Services Engineering Division of the DOST-ASTI, test the ability of the set-up box—the black gadget in the upper right corner of the cardboard box—to receive digital broadcast signals. Photo by Celeste Llaneta, UPMPRO. Another distinct advantage is the way digital TV can send much more content than its analogue counterpart over the same channel. In the Philippines, TV stations broadcast over designated radio frequencies assigned by regulators and the width of this channel is 6 MegaHertz (or 6,000,000 Hz). This “bandwidth”, Marciano explains, is “analogous to the lanes in a road or highway and more efficient systems would be able to offer higher capacity, such as by handling more traffic or support higher speeds, for the same width of road”. Using digital TV, a broadcaster can send multiple content simultaneously in one 6Mhz-wide channel, as opposed to only one content in the analogue TV system. “If you are a digital TV station, you can accommodate up to six different content at the same time over one 6 MHz channel,” adds Mr. Hilario. “Whereas in analogue systems you would need six separate channels, which is inefficient.” Anyone familiar with digital broadcasts also knows that audio and video can be more robustly represented in digital format. This means that potential students can access better quality images, which can come in handy in some areas of study. In the Full Anechoic Chamber located in the UP ULyS3ES lobby, Mr. Calvin Artemies Hilario of the Solutions and Services Engineering Division of the DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) tests the prototype of the set-top box attached to a PC. The device allows analogue television to receive interactive digital broadcasts. Photo by Jun Madrid, UPMPRO. Datacasting and education The possibility of sending supplemental information apart from the original audio and video broadcast content is the key that Marciano and his colleagues think can be a game-changer for Philippine higher education. In broadcasting parlance that function is called ‘datacasting’, and while foreign countries already use it, for example, to provide real-time sports data and information on-screen running in parallel with an actual game, it can be used to provide an element of interactivity that the traditionally unidirectional TV medium has been lacking when used for learning. “Now imagine interacting with your TV via your remote,” he adds. Other countries, Marciano notes, already do this for channels like TV shopping, where you can use your remote to interact and purchase via your set-top box. “So, set-top boxes can be two-way. This is prevalent in cable TV systems, but not in free-to-air broadcast.” he notes. Marciano thinks educators can take advantage of datacasting and the possible return-path to create more interaction with students. The following diagram illustrates their current implementation, where datacasting is used to encode and “multiplex” text, files and other interactive content in the TV programming along with a return path that provides the means for obtaining feedback. For Marciano and his team, these features enable TV broadcast to deliver even richer information, foremost with distance education in mind. Datacasting serves as an additional “pipe” for digital information that enriches TV broadcast content for education. Diagram from Dr. Marciano and Mr. Hilario. He explains that the return path can be implemented in the set-top box by building basic capability such as SMS, for example. “In this return path, the data you’re sending back is really not that heavy,” he said, citing multiple choice questions and daily checkups as some things that can be responded to by students and transmitted back directly. “So, you are no longer just running a video. You can pick a time to send a question like, ‘are you ok?’ or some other questions that they can answer optionally.” “With or without the Internet, we can also try to reach our audience via free-to-air digital TV. Digital information can reach them in one hop; we just have to be able to concentrate the content in one place—the TV station. It does not replace the Internet, but it can bridge and augment,” says Marciano. “And while TV has been used in education for a long time, let us not forget the features that digital TV has like datacasting that can enrich the experience of those watching your content. For educators, the challenge is to devise and construct content that takes advantage of that capability.” Dr. Marciano during the testing of the set-up box protoype. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO. Content need not always be synchronous, too. According to Marciano, their prototype also aims to take advantage of the fact that through datacasting, a broadcaster can transparently send other content in the background while the main TV program is being played. Some materials do not have to be consumed right away and can be stored in the set-top box to be accessed afterwards. “For education, datacasting can also provide a path for sending digital information to learners outside of what is being displayed immediately onscreen. It can come with advisories like, ‘after watching this broadcast, open this.’ Then you can press a special button in the remote and it will access other information in your set-top box and run it. So, it can be a file that can be displayed, or it can be a website or a form where you can answer a quiz, or additional offline video materials they can watch. That’s possible and we demonstrate it in our implementation.” Depending on how they are made, set-top boxes can also come with recording features for broadcast programs and lectures. “You can store them in the hard drives of set-top boxes,” Marciano stresses. Depending on the size of the hard drive included in the box, students can run back lectures to review and check at their own leisure. “In our implementation, the box is practically a small computer with a built-in TV receiver and uses TV screen as a monitor. We can connect a keyboard and mouse to replace the remote control.” An educator’s task While highlighting the advantages of such a medium for education nationwide, Marciano is quick to note that it should be educators who must take up the challenge of creating content that will maximize the capabilities of digital TV. “We’re more on the technology platform side,” he says. “We can tell them what the limits are, what they are able to do, and how to possibly implement the reverse channel going back.” The rest, he said, is up to a teacher’s needs and creativity. Marciano also believes there is potential for digital TV to complement not just purely pedagogical pursuits but to support more general university functions. “For example, we wake up at 4 in the morning to bad weather and we are not sure if we should suspend classes,” he notes. “The decision perhaps becomes easier because we don’t need our students to physically come to the classroom, though that may be ideal.” The little “mahiwagang” black box that can go a long way in helping educate Filipinos. Photo by Celeste Llaneta, UPMPRO. Therefore, digital TV can serve as a far-reaching back-up system to keep classes on track in times of bad weather or many other sorts of disruptions. “Just tell everybody that there is a protocol in place that we may resort to when classes are suspended.” Hopefully, we would not have to deal with disruptive conditions of such scale, but if classes do need to be suspended, “it’s not going to be a difficult decision because of interventions like these.” Marciano and his colleagues make it clear that they are not endorsing digital TV per se as a standard. “It is fundamentally about leveraging and innovating on the technology options we have at the moment. In areas where connectivity is unavailable, let us see what other available technologies like digital TV and satellites can do to bridge the gap,” he says. “These interventions are part of efforts to enable community networks to flourish in unserved areas in the country, which involves ensuring proper management and productive use of TV and radio frequencies. At the PhilSA, we support these initiatives through our space missions, specifically on measuring radio spectrum utilization, developing radio payloads and promoting communication satellites.” Overall, as with all innovations, it will take an ecosystem to make the most out of it. Educators and broadcasters alike will have to work with engineers and policymakers to make it happen. Long has the country wrestled with the realities of making connections in an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands. “With every island we have to lay down submarine cables, as we are connected either through wireless links or cables under the sea.” Digital TV could be another tool in UP’s growing arsenal to accomplish its mandate and provide education to more people than ever before. “Let us say that UP in Miag-ao has a TV station, then you can extend the reach of that campus beyond the classroom, its teachers and students. How about the surrounding communities? You can reach them as well.” |
https://up.edu.ph/cone-snails-from-lethal-killers-to-medical-marvels/ | Cone snails: From lethal killers to medical marvels – University of the Philippines | Cone snails: From lethal killers to medical marvels Cone snails: From lethal killers to medical marvels April 25, 2022 | Written by Franco Gargantiel and Celeste Llaneta Ms. Iris Bea Ramiro, UP Chemistry alumna, and researcher at the University of Copenhagen, is out in the waters of Cebu in search of the cone snails that are at the center of her research. Photo courtesy of Ms. Ramiro. Who could imagine that something as small as cone snails, popular among shell collectors and tropical-themed jewelry makers for their intricately colored shells, is the key to a substantial medical breakthrough waiting to be unlocked? Perhaps it is fitting that a young Filipino scientist, Iris Bea Ramiro, is next in line to reveal the biomedical potentials in these venomous sea snails commonly found in Philippine reefs and waters. Ramiro, a UP College of Science alumna, a researcher at the UP Marine Science Institute (MSI), and now a Ph.D. student and researcher at the University of Copenhagen Department of Biomedical Sciences in Denmark, is following in the footsteps of other internationally renowned Filipino scientists and UP alumni. Read the full paper here. A cone snail sitting in an aquarium. Photo courtesy of Ms. Ramiro. From toxin to medicine Conus rolani, one of the two species of Asprella cone snails Ms. Ramiro studied. Photo courtesy of Ms. Ramiro. Over the past decades, scientists have reported that the toxins produced by cone snails (family Conidae) contain a unique component called conotoxins, which generate new kinds of painkillers and drugs to treat disease. But scientists have barely scratched the surface when it comes to exploring the biomedical potentials of the planet’s marine life, and the research continues. Ramiro and her team conducted their study off the coast of Sogod, Cebu Province. They observed a deep water species of fish-hunting cone snails of the Asprella clade using a hunting method known as “ambush-and-assess.” This method involves the snail stinging its prey with its venom and waiting between one to three hours for its target to become sluggish and unable to counterattack, after which the snail moves in to finish the job. The method differed from the more widespread “taser-and-tether” technique, where cone snails use toxins to electrocute their prey rapidly; and the “net-hunting” strategy, where cone snails release venom into the water to knock the target insensible. The hours-long wait between the first strike to having a meal in the “ambush-and-assess” method struck Ramiro as unusual, leading her to investigate further by focusing on two species of Asprella cone snails, the Conus rolani and Conus neocostatus. “No one in our lab was working on it at that time,” she said in the press release published by the University of Utah press. “I was just looking to identify any small peptide (chain of amino acids) from the venom of C. rolani that had unusual or interesting activity in mice.” She discovered that the toxins Asprella cone snails use contain a peptide called Consomatin Ro1, which closely resembles the neuropeptide hormone somatostatin. Humans naturally produce somatostatin, which inhibits growth hormone secretion and cell production. It may be a possible treatment for cancer, diabetes, pain and inflammation, and endocrine disorders. Consomatin Ro1 resembles a drug analog or copy of somatostatin called octreotide, currently available under the brand name Sandostatin. Ramiro at work. Photo courtesy of Ms. Ramiro. The critical difference is that Consomatin Ro1 is slow acting. Unlike human-produced somatostatin, which has only a half-life of one to three minutes, and octreotide, which has a half-life of 90 minutes after intravenous infusion, Consomatin Ro1 has a much longer half-life of more than 158 hours or more than six and a half days. (During a test involving Consomatin Ro1 in a plasma stability assay, somatostatin’s half-life was five and a half hours.) The peptide from Asprella cone snails can stick around much longer than somatostatin. On top of that, Consomatin Ro1 also functions the same way as somatostatin does. The human body has five somatostatin receptor subtypes that this peptide binds to activate its powers of hormone and cell growth inhibition. So far, Consomatin Ro1 appears to bind strongly to somatostatin receptor subtypes 1and 4, making it an effective compound. “It has the potential to become a lead for pain treatment because two of those human receptors that the Consomatin targets are involved in pain. So that’s what we pursued and found it works,” Ramiro told Inverse Science writer Elana Spivack. Sea snail-based neuropharmacology Ramiro’s research builds upon the ever-growing field of neuropharmacology revolving around predatory sea snails, which scientists have described as “medical marvels”. The key figures in this field include: University of Utah Distinguished Professor Dr. Baldomero M. Olivera, who earned his BS Chemistry degree from UP and was given an honorary Doctor of Science degree by his alma mater in 2008 in recognition of his accomplishments in marine drug research; and, Dr. Gisela P. Concepcion, UP MSI Professor Emeritus and former UP Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Concepcion, who led the UP MSI Marine Natural Products (MNP) Laboratory until her retirement, continued the research collaboration with Dr. Olivera, which started with her mentor, National Scientist, and UP MSI Professor Emeritus Lourdes J. Cruz, in the 1970s. Dr. Concepcion served as Ramiro’s MS thesis adviser. Later, while researching Asprella cone snails, Ramiro went to the University of Utah to consult with Dr. Olivera. UP Professor Emerita Gisela Padilla Concepcion and Ms. Ramiro during the dinner celebrating Ms. Ramiro’s graduation in 2017 after completing her MS degree. Photo courtesy of Ms. Ramiro. “For many years now, I have been building the Conoidean research capability of the UP MSI MNPLab by collaborating with Dr. Olivera,” Dr. Concepcion said in an interview with the UP MPRO. “Our research assistants and graduate students have been trained in his lab at the University of Utah, and we have succeeded in establishing critical technologies such as snail taxonomy, venom extraction, biochemical isolation, purification, characterization of peptides, peptide sequence determination, chemical synthesis and folding, and animal-, cell- and receptor-based neuroactivity testing. All of these are required to undertake snail venom research.” The DOST’s Philippine Council for Health Research and Development has long since recognized the value of this research field for the country. It supports the UP MSI’s PharmaSeas Program, followed by the Marine Drug Discovery and Development Program. This support has enabled UP MSI scientists and researchers to publish their discoveries in international journals. Dr. Concepcion names at least four examples of UP MSI studies conducted by graduate students and research assistants she mentored on the peptides produced by various species of sea snails with potential application as painkillers. As for Ramiro’s discovery of the compound in Asprella cone snails’ venom and its potential, Dr. Concepcion said they have already applied for an Invention Disclosure Incentive (IDI) from the Technology Transfer and Business Development Office of both UP Diliman and the UP System. Although the evaluation process takes time, both Ramiro and Dr. Concepcion noted the possibility of UP partnering with a private company to produce and market the drug. “We can chemically synthesize sufficient peptide quantities for proof-of-concept studies in an animal pain model,” Dr. Concepcion said. Press on and persevere Ramiro grew up in Bohol, where anglers know how to find and catch the venomous cone snails. In an interview with the UP MPRO, she said she received encouragement and support while UP MSI’s MNP Lab was acquiring the equipment to do biochemical characterization of the peptides in the venom, which made for a bit of a slow start. Ramiro and her fellow UP MSI lab teammates during the same graduation dinner in 2017. Photo courtesy of Ms. Ramiro. “I think UP has come a long way with new equipment and expertise helping fast-track some of our research,” she said. “I also had excellent lab mates, and we had good teamwork in the field and the lab. We supported each other with the different tasks.” She also experienced good teamwork as a researcher at the University of Copenhagen. “We are fortunate to receive support and guidance from different research groups as we (my current lab) started experiments in this area.” Nevertheless, the drudgework of scientific research is the same whether it is done in UP or elsewhere. “Sometimes experiments do not work. One tries the next week again,” Ramiro said philosophically. What keeps her going despite the failed experiments? “Thinking of the ‘why,’ the project’s goal, then aiming for it. Persevering through failures and having fun while doing it.” Ramiro credits UP for equipping its students with the knowledge and fostering an environment where students are “encouraged to explore and learn from others, not just within the university but even collaborators outside UP. I think UP is well connected with other universities in the Philippines and abroad,” Ramiro noted. The adventures of a young Pinoy scientist in Copenhagen, Denmark. Photo courtesy of Ms. Ramiro. And as for the young Filipino researchers and graduate students, Ramiro encourages them to press on and persevere. “Experiments may not work the first time—or the nth time—but one has to try again. Learn as much as you can from others. I learned a lot from discussions with professors, lab mates and colleagues, and our collaborators.” Then she added: “And as I learned from my recent class, have fun!” Fascinated by the secret biomedical powers of cone snails and other Philippine marine animals? Learn more in these three educational videos by TVUP: Dr. Ronie Calugay of the UP Baguio Biology Department on “Conotoxins” Dr. Gisela Concepcion on “Marine Organisms from the Philippines” Dr. Lourdes Cruz, “From Killer Snails to Biodiversity” |
https://up.edu.ph/filipino-voters-were-engulfed-in-relentless-stream-of-disinformation/ | Filipino voters were engulfed in relentless stream of disinformation – University of the Philippines | Filipino voters were engulfed in relentless stream of disinformation Filipino voters were engulfed in relentless stream of disinformation May 11, 2022 | Written by Yvonne T. Chua, Maria Diosa Labiste and Felipe Jose Gonzales. Filipino voters headed to the polls on Monday after months of being engulfed in a relentless and widening stream of falsehoods spewed out in multiple formats and platforms that is unprecedented in the country’s history. Tsek.ph’s second and latest analysis tracked a high volume of multipronged and multiplatform attacks on selected targets using traditional media and communities of sharers on social media to circulate posts and false narratives. It closely resembles what U.S.-based think tank Rand Corp. calls the “firehose of falsehood” strategy that is marked by “high numbers of channels and messages and a shameless willingness to disseminate partial truths or outright fictions.” The strategy is also characterized by an outpouring of rapid, repetitive and indiscriminate topics coming from a volume of sources. Tsek.Ph partners noted that they have many times encountered the same false claims that have previously fact-checked, even long before the election season opened. An extension project of the UP Office of the Vice President of Public Affairs and coordinated by the UP Journalism Department, Tsek.ph is a collaborative fact-checking initiative of 34 partners from academe, media and civil society for the May 9 elections. Apart from the University of the Philippines, it is also supported by Google News Initiative, Rakuten Viber, Meta, Meedan and the Embassy of Canada. Tsek.ph’s first analysis released on Feb. 25 covered around 200 fact checks published from November 2021 to early February, shortly before the campaign period kicked off on Feb. 8. The second analysis covers 685 fact checks published until the end of April, or nine days before the elections. The firehose strategy of disinformation, which was already observed beginning February, is even more pronounced in the succeeding weeks as if disinformation operations were on a last-ditch effort before election day. Most Targeted Candidates Leni Robredo and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remain the primary targets of disinformation in the presidential race as are their running mates Francis Pangilinan and Sara Duterte in the vice presidential contest. The focus on the two tandems is significant because it reflects high political polarization. What is even more significant is how supporters of the Marcos-Duterte tandem have succeeded in further boosting narratives in their favor through an increase in the volume of negative messages against Robredo. As of April 30, 92% of fact checks about Marcos were false or misleading information in his favor. The proportion of debunked false claims praising Duterte was even higher at 95%. On the other hand, 96% of disinformation targeting Robredo was negative. Pangilinan consistently received negative messaging among the fact-checked claims since November. Negative messaging refers to claims that malign their targets while positive messaging denotes claims praising their targets. Both positive and negative messaging convey sentiments ranging from approval, support, contempt and ridicule, to attempts to deny and justify wrongdoing. The issues on competence and character were mainly raised against Robredo and hardly against Marcos. For example, Robredo’s relief assistance for typhoon victims, her anti-poverty project, and her stint as public interest lawyer were derided. She was also accused of bribing people to attend her rallies. Marcos, meanwhile, received credit for things he had little or nothing to do with, including bills and laws, while incredulous claims padded his personal and political performance. Targeting Institutions An array of false claims have targeted noncandidates and institutions associated with the candidates. For example, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., his widow Imelda and daughter Imee were featured overwhelmingly in a positive light. Three-fourths of the claims intended for President Rodrigo Duterte were also positive. Mention of these noncandidates was intended to boost the Marcos-Duterte tandem as they are supposed to bask on their fathers’ achievements and legacies. The negative messaging that the media received partly stemmed from complaints of Marcos Jr.’s camp that their sorties were either ignored or not wholly reported by the media. The fact checks on the Commission on Elections were the claims about possible cheating and poll irregularities, some of which were blamed on Robredo, even without basis. The claims obviously came from the camp of Marcos, as they often recalled his defeat in the vice presidential race in 2016. The fact checks since February saw the proliferation of information that tends to sow confusion in the conduct of voting which could undermine the results of the election. These claims include a scenario of chaos with a Robredo victory. The false claims against the Comelec in the 2016 election and the foregoing scenario in Monday’s elections unite around the theme of stolen elections, which Marcos Jr. and his supporters have been spouting on social media. The Catholic Church, whose bishops, clergy and lay organizations have endorsed Robredo and Pangilinan, may have been less targeted than the media, but the messaging was entirely negative. However, other religious organizations that support Marcos and Duterte were mostly spared from disinformation attacks. The inclusion of Comelec, media and the Catholic Church as targets of disinformation is telling. If the public has little confidence in these institutions, the electoral process would be less credible because these institutions play crucial roles on election day. The attacks on the Aquino family also remain unabated. A TikTok video slammed the decision of Marcos’ successor, President Corazon Aquino, to mothball the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant as a case of putting politics first before the country’s welfare. The truth, however, is that Aquino decided against the operation of the nuclear power plant for public health and safety reasons as well as the fraud and corruption charges that plagued the project. The accomplishments of Aquino and her son, President Benigno Aquino III, were also downplayed. Critics accused them of only erecting monuments in their supposed combined term of more than 30 years. However, the Aquinos, who separately served six years each as president, have had many economic accomplishments. By discrediting the Aquinos, the false claims try to project the dictator Marcos and his son as the better leaders. Crowd Sizes and Endorsements The crowd-drawing capacity of Robredo-Pangilinan in their rallies has been subject to disinformation. The claims doubted the credibility of crowd estimates of the rallies, which often run into tens of thousands and presented through aerial drone shots. Supporters of Marcos and Duterte were skeptical about the reliability of drone photography whereas supporters of Robredo and Pangilinan embraced the technology that shows the growth of their grassroots backers. Endorsements are among the political tactics to win over votes and they involve celebrities, political figures, powerful groups and pop culture icons. Endorsements are meant to create public opinion and media events. However, this show of support for candidates became a source of disinformation. For example, claims that American pop star Beyonce and K-Pop BTS and supporting Marcos were tagged false. So were claims of support for Marcos Jr. from President Duterte, Mar Roxas and Robredo. A newspaper also inaccurately reported that 90% of governors support Marcos. Red-tagging/Red-baiting Red-tagging is a form of disinformation that alleges a connection between some candidates and the clandestine Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) that is fighting the government for more than fifty years. While unfounded, red-baiting continues to be an issue against Robredo and Pangilinan. Claims that Robredo and Pangilinan were advised by CPP-NPA founder Jose Maria Sison and that Robredo’s daughter Aika and Pangilinan’s wife, Sharon Cuneta, confirmed such connection were among those debunked by fact checkers. Robredo has challenged the red-baiting tactics at the time when her sorties and rallies were drawing huge crowds and had benefited from endorsements from various political groups, including those that were also red-tagged. Red-tagging the Robredo-Pangilinan tandem is meant to demonize their group by presenting them as undesirable and evil. The demonization could widen political polarization and prevent the undecided voters from considering the tandem because they are falsely associated with the insurgents. Many of the visual forms of red-tagging were not subjected to fact checks because they offer conjectures and expressed resentment, which are framed to outwit verification. Agents of Disinformation The sources and agents of claims that were fact-checked as either disinformation (false information intended to cause harm) and misinformation (erroneous and inaccurate information) are most social media users with partisan views. Candidates contributed 12% percent of the total claims in the form of statements given at debates, press conferences, rallies and other public gatherings. Facebook is the primary platform used for political campaigning, but at the same time it is also where most false claims are conspicuously found. However, disinformation over Facebook is interlinked with those of other social media platforms. This means that Facebook either functions as the source or a repeater of inaccurate claims. TikTok, a younger platform, now plays a crucial role in pushing false or misleading election-related claims. In Tsek.ph’s February analysis, only 7% of the fact-checked claims came from the video-sharing app. Its share has climbed to 13% in the latest analysis and is tied in second spot with YouTube after Facebook. Crossposting has also risen, with 29% of fact-checked claims now appearing in two or more platforms. The ease with which false or misleading claims can range the social media platforms has helped increase the audience’s chances of encountering disinformation, especially so when many of the claims were repeated claims or variations of the same. The repeated false claims continue to elicit interaction from social media users because either they support such views or their familiarity with those views led to their eventual acceptance. Photos are still the most popular forms of political messaging on social media (42% of fact-checked claims), but claims contained in video have grown and account for 40% in the latest analysis compared to 32% in February. Coordinated Behavior Agents of disinformation do not operate in relative isolation. They attract people to join networks of disinformation that function as spreaders of large volume of false content. Coordinated behavior was observed in the number of groups that share a single false claim, giving the impression that the claim has multiple sources. This would make the claim appear believable because of the sheer interest conveyed by various sources. Available data show that three in five fact-checked claims circulated in more than 50 Facebook pages and groups. A big majority (84%) of the claims generated total interactions (likes, shares, comments) exceeding 1,000. For example, a video of a priest’s homily spliced together with clips of Marcos Jr.’s campaign rallies to make it seem he was speaking in favor of the former senator elicited more than 5.1 million interactions, making it among the top five claims with the most interactions. Among the rampant claims that were fact-checked were those that insinuate that Marcos Jr. might lose again by cheating. His supporters have echoed his statement that he lost to Robredo in 2016 because he was cheated despite a Supreme Court ruling dismissing his allegation. Up to the eve of the elections, the claim of a repeat of the 2016 election cheating circulates on social media, suggesting that the certainty of Marcos’ victory could be thwarted by electoral fraud blamed on Robredo. The insinuation of poll irregularities could cast doubts on the integrity of Comelec and the electoral system. This feature story was contributed by Tsek.ph. It is written by Yvonne T. Chua, Maria Diosa Labiste and Felipe Jose Gonzales. |
https://up.edu.ph/connecting-the-unconnected-it-takes-a-village-to-build-a-bayanihanet/ | Connecting the unconnected: It takes a village to build a Bayanihanet – University of the Philippines | Connecting the unconnected: It takes a village to build a Bayanihanet Connecting the unconnected: It takes a village to build a Bayanihanet August 11, 2021 | Written by Dr. Roel Ocampo On August 4, 2021, in the middle of an afternoon of unsettled weather and a silently raging pandemic, a small team from a project named CONNECT—Cable Operators Neutral Network Exchange for Community Transformation, rushed to beat the National Capital Region’s impending lockdown just two days away. With an imperceptible click of one end of a cable, an indicator lit up, signaling the completion of a 24,000-meter optical path on which two wavelengths of light each transported 1 billion bits per second in opposite directions inside a single glass fiber around the size of a strand of human hair. There were no high-fives, not in this era of health protocols and distancing. Just a feeling of relief, because that same link had refused to work two days earlier due to fussy equipment. The barangay hall along Laguna Lake in Binangonan, Rizal, was finally online. The CONNECT team at Barangay Kalinawan. Photo by Karisse Villanueva, CONNECT project staff According to the residents of Barangay Kalinawan (population: 2,062), a mere 30 kilometers southeast of Quezon City, they had never enjoyed permanent high-speed connectivity before. Several entities had surveyed the area over the years with the intention of erecting telecommunications towers, but none of those efforts eventually translated into continuous and pervasive Internet connectivity for residents. Getting Kalinawan online is part of the community networks component of the CONNECT project. But what do community networks have to do with a project whose title includes “cable operators” and a “neutral network exchange”? There are several hundred cable TV operators in the country and they’re everywhere, some in areas where you can’t get a good mobile signal, much less decent 4G Internet connectivity on your phone. The smaller, local ones tend to build closer relationships with their subscribers in much the same way you are more likely to know the owner of your suking tindahan than even catch a glimpse of the owners of SM Megamall. Some operators even still go house-to-house to collect subscription payments, or at least they used to, before the pandemic hit. Map showing location of Barangay Kalinawan. The ties that bind small cable operators to their subscriber base are not only business or social relationships. They are also literally physically linked together. Cable operators, whether small, medium or large, all have this in common: physical connectivity to their subscribers. Having infrastructure and subscribers even in areas where telco-based Internet connectivity is poor make cable operators a promising strategic force in bridging the digital divide. The rise in popularity of online video services, the precipitous drop in traditional cable TV subscriptions, and the surge in demand for general Internet service especially during the pandemic—all these mean that cable operators, especially the small- and medium-sized ones, need to quickly transform business models and technical capabilities and shift to providing Internet access and other services on top of it. There is both a push and pull for it. This is one aspect of the “community transformation” in the CONNECT project title. CONNECT Project connecting a fishing village to the internet. Photo by Karisse Villanueva, CONNECT project staff The other aspect of “community transformation” has to do with residential communities themselves. Instead of depending solely on commercial service providers to set up telecommunications facilities and infrastructure, ordinary citizens can set up, operate and manage their own local community networks. This model has been used with varying degrees of success all over the world, such as in Central and South America, Europe, and even in the US. One very successful example is guifi.net, which has around 37,000 active nodes mostly in Catalonia, Spain and in nearby areas. Such an approach is certainly worth considering in the Philippines. A local community network in itself can provide many things, such as much needed local communications during a pandemic. In Kalinawan, teachers who need to keep printing and distributing course materials and modules eagerly await, if not press for their elementary school to get connected next. A community network can be used to support local CCTV for peace and order needs, or to integrate sensors for disaster resilience, smart farming, or environmental protection. Local networks do not automatically provide Internet access, but make it easier and cost-effective for commercial providers to come in and open new markets where they have no infrastructure. More importantly, it will allow cable operators, especially the small- and medium-sized ones with limited capex funds, to easily sell Internet access either in bulk, or individually to residents by riding on top of (and consequently paying back for the use of) the local community-owned infrastructure. Either way, both sides win. Community transformation. Telmarc Cable has set its sights not only on the transformation of the cable TV business, but on the sector’s role in transforming communities and society as well. Photo by Karisse Villanueva, CONNECT project staff We first met with cable TV operator and CONNECT partner Telmarc Corporation sometime in 2016, after having been introduced by Engr. Alfonso ‘Tito’ Aliga Jr of the UP Engineering R&D Foundation, Inc. Our conversations with Telmarc CEO Edgardo Paynor and his sons Tyrone and Kevin soon turned to stimulating discussions on ideas like enabling teacher-sharing by interconnecting K-12 schools. We quickly brought in DOST’s Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI), a longtime collaborator that operates the national research and education network PREGINET, as well as collaborators from the Central Luzon State University (CLSU), with whom we worked in an earlier DOST PCIEERD-funded community networks research program called Bayanihanets. After an unsuccessful grant application with another funding organization and subsequent rethinking of our approach, our group applied to the 2nd Call for Proposals for the Asi@Connect Project in November 2017. Asi@Connect is funded by the European Union and Asian partners, and managed by the TEIN Cooperation Center in Seoul, Korea. In February 2018, we were informed that our application was accepted, and in January 2019 the project officially commenced. Installing the network. Photo by Karisse Villanueva, CONNECT project staff More than two years later, and with the significant added burden of moving things forward in the midst of a crippling pandemic, CONNECT’s more tangible deliverables have begun to emerge. Two days before the Kalinawan link activation, we turned up the “neutral network exchange” component of the project at the Telmarc operations center in Taytay, Rizal. More technically known as an Internet exchange point (IXP), this aims to promote local interconnectivity and data exchange between cable TV operators by offering an open and neutral ‘meeting point’ for their respective networks. To draw an analogy: an IXP is like having either a service road or common intersection directly connecting multiple gated subdivisions. You don’t need to traverse the expressway and pay toll fees just to get to a neighboring subdivision. Local traffic stays local. Having an IXP for cable operators will not only dramatically reduce the time it takes for traffic from one cable operator to get to the next (the ‘end-to-end delay’), but it will also translate to financial savings by avoiding the use of expensive international links. As an added bonus, the CONNECT IXP in Telmarc can also serve as a “feeder point” where Internet bandwidth can be supplied to an interconnected community network such as the nascent one in Kalinawan. CONNECT’s IXP is an effort co-led by a cable operator for cable operators, but it is by no means for the exclusive use of the sector. Any Internet service provider or network operator, even community network operators, should be able to join in the future. Nor is it the first for the cable industry. The Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association operates its own IXP, called the PCTA IX. We believe that CONNECT’s IXP is not a competing effort but rather a complementary one. More IXP locations will mean that it will be easier and cheaper for even small and medium network operators to physically connect and join. As a rough analogy, it’s like having more domestic airports with direct flights in between so that you’re more likely to be close to an airport on average, and you’re likely to get a direct flight to your desired destination. CONNECT’s IXP also tries to bring in new technologies and architectural concepts for Internet exchanges. It uses software-defined networking (SDN) and artificial intelligence as technology components for the next generation of IXPs. This is where some of the more advanced research contributions and resources from CONNECT and other initiatives like the CHED-funded PCARI Scalable Community Access Networks (SCAN) and PCARI PRIME programs are poured in; and it is also where our partners CLSU and ASTI are also heavily involved. In early 2019 we set up the Science City of Munoz Internet Exchange or SCIMIX, an experimental IXP facility located in the CLSU campus in Munoz, Nueva Ecija. SCIMIX is primarily aimed at interconnecting R&D and educational institutions in the area with network operators including local cable operators. Experimental components and approaches planned for the CONNECT IXP in Telmarc undergo real-world testing first in SCIMIX. Currently, SCIMIX interconnects the Central Luzon State University, the Philippine Carabao Center, and the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization. We hope to soon interconnect the Philippine Rice Research Institute, the DOST Provincial S&T Center, and Munoz Cable. A 2 Gbps link provided by PREGINET interconnects SCIMIX with PhOpenIX, the official government IXP, in Quezon City. Inception. Initial meeting of SCIMIX stakeholders in August 2018. Photo from Dr. Roel Ocampo. Even after two years of work, Kalinawan is still just the beginning. There are four other barangays we are committed to connect either within or outside the formal duration of the CONNECT project. Sustainability is of course a major concern. To be optimistic, we’ve already received expressions of interest from civic organizations to help with expansion and sustainability, and to explore the possibility of organizing users into registered cooperatives. We will also be seeking support not only from research or developmental grant opportunities, but also from government programs like DICT’s Free WiFi initiative. We would be more than happy to propagate the Free WiFi “signal” (SSID) on around 100 more publicly-accessible WiFi access points to be deployed under CONNECT. Balancing act. John Robert Mendoza, ASTI Senior Science Research Specialist and PhD candidate at UP Diliman, maintains his balance as he installs network cabling. CONNECT will engage, enable and empower communities to set up local networks, but ultimately the communities will have to own, operate, govern, and sustain the infrastructure and services. The nature and degree of CONNECT’s involvement in this process is a balancing act we continue to study and learn. Photo by Karisse Villanueva, CONNECT project staff Ultimately, sustainability will depend on the communities themselves. An IXP is only an IXP if you have active and connected members who use, benefit from, and govern it. A community network by definition has to be cooperatively owned, used, operated and governed by the community itself. These were among ideas put forward in 2016 by then PhD student and now colleague Isabel Montes-Austria, who theorized that local community networks could leverage the bayanihan social tradition, as well as in Nobel Laureate Elinor Ostrom’s guiding principles for the management of commons. That work, supported by DOST PCIEERD, ended in 2017 but continues to guide our work today not only with community networks but in IXP design. At a conference in Brazil back in 2016, after I presented some of our work on how local bayanihanets might be designed and operated, Roger Baig Viñas of guifi.net came up to me and said: “Concepts like common pool resources and Ostrom, these seem to be very clear to you. You are building your system based on it. . . . It took us years to figure it out.” Five years later, we’re not really sure about things being very clear to us, but we’re willing to try, fail, learn, and build. We have no illusions of building all of these ourselves. Our mission is to engage, enable and empower. Community networks should be by the community, for the community. Like the task of raising a child in the African proverb: it will take a village to build a bayanihanet. Kalinawan is now online. Photo by Roel Ocampo, UPDEEI. The Asi@Connect Project is funded by the European Union and Asian partners, and is managed by the TEIN Cooperation Center (TEIN*CC) based in Seoul, Korea. More information may be found at the Asia@sConnect website. Authored by Dr. Roel Ocampo, a faculty member at the UPD Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute, and the Principal Investigator of the Asi@Connect-supported CONNECT project |
https://up.edu.ph/pagtatapos-2023/ | Pagtatapos 2023 – University of the Philippines | Pagtatapos 2023 It’s time for the UP Class of 2023! The month of July signals the start of graduation season for a majority of the University of the Philippines (UP) System. Grad photos have been taken. Outfits already chosen. The UP sablay ready to be draped over the right shoulder and later shifted to the left. This year, UP commencement exercises will kick off at both the northernmost and southernmost constituent universities (CUs).UP Baguio and UP Mindanao will get the ball rolling on July 18. UP Visayas then picks it up on July 20 with the ceremony at its Miagao campus. UP Cebu will make it a back-to-back affair by holding its graduation ceremony on July 21. Fast forward to July 25 and it will be UP Tacloban College’s turn—its first as a newly-elevated autonomous unit under the Office of the President. Five days later, July 30, UP Diliman and its trademark sunflower blooms take center stage. Then it will be festive at the foothills of Mt. Makiling with the UP Los Baños graduation on August 5. Closing the series is the CU with the campus where the University began. UP Manila will hold its commencement exercises on August 7. Details on each CU graduation below. Please visit this page for updates. The graduating class of 2019 of the University of the Philippines Baguio light up candles for the Ritwal ng Pagtatanglaw. This unique tradition goes back the 1960s when UP Baguio was an arts and sciences college of UP Diliman. Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO. UP Mindanao – July 18 University of the Philippines Mindanao was the first to hold its graduation rites among the UP System constituent universities this year. The CU held its ceremonies on July 18, Tuesday, at 7:00 AM. This was held at the Atrium of the Administration Building, UP Mindanao campus, Mintal, Davao City. This was the 25th Commencement Exercises for UP Min. The Guest Speaker for this year was UP alumnus and the President and General Manager of Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc., Mr. Ronald Mascariñas. Meluzvia Marie Amora, Bachelor of Science in Food Technology, summa cum laude, will delivered the response of the graduates in her valedictory speech. Click here to view the highlights video of the UP Mindanao Commencement Exercises UP Baguio – July 18 University of the Philippines Baguio also held its graduation ceremonies on July 18, but at 3:00 in the afternoon. It was held at the Cordillera Convention Hall, Baguio Country Club, Baguio City. This year’s graduating class was composed of 440 undergraduate and doctorate candidates for graduation from three colleges. The attendees included graduates for Academic Year 2021-2022, and first and second semester of Academic Year 2022-2023. Among this year’s graduating class were 271 honor graduates and one graduating as summa cum laude. Jef Mitzel B. Paran, Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences 2023, summa cum laude, delivered the valedictory address. National Scientist Dr. Lourdes J. Cruz was this year’s Commencement Speaker. Click here to view the highlights video of the UP Baguio Commencement Exercises UP Visayas – July 20 University of the Philippines Visayas held its 44th Commencement Exercises on July 20, Thursday, at 8:00 AM, at the UP Visayas Miagao Campus. The graduating class was composed of 779 candidates—744 from UPV Iloilo and 35 from UPV Tacloban College. The batch was led by three who are graduating summa cum laude; 100, magna cum laude; and 297 cum laude. Former Department of Education Undersecretary, Dr. Dina Joana S. Ocampo, was this year’s Commencement Speaker. Mary Manuelita B. Tan, Bachelor of Science in Public Health, summa cum laude, delivered a response on behalf of the graduating class. The other summa cum laude graduates of UP Visayas are Stephen Caro H. Areño, who is earning a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics, and Benreo Rex N. Rembulat, Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics. Click here to view the highlights video of the UP Visayas Commencement Exercises Wearing their Sablay, graduating students in UP Los Baños cheer their fellow Iskolar ng Bayan during the 2019 Commencement Exercises. The Sablay is the official academic costume of the University, worn only by graduates in formal academic functions. Photo by Jonathan Madrid, UP MPRO. UP Cebu – July 21 University of the Philippines Cebu held its graduation rites on July 21, Friday, 3:30 PM at the UP Cebu Campus Grounds, Cebu City. This was UP Cebu’s 84th Commencement Exercises. Leading this year’s graduating class was Edsel Suhayon Codoy, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, summa cum laude. He gave the valedictory address. He is the second student to have received the summa cum laude honor since UP Cebu became a UP constituent university in 2016 UP Cebu’s Commencement Speaker was former Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines and UP alumna, Atty. Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo. Click here to view the highlights video of the UP Cebu Commencement Exercises UP Tacloban – July 25 The UP System’s sole autonomous college, University of the Philippines Tacloban College, held its 45th Commencement Exercises on July 25, Tuesday, 3:43 PM, at the UP Tacloban AS Grounds. This year’s graduating class was composed of 303 total graduates for Academic Year 2022-2023, with 34 for the first semester and 268 for the second semester. One hundred and seventy-eight students graduated with honors, with 13 graduating magna cum laude and 165 cum laude. Click here to view the highlights video of the UP Tacloban Commencement Exercises UP Diliman – July 30 Meanwhile in Quezon City, University of the Philippines Diliman held its graduation rites on July 30, Sunday, 7:00 AM at the UPD Amphitheater. This was UP Diliman’s 112th Commencement Exercises. The Commencement Speaker for this year is UP President Angelo A. Jimenez, who is a labor lawyer and authority on global worker migration. Representing the Class of 2023, Jessie Malibiran, Jr., Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (BA-MA Honors Program), talked about living up to the University’s motto of Honor and Excellence in everyday life. Click here to watch UP President Angelo A. Jimenez’s speech to the graduates of UP Diliman UP Los Baños – August 5 University of the Philippines Los Baños held its 51st Commencement Exercises on August 5, 4:00 PM, at the UPLB Copeland Gymnasium, UPLB Campus, Los Baños, Laguna. National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, a UPLB alumnus, was commencement speaker, who used his life and career experience to impart a lesson to the graduating class. Jenel Justo, BS Computer Science summa cum laude, was UPLB Class of 2023 valedictorian. Click here to view the highlights video of the UP Los Baños Commencement Exercises UP Manila – August 7 The University of the Philippines Manila held its 114th Commencement Exercises on 7 August 2023, Monday, 7:00 AM. With the theme, “Talino, Galing, at Puso Tungo sa Kalusugang Pangkalahatan”, Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla, professor and Chancellor of UP Manila, served as commencement speaker. She conveyed ten important lessons based on her experiences as a pediatrician, geneticist, and proponent and pioneer of the country’s newborn screening program and the Philippine Genome Center. Mr. Ivanne Joepert A. Idorot, the summa cum laude from BS Biology, delivered the valedictory address on behalf of Class 2023. Click here to view the highlights video of the UP Manila Commencement Exercises UP Open University – December 16 With its graduation scheduled for December 16, 2023, the University of the Philippines Open University will be the last constituent university of the UP System to hold its commencement exercises. The sunflowers bloom in anticipation of the graduation season in UP Diliman, Quezon City. The planting and blossoming of the flowers have become part of the traditions of the University. Photo by Jonathan Madrid, UP MPRO. |
https://up.edu.ph/advisory-on-up-video-conferencing-tools/ | Advisory on UP Video Conferencing Tools – University of the Philippines | Advisory on UP Video Conferencing Tools Advisory on UP Video Conferencing Tools June 30, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The University of the Philippines System has encountered some challenges in procuring the renewal of the video conferencing platform. However, the UP System Procurement Office (UPPO) is continuously working on the options for the possible continuation of the platform. Following the advice of the Information Technology Development Center (ITDC), here are various alternative free and available video conferencing tools that may be used: Google Meet (with a maximum meeting duration of 24 hours) MS Teams (with a maximum meeting duration of 24 hours) Webex (with a maximum meeting duration of 40 minutes) We encourage our constituents to explore the above-mentioned options while waiting for the next announcements. Thank you for your continued support. Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs UP Information Technology Development Center UP Procurement Office |
https://up.edu.ph/renewal-of-video-conferencing-services-at-the-university-of-the-philippines-system/ | Renewal of Video Conferencing Services at the University of the Philippines System – University of the Philippines | Renewal of Video Conferencing Services at the University of the Philippines System Renewal of Video Conferencing Services at the University of the Philippines System July 7, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The University of the Philippines System is pleased to announce the renewal of our video conferencing services through the System Procurement unit. This decision is based on the end-user request of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA), along with the consensus reached by the Presidential Advisory Committee in consultation with the OVPAA, the Office of the Vice President for Development (OVPD) / Information Technology Development Center (ITDC), and the System’s Digital Transformation Adviser. We have chosen to renew our service contract with Zoom Communications, our current videocon provider, to ensure the continuity of our video conferencing services. The contract term for this renewal will be for nine months, from July 8, 2023, until April 8, 2024. This duration will complete the standard 1-year contract after the recent 3-month extension. We strongly encourage all university community members to continue using the video conferencing platform to its full potential. Please take advantage of all the functions and features it offers to ensure uninterrupted communication and collaboration for both educational and administrative purposes. By renewing our commitment to video conferencing services, we aim to provide a seamless and efficient virtual environment that supports the needs of our academic community. UP users are still advised to use alternative video conferencing tools, such as Google Meet, MS Teams, and Webex. To know more about these alternatives, please click this link: https://bit.ly/VideoConTools If you need further assistance, please file a support ticket with the UP System ICT Support at https://ictsupport.up.edu.ph/ We appreciate your cooperation, and we look forward to a productive and successful academic year. Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs UP Information Technology Development Center UP Procurement Office |
https://up.edu.ph/up-moves-up-in-qs-world-university-rankings/ | UP moves up in QS World University Rankings – University of the Philippines | UP moves up in QS World University Rankings UP moves up in QS World University Rankings June 28, 2023 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc The University of the Philippines (UP) is steadily climbing in the roster of the world’s best universities, according to the London-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings. UP has gone from the top 44 percent universities in the 2016 rankings to the top 27 percent in the 2024 rankings. Data from the latest QS World rankings shows that with outstanding scores in terms of its reputation among employers and global academics, and employment outcomes of its graduates, UP also moved up in rankings from 412th out of qualified 1,422 institutions in the 2023 rankings to 404th out of 1,503 qualified institutions in the 2024 rankings. Source: QS World University Rankings 2024: University of the Philippines factfile Being in the top 27 percent means that UP has surpassed more than 73 percent of all the ranked institutions. In the rankings of the previous year, it surpassed 71 percent. In the Philippines, UP remains the number one institution, surpassing four others in terms of “academic reputation”, “employer reputation”, “faculty-student ratio”, “international research network”, and “sustainability”. Source: QS World University Rankings 2024: University of the Philippines factfile “Employer reputation is our strongest indicator this year,” the UP Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs said. “Employer reputation evaluates the perceptions of global employers, through a survey, on which institutions are providing the most job-ready graduates” Among world universities, UP ranked 136th in employer reputation, 57 places higher than in the previous rankings. In terms of a new indicator, employment outcomes or the impact of graduates in their chosen fields, UP is ranked 213th. UP also rose 12 places in academic reputation, now ranking 250th. Source: QS World University Rankings 2024: University of the Philippines factfile UP also placed high, 370th, in another new indicator: sustainability or the social and environmental impact of universities as centers of education and research. Still above median in the new indicator of international research network, UP ranked 685th. Source: QS World University Rankings 2024: University of the Philippines factfile The University Philippines System is composed of eight constituent universities and one autonomous college located in 17 campuses throughout the whole country. With more than 50,000 students, 6,000 faculty members, and close to 10,000 administrative, research, extension, and professional staff, UP offers 563 undergraduate and graduate programs. Recognizing recent shifts of universities from the traditional priorities of academic institutions, the QS World University Rankings this year adopted a new methodology which they believe will highlight what they perceive as “the changing needs and expectations of students, society and globe.” The 2024 QS World University Rankings ranks universities through nine “performance lenses” with corresponding weights: (1) academic reputation, 30 percent; (2) citations per faculty, 20 percent; (3) employer reputation, 15 percent; (4) employer outcomes, 5 percent; (5) faculty-student ratio, 10 percent; (6) international faculty, 5 percent; (7) international research network, 5 percent; (8) international students, 5 percent; and (9) sustainability, 5 percent. Source: QS World University Rankings 2024: University of the Philippines factfile Additional reference: institutional press release provided by QS for UP |
https://up.edu.ph/update-on-google-workspace-storage-utilization/ | Update on Google Workspace Storage Utilization – University of the Philippines | Update on Google Workspace Storage Utilization Update on Google Workspace Storage Utilization July 17, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The University has received numerous requests to reconsider the setting of the maximum storage capacity for each user under the Google Workspace for Education (GWE) subscription. The University is suspending, until further notice, the implementation of the maximum Google storage capacity as previously announced. The UP community can be assured that there is no danger that their files will be lost after the previously set cutoff date of July 15, 2023. The University will work on how to address the storage utilization properly. Rest assured that we will inform all community members of any development regarding this matter. |
https://up.edu.ph/work-and-class-suspensions-for-the-national-capital-region-on-july-24work-and-class-suspensions-for-the-national-capital-region-on-july-247367-2/ | Work and class suspensions for the National Capital Region on July 24 – University of the Philippines | Work and class suspensions for the National Capital Region on July 24 Work and class suspensions for the National Capital Region on July 24 July 22, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Malacañang suspends work and classes for July 24, Monday, in the National Capital Region. The suspension is in anticipation of the probable effects of Typhoon ‘Egay’ and the scheduled 72-hour transport strike. Please read the full memorandum below, as shared by the Presidential Communications Office. 𝐏𝐁𝐁𝐌 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬, 𝐠𝐨𝐯’𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐂𝐑 𝐝𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐠𝐚𝐲, 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 To ensure the safety of the public from the effects of typhoon ‘Egay’ and to alleviate the effects of the scheduled 72-hour transport strike, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the suspension of classes and work in the National Capital Region (NCR) on Monday. “In view of the forecasted inclement weather brought about by Typhoon ‘Egay’ and the scheduled seventy-two (72)-hour transport strike in Metro Manila, work in government offices and classes in public schools at all levels in the National Capital Region are hereby suspended on 24 July 2023,” a memorandum circular dated July 21 and signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin stated. Executive Secretary Bersamin, however, clarified that government agencies that are involved in the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services shall continue with their operations and render the necessary services. The Executive Secretary also clarified that the suspension of work for private companies and classes in private schools is left to the discretion of their respective heads. *[PND]* Source: Presidential Communications Office on Facebook |
https://up.edu.ph/all-in-accordance-with-the-law-up-refutes-coas-claim-of-questionable-investment-undertaking/ | All in accordance with the law – UP refutes COA’s claim of “questionable investment undertaking” – University of the Philippines | All in accordance with the law – UP refutes COA’s claim of “questionable investment undertaking” All in accordance with the law – UP refutes COA’s claim of “questionable investment undertaking” July 27, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The University of the Philippines (UP) has refuted the Commission on Audit’s (COA) claim that UP allegedly made questionable investment undertakings totaling P15.055 billion by citing the principle of fiscal autonomy granted to the national university under Republic Act 9500 or the UP Charter of 2008. In response to the COA’s claims, as stated in an article published by The Philippine Star on July 25, 2023, UP Vice President for Planning and Finance Iryn Balmores said that funds received by the University, such as through the 2022 General Appropriations Act, are utilized for intended projects and purposes. In cases where the funds are received prior to the time that required disbursements for the University’s projects, programs, and activities need to be made, the University places them in short-term placements as part of good stewardship of funds and as a way to ensure that these funds are made readily available at the time these are required to be disbursed. Moreover, all income earned from such investments is also used for or in support of educational purposes. This practice, Balmores stressed, is well in accordance with RA 9500, particularly with Section 24, which deals with managing the national university’s funds. Sec. 24 (c), in fact, states: “The independent trust committee shall provide the Board with direction on appropriate investments with the view to preserving the value of funds while allowing the University to earn a reasonable return thereon.” “Based on Section 24 of RA 9500, the University crafted an Investment Policy Statement approved by the UP Board of Regents (BOR) on 29 April 2015,” Balmores said. She added that the 2022 COA audit report cited in the Star article recognizes that most investment placements of the University are short-term in nature, that is, with a maturity period of less than one-year maturity, and that these are in the form of government bonds and securities and high-yield short term time deposits. None of these funds are placed in speculative investments. Aside from being one-sided, “the article made it sound that the funds were placed in time deposits without any regard to the intended purpose of the funds,” Balmores said. “This is incorrect because investing the funds in short-term placements is not equivalent to using the funds.” Balmores clarified matters concerning the UP constituent units in the Philippine Star article—UP Diliman, UP Mindanao, UP Manila, and UP Baguio. She said that UP Diliman would comply with the COA recommendation. Steps to review and update existing UP Diliman investment policies will likewise be recommended to address the concerns of the COA. The UP Mindanao Investment and Income Committee (IIC) has identified the utilization of these reprogrammed and trust funds and have consulted with the UP System IIC concerning the revision of its investment policies and guidelines. The UP Manila IIC has agreed to adhere to the provision that investments should not be placed for more than two years. Moreover, its Budget Office will also submit a consolidated proposal on utilizing the funds for UP Manila. Finally, UP Baguio’s IIC mirrors the activities of the UP System IIC. It is incorrect to say that UP Baguio had no established policy and definite rules and regulations to follow in their investment activities. “We wish to reiterate that the intention of placing portions of the fund in short-term investments is to obtain modest yet safe income from these funds while the payments for the intended projects are yet to be made. Once payments for these projects need to be settled, the funds are readily available,” Balmores said. “We respectfully disagree with the COA’s statement that there is a lack of transparency in the placement of these funds as these placements have gone through proper and complete documentation and approval.” |
https://up.edu.ph/up-president-angelo-jimenez-named-up-diliman-class-of-2023-commencement-speaker/ | UP President Angelo Jimenez named UP Diliman Class of 2023 Commencement speaker – University of the Philippines | UP President Angelo Jimenez named UP Diliman Class of 2023 Commencement speaker UP President Angelo Jimenez named UP Diliman Class of 2023 Commencement speaker July 28, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Despite inclement weather conditions, the annual sunflowers continue to bloom along University Avenue in time for the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman’s 112th General Commencement Exercises on Sunday, 30 July, at 7:00 in the morning, at the UP Amphitheater behind Quezon Hall. UP’s 22nd President, Angelo A. Jimenez, will grace the event as UP Diliman Class of 2023’s commencement speaker. The theme for UP Diliman’s 112th commencement exercises, “Tayog,” symbolizes the bright and promising future awaiting the members of UP Diliman Class of 2023 in their professional and personal lives as well as in their service to their communities. Like the famous sunflowers that are a traditional feature of UP Diliman’s graduation season, the theme of “Tayog” also symbolizes how the over 4,000 UPD students graduating this year will continue to turn toward UP’s principles of honor, excellence, courage, and compassion in service to the nation. Of the 4,478 total number of UP Diliman graduates for Academic Year 2022-2023—both from the undergraduate graduate levels—2,243 will be graduating with honors: 742 cum laude, 1,196 magna cum laude, and 305 summa cum laude. These figures are based on data supplied by the UPD Office of the University Registrar as of 28 July 2023. Representing his class as a valedictory speaker and expounding on what “Tayog” means for the UP Diliman Class of 2023 is Jessie “Jeman” S. Malibiran, Jr., who will be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts – Master of Arts Honors in Political Science, summa cum laude. Malibiran is graduating with a general weighted average of 1.187. University of the Philippines President Angelo A. Jimenez. Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO. This year’s commencement speaker, UP President Jimenez, is a labor lawyer and a respected authority on global worker migration whose work has contributed to the establishment of the Philippines’ new Department of Migrant Workers, as well as the labor migration regulatory framework in countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. A former Deputy Administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Jimenez’s expertise and experience in the field of migrant worker welfare have brought him to different parts of the world. He served as Labor Attaché in Japan, Kuwait, and Iraq. Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo awarded him citations for ensuring the safety of Filipino workers during the Israel-Lebanon conflict and for rescuing a Filipino hostage held in Iraq. His understanding of the factors that have led to the Filipino diaspora is the product of his education and experiences in Butuan, Agusan del Norte, where he was born and raised, and in UP Diliman, where he obtained both his Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Sociology) degrees. As a law student at UP Diliman, he was an Associate Editor of the Philippine Collegian and President of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines. He was also elected Chairperson of the University Student Council and, in 1992, was appointed Student Regent to the UP Board of Regents (BOR) by the late President Corazon C. Aquino. He later rejoined the BOR when he was appointed Regent by former President Rodrigo R. Duterte in 2016, during which he also served concurrently as Trustee of the UP Foundation, Inc. He earned his Master in Public Management degree from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy under the National University of Singapore (NUS). President Jimenez was also a Lee Kuan Yew Fellow of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. A son of Mindanao, Jimenez believes that the Philippines’ premier state university must be a hub for transformational change and that engaging communities and helping solve real-world problems should be a part of the UP academic experience. Ultimately, the goal is for UP to become a global university that asks the consequential questions of our time and, acting locally, strives to address the serious issues confronting the country and the world. Watch the livestream of the 112th General Commencement Exercises of UP Diliman on Sunday, 30 July 2023, 7:00 AM at the UP Diliman official website and UPD YouTube channel. Watch the teaser trailer for the event below. |
https://up.edu.ph/official-statement-on-google-workspace-storage-utilization/ | Official Statement on Google Workspace Storage Utilization – University of the Philippines | Official Statement on Google Workspace Storage Utilization Official Statement on Google Workspace Storage Utilization July 15, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office A study of data supplied by the UP ITDC indicates that the current Google Workspace storage utilization of the entire UP System is 4.3. Petabyte (PB). The UP administration has decided that UP will subscribe to shared storage space of 5.0 PB across all Google Workspace platforms for the UP community for the next renewal of the 3-year contract with Google. UP System officials will renew UP’s agreement with Google with consideration given to anticipated growth, hence 5.0 PB for this year, 5.5 PB for the second year, and 6.0 PB for the third year. The key point in the decision of UP officials is the priority given to procuring enough storage space for the University. Hence, the UP community can be assured that there is no danger that their files will be lost after the previously set cutoff date of July 29, 2023. We are suspending the storage cap until we can approve a rational use data storage limit for our community. |
https://up.edu.ph/up-to-lead-the-way-in-improving-the-quality-of-education-in-other-sucs-says-jimenez/ | UP to lead the way in improving the quality of education in other SUCs, says Jimenez – University of the Philippines | UP to lead the way in improving the quality of education in other SUCs, says Jimenez UP to lead the way in improving the quality of education in other SUCs, says Jimenez August 1, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office University of the Philippines President Angelo A. Jimenez delivering his Commencement Address to the graduating class of UP Diliman on July 30, at the Quezon Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City. Photo by Abraham Arboleda, UP MPRO. Addressing the graduating class of the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, University of the Philippines (UP) President Angelo “Jijil” Jimenez announced that UP would lead efforts to democratize access to quality tertiary education by helping improve the quality of education in other SUCs. In his commencement address, delivered on 30 July via a video recording due to inclement weather, Jimenez pointed out that “as the national university, we are mandated under Republic Act 9500, the law revising the UP Charter, to lead in higher education.” The labor lawyer reminded the UPD Class of 2023 that of the 114 state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the country, UP gets 20% of the national budget for higher education. “We all know there is a huge gap overall between the quality of UP education and the rest of the SUCs. No other public tertiary educational institution in the Philippines has ever landed among the top 1000 in global rankings,” lamented Jimenez. The UP President said it is paradoxical “that access to our university, which we love to call the University of the People, is very difficult for the people.” “I believe in democratic access to UP education. And I believe that is best done by helping improve the quality of education in other SUCs.” Jimenez said this would be more equitable as a student would not have to go to UP to access a UP-level education. “At the same time,” said the Butuan native, “we can review the UPCAT and our equity-excellence formulas to give our disadvantaged a better fighting chance.” Read UP President Jimenez’s speech in full. UP, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and other SUCs are set to hold the first UP-SUC Summit on Excellence and Equity in Public Higher Education on September 15. The summit aims to achieve the following objectives: (1) to discuss strategies for overcoming challenges in establishing and maintaining linkages between universities; (2) to promote sharing best practices and innovative approaches in academic, research, and public service collaboration; (3) to identify opportunities for graduate education, student and faculty exchange, joint research, and sharing of educational resources and other academic and research activities; and (4) to establish a framework for sustainable and effective collaboration between UP, CHED, and other SUCs by signing an undertaking or a Memorandum of Understanding that outlines the key points of agreement among the participants. |
https://up.edu.ph/looking-for-some-live-orchestra-music-upso-delivers/ | Looking for some live orchestra music? UPSO delivers – University of the Philippines | Looking for some live orchestra music? UPSO delivers Looking for some live orchestra music? UPSO delivers August 4, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office This August 18, 6 pm at the University of the Philippines (UP) Theater in Diliman, catch the UP Symphony Orchestra’s latest live concert, SYMPHONIC RIDES! UP College of Music Assistant Professor Kevin Castelo. (Photo from UPSO) The program includes Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, Jonathan Domingo’s “Mga Musika” and “Tagpo sa Tinubuang Lupa”, and works by Adams and Kraft. The concert promses to be an evening of exciting and fiery music that will sweep audiences off their feet (and seats). The concert will feature Kevin Julius D. Castelo on timpani as a soloist. Castelo graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Music, major in Percussion at the University of the Philippines, and finished his Master of Music program in Percussion Performance at the Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University. He was also a member of the Asian Youth Orchestra from 2012-2015 and 2017. The group performed in various concert halls in Asia, the US, and Europe. Kevin is Assistant Professor at the UP College of Music. He is also the new Artistic Director of the FEU Drum and Bugle Corps. In addition, Kevin is the Principal Percussionist of the UPS; and he has been playing with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and the Manila Symphony Orchestra as an extra percussionist. A portion of the concert proceeds will be donated to the UP College of Music Alumni Association’s Musikalinga scholarship program. Established in 2018, Musikalinga assists financially underprivileged but gifted students with a living allowance as they work toward their diplomas. It also provides financial assistance during recital and the student practicum culminating program, access to the rehearsal venue, and travel subsidies. Musikalinga has supported more than 80 students to date. Each ticket is a direct contribution toward keeping the music of our country playing not only for one night but for the next generation. Each ticket ensures the nurturing of another musician and the hope in their future contribution to nation-building through arts and culture. SYMPHONIC RIDES will be at the UP Theater on August 18, Friday at 6pm. Tickets are priced at Php1,000 and Php800, with a 50% discount for students, seniors, and PWDs. Children 6 years old and below can watch for free. Tickets are available at http://bit.ly/upsosymphonicrides Established by the Board of Regents during its 1337th meeting on August 30, 2018, UPSO serves as the official system-wide orchestra of the University of the Philippines, supported by the UP System Fund and hosted by the UP College of Music. Its main functions are as a repertory orchestra for musicians, a laboratory orchestra for Filipino composers, and a training orchestra for young conductors. Under the direction of Maestro Josefino Chino Toledo, the orchestra maintains a roster of 65 members exclusively from within the UP community, including alumni, students, faculty, and staff from all UP Campuses. They are the only orchestra in the country that regularly performs Filipino, Asian, contemporary, and new works in addition to the standard orchestra repertoire. |
https://up.edu.ph/the-investiture-and-the-summits/ | University of the Philippines | UP History in the Making this September This September, UP historical events will take place. From September 13 to 15, the University of the Philippines will hold three milestone events in Davao City, Davao del Sur, Mindanao, with all events marking firsts in the history of not just UP but the region as well. These include: a pioneering summit that puts the development of the Bangsamoro front and center in the national University’s strategic initiatives; the investiture ceremony for the first Mindanawan UP President, to be held for the first time on the UP Mindanao campus; and finally, the first UP-initiated summit gathering leaders of state universities and colleges from across the country with the aim of boosting engagement and partnerships in the Philippine higher education sector. With these series of high profile events, the University sets itself squarely upon the path to become the national university it is meant to be, a public service university “doing what we can for others” as “Iskolar Para sa Bayan”, as UP President Angelo A. Jimenez said in his address to the UP Diliman Class of 2023. A national university serving the Filipino people, focusing specially on the country’s most underrepresented and marginalized communities. The UP-Bangsamoro Development Program Summit Consultation Date: September 13 Time: 1:00-5:00 PM Venue: Dusit Thani Residences Davao Mindanao has been envisioned as the country’s agri-industrial center, given its rich natural, economic and human development resources, its potentials, and its people’s aspirations. The island is key to achieving the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028’s overall objective of “economic transformation for a prosperous, inclusive and resilient society”, aligned with Ambisyon Natin 2040 and the country’s commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. However, growth and development in Mindanao has remained uneven, hampered by such issues as poverty, social conflicts, criminality and social unrest. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), in particular, has seen a significant drop, among families, in poverty incidence, from 52.6% in 2018 to 29.95 in 2021; but it still ranks among the lowest in the Human Development Index list of Philippine regions and provinces. In keeping with its mandate under Republic Act No. 9500 to take the lead in higher education and public service and to relate its activities to the needs and aspirations of all Filipinos, the University of the Philippines will host the UP-Bangsamoro Development Program Summit Consultation to discuss opportunities for collaboration aiming to improve the socio-economic conditions of the Bangsamoro and Mindanao. This will be held on Sept. 13, 2023, 1:00 PM at the Dusit Thani Residence Davao. These include the creation of a UP-Bangsamoro Development Program, which would be the first of its kind between the University, the BARMM government and local government units, and development NGOs and SUCs in the region. The program is envisioned to serve as an avenue of convergence between UP and the Bangsamoro for co-creating opportunities and collaborative action to strengthen human capital and improve socio-economic conditions of the Bangsamoro. According to its concept note, the UP-Bangsamoro Development Program’s major aims would include: providing a unified, inclusive, and effective way of collaboration between UP and BARMM stakeholders in crafting and delivering evidence-based development policies, plans, and programs; increasing partnership with development NGOs in BARMM to promote and improve socio-economic conditions in communities; promoting shared expertise and resources between UP and BARMM State Universities and Colleges to provide quality education; and promoting creative industries, and enhancing human capital. Slated to attend the summit are: BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, Al Haj; officials and representatives of various ministries and committees of the Bangsamoro Parliament; and LGUs, NGOs, and state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the region. A memorandum of understanding between the University and the BTA will also be presented by the UP to its partners in the transition authority. Panaad at Kabilin: Pagtatalaga kay Kgg. Angelo A. Jimenez bilang ika-22 Pangulo ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas [Investiture of Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez as 22nd President of the University of the Philippines] Date: September 14, 2023 Time: 9:00 AM Venue: UP Mindanao Atrium, Tugbok, Davao City, Davao del Sur “The hallmark of UP in the next six years will be service to the nation. Service to the nation is constitutive of who we are and what we do. Together, we will work towards a UP that is more engaged with the nation,” Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez said in his speech on Feb. 10, when he accepted the position and authority of leading the University as its 22nd President. Born and raised in the City of Butuan, Agusan del Norte, Jimenez is the first Mindanawan and the first Manobo, honored and named as “Datu Mankalagan” or “Great Spirit” in 2007, to become UP President. To mark the symbolic significance of his rise to become the head of UP as the national university, his formal investiture as the 22nd UP President will be held at the Atrium of UP Mindanao, in Tugbok, Davao City, on Sept. 14 at 9:00 AM. For Jimenez, being a son of the South is integral to his UP Presidency. “It was when I got elected that people reminded me that I’m the first UP President who came from Mindanao; and I was amazed, actually surprised, maybe a little bit shocked,” he said in an interview he did for the UP Forum. “I never realized that my election would resonate in Mindanao. Finally, one of their own has become a UP President. I wanted to, in my own little way, remind UP where its ultimate loyalty belongs; and, I couldn’t imagine a more marginalized community than our IPs in the mountains where there has been an ongoing conflict and there still is right now.” Jimenez is a labor lawyer and a respected authority on global worker migration. His work has contributed to the establishment of the country’s new Department of Migrant Workers, as well as to the labor migration regulatory framework in countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. A former Deputy Administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, he served as Labor Attache in Japan, Kuwait, and Iraq, and was awarded Presidential citations for his work in ensuring the safety of Filipino workers during the Israel-Lebanon conflict, including the rescue of a Filipino hostage held in Iraq. With his extensive background in labor migration, Jimenez has been tapped as an expert lecturer by the UP Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders or International Training Center for Authorities and Leaders Philippines. He has also written papers for organizations such as the International Organization for Migration Philippines and the Blas Ople Policy Center He is a regular lecturer on Philippine overseas labor laws at the UP Law Center’s Mandatory Continuing Legal Education program. Jimenez served on the UP Board of Regents twice, first as a Student Regent in 1992, when he was also elected Chair of the University Student Council of UP Diliman; and again when he was appointed Regent by former President Rodrigo R. Duterte in 2016, during which Jimenez also served concurrently as Trustee of the UP Foundation, Inc. He obtained both his Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Sociology) degrees from UP Diliman. As a law student at UP Diliman, he was Associate Editor of the Philippine Collegian and President of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines. He went on to earn his Master in Public Management degree from the National University of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. He was also a Lee Kuan Yew Fellow at the Harvard School of Government. Read more about his profile here Taking inspiration from and being guided by his Mindanawan and indigenous roots, Jimenez aims to highlight the view from the margins and bring a unique perspective on how UP can further contribute to national development. Championing kindness in the University, and setting public service as a pillar of his vision and strategic initiatives for UP, his administration plans to widen access to UP and UP-quality education through various courses, modes, and platforms, as well as to strengthen partnerships with Philippine SUCs. These partnerships are intended to advance higher education in the country through shared knowledge and expertise. UP Mindanao, which is hosting an investiture ceremony for the UP President for the first time, is the sixth constituent university under the UP System, and the only UP constituent university in Mindanao with the primary mandate to provide equitable access to quality UP education to Mindanawans. It offers academic programs in the fields of the humanities, architecture, mathematics, food, economics, social, natural, and computing sciences. As a graduate university, it offer a PhD by Research, and graduate degrees in management, food science, urban and regional planning, and sports science. Its development agenda focuses on opening additional academic programs and new Colleges in Human Kinetics, Medicine, and Engineering, to support Mindanao sports, health, technological, and bio-cultural diversity initiatives. UP Mindanao is headed by Chancellor Lyre Anni E. Murao. (For more news on UP Mindanao, visit their Facebook page) Pagtutulay, Pagtutuloy: 1st UP-SUC Summit Strengthening Partnerships in Philippine Public Higher Education Date: September 15, 2023 Time: 8:00 AM Venue: Dusit Thani Grand Ballroom Davao Stronger together. This belief in stronger partnerships within the Philippine higher education sector is what drives “Pagtutulay, Pagtutuloy: The 1st UP-SUC Summit on Excellence and Equity in Public Higher Education”, which will be held on September 15 at Dusit Thani Grand Ballroom, Davao City, a day after UP President Jimenez’ investiture in UP Mindanao. This UP-SUC Summit will convene leaders of Philippine SUCs, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) officials, and interested stakeholders from Congress and private higher education institutions. It was Jimenez’s cognizance of inter-SUC engagement and partnerships as imperatives for knowledge co-creation, innovation, research, and public service towards national development that gave rise to the conduct of the summit. This comes with the realization that when the common and unique strengths of SUCs are put together in the spirit of cooperation, they can make higher education an even more formidable force in building the Filipino nation. The summit is envisioned to inspire engagement in transdisciplinary academic, research, and public service programs through co-designed projects. It is an opportunity for SUCs to link up and be active co-producers in knowledge-building that will ultimately translate into the service of communities and the country. “Pagtutulay, Pagtutuloy” is a platform for this network of SUCs to: (1) discuss strategies for overcoming challenges in establishing and maintaining linkages between universities; (2) share best practices and innovative approaches in academic, research, and public service collaboration; (3) identify opportunities for graduate education, student and faculty exchange, joint research, and sharing of educational resources and other academic and research activities; and (4) establish a framework for sustainable and effective collaboration between UP, CHED, and other SUCs by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding that outlines the key points of agreement among the participants. The summit includes the launch of four UP programs relevant to inter-SUC engagement: the UP Data Commons; Philippines Massive Open Online Courses (PHMOOCs); TVUP programs; and the UP Archipelagic and Ocean Virtual University (UPAOVU). It is expected to close with the signing of the Mindanao Declaration on Excellence and Equity in Public Higher Education. The UP Data Commons, inaugurated in 2021, is a world class high performance computing and storage facility, that includes the necessary hardware and software resources, at the UP Diliman College of Science. Its launch during the summit opens this UP resource to SUC partnerships in pursuit of innovative research, such as those on artificial intelligence and big data. It has three petabytes of storage, with plans to increase it to seven, and connectivity speeds that allow data transfer in milliseconds. PHMOOCs is a new platform designed to foster universal access to quality education, promote lifeline learning, and enhance collaboration among higher education institutions in the country. It promotes knowledge sharing, collaborative course development and implementation, research partnerships, and teaching methods and technology use innovations. It is envisioned to widen education opportunities by leveraging technology to provide accessible, inclusive, and high-quality courses, and to address the diverse needs of learners, wherever they may be. The UP Open University, which began offering MOOCS in 2013, leads this initiative, that also aims to link up with MOOCs platforms in other countries. TVUP, the UP-owned and operated internet television network, expanded its reach through Cignal TV Channel 101 in 2022. Its debut in “Pagtutulay, Pagtutuloy” intensifies its commitment to the production of open educational resources in the Philippines by inviting collaborations in knowledge production through the creation of inter-university programs. TVUP will eventually evolve to become a training facility for performance and production. The UPAOVU represents the country’s aspiration of becoming an economically prosperous and environmentally sustainable archipelagic nation. Spurred by the development of the blue economy that ties up with archipelagic and ocean studies work done by UP faculty and researchers over many decades, the UPAOVU will become the hub of research and teaching that brings together the strengths of various SUCs in marine biology, oceanography, fisheries, and other allied disciplines. The end goal is to become invaluable resources, partners, and enablers of the blue economy, all leading in the formulation of policies and programs that are coherent, inclusive, and sustainable. Service as the Hallmark of UP With these three landmark events, the UP System under President Jimenez officially launches its strategic platform for the next six years. This strategic plan follows three themes: “Public Service for the Common Good”; “Teaching, Research, and Innovation for Future-ready Citizens”; and “University Governance and Infrastructure with Transparency and Accountability”. Overarching all of these is the vision of UP as: “A national university dedicated to the formation of good citizens and leaders, engaged in knowledge co-creation towards a just, equitable, and progressive society,” guided by the principle of “Honor and Excellence in the Service of the Nation”. For this week in September, and for the next six years and beyond, service to the nation will truly be the hallmark of UP. |
https://up.edu.ph/paj-fetes-2023-upaa-awardees/ | PAJ fetes 2023 UPAA Awardees – University of the Philippines | PAJ fetes 2023 UPAA Awardees PAJ fetes 2023 UPAA Awardees August 29, 2023 | Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo UP President Angelo A. Jimenez (rightmost) leads the toast to the 2023 UP Alumni Association awardees (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) “To the best of the best of this University, our alumni, for representing our highest ideals and aspirations, for being true alumni of UP and sons and daughters of the Filipino nation which UP has dedicated to support and promote, cheers!” This was UP President Angelo A. Jimenez’ toast to the 2023 UP Alumni Association (UPAA) awardees during the dinner he hosted in their honor at Ang Bahay ng Alumni on August 16. The social event is usually held days before the actual awarding ceremony. This year, the ceremony was scheduled on August 19. Leading the 38 individual awardees were Most Distinguished Alumna, former Philippine Vice President Maria Leonor Gerona Robredo, and Most Distinguished Alumnus, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan. Four were recognized with UPAA Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Awards: National Scientist Lourdes J. Cruz, Dr. Nathaniel A. Einsiedel, Dr. Gisela Padilla Concepcion, and Engr. Rene Santiago. Twenty-nine were given the UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards in various fields and disciplines, and three were recipients of the UPAA Presidential Awards. Ten families received the UPAA Multigenerational UP Alumni Family Awards—one with four generations of alumni and three with three generations of alumni. UP Epsilon Chi Fraternity Alumni, Inc. was cited with the UPAA Distinguished Service Award for an Alumni Chapter. 2023 UPAA Most Distinguished Alumna, former Philippine Vice President Maria Leoner Gerona Robredo talks about the “sense of home” that UP alumni feel when they meet other alumni, when they cheer for the UP Fighting Maroons, or when they gather in celebratory events such as the one hosted by the UP President. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) “We may have different stories about our college experience and yet we are bound by a shared feeling—that sense of home when we talk about UP. This goes beyond every alumni homecoming or every other chance that we get to come back to our UP campus, wherever that may be in the country,” Robredo said in her message, which she had requested to deliver earlier than scheduled because she had to catch the bus to Naga in time for the commemoration of her husband’s death anniversary. Her husband was former Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, who died in a plane crash on August 18, 2012. “What I have learned from this esteemed institution has greatly contributed to my professional formation as a public servant. . . I will forever be grateful to the University for molding me.”—2023 UPAA Most Distinguished Alumnus, National Economic Development Authority Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Balisacan, on the other hand, said that he was “very fortunate” because UP gave him the “space, time, and resources, and privilege to pursue [his] academic interests freely.” He also encouraged his fellow awardees to “continue striving towards our ultimate vision for the nation, continue striving to attain that excellence with honor, and continue being active participants in our country’s development journey.” UP President Angelo A. Jimenez delivers a brief address before toasting to the awardees. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) “Have we fulfilled our promise as the best and the brightest?” Jimenez posed this question in his speech, saying that UP has lasted more than a hundred years and yet “we find our society still faced with so many challenges.” This prompted him and his team to envision UP as “a national university dedicated to producing good citizens and leaders, and engaged in knowledge co-creation towards a just, equitable, and prosperous society.” His emphasis on the production of good citizens is a dramatic shift from expected visions of UP as a great university or as a regional and global center of excellence. UPAA President and Alumni Regent Robert Lester F. Aranton starts the short program with his opening remarks. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) The list of the 2023 UPAA awardees in the dinner program can be found below. |
https://up.edu.ph/malaysian-ambassador-visits-up/ | Malaysian Ambassador visits UP – University of the Philippines | Malaysian Ambassador visits UP Malaysian Ambassador visits UP September 8, 2023 | Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo From left: Malaysian Embassy Counsellor Hazlina Mohammed Hatta; Malaysian Embassy Counsellor Nadhirah Mohammad Zanudin; Malaysian Embassy Chargé d’Affaires a.i./Deputy Head of Mission Mohd Fareed Zakaria; Malaysian Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino bin Anthony; UP President Angelo A. Jimenez; Asian Center Dean Henelito A. Sevilla Jr.; and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs (Internationalization) and Office of International Linkages Director Imee Su Martinez. (Photo by Misael A. Bacani, UP MPRO) Officials of the Embassy of Malaysia, Manila, headed by Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino bin Anthony, paid a courtesy visit to University of the Philippines President Angelo A. Jimenez (PAJ) on August 23. With the ambassador were: Chargé d’Affaires a.i./Deputy Head of Mission Mohd Fareed Zakaria; and Counsellors Hazlina Mohammed Hatta and Nadhirah Mohammad Zanudin.On the UP side, PAJ was joined by: UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II; Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs (Internationalization) and Office of International Linkages Director Imee Su Martinez; and Asian Center Dean Henelito A. Sevilla Jr. The group’s discussion centered on possible partnerships between UP and Malaysian universities, as well as on collaborative initiatives to advance education, research, and public service in Mindanao. Chatting before the group photo op: from left: Malaysian Embassy Counsellor Nadhirah Mohammad Zanudin; Malaysian Embassy Chargé d’Affaires a.i./Deputy Head of Mission Mohd Fareed Zakaria; Malaysian Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino bin Anthon; and UP President Angelo A. Jimenez. (Photo by Misael A. Bacani, UP MPRO) From left: Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs (Internationalization) and Office of International Linkages Director Imee Su Martine; UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II; UP President Angelo A. Jimenez; Malaysian Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino bin Anthony; Malaysian Embassy Chargé d’Affaires a.i./Deputy Head of Mission Mohd Fareed Zakaria; and Malaysian Embassy Counsellor Nadhirah Mohammad Zanudin. (Photo by Misael A. Bacani, UP MPRO) Malaysian Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino bin Anthony responds to UP President Angelo A. Jimenez’s (PAJ) opening of the discussion on Islamic finance with sukuk or Sharia-compliant bonds. PAJ was a former labor attaché assigned to countries in the Middle East such as Iraq, Kuwait, and Lebanon. (Photo by Misael A. Bacani, UP MPRO) UP President Angelo A. Jimenez’ (PAJ) shares his views on how UP can contribute to Mindanao development, following his trip to Tawi-Tawi as commencement speaker of the Mindanao State University – Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography. PAJ, both a Manobo and Christian lowlander from Butuan, is the first UP president from Mindanao. (Photo by Misael A. Bacani, UP MPRO) |
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