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https://up.edu.ph/leading-the-transformation-into-a-digital-national-university/ | Leading the Transformation into a Digital National University – University of the Philippines | Leading the Transformation into a Digital National University Leading the Transformation into a Digital National University June 6, 2023 | Written by KIM G Quilinguing Adviser to the President on Digital Transformation Emmanuel C. Lallana during his interview with the UP Forum. Photo by Abraham Arboleda, UP MPRO. “Digital transformation is really about changing the way we educate our students.” – Lallana Not everyone can make the jump from teaching political science to advocating the use of information technology for better governance and education. But Dr. Emmanuel C. Lallana has certainly proven that he can. “I am a political scientist who knows technology,” he describes himself. From being a student leader in the waning days of the Marcos dictatorship to becoming one of the country’s leading advocates in digital transformation, the former UP associate professor of Political Science has certainly gone a long way from what was then the College of Arts and Sciences in UP Diliman to becoming a member of UP President Angelo Jimenez’s executive team. As the new university administration’s Adviser on Digital Transformation, Dr. Lallana is given the challenging task of providing the backbone for the realization of Jimenez’s dream of a digital national university. He admits that it is a vision he and the new president have long been discussing even back then when Jimenez was a still a member of UP’s Board of Regents. “Digital transformation is really about changing the way we educate our students,” Lallana said. As a UP student during the height of the Martial Law years, Lallana recalls how different and difficult it was back then to communicate with fellow students and the rest of the University community. He shared how they had use typewriters to prepare materials on the burning issues of the day, and how the same documents were mass-produced using mimeographing machines, producing copies which were then disseminated to the University community. Nowadays, with smart phones, students can easily communicate and disseminate information and organize events. After finishing his studies in Political Science in Diliman, Lallana took up teaching Political Science in 1979, where once he was designated Acting Chair of his department. While teaching in UP, he was also appointed Director of the Center for Integrative Development Studies, one of the University’s leading research units which regularly publishes research work on social issues and other challenges that confront Philippine society. Lallana’s fascination with what can now be considered his advocacy began during his time as a graduate student in Hawaii, when he started using a laptop computer for his studies. And as a political scientist, he was not only enamored by the technology, but also with its potentials in improving research, education, public service, and governance. He earned his Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 1982 and 1986, respectively. According to Lallana, digital transformation is different from digitalization. Digitalization is the mere adoption of electronic devices and work processes for analog devices and procedures. Digital transformation on the other hand requires not only a change in instruments and practices, but more importantly, in the mindset towards how an organization performs its functions and delivers its services to its stakeholders. “You may design the best application for payroll for instance, but if people refuse to use it, and have the wrong attitude towards it, the best designed software still will not work,” he said. For Lallana, technology can only be considered successfully used when people ‘own’ it or regard it essential to their day-to-day activities. An example he provided was how short message service or SMS in phone networks, or what is called by many as text messaging, started as a tool to test signals. And in the case of the Philippines, this was used for social movements, and at the same time, personal relations. “It became a way for people to get in touch with one another, to communicate, to fall in love,” he added. Aside from teaching in UP, Lallana also served as Deputy Director of the of the Foreign Service Institute, after he was appointed by President Fidel V. Ramos. As part of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ research and training unit, he was involved with the Philippine delegation in talks with Indonesia on boundary delimitation, as well in discussions with China on the islands in what was then called the South China Sea. Retiring from teaching in UP in 2000, Lallana served as Executive Director of the eASEAN Task Force, which was an advisory body intended to enhance the region’s information and communications technology competencies. “Technology, ICT applications and systems, are socio-technical systems, which means that you have to look at the social side of technology. Technology is embedded in society. But at the same time, technology also changes society.” – Lallana In 2004, he was appointed by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Commissioner in the Commission on Information and Communications Technology, one of the agencies instrumental in the later formation of the Department of Information Communications Technology. In the commission, Lallana headed the Human Capital Development Group, which developed several programs, among which were: eSkwela, an electronic learning platform for out-of-school youth; iSchools, an ICT initiative for high school students; and, the eQuality Program, which worked to upgrade the information technology teaching capacity of Philippine state universities and colleges. Since then, Lallana has advocated the use of technology not only for the improvement of communication systems in the country, but more importantly, for better governance, access to education, and skills enhancement among the youth. He sees technology not only as a tool to improve the means of communicating ideas, but also as transformative tools for a better society. “Technology, ICT applications and systems, are socio-technical systems, which means that you have to look at the social side of technology. Technology is embedded in society. But at the same time, technology also changes society,” he said. For UP, Lallana hopes to see the possibility of providing faculty and students more flexibility in the teaching and learning of courses. When both conventionally meet at least once a week for an hour, he envisions the conduct of courses that will be more convenient for both. Essential to the realization of this idea will be the reduction of face-to-face sessions and the use of alternative means of conveying lessons. An example he shared was based on his experience back then teaching Political Science, where he spent several hours every semester talking about Plato’s ideas, when those could have been done using an engaging video material available online for students. Aside from the use of different modes of teaching and using various forms of media materials for lessons, Lallana hopes to see the availability of courses online, which students can go over at their own pace. While this is already being practiced in the UP Open University, he envisions a widespread adoption of this mode of learning for the whole UP System. “We have to change the way we teach. We hope to change the way students learn,” he added. While digital transformation may change the way courses may be taught in the University, Lallana emphasized that it only provides additional innovative means of conveying lessons. It does not take away a faculty member’s choice to pursue the more traditional mode of teaching. “Technology is just a platform. It’s still teachers who will design the course. You will still have face-to-face [classes] if you want,” he added. Asked about possible challenges to digital transformation in UP, Lallana admits the task is herculean, given that the term of the Jimenez administration is only six years. But he also said that it must be done, as UP is already behind when compared to other universities abroad. “We cannot afford to be left behind further. If we don’t start now, we may not be able to catch up,” he said. While he acknowledges the efforts in digitalization by previous administrations, he added that much still remains to be done. Read more stories from the UP Forum Read the latest News from UP Read UP’s Announcements |
https://up.edu.ph/as-cool-as-a-university-secretary/ | As cool as a University Secretary – University of the Philippines | As cool as a University Secretary As cool as a University Secretary June 6, 2023 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta Secretary Lara in this interview with the UP Forum. Photo by Abraham Arboleda, UP MPRO. At the end of the interview, Atty. Roberto M. Lara, Secretary of the University and of the Board of Regents (OSU), announced: “Ako ang pinaka-gwapong naging Secretary ng UP.” After a beat of silence, he reconsidered what he had said, “Sabagay, patay na yata lahat ng naging lalaking Secretary of the University, ano?” Thus, because none of the male University Secretaries in the past are still alive to possibly protest, he jokingly declared once again: “Ako ang pinaka-gwapong Secretary ng UP!” Simply no place like (UP College) Manila A few minutes into the interview and already one gets the feeling that conversations with Sec. Lara are rarely boring. A proud UP graduate, he earned his degree in Bachelor of Arts in Social Science in 1982 from UP Manila (UPM). Back then, it was the UP College Manila, when it was still under UP Diliman before becoming an autonomous university. “If you are a working student, you inevitably ended up in UP College Manila, kasi Manila lang ang may evening classes and I was a working student,” recalled Lara, who worked as a clerk at the Department of Justice, “Clerk 1, which is I think one rank higher than the janitor,” he said. Most of the students in UPM at the time were freshmen and sophomores, at least until 5:30 PM, when classes for working students in their third and fourth year in college began. “Masaya Manila noon!” enthused Lara, whose fondest memories of his undergrad days tend to range from PG-13 to R-18. For instance, there were the White House and the Doctor’s Club, which had to have the stuffiest establishment names ever, but which were actually popular watering holes frequented by UP students for the cheap beer they sold. And of course, right outside the campus was Mabini Street which, Lara pointed out, was already the lively Mabini Street even back then. He experienced both the UP Manila and UP Diliman of the 70s and 80s, having earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from the College of Law in 1987. He was admitted to the Bar a year later, and went on to earn his Masters of Law degree in Commercial Law at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in 1999. Over the years, he worked in various government agencies, including as Senior Technical Assistant to then Senator Rene A.V. Saguisag, and as Chief of Staff of former BIR Commissioner Liwayway Vinzons-Chato. He left government service in 1998 and went into private law practice until February 2017, when then UP President Danilo Concepcion appointed him Secretary of the University and the Board of Regents. “Of course, I am very proud to carry the mace. Siempre, you’re carrying the symbol of the authority of the University.” – Lara Serving six years and six years more When current UP President Angelo Jimenez asked him to continue on as University Secretary for another six years, Lara agreed. “It wasn’t a difficult decision. I had known the new President because he had been a member of the BOR for some time. Of course, I would like to help him.” Still, he first needed to secure his boss’ permission. Wait, his boss? “My wife,” Lara said, laughing. And what did his boss say? “She wasn’t thrilled, let’s put it that way. But of course, she said yes.” What does Lara envision for the OSU in the next six years? “Well, I do not know how the OSU can further evolve from what it’s been doing. It is doing what it is supposed to be doing. If anything, it’s a matter of getting the right people, which I think to a large extent we have addressed in the past six years.” Improving the OSU’s human resources is foremost, and gains have already made in this area. “We hired some very good people. We had them take exams—all of them, even our driver. And we got the best from among the candidates. I believe that we have a very good team already.” “Basically, my goal for the OSU is that it should be able to operate without a Secretary,” Lara shared. “Meaning even if the Secretary is away, it would still be able to perform its functions. The OSU should make the Secretary redundant.” Of mace and men His experience as a lawyer serves him well in his role as University Secretary. “The work of the University Secretary is basically the same as that of a corporate secretary, so it’s not anything new to me. I think most lawyers, some time in their career, would have performed the duties of a corporate secretary or done something in relation to that kind of practice.” The role of University Secretary is not easy. Even during the interview, Lara was fielding calls and preparing for yet another meeting. But when asked what the most challenging thing was about being University Secretary, his answer was both unexpected and obvious, in hindsight. “The most challenging thing is carrying the mace,” he said, an answer which had the UP Forum staff trying hard to stifle their laughter. He said that was not even to mention having to attend all those formal University ceremonies, which could get tedious, especially when the ceremony was being held outdoors and one was sweating bullets inside that heavy gown. “Of course, I am very proud to carry the mace,” Lara said with a smile. “Siempre, you’re carrying the symbol of the authority of the University.” And while the title of hottest male University Secretary may be up for debate, Lara may easily be the coolest. Read more stories from the UP Forum Read the latest News from UP Read UP’s Announcements |
https://up.edu.ph/becoming-lawyers-for-up/ | Becoming Lawyers for UP – University of the Philippines | Becoming Lawyers for UP Becoming Lawyers for UP June 6, 2023 | Written by Fred Dabu Vice President for Legal Affairs Abraham Rey M. Acosta in his interview with the UP Forum. Photo by Abraham Arboleda, UP MPRO. “We better assume a new role, aside from the traditional role…. This time, we should also provide legal assistance to those who engage the communities.” – Acosta Atty. Abraham Rey M. Acosta, UP’s Vice President for Legal Affairs, envisions his office to serve a more dynamic role during the Presidency of Atty. Angelo Jimenez, to be “lawyers for the people and not just lawyers for the UP administration,” since UP, under Republic Act 9500 or the UP Charter, is mandated to be a public service university. The Office of the Vice President for Legal Affairs (OVPLA) provides timely and expert legal advice, guidance, and support to UP officials, to facilitate the University’s pursuit of its mission of teaching, research, and service. It also handles administrative cases, student disciplinary tribunal cases, cases involving UP properties, and contracts being entered into by UP, among others. “One of the priorities of the current administration is engagement with the public. We show the nation what UP really is, who we truly are, and that engagement will also require legal support,” Acosta said. He explained that UP’s students, researchers, staff, and teachers doing field work, advocacy and volunteer work, and other University-linked activities in various communities and sectors of society, often encounter situations that require legal assistance. However, when problems occur, like harassment or arrests, students and faculty members immediately contact public interest lawyers’ groups for help and not UP’s own lawyers. “We better assume a new role, aside from the traditional role…. This time, we should also provide legal assistance to those who engage the communities,” Acosta further stated. Prior to his appointment as VP for Legal Affairs, Atty. Acosta practiced law in Cebu, taking on dispute resolution, patent drafting, prosecution and litigation, and corporate registrations and housekeeping. He served as Municipal Administrator in Compostela, Cebu (2022-2023), as Partner in A Acosta & Associates Law Offices (since 2014), and as Associate in Quisumbing Torres (2011-2014) and Sycip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan. He also served as Director of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Cebu City Chapter (2021-2023), and as Co-Chair of the IBP Cebu City Legal Aid Committee, which handles developmental legal aid, volunteer legal aid caravans, and jail decongestion, among others. Atty. Acosta has also been teaching Criminal Law as Senior Lecturer in the UP College of Law since 2020. His advice to students: study hard but also do volunteer work, and enjoy UP. “Enjoy UP! UP has a lot of things to offer, especially if you live on campus. Even if you don’t live on campus, ang daming pwedeng gawin, pwedeng maaral,” he said. “Go near the College of Music and you will hear wonderful music. Go to the College of Science, you will see lots of lectures, in the College of Engineering… [attend] free public lectures. Ang daming pwedeng matutunan ng UP students, kaya nga don’t just stay in your classroom. Lumabas din, kahit within UP lang.” “And if possible, volunteer outside UP. Because even as a UP student, meron na tayong responsibilidad sa bayan natin. Bayad yung tuition natin ng sambayanan eh, kaya kahit konti naman maybe we can volunteer our time. Kahit yung mga reading initiatives sa mga public libraries, teaching kids how to read, or tumulong sa mga barangay natin, to show that, us being UP students, this is what UP students are like. Engage the community. Volunteer. Yun yung gusto kong sabihin sa mga students natin,” Acosta exhorted. VP Acosta was a dormer, student council member, and campus journalist during his undergraduate years in UP Diliman. He was editor-in-chief of the Logscript, the official student publication of the College of Engineering. Elected Councilor in 1995, he headed the Community Rights and Welfare Committee of the University Student Council (USC). He joined the news section of the Philippine Collegian after his term in the USC. Molave Residence Hall was his “home away from home” for four years. Acosta shows the hallway of the 2nd floor of the Molave Residence Hall where his room used to be before he transferred to the mezzanine room. Photo by Abraham Arboleda, UP MPRO. At the Molave Residence Hall today, VP Acosta reminisced about what college life was for him and fellow dormers as he took the UP Forum staff on a nostalgic tour of the dormitory. The 1990s was an era that did not have the e-mails, cellular phones and social media that we have today. Long-distance communications were limited to telegrams, telephones and snail mail; and students lined up at the public payphones in the dorm lobby and paid in one peso coins to be able to speak with their relatives and friends. Students used to rally against tuition and other fees related to education, inadequate dorm facilities, food services, and administration policies. The entry of private concessionaires and corporations, University budget cuts, and the commercialization of UP’s idle assets (vacant areas of land, among others) were among the biggest issues faced by University constituents. “Dito ako namulat to a lot of things,” says VP Acosta about his stay in Molave. He recalled times when peers would be in the dorm lobby even at midnight, and pointed to the old spots where they would usually hang around to talk about campus life or simply do ordinary things. He showed the now renovated areas where the dorm’s dining hall was before; the area beside the windows where they watched their favorite television programs such as “The X-Files” and “Friends”; the second floor where they set up the betamax to view rented movies; the steel stairway that was previously made of thin wood; and, the mezzanine room where he stayed as a senior dormer until his graduation from the UP College of Engineering. “A lot of things were cooked up on these tables [pointing to where wooden tables were back then]… This was my room before. Ang daming mga student leaders who had their rooms here in the mezzanine. And in the mornings, we could see everybody taking their breakfast,” VP Acosta reminisces. “Tingnan natin kung nasaan talaga yung strength ng University. Our strength lies in our purpose. We are an academic institution geared towards helping to uplift the Filipino people.” – Acosta VP Acosta obtained his degree in BS Electronics and Communications Engineering in 1999. Some years later, he graduated from the UP College of Law in 2006 and was admitted to the Bar in 2007. This year, Atty. Acosta was called to serve the University once again. “When UP calls, you either run away and hide, or just answer the call. I felt that it’s time na rin for me to give back to UP what it had provided me during my student days. How can you say no to UP who nurtured you through your youth?” VP Acosta anticipates a more publicly engaged UP under the Jimenez leadership. “Tingnan natin kung nasaan talaga yung strength ng University. Our strength lies in our purpose. We are an academic institution geared towards helping to uplift the Filipino people.” “We have a lot of world-class research and talents here. Why don’t we show the world the face of UP? We engage the community with what we are doing. If you show them what UP is all about, if you show them that UP truly cares for the community, yung mga natulungan, sila na mismo ang magdedepensa, na ‘taga-UP yan, May malasakit yan. Tumutulong yan,’” Acosta explained. The OVPLA faces numerous legal issues and concerns, especially on making UP campuses safer and more conducive and enabling to its constituents. There is, on one hand, various groups committing acts of red-tagging and disinformation against UP; and, on the other hand, the recent unilateral abrogation of the UP-DND (Department of National Defense) Accord of 1989, and prospects for updating the 1992 agreement between UP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). “What the Accord is saying, if certain incidents, or if a crime is happening inside the University, may protocols tayo… for good order and safety. Hindi pwede yung bigla na lang papasok dito [referring to those entering or conducting police or military operations inside UP]…. Ang sinasabi lang naman, just inform us na may ise-serve kayo na warrant…. I hope [the agreement] would be respected by other parties, kasi ang daming pwedeng mangyari kung wala yang Accord na yan. When the Accord is in place, and there is order in serving legal processes,” he explained. “Basic lang yan, eh. Respeto. UP is a microcosm of society, ang daming ideologies, competing ideas, marketplace of ideas nga ito eh…. We should all be respectful of each other…. If we respect each other, then I think UP will be a safe environment for everyone,” he added. In the meantime, VP Acosta aims to address UP’s land cases, grants and donations, and procurement system for what the University could use for academic and research purposes. “We are also trying to speed up our procurement process, particularly for the big-ticket items, so that UP’s researchers will get the machinery, the equipment, or even the buildings that we need,” he concluded. Read more stories from the UP Forum Read the latest News from UP Read UP’s Announcements |
https://up.edu.ph/the-many-facets-of-vp-wendell-capili/ | The Many Facets of VP Wendell Capili – University of the Philippines | The Many Facets of VP Wendell Capili The Many Facets of VP Wendell Capili June 6, 2023 | Written by Franco Gargantiel II Vice President for Public Affairs Jose Wendell P. Capili in his interview with the UP Forum. Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO. If you happen to visit Art Circle Café in the UP Diliman campus, odds are you might see a bespectacled man enjoying a cup coffee and a meal. Don’t be surprised if this person turns out to be Professor Wendell Capili as that café happens to be his favorite spot in the campus. Yet at first glance, people would never assume that this distinguished looking professor-type enjoys romantic comedy movies, runs as a hobby, and loves eating sapin-sapin, his favorite Filipino snack. Dr. Jose Wendell P. Capili is currently the UP Vice President for Public Affairs (VPPA). A Professor 12 at the Department of English and Comparative Literature in UP Diliman, his favorite subject to teach is Filipino literature in English. He also cannot live without his mobile phone. He says that when he wakes up in the morning, the first thing he does is to check his phone for messages. Making good on a promise Capili has had a very long and personal history with the University of the Philippines. His earliest memory of UP was during a trip with his father when he was seven years old. “We were driving to a relative’s house in Tandang Sora, and we briefly stopped the car.” His father pointed out the UP campus to the boy, and told him that this would be the place where he would soon learn, and be educated. Capili made good on that promise, teaching in UP as a professor for 35 years. He also spent 25 of those years serving as a University administrator: as a program development associate to UP Diliman Chancellor Claro T. Laguno and Chancellor Emerlinda R. Roman from 1997 to 2001, and as Associate Dean of the UP College of Arts and Letters for nine years. He then became Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Public Affairs for fourteen years, serving under six UP VPs for Public Affairs and three UP Presidents. “We have to ensure that more Filipinos feel that UP is there for them. That UP is not just for the Iskolar ng Bayan; UP is for the Filipino people.” – Capili Capili explaining his thoughts on UP’s role in nation-building. Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO. From the ground up When asked about his initial reaction to being appointed as the Vice President for Media Public Affairs, Capili said he was very surprised. Up until that point, he was already considering going back to his home department and taking on a full-time teaching load. “I thought that it was already the end of my career as an administrator and that I should spend more time as a University professor.” Although he had conditioned himself mentally to teach full time, he nevertheless accepted the new position that was given to him. Of course, appointing someone with an academic and administrative career as long and impressive as his as the next UP VP for Public Affairs was a logical move on the part of the new administration. According to Capili, his experience of serving under six different VPs and three different UP Presidents will enable him not just to understand how the Office of the Vice President of Public Affairs is run, but also to see himself as an instrument between different sectors of the University. “I really started from the bottom. I came from the gutter. Getting into the University, I snuck my way in,” he said of his beginnings in UP he as a temporary instructor with a yearly contract for several years before gaining tenure. The importance of kindness in UP Capili knows all about the struggles many UP staff and community members face. He knows what it’s like to be hungry, to have his salaries delayed and his overload pay withheld for years, to not even have the luxury of having his own office. He is well aware of the fact that there are problems that need to be resolved within the University, and if someone like him, with the highest rank of a Professor 12, feels the bitterness of these struggles, then how much worse is it for administrative staff, instructors and part-time UP contractual workers? “I hope I can be an instrument to getting things done. Not necessarily solving these issues right away, but be the instrument, pointing out which office should attend to their needs.” He went on to say: “As Vice President, I would be able to amplify these issues a little more, because I know things on the ground. I’m not sitting inside an air-conditioned office; I know what’s really going on down there.” His vision aligns with new UP President Jimenez’s thrust to promote kindness and not just compassion within UP. “In the University, we keep on talking about honor and excellence. But what’s the point of having honor and excellence if you are not kind to the people around you?” Capili asked. Aside from vulnerable UP administrative staff and contractual workers, especially those who are single parents, Capili also takes to heart the struggles his students face, many of whom come to his class without having eaten anything. “The fact that the President has emphasized in his speech that we have to have honor and excellence—that is something that we have been doing. But it has to resonate in spaces outside our classrooms, outside our offices. We have to connect to the larger community.” “I’d rather that people do not just strive for excellence. They have to be kind, and they have to be driven to encourage and inspire as many people as they can, within the place of work or home or community.” – Capili UP for the Filipino people Capili believes that each employee should feel that change is happening, and that it shouldn’t be merely confined to motherhood statements. “You are not a UP official because you have to attend all these glorious events,” he said. “You are an official because you have to be an instrument. You have to attend to all these different matters that concern the lives of these people. And not just the lives of one or two people that you know. There are so many people that you still have to get to know. They all have backstories, and they needed to be attended to.” His biggest goal is to make sure that the University does its best to make supportive processes more seamless, and that UP’s presence is felt not just by its constituents but by every Filipino. “It is important that the operations of the Office of the Vice President for Public Affairs should resonate not just within our publics, but with the larger external public. We have to ensure that more Filipinos feel that UP is there for them. That UP is not just for the Iskolar ng Bayan; UP is for the Filipino people.” The best piece of advice Capili has been given is to be very diligent and to be determined to succeed, but more importantly, to inspire others. Many of his childhood teachers who didn’t necessarily have high positions or ranks were the ones who inspired him to choose the path that he has taken for himself, and for that he is very grateful to them. “I’d rather that people do not just strive for excellence,” he shared. “They have to be kind, and they have to be driven to encourage and inspire as many people as they can, within the place of work or home or community.” A behind the scenes photo of Capili during the formal portrait session for UP officials. Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO. Read more stories from the UP Forum Read the latest News from UP Read UP’s Announcements |
https://up.edu.ph/coming-home-giving-back/ | Coming Home, Giving Back – University of the Philippines | Coming Home, Giving Back Coming Home, Giving Back June 6, 2023 | Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo University of the Philippines Vice President for Development Ferdinand Jesus “Boyet” Aquino Pecson during his interview with the UP Forum. Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO. He looked around the College of Engineering Faculty Lounge, trying to recall what the room had been before. And while he could not immediately remember, Ferdinand Jesus “Boyet” Aquino Pecson knew he was home. The new UP Vice President for Development earned his BS Mechanical Engineering and PhD in Energy Engineering degrees from UP Diliman, where he taught for 11 years. The Faculty Lounge was at that time the Department of Metallurgical and Mining Engineering, informally called “Met and Mining”. His eyes lit up in instant recognition when he was told that. Three decades is a long time to be away, and now that he is back in the University, Pecson has imposed upon himself the duty to contribute to the growth of UP. “I owe a lot of where I am today to UP.” How his UP journey began “At 16, you had no idea. Engineering was popular,” he said on picking a college program while still a senior at San Beda College High School. A close friend encouraged him to take Mechanical Engineering. Pecson chose UP. First girlfriend, first failed exam, first honorific achievement. These were some of the more memorable experiences he had at UP. Back then, he didn’t really think about balancing school and social life. He had a girlfriend, his barkada, Beta Epsilon Fraternity, and he finished within the required five years. After graduating in 1981, he joined the faculty. “In the beginning, I made a lot of mistakes,” Pecson admitted. “We had no formal training on how to teach, so all we had were experiences from our former professors.” He picked what were worth emulating and avoided what he didn’t want his students to go through. He wanted to ensure that his students’ stay in UP would be worthwhile. “My teaching philosophy was ‘adapt to the needs of students.’” Pecson said that learning about his former students’ achievements made him “proud to have somehow been part of their growth.” He worked on his PhD while teaching and got a USAID grant to do his dissertation at the University of Wisconsin. This would be his first chance to travel abroad. He was expected to present his research output at an international conference and did so at the Argonne National Laboratory at the 1988 symposium of The Combustion Institute. He then got his PhD from UP and taught until 1992. “I owe a lot of where I am today to UP. This time, I can contribute to my alma mater.” – Pecson A career outside Pecson expanded his horizons and built a solid professional career in the private sector for the next 24 years. He worked at Philippine Investment Management Consultants, Inc. and Solid Cement Corporation before going to the US to take Northwestern University’s MMM Program. It was a two-year dual-degree offering that allowed him to earn a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management and a Master of Engineering Management from the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science in 2000. He stayed in the US for two more years. Then he was with Holcim Philippines for almost seven years as VP (Alternative Fuels and Raw Materials) and later as VP for Operations. After that, he joined FLSmidth & Co. A/S., first, as operations and maintenance (O&M) consultant, where he worked in various countries, then as Egypt country manager, and finally, as performance director at its headquarters in Denmark In 2016, he went back to government service. Pecson was appointed Undersecretary and Executive Director of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center. He believed his O&M experience fit the life cycle approach of PPP. He also credited his social network—people who knew him would vouch for and recommend him—for getting the job. After six years, his term ended. For someone who led an active lifestyle (he was a finisher at the 2019 Ironman 70.3 competition in Subic Bay) and who married the equally active Marietta who ran marathons, Pecson didn’t want to look at retirement, especially when he and his wife have been empty-nesters for years. He became a PPP consultant, created a PPP blog, and traveled to Bhutan. Behind Pecson is the ongoing construction of the Faculty Commons in UP Diliman. Formerly the Faculty Center, the building was razed by an early morning fire that reached Task Force Alpha (level higher than fifth alarm) on April 1, 2016. The structure s well on its way to completely rise from the ashes with renewed purpose and vigor. As the new VP for Development, Pecson is intent on ensuring that UP infrastructure projects are completed “with good quality, on time, and on budget.” Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO. Back in UP as VP “Again, it was my social network,” he revealed, recalling how he was considered for the position. When he was approached, he first asked what the job entailed because he would only accept it if he had the skills to deliver. “I needed to be able to give my 100%.” His management style is collegial and open. He listens before giving his views. Heavy on root cause analysis, Pecson is bound to probe and ask many questions. He said he is fortunate to have “a very committed and strongly motivated” team at the Office of the VPD (OVPD). His office is in charge of infrastructure development, both physical and technological. The first is guided by the land use plans of the constituent universities (CUs) and includes UP campuses that are yet to rise. The second will be enhanced by UP President Angelo Jimenez’s digital transformation initiative, and Pecson said, “We should expect changes.” A few months in, Pecson noticed that UP needed to be more efficient. “We need to complete projects with good quality, on time, and on budget.” He also said that OVPD should establish stronger relations within the System and outside. “We have to be good at reaching out to our partners and getting things done with them.” “We need to complete projects with good quality, on time, and on budget.” – Pecson Looking forward Pecson happily reported on some major projects that had been in the pipeline. The Cancer Care Center in UP Manila was already in the procurement stage. PGH Diliman has been given conditional approval; and the Investment Coordination Committee of the National Economic and Development Authority asked UP to restructure the project from 700 beds to 400 beds and include everything affected by the change. “Just like everyone else, I’m very excited to see this project come to fruition.” As for other projects, he said, “We are collating all the priority projects [of the CUs] to determine where OVPD can assist.” It is easy to see Pecson’s enthusiasm for his new role as VPD. Perhaps because he was indeed home. Surely because he now had six years’ worth of opportunities to give back to the University that helped make him the person he is today. Pecson meets with his team at the Office of the Vice President for Development. Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO. Read more stories from the UP Forum Read the latest News from UP Read UP’s Announcements |
https://up.edu.ph/simply-nes/ | Simply Nes – University of the Philippines | Simply Nes Simply Nes June 6, 2023 | Written by Fred Dabu Vice President Nestor Yunque during his interview with the UP Forum. Photo by Abraham Arboleda, UP MPRO. “I’m Nestor Yunque, the present Vice President for Administration. I started as VP for Administration way back in 2017. And now, under the new UP President, I’m continuing to help stabilize everything.” As a professor who taught zoology, marine biology, and environmental science courses at the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) College of Arts and Sciences-Division of Biological Sciences before taking on higher administrative positions, Vice President for Administration Nestor G. Yunque said he made learning interesting for his students by organizing class field trips. “That makes life exciting. Ayokong ma-confine sa four corners ng classroom ang pag-aaral… It is also a form of service to the students,” said VP Nes, adding: “Nag-uumapaw yung estudyante kasi alam nilang magfi-field trip…. From Iloilo, we pass by Antique, then Aklan, overnight sa Boracay, pag-uwi, dadaan sa Roxas. It’s a tour of Panay, and they spend so much less than if they’re going to do that on their own.” In his lectures, he would emphasize that UP students should care. “Whatever your course is—business management or biology, or chemistry or math—always bear in mind na yung pag-aaral mo, eventually, should help people. Bigyan mo ng halaga ang mga mahihirap,” he would tell them. VP Nes, who grew up during the First Quarter Storm era, recalls his student days at the Philippine Science High School in Quezon City and in the UP Visayas. “Gusto mo yung gobyerno, yung serbisyo, para sa tao, hindi sa kapitalista o sa kagrupo nila,” he said. He and his peers belong to the generation that organized massive rallies and campaigned for the reestablishment of the student councils. “At that time [Martial Law], lahat ng student councils ng UP units ay tinanggal. Later on, may clamor na ibalik ang student council sa bawat CU. Sa UP Visayas, we did that. Lahat ng organizations nagtipon.” As chairperson of the aggrupation, he led the students in bringing back the student council in UPV. After college, he served as a research assistant for work on agar production and commercially important seaweeds for two years, before becoming a faculty member of the UPV. Eventually, he was assigned as the station head of the UP Visayas Marine Biological Station in Taklong Island in Guimaras. When he was the Vice Chancellor for Administration of UPV in Iloilo, from 2011 to 2016, he cherished establishing rapport with administrative personnel and the moments he got to know about their problems and how the administration would be able to address them. “During that time, it was for two terms, we were able to initiate changes in how the administration is being run,” he said. “Hopefully, magtulungan talaga ang lahat ng sectors para gumanda ang takbo, ang performance ng Unibersidad. Then, we could expect more.” – Yunque VP Nes has been in charge of UP’s human resources, compensation and benefits, union and management relations, procurement and related administrative matters since 2017. In UP Diliman, VP Nes feels at home at the tambayan in front of the All UP Workers Union office. Referring to the Union, he said: “I feel na nagtulungan kami. Kasi hindi ko naman pwedeng gawin yung trabaho na magiging effective ako without the cooperation ng ating mga admin personnel.” VP Nes, whose favorite snack consists simply of Skyflakes crackers and a cup of coffee, is particularly jovial in the company of UP employees and faculty, enjoying casual conversations when outside of his office in Quezon Hall. He explained that he prefers to spend his downtime in campus in the company of UP’s administrative personnel, carpenters, plumbers, drivers. “Talagang dito ako tumatambay eh. Kasi once in a while, pupunta ang mga admin personnel, nae-encourage sila na magsabi ng mga problema nila.” He makes it a point to get them to feel at ease with one another “so they can be more open and you will know the real problem.” “Kung sa opisina pupunta, ‘yun na yung grabe na ang problema,” he pointed out. Vice President Yunque explaining his thoughts on human resources, compensation and benefits, and union and management relations. Photo by Abraham Arboleda, UP MPRO. VP Nes said his appointment to his current position under the leadership of UP President Jimenez gives him the opportunity to continue to be of help to the University, since he was already serving as Vice President for Administration since 2017 under then UP President Danilo Concepcion. “Gamay ko kung anong mga nangyayari. Nakita ni President Jimenez na, in the meantime, pwede akong tumulong para ma-stabilize naman yung relasyon ng ating mga admin personnel with the administration,” he said. If he weren’t VP for Administration at the moment, what would he be doing instead? “I would really like to do integrated farming, aquaculture, para na rin I could share the technology with the local people,” he revealed. “Maraming nagawa si President Concepcion para sa ating admin personnel, pero baka mas madadagdagan pa ni President Jimenez, lalo na’t ang kanyang pinaka-motto is ‘serve the people,’” he said about the new administration’s focus on efforts to provide services to the community. For VP Nes, it’s about “making UP relevant to our communities, hindi yung puro tayo academics.” “Hinahanapan natin ng paraan na ma-improve ang mga benefits na makukuha ng ating administrative personnel. Dahil it’s one way of making all sectors of the University work together para mas mapaganda ang takbo ng UP. Hindi pwedeng may naiiwan eh,” VP Nes explained. “Hopefully, President Jimenez will be successful in getting more items for our personnel. Yun (lack of plantilla items) ang pinakamalaking problema ng admin personnel,” he added. Best advice he has ever received? “If you have problems, face them squarely. Do not feel frustrated if you don’t get the solution or the right answer to your problem. And always smile. Kasi less stressful yan. Kapag less stressful, mukhang magtatagal ka sa mundong ito.” As a closing message, VP Nes in turn gave this piece of wisdom: “Ang advice ko is for all the sectors to work together. Hindi pwedeng mag-rely lang tayo sa administration. The different sectors should strive na makatulong sila for UP to achieve something… [for the administrative personnel, REPS, and faculty] to keep on working with the people, for UP to keep on being relevant to society.” “Dapat magtulungan ang lahat ng sectors. Nobody should consider their role as less than the others. Hopefully, magtulungan talaga ang lahat ng sectors para gumanda ang takbo, ang performance ng Unibersidad. Then, we could expect more,” he concluded. Read more stories from the UP Forum Read the latest News from UP Read UP’s Announcements |
https://up.edu.ph/vp-iryns-perfect-timing/ | VP Iryn’s Perfect Timing – University of the Philippines | VP Iryn’s Perfect Timing VP Iryn’s Perfect Timing June 6, 2023 | Written by Deina Blancaflor Vice President for Planning and Finance Iryn Y. Balmores in her interview with the UP Forum. Photo by Abraham Arboleda, UP MPRO. So what made you come back to UP? “I’ve been asking myself that question for the past month,” lightly answered Ms. Iryn Y. Balmores, the newly appointed UP Vice President for Planning and Finance (VPPF). First, what actually happened: With his official takeover of the UP Presidency in February 2023, Atty. Angelo Jimenez tapped seasoned members of past UP administrations and alumni leaders from private sectors alike to become members of his executive team. This included Ms. Iryn Y. Balmores, Chief Finance Officer (CFO) at BasicLogistics Corporation/A 1Move Logistics, Inc., and former Head of Finance for a medium-scale trading and distribution company (2016-2021) and Senior Tax Director at Sycip Gorres Velayo and Co. from 2008-2015. A proud UP alumna and certified public accountant (CPA), Balmores hopes to use her decades of experience in audit, finance and taxation, including strategic finance, reporting, general accounting and compliance, and mergers and acquisitions by giving back to the University. Balmores shares the fact that having celebrated a milestone birthday last February, her appointment as UP VP for Planning and Finance came at the perfect time. “When this possibility of working for the UP System, working for the new administration with UP President Jimenez [came], I thought it was a good time to give back,” she added. She had a very short stint with government work and accounting back in the early 2000’s. “That was a long time ago and I was very young then,” she recalled. So now, this new role with the University, while outside of her comfort zone, is a welcome challenge. Coming into the office, she hints at issues that are yet to be resolved but that don’t dim her excitement for the job at hand. “It wouldn’t be any fun otherwise—ang boring kung walang ganoon,” she said. Being thrust into a new environment, together with new people and new working cultures, makes this job even more thrilling for her. And acknowledging that her responsibilities as University Vice President is of public interest makes it even more worthwhile. Fresh pair of eyes Balmores describes herself as an outsider coming into the position, a balikbayan returning home to her roots. It’s been years since she graduated from UP, but coupled with her extensive years in private practice, medium-scale trading, and in professional services firms, she hopes these will prove useful in making sure that all the projects and plans for the University will come into fruition. “My wish here is to be a partner for each and all the other departments [of the] UP community as a whole. ‘How can I make your life simpler? How can I make your life better? What do you need from us, so that all these things that you need from a financial service point of view will be completed at the most efficient and most effective way?’” she explains. More than that, she is also the only female in President Jimenez’s executive team. “I would like to believe that I am here not because I am a woman, but just like my colleagues in the ExeComm, it is because of our respective competence and experience on the job and ultimately what we can contribute to the University. However, having said that, I fully support empowering more women to become leaders and increased women representation in the C-Suite because diverse talents and perspectives encourage creativity and make an organization better,” she added. Balmores busy at work in her office. Photo by Abraham Arboleda, UP MPRO. Putting a premium on the cycle of mentorship Apart from the usual tasks as Vice President for Planning and Finance, Balmores also aims to instill a cycle of mentorship within her team. “I want also to focus on training and development for our own people in finance, in budget, and accounting because sometimes, baka hindi natutuunan ng pansin; so at the same time, I also told my units to start training and looking out for the next in line kasi nga being stewards, sandali lang eh. After a few years, wala na naman; so we really need to make sure that the institutional knowledge, the skills are there, tuloy-tuloy,” she explained. With this practice, she hopes to leave the office, the constituents, and the University, in capable hands even after her term. Same but different UP and its people have changed throughout the years. There have been a lot of renovations since VP Iryn’s time, but the overall sense of pride, enthusiasm, and excellence remains the same. Expect her term, along with the executive team’s vision of pushing the University to be more globally oriented, to be innovative but prudent, efficient, and transparent. “To my team and to the UP community and to my colleagues also in the administration, I’m happy to be here and I am looking forward to working hard with all of you so we can accomplish, achieve our vision for the University so that we support the mission of the University, as far as teaching and learning and research, is concerned,” she concluded. You may reach VP Iryn via email, text or call, or find her along the Academic Oval enjoying a stick of fish balls or two. Read more stories from the UP Forum Read the latest News from UP Read UP’s Announcements |
https://up.edu.ph/heeding-the-higher-call/ | Heeding the Higher Call – University of the Philippines | Heeding the Higher Call Heeding the Higher Call June 6, 2023 | Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo Vice President for Academic Affairs Leo De Paz Cubillan during this interview with the UP Forum. Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO. “I was already set on early retirement. I took a week to decide.” Dr. Leo De Paz Cubillan narrated how he became UP’s new Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA). That week was one of contemplation for the ophthalmologist who wanted to see things more clearly. After studying how he could contribute to UP, he drew up plans and presented them to then-incoming UP President Angelo Jimenez. Cubillan has been VPAA since April, but he was previously the President’s adviser for academic and research development during the Office of the VPAA’s (OVPAA) transition. “The decision was difficult, but there was a higher calling.” He and his wife, Dr. Eileen Liesl Abesamis Cubillan, have been empty nesters for more than five years. He wanted more time with his children abroad, but the pull of service proved stronger, something he had felt since wanting to become a doctor and being in UP. Student, doctor, teacher Growing up in Surigao, Cubillan’s dream of becoming of a doctor started when he played the role of one in an elementary school play. Initially, he wasn’t even going to UP. Because the release of UP College Admission Test results came much later than those of other schools, he was already enrolled in another school. It was his parents’ friends who persuaded them that UP was the place for him. So, armed with a National Science and Technology Authority scholarship, he moved to UP Diliman (UPD) in 1982 under the AB Humanities pre-med program. He was 16 and homesick, going to Cubao just to call home. But he also kept his focus, shifting to BS Biology as it was a better pre-med program. “When there were dorm activities, I would go somewhere else to study,” he remembered. Graduating magna cum laude, Cubillan was named “Most Outstanding Graduate” in the first batch from the newly elevated Institute of Biology, and gained admission to the College of Medicine (CM) in UP Manila (UPM). It was another adjustment; from the sprawling UPD campus, he now found himself in cramped UPM. He was swamped with daily lectures from 7AM to 7PM and weekly exams. But it was in the flurry of med school that he met his future wife, two years his junior. Cubillan did his fellowship at the UP Philippine General Hospital (PGH) while waiting for her to finish the Dermatology program. In 1998, the couple then went on fellowships to the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Cubillan was already a university researcher at the UPM National Institutes of Health (NIH) Philippine Eye Research Institute (PERI) and a CM clinical associate professor. In his second year at UCSF, he took the Master of Public Health at UC Berkeley. He believed it would help him “contribute to the improvement of health care in our country” because of the issues in health care access he saw during his UP-PGH clinical training. “The decision was difficult, but there was a higher calling.” – Cubillan From research to policy to practice He was seeing patients, teaching, and doing research after his UC studies. Among others, Cubillan was involved in the regular PERI survey of blindness that helped formulate the Department of Health policies on the prevention and reduction of blindness in the country. Another research outcome he was proud of was the signing in 2019 of Republic Act No. 11358 or the National Vision Screening Act for the mandatory vision screening of kindergarten pupils, which was to be implemented by the Department of Education. Teachers were trained to test the vision of students aged below seven years, using the PERI-developed kit. Cubillan said that vision screening revealed that many children were distracted in class simply because they couldn’t see the blackboard too well. There was one who even emerged as the top student in class after being moved to the front and finally seeing the blackboard clearly. Screening at this stage in children’s development also allowed for the detection and correction of a lazy eye. While implementation of the law was derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it has since resumed. “We’re able to prevent further visual impairment. One student, one class at a time,” he said. Cubillan at one of the hallways of the UP PGH Polyclinic in New Clark City, Tarlac. The facility, which will eventually be a 200-bed hospital, is one of the development projects he has been handling for UP Manila. Photo by MIsael Bacani, UP MPRO. The administrator As if the hats Cubillan wore weren’t enough, he has also been appointed to various administrative posts since 2005 at PERI, NIH, UP PGH, and UPM. Additionally, he has been handling development projects, such as the NIH building and the UPM units in New Clark City, including the 200-bed UP PGH whose initial structure was the polyclinic opened in time for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games and the S&T park for health sciences. “I experienced firsthand the challenges of running a government academic institution and hospital,” he recalled. Certainly taxing, but all were done in the spirit of service and the desire to help UP further contribute to national development. “Because of my experience, I have learned to think out of the box in looking at programs and projects, and learning how to do them well and making them effective despite bureaucratic challenges.” He added that President Jimenez’s vision for UP encouraged him more and inspired him to work as VPAA. “I experienced firsthand the challenges of running a government academic institution and hospital.” – Cubillan The next six years The OVPAA is anchored on the three pillars of UP education: instruction, research, and public service. Under Cubillan’s leadership, it will continue to support the fulfillment of UP’s mandates. It will move to increase democratic access to UP education by expanding scholarships that cover cost of living expenses. He expressed interest in looking into possible first generation college students, the first in their families to get a college education, and to provide them with opportunities to study in UP. Cubillan’s office will work to improve student and faculty experience by creating more spaces for social interaction among students, and academic collaboration among faculty. He intends to push for the creation of programs and avenues for public service, taking the cue from President Jimenez who envisions “a UP that is not just about honor and excellence but also kindness.” To make more responsive curricular programs, the OVPAA will pursue the integration of digital technologies to improve teaching, learning, and research “in the face of a rapidly changing digital landscape.” It will work towards improving cross enrollment across the UP System, aligning with President Jimenez’s aim of allowing UP students smooth and seamless access, physical or digital, to course offerings in other campuses. More initiatives are forthcoming under Cubillan’s direction. It is certainly expected of someone who has been with UP for 40 years. That he chose to continue serving over his personal aspirations speaks volumes about the man with a clear vision at the helm of the OVPAA. Read more stories from the UP Forum Read the latest News from UP Read UP’s Announcements |
https://up.edu.ph/masikot-man-ang-daan-pauwi/ | MASIKOT MAN ANG DAAN PAUWI – University of the Philippines | MASIKOT MAN ANG DAAN PAUWI MASIKOT MAN ANG DAAN PAUWI November 23, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office FREE SCREENING One of the largest in the world, the Filipino Diaspora is a complex phenomenon of a people spread-out in the world seeking opportunities and opening new ways of seeing both the outside world and the land they came from. Don’t miss the chance to watch Kung Saan Man Tayo (2021) and Naglalakbay (2022) at the UPFI Film Center on November 29, 2023 and explore the struggles, hardships, and resiliency of Filipinos abroad. Admission is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. ~~~~~ MASIKOT MAN ANG DAAN PAUWI programmed by Patrick F. Campos November 29, 2023 UPFI Film Center – Videotheque 4:00 PM Kung Saan Man Tayo 5:30 PM Naglalakbay 6:30 PM Q&A with filmmakers ~~~~~ KUNG SAAN MAN TAYO ((Wherever We May Be) Directed by Adrian Ellis Alarilla, Jed Yabut, Joseph Unsay, Kenneth Cardenas, Pat R., Pauline M., and Zoé Ciela Guenne Who is the Filipino émigré? Are we the hero of the new age? The breadwinner-martyr? The opportunist, the fortune-seeker? The Filipino émigré’s identity is a dynamic one, constantly changing and adapting to one’s adopted community, while at the same time attempting to compromise with one’s responsibilities with their family and with their Filipino culture. This documentary explores the stories of some of these 21st century Filipino émigré who used to be state scholars but have since followed other opportunities abroad. As these friends send a video camera to each other by courier and share their stories, they open up about adulthood and moving away, and teasing out larger themes such as the Philippine’s labor export economy, nationalism, and internationalism. NAGLALAKBAY (Travelers) Written and directed by Dennis Empalmado The diaspora of Filipinos around the globe is driven mainly by the economics of supply and demand. The yearning for something better, stability, and self-validation leads a handful of sojourners from the provinces of the Philippines into the arms of one of its former colonial masters — the USA. But what happens when they finally get what they want? And how? Filmmaker Dennis Empalmado explores the musings of Filipino expatriates and hopeful immigrants in “Naglalakbay” (Travelers). |
https://up.edu.ph/dark-memories-a-public-lecture-by-rick-rocamora-on-his-book/ | Dark Memories: A Public Lecture by Rick Rocamora on his book – University of the Philippines | Dark Memories: A Public Lecture by Rick Rocamora on his book Dark Memories: A Public Lecture by Rick Rocamora on his book November 23, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office UPDATE: Due to the continuation of the transport strike and the subsequent announcement of the Office of the Chancellor on the shift to online classes and WFH arrangement in the university, the public lecture by Rick Rocamora will be rescheduled. The lecture will be conducted a week later, 30 November 2023, Thursday, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m., Palma Hall 207. Rick Rocamora is an award-winning documentary photographer whose work focuses on issues about the contribution of immigrants in the US, human rights, civil liberties, and social and economic inequalities in the US and the Philippines. This public forum is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to register through tinyurl.com/rrocamoraupd. Rocamora is the author of six photo books, namely Filipino WWII Soldiers: America’s Second Class Veterans; Blood, Sweat, Hope, and Quiapo: Rodallie S. Mosende Story; Human Wrongs, Alagang Angara, Long Road to Dignity, and most recently, photobook about Muslim-Americans published by the Tokyo University for Foreign Studies Press. His work is part of the permanent collection of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Arts, U.S. State Department Art in Embassies Program, and private and institutional collectors. His work is widely exhibited in national and international museums and galleries, published in print and online, and aired in various broadcast news outlets. His work has been exhibited in the US at the Smithsonian Institution, Center for Photographic Arts, Jewish Museum, Gordon Museum, Oakland Museum, San Francisco State University, UC Berkeley, and Boston College. In the Philippines at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Ben Cab Museum, Vargas Museum, and Ateneo Art Gallery. His exhibition, Bursting at the Seams: Inside Philippine Detention Centers, won national and international awards for the Filipinas Heritage Gallery of the Ayala Museum. Before pursuing a career in documentary photography, he worked in sales, marketing, and management positions for the US pharmaceutical industry for 18 years. Original post here: https://t.ly/LJHkD |
https://up.edu.ph/lockdown-diaries-covid-19/ | Lockdown Diaries: COVID-19 – University of the Philippines | Lockdown Diaries: COVID-19 Lockdown Diaries: COVID-19 November 24, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Thirteen theater artists took the challenge to record their daily lives by making video diaries and conversations during the pandemic lockdown. Despite how bleak the pandemic was, it brought them to listen to their bodies, minds and hearts. Avic Ilagan’s documentary Lockdown Diaries: COVID-19 will screen for free at the UPFI Film Center on 1 December Friday 5 PM. There will be a Q & A with the filmmaker and the featured artists after the screening. ~~~~~ UPFI Film Center December 2023 Lockdown Diaries: COVID-19 Dec 1 Fri 5 p.m. ~~~~~ The screening is 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/korean-cinema-art-and-industry/ | Korean Cinema: Art and Industry – University of the Philippines | Korean Cinema: Art and Industry Korean Cinema: Art and Industry November 24, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office [Public Lecture] Korean Cinema: Art and Industry Date: 4 December 2023 MONDAY Time: 9am – 12pm (GMT+8) Venue: Zoom & YouTube Live Streaming Registration Link: https://bit.ly/KorCinema UPKRC together with UP Center for International Studies is organizing a public lecture to learn about and discuss Korean cinema! Don’t miss a chance to meet our speaker Dr. Shin Dong Kim from Hallym University (한림대학교) virtually! Speaker: Shin Dong Kim is a Professor of the Media School and Director of the Institute for Convergence Culture at Hallym University, South Korea. For decades, Professor Kim has been working on the areas of media industries and culture, cultural policies, film and society. Recently he’s been teaching how contemporary Korean films are reconstructing the colonial memories. Outside of campus, Dr. Kim serves as the Director of the Knowledge Coop for Good Governance, an independent think tank based in Seoul, and Vice President for Korean Association for Public Diplomacy. Dr. Kim has been actively teaching globally at many universities around the world including UP CMC as a visiting professor. Moderator: Jericho Pascual (UP Film Institute) This event is supported by the Korea Foundation-한국국제교류재단 (Ref. 2221100-1463). |
https://up.edu.ph/the-saga-of-philippine-cinema/ | The Saga of Philippine Cinema – University of the Philippines | The Saga of Philippine Cinema The Saga of Philippine Cinema November 30, 2023 | Written by UPFI Film Center With support from The UNESCO Memory of the World (PH), a new movement to recognize cinema as the world’s documentary heritage needing protection and preservation is launched with the nationwide advocacy to use cinema for education. The Pedagogical Cinema kicks off with a launching program featuring Nick Deocampo’s “The Saga of Philippine Cinema.” Believing that education starts with a knowledge of history, the program combines a study of Philippine history with the understanding of a medium that has popular appeal to students and the public. In glorious 3D animation, Philippine history is recreated, giving cinema the enviable task of giving life to the social forces which defined Filipino identity and the cinema that helped shape it. A program tailored for students and teachers it begins its nationwide journey at the UPFI Film Center in UP Diliman on December 4 Monday at 5 p.m.. Tickets for only P100. Due to limited seating, viewers need to pre-register to reserve seats: https://tinyurl.com/SagaofPHCinemaUPFI Those who will make reservations need to be present at the venue fifteen minutes before the event, otherwise walk-in viewers will be admitted. Classes and organizations are welcome to attend. Sixteen universities, NGOs, and local government cultural and heritage committees have booked for 2024. Nationwide bookings can be made by sending a letter of intent to sponsor to: nadeocampo@yahoo.com.ph The program consists of film screenings and lectures. Synopses of featured films: CINE TALA (THE MOVIE CHRONICLES) OPENING FILM Dec 4 Mon 5 p.m. A film historian (played by National Artist for Theater Tony Mabesa) recalls the history of Philippine cinema from its colonial beginnings to its national maturity. Featured are movie stars of bygone eras like Rosa del Rosario and Rogelio de la Rosa in enduring film classics like Maalaala Mo Kaya? CINE>SINE: SPANISH BEGINNINGS OF PHILIPPINE CINEMA Dec 5 Tue 5 p.m. The documentary recalls the Spanish past of Philippine cinema through language, material culture, aesthetics, and ideology. Featured are phenomenal stars like Nora Aunor and Christopher de Leon in unforgettable classics like Himala and Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon? FILM: AMERICAN BEGINNINGS OF PHILIPPINE CINEMA Dec 6 Wed 5 p.m. The American past of Philippine cinema has contributed technology, capital, aesthetics, and consumerist ideology to make movies a popular culture. Iconic stars like Fernando Poe, Sr. appears in Zamboanga and Anita Linda and Hilda Koronel star in Lino Brocka’s masterpiece, Hellow, Soldier! to provide an affirmation as well as a counter-reading of Hollywood’s excessive dominance. EIGA: CINEMA DURING WORLD WAR II Dec 7 Thurs 5 p.m. The destruction brought about by the Japanese occupation has wrought havoc to cinema’s growth and made propaganda its cinematic contribution. Movie idols are featured in war-themed films like Leopoldo Salcedo in the propaganda movie, Dawn of Freedom, and the explosive combination of Nora Aunor, Christopher de Leon and Bembol Rocco in Tatlong Taong Walang Dios PELIKULA: THE BIRTH OF PHILIPPINE CINEMA Dec 8 Fri 5 p.m. Since motion pictures came into the hands of photographer Jose Nepomuceno, cinema flourished as a homegrown cultural expression that made the once-colonial movies into a popular national experience. Excerpts from pioneering films like Giliw Ko and interviews of film historians like the American scholar Dr. Charles Musser and Swedish Nepomuceno scholar Nadi Tofighian make this an important film document to watch. MARTIAL LAW FILMS Dec 9 Sat 2 p.m. Films produced during the period of martial law and its aftermath are studied for their social and semiotic significance, revealing hidden subversions contained within the cinematic texts. Lino Brocka’s films are decoded for their use of film language and visual semiotics in movies like Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim starring Gina Alajar and Philip Salvador and Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang with Lolita Rodriguez, Mario O’Hara and Christopher de Leon. PHILIPPINE ALTERNATIVE CINEMA Dec 9 Sat 5 p.m. Outside the mainstream cinema is the alternative world of short films, documentaries, experimental films, and all things that are cinematically oppositional. A wide array of shorts is featured from the mythopoeic films of Raymond Red, to controversial documentaries like Oliver, wild animations like Roxlee’s Tronong Puti, and nihilist films like Regiben Romana’s Pilipinas. See you at the screenings! |
https://up.edu.ph/bogus-vote-tallies-and-candidate-disqualifications-top-election-day-disinformation/ | Bogus vote tallies and candidate disqualifications top election-day disinformation – University of the Philippines | Bogus vote tallies and candidate disqualifications top election-day disinformation Bogus vote tallies and candidate disqualifications top election-day disinformation May 13, 2022 | Written by Maria Diosa Labiste and Yvonne T. Chua Spurious last-ditch reports of candidates being disqualified and a buildup of fabricated vote tallies of presidential contenders took hold of social media as voters trooped to precincts last Monday. This was observed by Tsek.ph, based on the consortium’s live fact-checking efforts on Election Day. The misleading and deceptive narratives on election day largely targeted now presumptive president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his rival, Vice President Leni Robredo; their running mates, Sara Duterte and Francis Pangilinan; progressive party-list groups and the Commission of Elections. These wefts in a pattern of disinformation not only sought to influence voters’ choices but also convey an impression that winners had already been picked even before polling closed. These in turn could undermine confidence in the credibility of this year’s elections as an exercise in democracy. Led by the UPCMC Journalism Department, a one-day newsroom was organized for Tsek.ph partners to come together for live and continuous fact-checking on election day. Tsek.ph is a collaborative fact-checking initiative of 34 partners from academe, media and civil society. It is supported by the University of the Philippines, Google News Initiative, Rakuten Viber, Meta, Meedan and the Embassy of Canada. Fake vote tallies Polling precincts were hours away from closing and votes had yet to be counted, but social media were swamped with manufactured tallies of election results showing either Marcos or Robredo leading the race. Comelec Resolution 10695 stipulates that counting and consolidation of votes, including those from overseas absentee voting, shall be held on May 9 after the casting of votes and closing of polls at 7 p.m. Both Marcos and Robredo had their fair share of fake tallies that day. Tsek.ph partners published 10 fact checks on various claims declaring Marcos leading in partial counts, two in which he and Duterte were winning, and another two with Duterte dominating the count. Five fact checks were about Robredo taking the lead and one declaring that both she and Pangilinan had won overseas absentee votes by a landslide. Interestingly, one claim showed Robredo and Duterte the winners. The false narratives were overwhelmingly pushed on Facebook, and occasionally on Twitter and YouTube, mostly by Marcos supporters, including Showbiz Fanaticz channel whose election-related claims have been previously fact-checked. Nearly all the posts utilized eye-catching graphics. Some tried to mimic the interface of mainstream media such as Rappler’s live election results and TV5’s infographic on the media reach and engagement of candidates. Both were passed off as real poll results. One netizen ran a graphic culled from Robredo’s Facebook post in 2016 that showed her ahead of Marcos in the vice presidential contest at the time. Marcos bitterly contested the results, alleging electoral irregularities. The Supreme Court dismissed his petition last year. The fake election results came out as early as 8:27 a.m. or about two-and-a-hours after the polls opened. They showed Marcos supposedly leading over Robredo and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso. A bogus vice presidential vote count showing Duterte far ahead in the election was posted 11:55 a.m. Some posts gained traction in just a few hours. A tally falsely claiming Duterte was in the lead chalked up 2,898 interactions. A post announcing the Robredo-Pangilinan tandem’s landslide victory abroad, also rated false, picked up 3,514 interactions. The bogus counts were accompanied by allegations that election results had been preprogrammed. One such post collected 145,000 shares. The torrent of fake vote tallies on election day sets this year’s elections apart from the dominant election-day narratives in the 2019 midterm polls. Back then, senatorial, local and party-list candidates were staggering from an onslaught of red-tagging came voting day. Local candidates and progressive groups were also the targets of disqualification lies. The sham poll results online in this year’s elections demonstrate the country’s evolving disinformation playbook on social media that was first thrust into global consciousness following the 2016 presidential election. Ahead of the 2016 polls, legions of netizens in the country and overseas had been organized into a network to systematically propagate positive messages about then candidate Rodrigo Duterte and negative ones against his opponents. The camp of Marcos, then a vice presidential bet, also successfully deployed this strategy, refurbishing his family’s image and later continually attacking Robredo when he lost the race. This May 9, 2022 elections, the fabricated vote tallies rightly fall within the firehose of disinformation strategy Tsek.ph detected and described in its May 8 analysis. This strategy is characterized by an outpouring of rapid, repetitive, and indiscriminate topics coming from a volume of sources and targeting multiple online platforms. For months the Marcos-Duterte tandem had enjoyed nonstop positive messaging while the Robredo-Pangilinan duo were bombarded with negative, even malicious messaging. The Makabayan bloc, meanwhile, was subject of a spurious disqualification document purportedly from the Comelec two days ahead of this year’s elections. Its partylists such as Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, Kabataan, ACT Teachers and Gabriela were allegedly disqualified. A Facebook page, “Lamrag Sinirangan,” claimed that the partylists, along with its senatorial bet Neri Colmenares, had been disqualified by Comelec because of their links with the Communist Party of the Philippines. The false claim was debunked by Comelec, but the falsehood persisted throughout the voting hours. In 2019, the same ploy was used against the Makabayan bloc by Facebook pages identified with police offices and military reservists. The false information was posted in the wee hours of election day. A related disinformation strategy is red-tagging members of the Makabayan bloc or establishing their connection with the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Army even without basis. However, on election day, all senatorial bets of Robredo-Pangilinan tandem were also in the red-tagged list, allegedly for being supported by the communists. The list came from an eponymous Facebook page, DSWD 4ps Updates, which has the logo of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, also known as 4Ps, of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Other false claims circulating on election day include poll cheating such as vote buying and the fate of reelectionist senator Leila de Lima. A handful of fact checks were on vote counting machines (VCM) that broke down, reportedly 1,800 in all, thus delaying the voting or turning voters away. Maharlika, a pro-Marcos influencer, insinuated in a video on Facebook and YouTube that the Catholic clergy had a hand in delaying the replacement of a malfunctioning VCM at a precinct in Quezon City where her family had voted. She also took a dig at Catholic priests who had endorsed Robredo’s candidacy. Her allegation had no basis at all. The Omnibus Election Code only allows inspectors, watchers, Comelec representatives and voters inside and around the polling place. When a VCM or its secure digital card malfunctions, Comelec’s contingency plan requires inspectors to report this to supervisors of the Department of Education assigned to the classroom. After Comelec officials are notified, city officers will keep the broken VCM as the supervisors replace the machine. Nowhere does the Catholic church figure into the picture. This feature article is from Tsek.ph. Text by Maria Diosa Labiste and Yvonne T. Chua; infographics by Felipe Jose Gonzales |
https://up.edu.ph/grands-ideas/ | Grand’s Ideas – University of the Philippines | Grand’s Ideas Grand’s Ideas June 8, 2022 | Written by Fred Dabu The University of the Philippines (UP) takes pride in its students, passionately generating and sharing their ideas to address real-world problems and encouraging fellow scholars to thrive. A UP Visayas 4th year student, Grand C. Gascon, was recognized as the only Chemical Engineering undergraduate and Filipino who became a finalist of Bayer’s International Youth Agriculture Summit. In an online interview this summer via Zoom, Grand shared his experiences and some lessons learned from the event. This image of Gascon as Bayer Youth Agricultural Summit 2021 Delegate is taken from the news article of his achievement posted on the UP Visayas website. Bayer’s biennial summit, held online from 2021 to March 2022, was sponsored by the Crop Science division of Bayer in partnership with the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and Babele. Resource speakers included UN FAO Director-General QU Dongyu and more than 20 experts worldwide. Its 100 youth delegates, aged 18-25, were selected from more than 2,000 applicants who submitted ideas for improving food security and sustainability in their communities. The students attended online training and business modeling classes during the past six months. Then they pitched their ideas, primarily scientific innovations, and social projects, until the top 10 and 2 wildcard finalists emerged, from which a panel of experts selected the three grand winners. Grand (lower, extreme left) is pictured alongside his fellow finalists in the video highlights of the finalists’ project pitches at Bayer’s International Youth Agriculture Summit. “More Light, More Yield” (Light Manipulation to Improve Plant Growth) Gascon’s pitch was on controlling the amount of light that reaches plants to improve their growth. His experience using Digital Single Lens Reflex Cameras (DSLRs) and filters for photography served as the basis for this pitch. He thought that if camera filters could reduce the amount of sunlight that could reach the camera’s sensors, there are also ways to improve exposure to sunlight and apply these ideas to enhance plant growth and, ultimately, food production. Gascon added different lenses and filters with a hydroponic setup for plants, with the right amount of water and nutrients can also be controlled. Grand explains the technological principle behind his pitch during a zoom interview with MPRO. Grand mentioned some insights on the process of the selection of finalists. He said their peers nominated them until the finalists were narrowed down to ten, plus the two wildcards. Then they had three minutes each to pitch their original ideas to the jury. The panel also asked them questions that they had to address. He said he already had a lot of practice since he had been joining many student activities focused on creating and sharing ideas. Among these were: in student summits in UP and events sponsored by the US Mission to ASEAN in 2021; as founder and team administrator of the first-ever UP Visayas Shell Eco-marathon team in 2021; as 1st place winner in the Idea Generation at the Chemical Engineering Students Summit Philippines 2021 in UP Diliman; and, as 1st place winner in the Waste and Pollution: Challenging, Addressing, and Creative Solutions in the Asia Pacific, sponsored by the Asia Pacific Climate Project with The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center at the University of Montana in Oct. 2021, among others. Message to fellow students Grand encouraged fellow students to look for the many events, training, and national and international opportunities offered by the University. “Always take the opportunity that you have now, even if it’s outside of your field of study, or even if it’s outside your comfort zone. You never know what experience you can get and who you will meet from that opportunity,” he said. Gascon’s words of wisdom likewise apply to life outside the University. “Learn to improve yourself every single day. Correct your past mistakes and work hard, never to do them again. Forgive yourself for those mistakes and continuously struggle to begin again. Believe in yourself and believe in your capabilities.” “Strive to let others know who you truly are. You don’t have to be the best. You must be unique,” concluded Gascon. |
https://up.edu.ph/i-am-a-filipino/ | I am a Filipino – University of the Philippines | I am a Filipino I am a Filipino August 24, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office I am a Filipino–inheritor of a glorious past, hostage to the uncertain future. As such I must prove equal to a two-fold task–the task of meeting my responsibility to the past, and the task of performing my obligation to the future. I sprung from a hardy race, child many generations removed of ancient Malayan pioneers. Across the centuries the memory comes rushing back to me: of brown-skinned men putting out to sea in ships that were as frail as their hearts were stout. Over the sea I see them come, borne upon the billowing wave and the whistling wind, carried upon the mighty swell of hope–hope in the free abundance of new land that was to be their home and their children’s forever. This is the land they sought and found. Every inch of shore that their eyes first set upon, every hill and mountain that beckoned to them with a green-and-purple invitation, every mile of rolling plain that their view encompassed, every river and lake that promised a plentiful living and the fruitfulness of commerce, is a hallowed spot to me. By the strength of their hearts and hands, by every right of law, human and divine, this land and all the appurtenances thereof–the black and fertile soil, the seas and lakes and rivers teeming with fish, the forests with their inexhaustible wealth in wild life and timber, the mountains with their bowels swollen with minerals–the whole of this rich and happy land has been, for centuries without number, the land of my fathers. This land I received in trust from them and in trust will pass it to my children, and so on until the world is no more. I am a Filipino. In my blood runs the immortal seed of heroes–seed that flowered down the centuries in deeds of courage and defiance. In my veins yet pulses the same hot blood that sent Lapulapu to battle against the first invader of this land, that nerved Lakandula in the combat against the alien foe, that drove Diego Silang and Dagohoy into rebellion against the foreign oppressor. That seed is immortal. It is the self-same seed that flowered in the heart of Jose Rizal that morning in Bagumbayan when a volley of shots put an end to all that was mortal of him and made his spirit deathless forever, the same that flowered in the hearts of Bonifacio in Balintawak, of Gergorio del Pilar at Tirad Pass, of Antonio Luna at Calumpit; that bloomed in flowers of frustration in the sad heart of Emilio Aguinaldo at Palanan, and yet burst forth royally again in the proud heart of Manuel L. Quezon when he stood at last on the threshold of ancient Malacañan Palace, in the symbolic act of possession and racial vindication. The seed I bear within me is an immortal seed. It is the mark of my manhood, the symbol of dignity as a human being. Like the seeds that were once buried in the tomb of Tutankhamen many thousand years ago, it shall grow and flower and bear fruit again. It is the insignia of my race, and my generation is but a stage in the unending search of my people for freedom and happiness. I am a Filipino, child of the marriage of the East and the West. The East, with its languor and mysticism, its passivity and endurance, was my mother, and my sire was the West that came thundering across the seas with the Cross and Sword and the Machine. I am of the East, an eager participant in its spirit, and in its struggles for liberation from the imperialist yoke. But I also know that the East must awake from its centuried sleep, shake off the lethargy that has bound his limbs, and start moving where destiny awaits. For I, too, am of the West, and the vigorous peoples of the West have destroyed forever the peace and quiet that once were ours. I can no longer live, a being apart from those whose world now trembles to the roar of bomb and cannon-shot. I cannot say of a matter of universal life-and-death, of freedom and slavery for all mankind, that it concerns me not. For no man and no nation is an island, but a part of the main, there is no longer any East and West–only individuals and nations making those momentous choices which are the hinges upon which history resolves. At the vanguard of progress in this part of the world I stand–a forlorn figure in the eyes of some, but not one defeated and lost. For, through the thick, interlacing branches of habit and custom above me, I have seen the light of the sun, and I know that it is good. I have seen the light of justice and equality and freedom, my heart has been lifted by the vision of democracy, and I shall not rest until my land and my people shall have been blessed by these, beyond the power of any man or nation to subvert or destroy. I am a Filipino, and this is my inheritance. What pledge shall I give that I may prove worthy of my inheritance? I shall give the pledge that has come ringing down the corridors of the centuries, and it shall be compounded of the joyous cries of my Malayan forebears when first they saw the contours of this land loom before their eyes, of the battle cries that have resounded in every field of combat from Mactan to Tirad Pass, of the voices of my people when they sing: Land of the morning, Child of the sun returning– Ne’er shall invaders Trample thy sacred shore. Out of the lush green of these seven thousand isles, out of the heartstrings of sixteen million people all vibrating to one song, I shall weave the mighty fabric of my pledge. Out of the songs of the farmers at sunrise when they go to labor in the fields, out of the sweat of the hard-bitten pioneers in Mal-lig and Koronadal, out of the silent endurance of stevedores at the piers and the ominous grumbling of peasants in Pampanga, out of the first cries of babies newly born and the lullabies that mothers sing, out of the crashing of gears and the whine of turbines in the factories, out of the crunch of plough-shares upturning the earth, out of the limitless patience of teachers in the classrooms and doctors in the clinics, out of the tramp of soldiers marching, I shall make the pattern of my pledge: “I am a Filipino born to freedom, and I shall not rest until freedom shall have been added unto my inheritance—for myself and my children and my children’s children—forever.” I am a Filipino is an essay written by Carlos Peña Romulo, Sr. which was printed in The Philippines Herald on August 16, 1941. A Pulitzer Prize winner, passionate educator, intrepid journalist and effective diplomat, Romulo graduated from the University of the Philippines in 1918 with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences degree. He earned his Master of Arts degree in Philosophy from Columbia University in 1921. He would join the ranks of the UP faculty in 1923 as an Associate Professor in what was then the English Department. He would be later be appointed to the Board of Regents in 1931. Almost three decades later, he would once again be reunited with the University, serving as its 11th President in 1962. |
https://up.edu.ph/padayon/ | Padayon – University of the Philippines | Padayon Padayon September 7, 2023 | Written by Nixie E. Serna Photo courtesy of Nixie E. Serna. Nixie E. Serna Magna cum laude BA in English (Creative Writing) College of Humanities and Social Sciences University of the Philippines Mindanao I am Nixie E. Serna, 23 years old, from Surigao City. I studied BA in English (Creative Writing) at the University of the Philippines Mindanao and graduated Magna cum laude. As a creative writer, it is given that you have to be interested in reading and, of course, writing. At a young age, I had always been drawn to books. I usually spent my free time browsing in the library from the time I was in grade school. I would also spend the little money I saved from my ten-peso allowance to buy those booklets sold by visitors in school back then. Eventually, reading compelled me to write because I also wanted to create my own stories. My undergraduate thesis was an essay collection titled, Seismic, for which I received the Thesis with Distinction award. The essay collection was on disasters, particularly the 2017 earthquake in Surigao, the 2019 earthquake swarm in Davao, super typhoon Odette in 2021, the effects of the pandemic, and other personal disasters I have experienced. Some of my works have also been published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer Youngblood column, Life UPdates of Likhaan: UP Institute of Creative Writing, Dagmay.online, and Mindanews. Sinews of Syllables. Photo courtesy of Nixie E. Serna. Aside from reading and writing, I also draw in both traditional and digital media. I run an art account on social media; and you can find me on Instagram and Twitter by the username @nikushiisan. Most of my drawings are fanarts of media I like such as anime, K-pop, movies, or TV shows. I rarely upload drawings nowadays because of my busy schedule, but I try my best to draw every now and then to keep my skills sharp. One of my goals is to one day improve my art so that I can also illustrate my own stories and characters or produce illustrations for Filipino writers. In addition to reading, writing, and drawing, one of the hobbies that take my mind off the stress of academics and other matters is listening to K-pop songs, particularly the group EXO. I am an EXO stan or an EXO-L which is the official name of their fandom. I follow this K-pop group because of their diverse and great discography, artistry, and dedication to their fans. I also always keep in mind this quote by Kai, one of the members of EXO, about studying to motivate myself, “If you’re not good at studying, don’t even think about liking me. . . . Focus more on your studies than us and meet us again proudly in the future.” I do hope I can meet them at their concert in the future. Overcoming financial constraints My parents primarily supported me in my studies. However, there are four of us siblings in the family and their minimum wage is not enough to send us to school. As the eldest child, I had to find ways to fund my education. The Free Tertiary Education Law greatly helped me in achieving a higher education. Otherwise, it would have been difficult for me to enroll in college, especially in UP, considering that UP Mindanao is very far away from my hometown. Since my first year, I applied to the Student Learning Assistance System of UP so that I could receive a stipend to help me with my studies. Through the stipend I saved, I was able to buy a laptop and pay for the internet bill, both of which were necessary not only during face-to-face classes but especially during online classes due to the pandemic. During my second year, I applied for a scholarship sponsored by the UP Mindanao Foundation Inc. They were meticulous in accepting their scholars by checking their academic standing and economic background, but thankfully, I was accepted. Every semester, I would renew my scholarship by submitting my grades. Even during that time when we were devastated by super typhoon Odette in 2021, I persevered in completing my requirements so that I could renew my scholarship. I am immensely grateful to UPMFI and the taxpayers who helped me finish my education. I would surely use what I have learned in the University by giving back to the people. Dealing with disasters Aside from financial constraints, my college life was nothing short of disasters. Like my fellow batchmates, I had to endure the challenges brought by the pandemic in 2020, including the shift to online classes which took a toll on our mental health because of isolation. My parents were laid off from work and we had to rely on the cash assistance and ayuda from the government to sustain us. Around the height of the pandemic on September 2020, our house was also demolished since the lot it was standing on was sold to a new owner. We are temporarily living right now in a house that was intended for the stay-in employee of my mother’s employers. To sum up, we currently have no fixed abode because we do not have our own house. In October 2021, my father suffered a mild stroke and had to stop working to recover. We were able to get by and buy his maintenance medicine through the support of our relatives and family friends. As if we were not struggling enough, my hometown was leveled by super typhoon Odette in December 2021. Our roof was blown away and everything under it got soaked. For more than a month, we had no electricity, mobile signal, and we only had an intermittent water supply. I was in my third year at that time and it was around finals when the super typhoon struck. To comply with my remaining requirements, I went to charging stations to charge our flashlights and devices while I read my readings. At night by candlelight, I would write my papers by hand and then type them on my phone when I was able to charge the battery. I also contacted my professors once the mobile signal returned and relayed to them my situation. Despite the setbacks, I was able to submit my requirements on time. One of my professors told me that it was miraculous how I surpassed those challenges. Looking back, I sometimes cannot believe how I survived all of that. I was driven by my desire to win against my situation and I succeeded with the help of the people around me. The aftermath of super typhoon Odette. Photo courtesy of Nixie E. Serna. Although my family was not financially stable, I was not pressured and dictated upon to become anything they wanted me to be, which probably helped me to do well in my studies. There are expectations of me as the eldest daughter, but they never pressured me, which I greatly appreciate. My parents let me choose what path to take and only reminded me to focus and study hard so that I could achieve my dreams. Study habits and survival tips for students Regarding my studies, I always make sure that I have enough rest before I do my work. I listen to my body; if I am already sleepy then I take a break before proceeding again. A 30-minute to an hour nap will work wonders. I found myself more productive if I had enough sleep than when I did without it. Another thing that helped me with my studies was figuring out the type of environment that I thrived in. I am an introvert and I work best when I am alone and in a quiet area. I cannot do that with the crowded area we have in our house during the daytime so I work at night when everybody else is asleep because I easily get distracted by noise. Even when I was living in a boarding house with my classmates for my final semester, I tried looking for a spot where I could work peacefully or I asked them to keep it down when I was working. Knowing what environment works best for you can change the game in your studies. If I feel down in the dumps or when I am at an impasse, I always think of the quote by John Green in his book Turtles All the Way Down, “Your now is not your forever.” Whatever bad situation I am in, it will come to pass. The disasters I have experienced are a testament to that; those disasters were not forever. The same also goes for happy moments; so it is important to cherish them. Life is too fleeting to keep overthinking. The change you are looking for will find you if you carry on. Padayon. Speaking at the Recognition Program of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Photo courtesy of Nixie E. Serna. Plans after graduation Now that I have graduated, my priority is to be employed so that I can help my family, particularly my siblings who are still in school. I would like to work in the government or to teach because I would like to give back to the people. I would also like to pursue graduate studies so that I can further my education and be updated with the trends in my field. I know I have already mentioned this but I would like to say padayon to my fellow UP graduates and alumni as a closing note. I really like this binisaya word because it encapsulates the feeling of hope and the motivation to carry on in a single word. Wherever you are and wherever you will be, I hope you continue to padayon and never forget to serve the people. The people are counting on you. ——— Written by Nixie E. Serna for the UP Pagtatapos 2023 microsite. https://up.edu.ph/pagtatapos-2023/ |
https://up.edu.ph/finding-your-own-groove/ | Finding your own groove – University of the Philippines | Finding your own groove Finding your own groove September 8, 2023 | Written by Virgilio Roi C. Adaptar Photo courtesy of Virgilio Roi C. Adaptar. Virgilio Roi C. Adaptar Cum laude BS Food Technology College of Science and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Mindanao My name is Virgilio Roi C. Adaptar, 24 years old, born and raised in Davao City, and people call me VR. I am a graduate of the BS Food Technology program at the College of Science and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Mindanao. My research interests include probiotics, valorization of local produces and agricultural by-products, and nutrition, all anchored on the principles of inclusivity and sustainability. I used to compete as an Adjudicator in the UP Mindanao Debate Society, and was able to represent the University in various debating competitions and tournaments around the country. Also, together with my fellow DOST Scholars, I am one of the founding members of the UP Mindanao League of DOST Scholars, the first and the official association of DOST Scholars in the University. I eventually served as the Founding President of the organization, and held various leadership positions throughout my residency. I am also an active member of the U.S. Government Alumni Association -Davao, the regional chapter of international exchange alumni of U.S. Government-funded exchange and internationalization programs. I attended McNeese State University during the Fall 2021 semester under the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGrad) through the U.S. Department of State, World Learning, and Fulbright Philippines. Upon coming home, I then became an active member of the Global UGrad Scholars of the Philippines Alumni Association. Overcoming financial difficulties Growing up, I was well aware of my family’s financial struggles. Scholarships, subsidies, side hustles — these sustained my financial needs throughout my studies. I started taking commissions and part-time jobs way back in high school, because even though I had a scholarship, it did not fully cover all fees and I had to find ways and means for my daily allowance and other expenses. I also saw how difficult it was for my mother to make a living and did not want to keep asking from her anymore. In college, I was awarded an undergraduate scholarship from the Science Education Institute of DOST, which really helped ease the financial burden. Despite the generous amount I received every semester from DOST, I still opted to do side hustles as the stipend I received was still not enough for me as a self-supporting student in this economic climate. I used to do events hosting, ghostwriting for blogs and other online platforms, arts and crafts commissions, tutorials for elementary and high school students, and eventually I became a call center agent, and later on transitioned into being a freelance virtual assistant. I should say, being a working student was difficult and would not want to romanticize it. If I only had the option and the privilege to be a full-time student, I would not want to work while studying just to make ends meet. I am not that typical “straight uno” student who would often be celebrated for academic prowess. I would rather refer to myself as a student who had the capacity to endure. This led me to being selected as one of the four Filipino students, and the only Mindanaoan, for the prestigious Global Undergraduate Exchange Program for the Fall 2021 batch. Furthermore, grit enabled me to pursue my undergraduate thesis on non-dairy probiotics which also utilized local agricultural by-products. My study won 1st Place in the Oral Research Presentation (Undergraduate Category) of the Philippine Society for Microbiology Mindanao 27th Annual Convention and Scientific Meeting and was nominated as finalist for Best Thesis (Basic and Applied Research Category) in the Department of Food Science and Chemistry of our Ccollege. Currently, I am working towards getting it published in a scientific journal. Finally, I was able to shift my Sablay from right to left when I graduated cum laude last July. Hardships before becoming an Iskolar ng Bayan When I was 12, someone power-tripped me and said “You do not deserve to be an honor student,” and slammed their fists on the table. Some people even expected the 12-year -old me to just easily move on from that experience, and that I was just overreacting. Of course, not everyone believes in mental health and trauma. And yes, being an honor student in elementary is not really that big of a deal for a lot of people, but the young and naïve 12-year -old me felt invalidated. When I was 14, my family faced a huge financial problem and finishing high school was almost taken away from me. I remember seeing my mom, swallowing her pride to ask for help from others whenever I needed something for school, yet she would often be rejected or humiliated. I could even remember some relatives asking me to just drop out of school since class grades “cannot be eaten” and that I should just start working instead to be more useful to the family. At present, my anxiety is still triggered by all those words said. I still get nightmares once in a while and I still wonder about what goes on in the minds of those people, if they think about what they’ve done, what stories they’ve told their friends, family, and other people. I haven’t exactly figured out how to let the trauma and anxiety go away. Most of the time, I just distract myself. College seemed to be a great opportunity to pursue more things “to distract myself” and grow up from what happened in the past. And in a place like UP where freedom is highly valued, I felt more free to blaze my own trail and make the most out of my time as an eager young adult. Org life in UP With the freedom that we all enjoy in UP, organizations served as a meaningful avenue to grow and develop beyond classrooms and laboratories. Through the UP Mindanao Debate Society, I was able to enjoy the art of discourse, meet new people in tournaments, and find a safe space among my co-residents. Debating taught me innovative thinking and problem-solving., Aand much more than these, it made me realize the importance of being aware of the issues that we face in society, and that talking about these issues sheds light on the real problems and lived experiences of the various sectors of society, and that the more we talk about these, the more attention we can bring to them to help shake up the status quo. Moreover, I never initially envisioned that I’ll be a part of a bunch of people behind establishing a new organization. We were freshies back then and we often asked the same question again and again if UP Mindanao already has its own organization for DOST Scholars. Until we ourselves answered our own question. We then established the UP Mindanao League of DOST Scholars (UPMin LeaDS). Not long after, I found myself taking the lead as its founding president. From dancing “batis” during our first Patriot Scholars Formation Program, being duly recognized as a student organization on campus, launching our first project and initiative, and organizing the first Congress we attended as an org; to taking new leadership roles in the organization (as if I was playing “Trip to Jerusalem” and being surprised as to where I would end up next), being a rallying point for academic and moral support for our fellow scholars and aspiring ones, helping revive and mobilize the regional organization of DOST Scholars in Davao, struggling through the chaotic times during the pandemic (and getting a lot of anxious, worried, and confused messages from fellow scholars, all uncertain of what might happen next), and everything in between, I was grateful for the opportunity to initiate and lead. I know that the org is still far from being what it is envisioned to be and that I did have my lapses and shortcomings and a lot of unfinished business and what ifs as a leader, but I am grateful for the trust and confidence shown by the people around me and I am excited to see what’s next for UPMin LeaDS. Being a working student My org life in UP sounded fun and stress-free, right? Here’s what was happening beyond the org meetings, projects, and events. I was not born with a silver spoon, and of course, society is unfair to those who are not that privileged. At some point, I felt that I was easily exploited by others who saw my background as an opportunity to manipulate and make it work to their advantage, but I did not have much time to think about it back then. I was too preoccupied with the need to put in extra work, to make the most out of meager resources, to always be on the lookout for the next available “raket”, to think of ways on how I could make it from one paycheck to another, from one month’s stipend to the next, to juggle one job and another, switching lanyards or IDs from one shift at work to try to make it on time to the next class in school. I had to look for ways to augment my income while trying to meet deadlines and studying for exams because no one else would. Hard work is often set as the ultimate factor behind success and our society loves seeing or hearing “rags-to-riches” stories to the point where poverty is romanticized and accepted as a norm. In an ideal world, hard work may be the sole and primary factor for success but we are far from being in that ideal world. As a Ffood Ttechnology major, I struggled to go through a typical day in college. It was even more magnified when I was already doing my thesis with very minimal funding. I hope that someday, access and support for quality scientific education will be available for all those who aspire to be researchers, engineers, doctors, educators, scientists, and mathematicians;, and that we may move past being a society that oppresses, deprives, and excludes. If hard work or “sipag” was the only factor to achieve success, other working students like me should have already been assured of a more comfortable life straight out of college, right? Farmers and laborers would probably be as glorified and celebrated as CEOs and world leaders. However, we are definitely not in an ideal world where hard work is the sole factor behind success. Plot twist No, this is not going to be a college love story. Instead, we go back to one random morning during my sophomore year. It was around 8 AM and I just got out of my graveyard shift at work. My first class for the day, organic chemistry, was at 8:30 and with the one- to two-hour commute from the office to the campus, it would always be impossible for me to make it in time for class. Towards the middle of the semester, I realized that by being a student by day and working the night shift as a call center agent, I would most likely fail in the class. I thought to myself that if I eventually get a 5.0 in my transcript, I should have some redeeming factor to make up for the anticipated failing grade. The universe was telling me to let go of my graveyard shift job and just be a full-time student, which was not really sitting well with me given my situation. I was ready to get my first 5.0 in UP and started to look for options on what I could do to compensate for that in my transcript. Attend workshops? More debating? Start doing internships (and a lot of them)? Join fellowships? Join another org? Go on an exchange program? Coincidentally, another professor of mine invited us to an exchange programs roadshow hosted by Fulbright Philippines and I learned about the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGrad). The Global UGrad program is a semester-long exchange program in the United States participated in by over 60 countries that “brings future leaders to the United States to experience U.S. higher education, gain critical professional skills, and explore new cultures and values”. Asst. Prof. Kriza Faye Calumba, who later on became my thesis adviser, was very instrumental in this endeavor as she encouraged me to apply and even agreed to write a recommendation letter supporting my application. The things that happened next went in my favor: I got a 4.0 instead of a 5.0 and passed my removal examinations for organic chemistry, I let go of my night shift job and found another job with more flexible working hours, and I got into Global UGrad. However, the pandemic happened and things went to a pause for a while. I was supposed to leave for the U.S. by August 2020 but the situation was still far from being under control. My program was eventually postponed to Fall 2021. I will never forget August 12, 2021, –the day I traveled to the United States. Growing up in a family where studying in college seems like a shot to the moon, studying abroad was just as far-fetched. McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana became my home for the rest of the semester. I was able to explore concepts in nutrition and food production from an international perspective and also studied microbiology from a clinical perspective and learned about American History with the theme “What is the role of the United States — around the world and at home?” Homecoming Week at McNeese State University, Lake Charles, Louisiana. Photo courtesy of VR C. Adaptar. Throughout my stay in the United States, I was also able to watch my first football game in Lousiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, enjoy the art scene and authentic Texas brisket and barbecue in Austin, Texas, explore some caverns in San Antonio, Texas, visit the historic French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana, and celebrate Thanksgiving in Jacksonville, Florida. I also fulfilled a childhood dream of stepping foot inside a space center when I visited the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Visiting the NASA Kennedy Space Center during my Global UGrad Exchange Program. Photo courtesy of VR C. Adaptar. Furthermore, the community engagement component of Global UGrad also allowed me to connect with the community in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and get to know the locals, many of whom were still recovering from two devastating hurricanes that struck the area at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Being an exchange student means that you are also serving as a cultural ambassador of your country, and it was truly an honor to raise the flag of the Philippines. From introducing adobo to my American roommates, showing them the way we cook rice with the trusted finger method for measuring the right amount of water, sharing some OPM songs, teaching some Tagalog and Bisaya words to my American classmates, to assisting a research student in her study on plant-based yogurt, sharing a bit of our shared history between the Philippines and the U.S. in class, and connecting with Filipino-Americans in the area, I believe that I was able to make the most out of my stay in the United States. Upon coming back home, I continued working on my undergraduate thesis, got involved again with more projects through my organizations, and actively helped in promoting exchange and internationalization opportunities for other Filipino students to help them widen their perspectives and further capacitate them in their chosen fields, and in return, apply what they learned in their respective communities. Yes, I flew out during the Delta surge and went back home to the Philippines in the middle of the Omicron surge. Study habits I can’t say that I really have good study habits. I adjust depending on my mood and physical well-being (e.g., I postpone studying or doing academic work if I feel sick). I don’t force myself to study or do academic work if I still don’t feel like it because I will end up with half-baked or mediocre outputs. One thing that I think worked for me though, is reading or writing at night. I think the peaceful atmosphere between 10 in the evening until around dawn helped me focus, especially during the lockdowns during the pandemic where everyone was at home and awake during the day. Nevertheless, I think it’s a matter of “finding your own groove” and seeing what truly works for you when it comes to studying or doing academic work and requirements, because what worked for me might not be that effective for you. If all else fails, get some sleep. I should also emphasize that the guidance and mentorship I received from my professors in UP Mindanao, especially the Department of Food Science and Chemistry, made this academic journey seem like I was standing on the shoulders of giants. The pandemic made the semesters too uncertain yet my professors remained nurturing and understanding, especially my adviser, Asst. Prof. Calumba, who truly lived up to her role as an adviser holistically and continued to believe in me at a time when self-doubt almost consumed me. More tips for students Lessons I picked up while performing my experiments for my thesis: I encountered different strains of lactic acid bacteria: some are fast-growers, some grow at just the right amount of time, while others take a bit longer. Like these different bacterial strains, we all have our own different pace in life. I did a lot of trial and error for my experiments. I made some mistakes. I made some adjustments. It’s okay to make mistakes in college. We are human, after all. It’s okay to try again. Did it take you a 2nd, 3rd, or nth try before succeeding? Again, it’s okay and you did great! I don’t think there’s such a thing as “lesser success” just because it took you longer. Sometimes, I had to stay until 10, 11, or midnight in the lab while waiting for tests to finish and during the wait times in between, I would read or watch videos or do some side tasks (that may or may not have been directly related to my thesis). Yes, college will be exhausting but academics is not the end of it all. Find an alternative outlet or channel which you could also invest your time and energy in. I always went back to the objectives of my study throughout my thesis-related works when I felt confused. Always go back to your WHYs, your purpose. This may not exactly be motivating but it can help you recalibrate, redirect, and realign your path in pursuit of your goals. Thesis days at the College of Science and Mathematics. Photo courtesy of VR C. Adaptar. Plans after graduation I intend to pursue a research and development track and work in the food industry for the next couple of years after graduation. Meanwhile, I also plan to volunteer or contribute to non-profit and civic orgs on the side because I enjoy doing those things as well. Furthermore, I also want to pursue postgraduate studies in food science and technology abroad in the near future. The true meaning of the sablay May we be disturbed by the stereotypical status of UP students, graduates, and alumni as “the cream of the crop”, the “upper echelon”, the “best of the best”. This privilege exists because there are others in the margins who are oppressed, deprived, and excluded. May we be reminded that for every single sablay being shifted to the left, countless others still suffer and struggle with the very systems that they trusted yet failed them. May we also be reminded that for every single sablay being shifted to the left, there remains a lot of space that must be taken up to eliminate social injustice systematically. UP, para kanino nga ba tayo? After successfully defending my undergraduate thesis, with my adviser, Asst. Prof. Kriza Faye Calumba, at the College of Science and Mathematics. Photo courtesy of VR C. Adaptar. ———- Written by Virgilio Roi C. Adaptar for the UP Pagtatapos 2023 microsite: https://up.edu.ph/pagtatapos-2023/ |
https://up.edu.ph/love-life-and-dont-give-up/ | Love life and don’t give up – University of the Philippines | Love life and don’t give up Love life and don’t give up September 11, 2023 | Written by Dr. Hannah Patricia E. Bringas Photo collage courtesy of Hannah Patricia Bringas. Hannah Patricia E. Bringas Doctor of Dental Medicine UP College of Dentistry I am Hannah Patricia E. Bringas, a graduate of Doctor of Dental Medicine of the UP College of Dentistry. I was supposed to graduate from the course back in 2017 but several interventions contributed to my delay. During the preparations for the Lantern Parade 2013, my dominant (right) hand was injured by a cutter blade in a freak accident. I was immediately rushed by my seniors and my friends to the PGH Emergency Department as I was already losing a lot of blood. The hospital staff performed several tests to check if there were any internal damages, especially on the nerves, and fortunately, it all seemed okay at the time. We all thought that it was just a simple skin laceration that needed to be sutured and closed shut. I was dismissed and I returned to my classes with a bandage on my hand the next day. The unfortunate accident happened in the second semester of my first year in Dentistry Proper, while I was enrolled in the Dentistry 131.1 (Operative Dentistry I) laboratory course. This course is only offered once a year and it is a prerequisite to several of the courses in the succeeding pre-clinical years. Even now, I could recall some laboratory sessions when I struggled to finish an exercise as my bandage kept falling off or my wound suddenly bled out of nowhere, but I continued to participate in classes and even attended the Lantern Parade itself. During the Christmas break, I started to notice some difficulty in moving my right hand, but I thought that it was just part of the healing process, and it would return to normal after a few days or weeks. However, one day, after our anatomy class, I consulted with my professor, an orthopedic surgeon, regarding my struggle in lifting my right ring and little fingers on their own and in using my hand to grip objects. I told him about my accident and asked for any input. That was when he informed me that my injury might have resulted in the transection of a few of the tendons in my right hand. He referred me to one of his colleagues for further assessment. My surgeon knew that I was taking up Dentistry and he warned me that if I did not immediately undergo surgery to restore function and to prevent atrophy of my arm muscles, I might have to say goodbye to my dream of becoming a dentist. So, I went through the operation. I had to wear a cast for 6 weeks while the semester was still ongoing, and I was required to attend physical therapy sessions for several months after the cast was removed. As a result, I was unable to perform our laboratory exercises in Dent 131.1. I was advised by the then College Secretary, who was also the faculty coordinator of the said course, to file for dropping to avoid getting a failing grade. I was given the chance to still attend the lectures, while struggling to write with my left hand or using my tablet just to take down notes. I was even offered an oral examination because I was struggling to write legibly. I already knew by then that I would not be able to graduate on time, that I would be delayed, that I could not join my friends and batchmates. It was painful, both physically and emotionally. My parents even asked me if I wanted to leave Dentistry when they saw and felt how defeated I was, and thought of how my injury would definitely affect my future. It had gotten to the point that I would take my injury as a test to see if I really did belong in Dentistry. However, I never thought of quitting. I saw this hurdle as an opportunity to strive harder. I was even able to perform well academically the next semester, and finished with a GWA of a “College Scholar”. I re-enrolled in the same laboratory course the following academic year but had to endure pain and discomfort on my right hand while still undergoing physical therapy. Unfortunately, I was not able to complete the requirements in the course on time, as the laboratory procedures then required double or even triple my previous efforts, given my injury. I received a failing mark on the laboratory course and had to wait another year to re-enroll again. I was already delayed for two years in the pre-clinical courses, but I made sure to never receive a failing grade on any theoretical subject. I practiced performing my laboratory requirements a lot, so as not to fail ever again. I also worked as a student assistant for a year during my pre-clinical years. As a clinician, one cause of my delay in completing the requirements was due to repeated cases because of patients’ non-compliance even with the treatments already nearing completion. I, however, attended to all my patients, other clinical requirements, research, and community service in the best way I could, despite constant suffering through pain and discomfort in my right hand. During the semesters within the pandemic, I lived alone near the College to attend to all the remaining requirements that I could accomplish via remote laboratory sessions, online case discussions, and limited face-to-face simulation exercises. However, a few of those remaining requirements still needed to be accomplished on live patients, so I still waited for the re-opening of the clinics last September. Once the clinics re-opened, despite a few problems encountered, I did not stop until I was able to complete my requirements and finally graduate. While attending to my classes and requirements, I was a shift head for several semesters, and later on, became the head and the student council representative of the resident clinicians. I served a few years in the Dentistry Student Council, joined and performed with the members of GrooveDex, was one of the founding members of the UPCD Occlusal Harmonies, and participated in several dental missions and served the community through the Dental Health Brigade. Even now as I practice for the board exam, my hand still hurts every now and then. The large scar is still there and reminds me every day of what I have lost, and of what I have also gained through all I have experienced. They taught me not to give up. They taught me to appreciate every second. They taught me to love life, and that there is always light at the end of a very dark tunnel. These lessons are what I will carry with me as I face the next chapter of my life. ———- Written by Dr. Hannah Patricia E. Bringas for the UP Pagtatapos 2023 microsite. https://up.edu.ph/pagtatapos-2023/ |
https://up.edu.ph/doktor-para-sa-bayan-kasama-ng-bayan/ | Doktor Para sa Bayan, Kasama ng Bayan – University of the Philippines | Doktor Para sa Bayan, Kasama ng Bayan Doktor Para sa Bayan, Kasama ng Bayan September 12, 2023 | Written by Dr. Jessica Franco Perez Photo courtesy of Jessica Perez. Jessica Franco Perez Magna cum laude Doctor of Medicine UP College of Medicine I am Jessica Franco Perez, 32 years old, from San Mateo, Rizal. I studied BS Nutrition in UP Los Baños and graduated magna cum laude in 2011. I passed the Nutritionist-Dietitian Licensure Examination and became a Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian that same year. I worked at the Dietary Department of the UP-Philippine General Hospital (PGH) as a clinical dietitian. I was assigned at the Nutrition Clinic of the Department of Out-Patient Services where I provided nutrition assessment, individualized diet plans, and educational lectures to patients, doctors, and paramedical professionals. While working at PGH, I was also given opportunities to participate in different researches. I am a co-investigator in a research project of Dr. A.G. Limpoco of the Department of Family and Community Medicine, titled “Development and Evaluation of Rapid Eating Assessment for Patients (REAP) Tool”. I also became part of several patient support groups, such as the Hansen’s Club, Lipat Kalinga, and Psoriasis Club. After six years of working at PGH, I then applied to and got accepted in the University of the Philippines College of Medicine at the age of 28. I became a member of the UP Pangkalusugang Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral (UP PAGSAMA) where I served under the SocCon Force, a committee that focuses on social engagements and community organizing activities. In the recently conducted 114th Commencement Exercise of the UP College of Medicine, I finally got my Doctor of Medicine degree, graduating magna cum laude and being one of the Top 5 Most Outstanding Graduates in Academics of our batch. I was also given recognition as one of the Top 3 Most Outstanding Interns of AY 2022-2023, being an outstanding intern in Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Surgery. Pursuing the dream Photo courtesy of Jessica Perez. I have always dreamt of becoming a doctor since I was a child. However, being born in a middle-class family, this dream seemed impossible. Being the second child in a brood of four, I also wanted to help my parents financially, especially in sending my younger sisters to college. I initially gave up on my dream of becoming a doctor and focused on a career still close to medicine. I was happy serving as a clinical dietitian. It was an equally fulfilling profession, having the opportunity to help other people through proper diet and a healthy lifestyle. However, I knew that some part of me was wishing and hoping I could still be a doctor someday. Every morning after I conducted lectures in the OPD waiting areas, seeing the long queue of people patiently waiting to be seen by a doctor, I had always felt the desire to serve more, both as a dietitian AND as a doctor. When my youngest sibling was already in her last year in college, I asked myself, “Posible pa bang maging doctor ako? Ipu-pursue ko pa rin ba ang pagme-Med kahit na matanda na ako?” These doubts had been running through my mind for quite a while. I also did not want to be a burden to my family, especially to my mother, given the additional years of studying instead of earning money. Thankfully, my family and friends were very supportive and encouraged me to still try. As the famous line goes, “It is better to try and fail than to never know and wonder what could have been if I tried.” And so, I juggled work, the National Medical Admission Test review, and preparations for applications to medical schools. With a limited amount of savings and overwhelming uncertainty, I found the courage to resign from the job I had treasured for six years to start this new journey. I was very blessed to be accepted in the UP College of Medicine, where I could have a subsidized, high quality medical education. Without the subsidized tuition fees, the scholarship grants from the College, the Pe Gan Heng Foundation, and the UP Medical Alumni Society of America (UPMASA), as well as the unending support of my family and friends, I may not have been able to reach this point. Student life and survival tips The University of the Philippines has been my home since I was in college. I have always believed in its ideals and advocacies. With this, I am truly grateful to be admitted to the UP College of Medicine that lives up to its vision-mission of cultivating highly competent scholars whose lives are directed to learning and service to the underserved. Our medical curriculum is guided by the principles of a community- oriented education, research, and service. These ideals and principles guided me through all these years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the College greatly helped the students as they were able to quickly adapt to the challenges and difficulties brought by the pandemic restrictions. They made sure that we were learning, while giving us ample consideration and understanding of the fact that we were also taking care of our family and doing chores at home, on top of our obligations as medical students. Admittedly, I struggled with my studies, especially during my first year in medical school. With a gap of six years from the last time I had reviewed for an exam, I needed to relearn and adjust my study habits to fit the highly demanding medical education. I would sleep first after a long day of lectures and then wake up early in the morning to study. We all have different learning styles and thus, it is important to identify the study routine that works best for you. What worked for me may not work for other students. But if I were to share one study habit that greatly helped me survive medical school, it is the habit of planning and making a schedule. Planning ahead and identifying my target accomplishments for the day or the week made me more efficient and focused on my activities. Photo courtesy of Jessica Perez. Another survival tip is to allow yourself to rest, as well as to allot quality time with family and friends, and on your hobbies. These will help you keep your sanity and will give you a boost to face yet another week of unending lectures, duties, and exams. My advice to make this possible would be to: 1) actively listen during lectures; 2) limit your time for browsing your social media accounts; and 3) prioritize sleep (you absorb and understand better what you are reading with a clear mind). I also maximized my study hours during weekdays (or on allotted study days) so that I could go home to Rizal and spend time with my family in the other days. All these helped me maintain balance between studies and life outside medical school. Last but definitely one most important advice that I want to share is to have a deeper reason for what you do. Why are you studying medicine? Whenever I felt exhausted having to study for an exam even after a tiring hospital duty, I always went back to why I was here. I always reminded myself not to study just to pass the exams, but to study so that you will be a competent and excellent doctor for your future patients; study so that you can be part of a better healthcare system that you have always wanted. When we have a purpose that goes beyond us, things will still be difficult, but you will have the courage to overcome whatever obstacle you will face. Plans after graduation After graduating and passing the Physician Licensure Examination this October 2023, I plan to apply to the Internal Medicine residency program at the UP Philippine General Hospital. In the future, I also want to enter the academe as a professor and to participate in activities, programs, and advocacies directed to the service of marginalized communities and to the betterment of our healthcare system. Photo collage courtesy of Jessica Perez. Looking back on my journey Work hard, be patient, and do not give up on your dreams, even if it would take time realizing them. There will be detours and things will not always be in your favor. But be steadfast and trust that God’s plan is the best plan. Looking back on my journey, I now realize why God had to delay my admission to medical school. It was at the right time for me, when there was a CGMS (Cash Grant to Medical Students Enrolled in State Universities and Colleges) to largely subsidize our tuition fee knowing that I might not be able to finish my medical education due to financial constraints. I was taught by the most excellent professors who nurtured and inspired us to do our best as future physicians. I met my friends who have supported me and believed in me even in times when I myself doubted my own capabilities. They made my stay in UPCM worthwhile and much more bearable. Trust that the failures, rejections, frustrations, and “unanswered” prayers we encounter are part of the process to prepare us for the best things in life. May we always uphold honor, integrity, and excellence whatever path we choose. May we all live a life of purpose, a life directed to the service of others. Kudos at Padayon, mga Doktor Para sa Bayan, Kasama ng Bayan! ———- Written by Dr. Jessica Franco Perez for the UP Pagtatapos 2023 microsite: https://up.edu.ph/pagtatapos-2023/ |
https://up.edu.ph/teaching-literature-the-gemino-h-abad-seminar-workshop-2023/ | Teaching Literature: The Gemino H. Abad Seminar-Workshop 2023 – University of the Philippines | Teaching Literature: The Gemino H. Abad Seminar-Workshop 2023 Teaching Literature: The Gemino H. Abad Seminar-Workshop 2023 November 10, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Teaching literature is impossible; that is why it is difficult. –Northrop Frye “Do you want to enhance your skills in reading and teaching literature? Do you want to learn how to uncover the hidden meanings and messages of literary texts?” So reads the invitation to the Gemino H. Abad Seminar-Workshop (GASW) for Teaching Literature 2023, which was held from September 20 to 22 at the NISMED Auditorium in UP Diliman. The GASW is a project of the Likhaan UP Institute of Creative Writing, and aims to inspire and empower educators with the ultimate goal of fostering a love for literature among Filipino students. The 48 participants were junior and senior high school teachers of literature and creative writing in English from public and private schools nationwide, and the lecturers are some of the country’s most distinguished literary scholars and writers. As a tribute to the joys and challenges of education, especially for teachers of literature and the humanities, we are sharing an article written by Dr. Vim Nadera, award-winning poet, fictionist, playwright, and essayist, at the conclusion of this year’s GASW. The article was originally published by the Pilipino Mirror. Reading Literature: Text and Context Ni Dr. Vim Nadera Dr. Vim Nadera delivering his message at the workshop. Photo from Likhaan: University of the Philippines Institute of Creative Writing Facebook page. Isa lamang proyekto iyon, kung tutuusin, ng Likhaan: UP Institute of Creative Writing. Pero binigyan ito ng bagong dimensiyon nang mag-post sa Facebook ang DLSU SHS Arts and Design Track Department ng pagbati: “We would like to extend congratulations to Ms. Blulean Albao, our Creative Writing teacher, for taking part in the Gemino Abad Seminar-Workshop for Teachers, which was conducted on October 4-6, 2023, at the NISMED Auditorium, University of the Philippines, Diliman.” Tinapik kaming lahat ng ganitong balita sa balikat. Kahit paano’y nabunutan ng tinik sa pagtanggap sa hamong maging Workshop Director. At, napausal din kami ng dasal sa pagpili sa butihing guro ng De La Salle Integrated School SHS Manila sa Biñan, Laguna na marunong tumanaw ng utang na loob: “This is testimony of how a Lasallian educator can showcase capabilities and empower co-educators to nurture and mold student in the future.” Kasama ni Bb. Albao sa loob ng tatlong araw sina Anglika Fe Amado, Alyzza Chelsea Avestruz, Michael Beraña, Jerald Belmas, Charine Bolalin, Michelle Collado, at Consuelo Celine Fuentes, Kristian Ross Pimentel, John Carlo Pineda, Ferdinand Marc Sandoval, Charma Rose Tadeja. Dahil nasa Creative Non-fiction siya, sumailalim siya sa kalinga ni Prof. Larissa Mae Suarez na sanaysayista’t kuwentista. Para sa Fiction ang mga dumalo sina Alvin Aborde, Lou Stephie Cambe, Maria Christina Corpuz, Jericho de Leon, Reniel Justine Gandecila, Karen Laking, Jayson Paderon, Brandon Parrenas, Nicka Marcel Reyes, Rhoda Salen, Vincent Eduard Sta.Clara, at Christian Lloyd Valenzuela sa giya ni Siege Malvar na nobelista’t makata. Para sa Drama, ang mga lumahok ay sina Ma. Jessi Carilla, Armin Concepcion, Rafaelle Jasmin Ibañez, Clarice Yvette Laroza, Lourrie Mey Libo-on, Aubrey Dorothy Macas, Roselle Grace Mendoza, Justine Montilla, Ernesto Pang Jr., Maria Fe Ricamonte, Melissa Sarmiento, at Frank Tamayo sa gabay ni Dr. Joachim Emilio Antonio na mandudula, kuwentista’t kuwentistang pambata. At para sa Poetry, ang mga sumali ay sina Rogelio Alegrid Jr., April Arevalo, Ronald Cabingon, Melchor Cayabyab, Darlyn Lojero, Ymanuel Manaog, William James Obrero, Angelica Padilla, Manuel Radislao, Nenita Ramiro-Rondera, Rosseth Salvan, at Charles Dominic Sanchez sa patnubay ni Ramil Digal Gulle na makata’t mamamahayag. Mas prestihiyoso ang palihang ito dahil sa panayam ng batikan sa kani-kanilang larang: Professor Emeritus Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo (Creative Non-fiction), Prof. Charlson Ong (Fiction), Prof. Luna Sicat Cleto (Drama), at Pambansang Alagad ng Sining na Dr. Gemino Abad (Poetry). Binayayaan din kami ng pagdating sa una’t huling araw ni Lord Jim na paulit-ulit sa pagsasabing: “This is so well-organized!” Kaya, kahit nakauwi na si Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan, amin pa ring pinasalamatan hindi lamang sina Dr. Romulo Baquiran at Prof. Vladimeir Gonzales kundi sina Howi Bakunawa at Toni Panagu at ang kanilang mga anghel na sina Arlene Andresio, Ronnie Amuyot, Denise Cayetano, Karlo Erfe, Manolet Ferrer, Kenneth Guda, Philip Jamilla, Phoebe Lina, Danielle Madrid, P.B. Maraña, Dominick Molina, Cyril Noroña, Karen Pablo, at Jasper Villasis. At, siyempre, ang nakaisip ng paksa na si Dr. Jose Dalisay. Subalit, ibang-iba talaga ang kahingian sa panitikang Filipino. Kaya sana magkaroon ng Virgilio Almario Seminar-Workshop for Teachers. For photos of the 2023 Gemino Abad Seminar Workshop for Teachers, please browse through the post below from the Likhaan: University of the Philippines Institute of Creative Writing Facebook page. |
https://up.edu.ph/locating-barangay-elections-in-the-filipinos-list-of-priorities/ | Locating barangay elections in the Filipinos’ list of priorities – University of the Philippines | Locating barangay elections in the Filipinos’ list of priorities Locating barangay elections in the Filipinos’ list of priorities November 14, 2023 | Written by Alicor Panao On October 30, 2023, the Philippines held what is arguably the most impactful elections in the country: the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). The 2023 elections decided the leaders and council members for the smallest unit of government and the primary implementer of government policies at the grassroots level: the barangay. After the COVID-19 pandemic led to postponement after postponement of the BSKE, the first village-based and youth council elections were finally held after five years. Two days later, all ballots from 42,001 barangays in the Philippines came in; and the newly elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials begin their terms at noon on November 30, 2023. Pundits have since noted that the conduct and aftermath of this year’s election, which was marked by a lack of overtime pay for teachers who served extra hours on barangay election day, teachers backing out of poll duties for fear of security threats, and stories of violence and fatal shootings, will influence the midterm elections in 2025. But the impact of barangay elections goes much further than future polls. This article by Dr. Alicor Panao of the UP Diliman Department of Political Science explains the reason. Aspiring candidates from Quezon City file their certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) at the Amoranto Sports Complex in Quezon City on Aug. 28, 2023. Photo by Joseph O. Razon, Philippine News Agency (PNA). People, the cliché goes, are most curious about the things that matter. Studies on issue salience, for instance, suggest that people are more likely to seek information on political matters when they are relevant, affect their well-being or align with their predispositions or values. In political science, information seeking is regarded as a cornerstone of civic engagement. After all, information is crucial to making informed decisions, not only on health, finance, or education, but also on politics. On October 30, Filipinos voted for the leaders of the nation’s basic unit of governance. Barangay elections are vital for ensuring effective local governance, community development, and civic participation in the Philippines. Section 384 of the Local Government Code states: “As the basic political unit, the Barangay serves as the primary planning and implementing unit of government policies, plans, programs, projects, and activities in the community, and as a forum wherein the collective views of the people may be expressed, crystallized and considered, and where disputes may be amicably settled.” Barangays, in other words, are foundational in the country’s democratic system, as they allow citizens to have a direct say in the leadership and decision-making processes of their local communities. Considering their significance in our political life as a nation, to what extent did Filipinos seek information on the upcoming barangay elections? A quick way to grasp Filipinos’ informational interest on the barangay elections is to examine online search trends, such as those made through Google. Using Google Trends, a free online tool, we can examine, for instance, how frequently certain search queries, such as the phrase, “barangay elections”, are entered into Google’s search engine over a specified period and in specific regions or geographic locations. Figure 1 below gives the daily series of the search phrase, “barangay elections”, and its related term, “comelec”, from June 01, 2022 to October 30, 2023. Both terms correspond to the barangay elections and are most likely the most common terms keyed in when people query for information from the search engine. Interestingly, informational interest in the barangay elections appears to be minimal and started to peak only sometime in late August and in late October. The first uptick likely corresponds to the period of the filing of candidacy for the barangay and sangguniang kabataan elections, which COMELEC set between Aug. 28 and Sep. 2. The second uptick, on the other hand, is probably due to interest generated by the campaign period (Oct. 19 to 28). When campaign posters started littering the streets, people probably began to be curious about the candidates. Figure 1: Election related search trends To ascertain to what extent the barangay elections is salient, however, we need to compare it with other queries made on other issues Filipinos find relevant. Figure 2 replicates the trend lines, but this time includes series corresponding to issues that may also be of relevance to Filipinos. For simplicity, we only included two issues. We included the search trend for the term, “job hiring”, since the clamor for better wages is perennially an urgent concern among Filipinos, based on surveys. We also included the trend for the search term, “kdrama”, since Korean dramas now consist a substantial component of contemporary Filipino entertainment. Figure 2 shows interest on employment somewhat consistent all throughout. Employment search is expected to be a more constant concern than interest in elections, considering that jobs are a fundamental economic necessity for most Filipinos and their families. Employment provides a means to earn a living, support basic needs, and achieve financial stability. Interestingly, neither elections nor employment creates the amount of informational curiosity that Korean dramas do. While it is well known that search trends reveal information-seeking behavior related to seasonal interests or activities, elections do not seem to create the same level of excitement as, perhaps, the latest episodes of one’s favorite K-Dramas. Figure 2: The salience of election related queries In fine, barangay elections do not create the same degree of informational concern as, say, employment prospects or television entertainment. This is not to say, though, that Filipinos have their priorities in the wrong places. Quite understandably, in a country where there is a wide gap in the quality of life, people are always on the lookout for better paying jobs to improve their financial stability and standard of living. On the other hand, watching TV dramas can offer a sense of catharsis, allowing citizens an outlet to release pent up emotions and frustrations related to government dissatisfaction. For all we know, K-Dramas might be the only thing that keeps citizens from rioting and the state from collapsing. Nevertheless, these trends do remind us of the need for election management bodies (e.g. COMELEC) to strengthen voter education and broaden civic education. For voter education to be impactful, initiatives should commence well in advance and persist throughout the electoral cycle. At the outset of this cycle, the electorate should receive information regarding voter registration procedures, not only to allow them sufficient time to complete the registration process, but also to help them understand the gravity of the deliberative exercise to our life as a nation. By educating citizens on the democratic process and their role in it, voter education ensures that elections are fair, transparent, and reflective of the will of the people, thereby strengthening the democratic foundations of a society. Dr. Alicor Panao is an associate professor in the Department of Political Science, UP Diliman. He is also a member of the Philippine Bar. (Photo courtesy of the UP Diliman Department of Political Science) |
https://up.edu.ph/statement-of-support-for-the-42nd-kasama-sa-up-national-congress-and-55th-general-assembly-of-student-councils/ | Statement of Support for the 42nd KASAMA SA UP National Congress and 55th General Assembly of Student Councils – University of the Philippines | Statement of Support for the 42nd KASAMA SA UP National Congress and 55th General Assembly of Student Councils Statement of Support for the 42nd KASAMA SA UP National Congress and 55th General Assembly of Student Councils August 24, 2023 | Written by the Office of the President The University of the Philippines System expresses its support for the student leaders who participated in this year’s KASAMA sa UP National Congress and General Assembly of Student Councils held in the UP Mindanao campus last 14 to 19 August. The University Administration deeply appreciates the efforts of our student councils in freely and peacefully advocating for the rights and welfare of their sector, and engaging in various legitimate issues and concerns that affect UP and the entire nation. UP is committed to ensuring the free exercise of constitutionally guaranteed rights and freedoms by members of its academic community, including the right to peaceably assemble. The same commitment is expected from other duty bearers, who are mandated to respect, fulfill, uphold, and protect those time-honored liberties within and beyond our campus gates. |
https://up.edu.ph/up-history-in-the-making-this-september/ | UP History in the Making this September – University of the Philippines | UP History in the Making this September UP History in the Making this September September 8, 2023 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. For more updates on these events, visit the dedicated website page for these events here. |
https://up.edu.ph/development-of-the-bangsamoro-at-the-core-of-pioneering-up-bta-consultation-meeting-on-sept-13/ | Development of the Bangsamoro at the core of pioneering UP-BTA consultation meeting on Sept 13 – University of the Philippines | Development of the Bangsamoro at the core of pioneering UP-BTA consultation meeting on Sept 13 Development of the Bangsamoro at the core of pioneering UP-BTA consultation meeting on Sept 13 September 12, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The University of the Philippines (UP) will be hosting an important consultation meeting with Bangsamoro Transition Authority officials and stakeholders, including: the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government, Local Government Units (LGUs), development NGOs, and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in BARMM, at the Dusit Thani Residences Davao on September 13, Wednesday. Participants will discuss opportunities for collaboration aiming to improve the socio-economic conditions of the Bangsamoro and Mindanao. Issues and challenges on education, health, agriculture and fisheries, labor and employment, science and technology, human settlements and development, indigenous peoples’ affairs, trade and tourism, and the environment, among others, shall also be tackled. The event comes the day before the solemn investiture of 22nd UP President Atty. Angelo “Jijil” A. Jimenez, who hails from Butuan, to be held at the UP Mindanao Atrium on Sept. 14. It will also precede the much awaited 1st UP-SUC Summit on Sept. 15. According to the UP President, “Mindanao has always been considered key to the nation’s progress, being the second-largest island next to Luzon and having been endowed with a wealth of human and natural resources. However, over the past several decades, we have witnessed its development severely stifled due to deeply-rooted problems that cause poverty, underdevelopment, social conflicts, criminality and war.” Four out of the top five poorest regions, and eight out of the ten poorest provinces in the Philippines, are in Mindanao, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) 2015 Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES). The same report cited poverty incidence at above 39% in Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula), Region X (Northern Mindanao), Region XII (Soccsksargen), Region XIII (Caraga), and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Jimenez is calling on all stakeholders to “seize the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to partner now with the University and allow UP to help them sustain Mindanao’s overall progress,” in accordance with the University’s mandate under Republic Act 9500, which is to lead in the nation’s higher education and public service spheres. “Today, the interventions and reforms initiated by previous national government administrations are paving the way for the much aspired peace and development in these regions,” Jimenez said. “But we could certainly do more, and in order for these noble initiatives to have more impact on our people,” he added. “The peace process that has led to the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (Republic Act 11054) and the establishment of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority in 2019, and the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, the country’s medium-term development blueprint, offer a grand opportunity for stakeholders and the national government, to sustain Mindanao’s recovery and economic growth, with UP serving as a catalyst and enabler for social transformation,” Jimenez added. The PSA recently reported that Mindanao’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) has improved to 7.2 percent in 2022, with the BARMM having a 6.6 percent growth on its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). These are positive indicators resulting from the reforms already being done. Jimenez revealed that expert resource persons from both the academe and the government will lead discussions focusing on the UP-Bangsamoro Development Program and the Bangsamoro during this consultation meeting. “With the UP-Bangsamoro Development Program, avenues for collaboration for attaining the common sustainable goals of UP and the BARMM in promoting access to quality education, improving health outcomes, strengthening the capabilities of SUCs and LGUs, reinforcing partnerships in BARMM, and rehabilitating conflict-affected communities shall be highlighted,” Jimenez said. To achieve the abovementioned goals, UP is offering its existing expertise, facilities, and programs in its various constituent universities. Among its academic and research institutions to be involved in the program are: UP Resilience Institute; UP National Center for Transportation Studies; UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies; UP National College of Public Administration and Governance; UP Manila National Institutes of Health; UP Cebu Center for Environmental Informatics; UP Mindanao Center for Advancement of Research in Mindanao; UP Los Baños National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology; Philippine Genome Center; UP Institute of Islamic Studies; UP Baguio Cordillera Studies Center; UP Mindanao Studies Center; and UP Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts. The program will have an Advisory Board with members from both UP and BARMM. |
https://up.edu.ph/up-to-make-history-with-first-presidential-investiture-rites-in-mindanao/ | UP to make history with first presidential investiture rites in Mindanao – University of the Philippines | UP to make history with first presidential investiture rites in Mindanao UP to make history with first presidential investiture rites in Mindanao September 13, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The University of the Philippines on Thursday will hold the investiture of its president in Mindanao for the first time in its 115-year history, a watershed moment that will be marked by two UP-led initiatives that reaffirm the commitment of the country’s premier state university to serve the people. The investiture on Thursday of the first UP president from Mindanao, Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez, will be held in UP Mindanao—the sixth constituent university under the UP System and the only UP constituent university in Mindanao. The investiture rites are set to coincide with the UP-Bangsamoro Development Program Summit and the 1st UP-SUC Summit on Excellence and Equity in Public Higher Education—groundbreaking events that will address two pressing national issues: the development of the Bangsamoro and the future of public tertiary education in the country. According to UP Vice President for Public Affairs Rolando B. Tolentino, “President Jimenez has stressed from his first day in office that the hallmark of UP in the next six years will be service to the nation, and this is reflected in the activities that will be held prior to and following the University president’s investiture rites.” The UP-Bangsamoro Development Program Summit will be held on September 13 at the Dusit Thani Residence Davao. At the top of the agenda is the establishment of the UP-Bangsamoro Development Program, the first program of its kind in the country. It will involve UP, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao government and local government units, as well as non-government organizations and state universities and colleges in the region. Among those attending the summit are BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, Al Haj; officials and representatives of various ministries and committees of the Bangsamoro Parliament; and representatives of LGUs, NGOs, and SUCs in the region. A memorandum of understanding between UP and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority will be signed at the end of the summit. The program is intended to serve as an avenue of convergence between UP and the Bangsamoro for organizing opportunities and collaborative action to strengthen human capital and improve socio-economic conditions of the Bangsamoro. On September 15, the day after the investiture of Jimenez, the 1st UP-SUC Summit on Excellence and Equity in Public Higher Education will be held at the Dusit Thani Grand Ballroom. The summit will bring together leaders of Philippine SUCs, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) officials, and stakeholders from Congress and private higher education institutions. The summit is envisioned to promote engagement in transdisciplinary academic, research, and public service programs via co-designed projects. The historic summit is a platform for 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). The summit is expected to close with the signing of the Mindanao Declaration on Excellence and Equity in Public Higher Education. |
https://up.edu.ph/1st-up-suc-summit-to-launch-four-programs-for-suc-engagement/ | 1st UP-SUC Summit to launch four programs for SUC engagement – University of the Philippines | 1st UP-SUC Summit to launch four programs for SUC engagement 1st UP-SUC Summit to launch four programs for SUC engagement September 14, 2023 | Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo On September 15, four University programs aimed at promoting engagement between UP and other Philippine state universities and colleges (SUCs) will be launched during Pagtutulay, Pagtutuloy: Strengthening Partnerships in Philippine Public Higher Education to be held in the Grand Ballroom of Dusit Thani, Davao City. The summit is a gathering of leaders of Philippine state universities and colleges (SUCs), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) officials, and interested stakeholders from Congress and private higher education institutions, and dovetails the September 14 investiture ceremony of 22nd UP President Angelo A. Jimenez. It was his cognizance of UP’s public service mandate as indicated in RA 9500 or the UP Charter that led to this exploration of and strengthening of inter-SUC engagement and partnerships. For Jimenez, engagement and partnerships are imperatives for knowledge co-creation, innovation, research, and public service towards national development. The four programs are: the UP Data Commons; Philippines Massive Open Online Courses (PHMOOCs); TVUP programs; and the UP Archipelagic and Ocean Virtual University (UPAOVU). 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, located 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. Participants to the Summit will be treated to a demonstration of the various ways SUCs can use this resource for their constituents. 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, was launched in 2016 and 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 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; leading in the formulation of policies and programs that are coherent, inclusive, and sustainable. |
https://up.edu.ph/up-to-hold-noise-barrage-on-day-of-remembrance/ | UP to hold noise barrage on Day of Remembrance – University of the Philippines | UP to hold noise barrage on Day of Remembrance UP to hold noise barrage on Day of Remembrance September 18, 2023 | Written by the President's Commission for Culture and the Arts Raise your voice, break the silence! 📢 Join us in commemorating the Day of Remembrance, as we use symbolic forms of dissent to ensure history is never forgotten. In 2018, September 21 was declared as the UP Day of Remembrance. This year, join us for “Noises and Voices of Memory and Dissent”, a noise-making event, as we remember and reflect on our history. You can participate by making noise (honking horns or by using any sound-making materials, etc.) on September 21 at 12:00nn-1:00pm, wherever you are. Let’s make some noise together! 🗣️ #WeRemember #UPDayOfRemembrance #NeverAgain #KalinangangUP #KalinangangBayan #WeRememberML51 |
https://up.edu.ph/up-invites-the-public-to-join-day-of-remembrance-commemoration/ | UP invites the public to join Day of Remembrance commemoration – University of the Philippines | UP invites the public to join Day of Remembrance commemoration UP invites the public to join Day of Remembrance commemoration September 20, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The University of the Philippines (UP) invites the public to join this year’s Day of Remembrance commemoration on September 21, 2023, Thursday, 12: 00 pm to 1:00 pm. Everyone is encouraged to stream the special video hosted here. For instructions on how to stream the video on Facebook live, please click here. This video is part of ‘Noises and Voices of Memory and Dissent’, commemorating the Philippine experience of Martial Law together through art. The Day of Remembrance was established in 2018 to commemorate members of the UP community who stood at the forefront of the resistance to Martial Law during the administration of President Ferdinand E. Marcos. The entire country was placed under martial rule by President Marcos on September 21, 1972. The commemoration also serves to highlight the University’s role as a champion of academic freedom and as a beacon for hope and an advocate of human rights during the darkest days of democracy in the country. The Day is intended to remember the sacrifices and legacy of UP heroes, the living and the fallen, and to impart their stories to younger generations of Iskolar ng Bayan and other patriotic Filipinos. Read more here: Days of Remembrance |
https://up.edu.ph/up-fetes-mr-shooli-with-gawad-plaridel/ | UP fetes “Mr. Shooli” with Gawad Plaridel – University of the Philippines | UP fetes “Mr. Shooli” with Gawad Plaridel UP fetes “Mr. Shooli” with Gawad Plaridel October 2, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The University of the Philippines Diliman College of Mass Communication will be awarding actor, satirist, and advertising creative Manuel Urbano Jr., popularly known on television, film and the internet as “Mr. Shooli”, this year’s Gawad Plaridel on October 11, 2023, at 2 pm, at the UP Film Institute Film Center’s Cine Adarna. Urbano Jr. will be feted for both his unforgettable social commentary in numerous performances across time and media as a peculiar Mongolian figure pondering on Philippine realities, as well as his remarkable contributions to multimedia commercial advertising which are distinguished for their humane values and Pinoy humor. At 84, he continues his work via social media and even participates in anti-disinformation campaigns through his own YouTube channel. The Gawad Plaridel is the university’s highest award for outstanding practitioners known for their integrity and excellence in the different fields of media (print media, radio, television, cinema, and new media). Named after the great propagandist Marcelo H. del Pilar, whose nom de plume is “Plaridel,” the recognition comes with a trophy sculpture depicting the editor of La Solidaridad by National Artist Napoleon V. Abueva. Since the establishment of the award in 2004, the Gawad Plaridel laureate has customarily delivered a lecture on important issues pertaining to his/her/their field or craft. Past recipients include Eugenia Apostol (2004), Vilma Santos-Recto (2005), Fidela Magpayo (2006), Cheche Lazaro (2007), Pacheco Seares (2008), Kidlat Tahimik (2009), Eloisa Cruz Canlas (2011), Rosa Rosal (2012), Jose Lacaba (2013), Nora Aunor (2014), Ricky Lee (2015), Francisca Custodio (2016), Tina Monzon-Palma (2017), Jessica Soho (2018), and Bonifacio Ilagan (2019). For information, contact the Gawad Plaridel Secretariat at gawadplaridel@up.edu.ph. —– Press release from the Gawad Plaridel Facebook page. |
https://up.edu.ph/up-para-sa-up-the-up-system-kicks-off-mental-health-awareness-month-with-launching-of-the-up-sanctuary/ | UP Para Sa UP: The UP System kicks off Mental Health Awareness Month with launching of the UP Sanctuary – University of the Philippines | UP Para Sa UP: The UP System kicks off Mental Health Awareness Month with launching of the UP Sanctuary UP Para Sa UP: The UP System kicks off Mental Health Awareness Month with launching of the UP Sanctuary October 4, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office University of the Philippines (UP) President Angelo Jimenez, together with the UP Office of the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs – Office Student Development Services (OSDS) and the UP Portia Sorority, are set to launch the UP Sanctuary in the UP Diliman campus on October 6, 2023, at 4:00 in the afternoon. This inspiring initiative coincides with the celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month this October, underscoring the commitment of the University to the holistic wellbeing of its community. Located in front of the Faculty Center, the UP Sanctuary will offer students and faculty members a convenient retreat to rejuvenate their minds amidst the hustle and bustle of academic life. An artist rendition of the proposed green space. Graphic provided by UP Portia Sorority. It has been meticulously designed as a dedicated space where one can find solace and tranquility during periods of heightened psychological stress, providing a safe refuge for all members of the UP community, especially the students, faculty, and staff. Under the visionary leadership of President Jimenez and the University’s strengthened focus on public service, this project will serve as a tangible testament to UP’s dedication to advancing mental health awareness and support on campus. The concept of the UP Sanctuary originally emerged from the creative minds of the members of the UP Portia Sorority, a UP College of Law-based sorority that counts among its illustrious members former Supreme Court Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, former Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio Morales and former Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. The Sorority has a strong focus on law and a deep commitment to serve not just the UP community but the public as well. Leading the planning and execution of this project, the UP Portia Sorority and its partners will engage the entire UP community in its development journey. Notably, Architect Micaela Benedicto, an alumna of the UP College of Architecture, contributed her expertise by crafting the initial architectural designs. Another view of the artist’s rendition of the proposed sanctuary. Photo from UP Portia Sorority. The launching of the UP Sanctuary marks the commencement of a month-long series of activities and initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare of the UP community, with the entire month of October dedicated to fostering a culture of well-being within the UP community. The inaugural UP System Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference, a multi-sectoral event led by the OSDS, will take place at UP Los Baños on October 11th and 12th, 2023. A webinar on Emotional and Mental Resilience will also be held via Zoom on October 18, while the OSDS will also launch its Alumni Mentoring Program in partnership with the UP Alumni Association of San Francisco (UPAA SF) on October 26. In addition to these flagship initiatives, various UP constituent universities (CUs) have organized a diverse range of events throughout the month, all aimed at promoting the collective well-being of the University community. The UP Sanctuary stands as a symbol of UP’s commitment to the mental health and overall wellness of its community members. As UP opens its arms to this innovative project, it paves the way for a brighter, more resilient, and healthier future for everyone inside the campus. |
https://up.edu.ph/upd-and-uplb-are-top-and-2nd-top-performing-schools-in-the-november-2023-civil-engineers-licensure-exam/ | UPD and UPLB are top and 2nd top performing schools in the November 2023 Civil Engineers Licensure Exam – University of the Philippines | UPD and UPLB are top and 2nd top performing schools in the November 2023 Civil Engineers Licensure Exam UPD and UPLB are top and 2nd top performing schools in the November 2023 Civil Engineers Licensure Exam December 1, 2023 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta The University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) and UP Los Baños (UPLB) are the top and second top performing schools, respectively, in the November 2023 Civil Engineers Licensure Exam (CELE). UP Diliman registered a 98.55% passing rate, with 68 of its 69 examinees passing the exam, while UPLB garnered a 96.55% passing rate, with 56 out of its 58 examinees passing. UP Diliman graduates also made it to the top ten highest placers in the CELE. They are: Jonas Rhein Pruelo Esguerra – rank 3 with a 91.90% rating; Maria Erica Pacatang Gomez – rank 5 with a 91.50% rating; Ayrton Dave Sarmiento Bautista – rank 6 with a 91.20% rating; and, Reiner Vince Mallari Chavez – rank 8, with a 90.85% rating. The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced on November 25 that 6,180 out of 18,582 passed the Civil Engineers Licensure Examination given by the Board of Civil Engineering this November 2023. |
https://up.edu.ph/upfight-fighting-maroons-to-battle-dlsu-one-last-time-in-championship-clinching-game/ | #UPFight: Fighting Maroons to battle DLSU one last time in championship-clinching game – University of the Philippines | #UPFight: Fighting Maroons to battle DLSU one last time in championship-clinching game #UPFight: Fighting Maroons to battle DLSU one last time in championship-clinching game December 5, 2023 | Written by Franco Gargantiel II Even with a flu, Rookie of the Year Francis Lopez defies the odds, weaving his magic on the court as he fearlessly drives to score. Photo by Kevin Roque, UP MPRO. Despite the valiant fight the Fighting Maroons put up in the starting quarter of Game 2 on December 3, the University of the Philippines (UP) is heading into Game 3 against De La Salle University (DLSU) for the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball championship. UP started out strong in the first quarter, coming out on top at 27 against La Salle’s 24. However, La Salle started to pick up momentum by the middle quarters, gaining a strong lead. The Fighting Maroons put up a brave assault against the Green Archers, with graduating players CJ Cansino and Malick Diouf scoring 11 points each. Harold Alarcon also took charge and scored a total of ten points for UP. Harold Alarcon emerges as the anchor, keeping the team afloat with his unwavering efficiency in scoring. Photo by Kevin Roque, UP MPRO. As the final quarter heats up, so does the intense rivalry between Torres and Nelle, sparking a fierce beef on the court. Photo by Kevin Roque, UP MPRO. When it came down to the final quarter, the Fighting Maroons tried to maintain their fight and energy to prove how hungry they were for the ultimate title. Unfortunately, they remain hungry and ready to fight another day as the final score showed 82-60, with De La Salle University coming out victorious. UP President Angelo Jimenez, who attended the critical match, offered encouraging words to the hardworking UP players.“Congratulations, guys! That was a very good fight!” he said. “We know we can’t always be in tip-top condition and the games will not always favor us. But champions are champions. We learn our lessons, adjust, and fight back stronger. And I still believe in you. I will always believe in you and the entire UP community will always back you up. We produce more presidents than UAAP championships. You know what to do next time. Go for it, lads! Go for the gold!” Torculas keeping it fancy on the court with a mesmerizing reverse layup. Photo by Kevin Roque, UP MPRO. Even with the one loss in Game 2, the Fighting Maroons are looking to aim high and bring home the UAAP Season 86 championship. The fated final battle between UP and DLSU will take place at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, December 6, 2023, 4:00 PM. One final push for the UP Fighting Maroons. Iskolar ng Bayan, ngayon ay lumalaban! ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Prior to the game, UP Fighting Maroon Francis Lopez was chosen and recognized as this season’s Rookie of the Year. With him to receive the trophy is Office for Athletics and Sports Development (OASD) Director and former UP Fighting Maroon Head Coach Bo Perasol. Photo by Kevin Roque, UP MPRO. UP Fighting Maroon Malick Diouf was chosen as one of this season’s mythical five. With him in receiving his trophy is UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag (in grey blazer). Photo by Kevin Roque, UP MPRO. Watch President Angelo Jimenez’s message to the UP Fighting Maroons and the highlights of Game 2 in this season’s finals. Video by Al Nikko Nagutom, UP MPRO. |
https://up.edu.ph/above-the-fold-a-glimpse-into-the-turbulence-of-martial-law-through-the-lens-of-the-collegian/ | Above the Fold: A glimpse into the turbulence of Martial Law through the lens of the Collegian – University of the Philippines | Above the Fold: A glimpse into the turbulence of Martial Law through the lens of the Collegian Above the Fold: A glimpse into the turbulence of Martial Law through the lens of the Collegian December 7, 2023 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta Photos from the Diliman Commune, taken by Nori Palarca, highlighted in the exhibit. Photo by Jonathan Madrid, UPMPRO. It was an eye-opening walk-through of one of the most turbulent periods in the history of of the Philippines, the university, and the country’s mass media, as seen through the words and the lenses of the Philippine Collegian. And through a roundtable discussion, three alumni of the University of the Philippines (UP) and former editors of the Collegian added their voices and personal stories to complement the exhibit. December 6 saw the formal opening of the physical iteration of the virtual exhibit titled “Above the Fold: Pages of the Philippine Collegian Under Marcos Regime,” which was launched by the Philippine Collegian in partnership with the UP Diliman Bulwagan ng Dangal University Heritage Museum. The exhibit features selected materials published by the Collegian from the years 1973 to 1986, showing the news and feature articles on both University and national issues written by the Collegian staff during that period, the photos taken of UP Diliman during the First Quarter Storm and during the grip of martial law, and even the pages and portions of the publication left blank due to censorship. The exhibit also stands as a visual and printed testament to UP student activism then and now, and includes a tribute to three Collegian editors-in-chief who were arrested, jailed, and eventually killed by state forces: Enrique Voltaire Garcia II, who was editor-in-chief in 1965; Antonio Tagamolila, 1971; and Abraham Sarmiento Jr., 1975. To commemorate the formal launch of the physical exhibit, a roundtable discussion was held featuring three UP alumni—all activists and former editors of the Collegian—who shared their experiences in the publication during Martial Law: Ms. Fides Lim, writer, editor, former political prisoner, founding member of the human rights alliance Karapatan and the progressive political party Bayan Muna together, and spokesperson of Kapatid, a martial law support organization, a group formed by the families and friends of political prisoners; Ms. Elizabeth “Bibeth” Orteza, film and TV actor, theater performer, writer for top-rated TV programs and award-winning films, former UP Regent and presently working with TVUP; and Prof. Judy Taguiwalo, Prof. Judy Taguiwalo, a former UP Faculty Regent, former Director of the UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies, founding president of All UP Academic Employees Union, and former Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. With Prof. Danilo Arao of the Department of Journalism, UP College of Mass Communication—and himself a former Collegian editor—moderating, the three Collegian alumni engaged in a candid and freewheeling sharing of their experiences about their days at the Collegian. Three Philippine Collegian former editors–(left to right) Ms. Fides Lim, Ms. Bibeth Orteza, and Prof. Judy Taguiwalo–share their experiences, with UP Journalism professor Danilo Arao (extreme right) moderating. Photo by Jonathan Madrid, UPMPRO. UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Vistan gives his welcome remarks at the roundtable discussion launching the “Above the Fold: Pages of the Philippine Collegian Under Marcos Regime” exhibit. Photo by Jonathan Madrid, UPMPRO.’ They discussed working during the time before computers and digital printing; the threats they faced daily in the form of military arrests, suppression, and censorship; the experiences their own families faced; and how they stood strong in their belief in academic freedom, in a free and fearless press, and in the need to fight for human rights. In his welcome speech, UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Vistan II thanked the Philippine Collegian and the UP Bulwagan ng Dangal Heritage Museum for organizing the exhibit and the roundtable discussion “to bring our community back to those turbulent times of the martial law regime through the lens of the Philippine Collegian in particular. And that lens was a very crucial one: reading about the things written about that period—about Diliman Commune, about what happened here on campus, and how the UP administration handled the situation and protected the students against the government. And that is really I think something very distinctive of UP.” “Still the institution [the Collegian] lives on, and that’s something we should be thankful for and proud of,” Vistan continued. “I think the current crop of Collegian editors and staff of the present and the past few years have maintained the journalistic tradition of the Collegian in their own way, as appropriate for the current situation.” The “Above the Fold: Pages of the Philippine Collegian Under Marcos Regime” exhibition will run from December 6 to 19, 2023, at the Vinzons Hall Lobby. At the singing of the “UP Naming Mahal”, Ms. Bibeth Orteza raises her fist alongside the rest of the audience. Photo by Jonathan Madrid, UPMPRO. One of the old issues of The Philippine Collegian on display at the exhibit. Photo by Jonathan Madrid, UP MPRO. Alumni of The Philippine Collegian view the exhibits on display. Photo by Jonathan Madrid, UP MPRO. |
https://up.edu.ph/up-cebu-graduate-tops-licensure-exam-for-secondary-level-teachers/ | UP Cebu graduate tops licensure exam for secondary-level teachers – University of the Philippines | UP Cebu graduate tops licensure exam for secondary-level teachers UP Cebu graduate tops licensure exam for secondary-level teachers December 13, 2023 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta The Oblation in UP Cebu. UP MPRO file photo. A BS Mathematics graduate of the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu College of Science, Trilbe Lizann Espina Vasquez, ranked first in the September 2023 Licensure Exam for Professional Teachers (LEPT), secondary level. In addition, three graduates from UP Diliman and one from UP Los Baños made it to the list of top ten examinees in the Licensure Exam for Teachers (LET). This was announced by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Board of Professional Teachers on December 7. The LET Secondary Level top examinees from UP are: Trilbe Lizanne Espina Vasquez, UP Cebu – ranked 1st with a 94.80% rating; Matthew Kyle Yee Oronce, UP Diliman – ranked 3rd with a 94.20% rating; Fritzie Anne Cebrian Bueno, UP Diliman – ranked 4th with a 94.00% rating; Maro Rapog Peña, UP Diliman – ranked 8th with a 93.20% rating; and, Rachel Anne Garcia Concepcion, UP Los Baños – ranked 10th with a 92.80% rating. Meanwhile, UP Diliman is the second top performing school in the LET Secondary Level, with 67 out of 69 or 97.10% of its examinees passing the exam. |
https://up.edu.ph/up-on-partnerships-to-achieve-the-goals/ | UP on Partnerships to Achieve the Goals – University of the Philippines | UP on Partnerships to Achieve the Goals Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Promoting Partnerships under UPLB’s AGORA for Sustainability as a Way of Life A delegation from the UP Los Baños, headed by UP President Danilo L. Concepcion and UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr., participated in the Sustainable Foods London Conference held on March 30-31, 2022 at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London. The high-level conference featured leading speakers from across the foods industry, as well as an exhibition showcasing the next generation of sustainable F&D brands, products and services. At the conference, Chancellor Camacho promoted UPLB’s research and extension agenda called “AGORA” or Accelerating Growth through One Research and Extension in Action in a presentation titled “Sustaining food innovations under a strong university research and extension agenda”. This marked the first time the Chancellor brought UPLB’s AGORA before an international audience. His presentation gave a snapshot of a few of UPLB technologies and knowledge products for “a resilient, food-secure, and future-proof nation and to promote sustainability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN”. He mentioned seven SDGs that UPLB has aligned itself with through AGORA: SDG 2 or Zero Hunger; SDG 4 or Quality Education; SDG 7 or Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG 11 or Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 12 or Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 13 or Climate Action; and SDG 15 or Life on Land. “We must take advantage of technologies that facilitate the paradigm shift toward sustainable living. Ideally, this change must occur at all levels of society—from the private individual to the governments, big businesses, and international bodies,” Camacho said. UPLB was the lone university that participated in the conference and exhibit that brought together over 400 senior food and beverage executives across the UK and the world. The UPLB exhibit also showcased UPLB technologies and knowledge products and activities, such as: the PCR-based DNA detection kits; rapid test kits for pesticide residue; biofertilizers, seeds and planting materials; postharvest technologies; quick tests for soybean meal and rice bran product quality; plant genetic resources; IPB Quality Protein Maize Variety 6; and Sinta papaya. Also featured were: simple nutrient addition program or SNAP Hydroponics; the UPLB Bee Program; UPLB’s own brand of dressed chicken called “manok galâ”; processed meat and dairy products; fruit wines; calamansi fruit juice; and, purple yam or ‘ubi’ powder. The National Plant Genetic Resources Laboratory, where UPLB develops new and improved crop varieties, was featured as well. The 2021 ProSPER.Net Webinar on Sustainability in Higher Education The COVID-19 pandemic was identified by the UNDP to be the “defining global health crisis of our time and the greatest challenge we have faced since World War II”, a health crisis that triggered an equally dire global socioeconomic crisis. The pandemic’s impact on the environment has been varied, however. On one hand, medical and hazardous wastes increased, and plastic and packaging wastes imposed a burden on the environment; on the other hand, research has shown that GHG and other air pollutant emissions have decreased, and the reduced anthropogenic activity has allowed ecosystems to recover. All of these emphasize the connections between COVID-19, climate change, and the environment, which was the focus of the ProSPER.Net Webinar on Sustainability in Higher Education 2021 held on October 22, 2022. This was organized jointly by the University of the Philippines Diliman and the Ateneo de Manila University, in collaboration with the UN University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability. With the theme “Planetary Health Perspectives: Lessons from COVID-19 towards Climate Action”, the webinar shared insights on our experiences of the pandemic, and reflected on what these meant for higher education institutions seeking to lead social and environmental transformations towards a more resilience society and a healthier planet. UP Diliman Chancellor Fidel R. Nemenzo delivering this remarks online during the webinar. “We need to think about transformations that will benefit not just our own campuses, but the rest of our communities and the entire planet,” UP Diliman Chancellor Fidel R. Nemenzo said in his closing message. “Our universities need to do research to advance our understanding of environmental issues and inform public policy, and introduce the values of sustainability in our curricula to promote awareness of our world and the consequences of our decisions and ways of doing.” Emphasizing the importance of the academic community in creating new mindsets, new ways of looking, and new ways of living, Nemenzo added: “We need to train a new generation of graduates who understand the connections between economics and ecology, social science and environment, urban development and planetary health—the kind of people who know that the comforts of living should not be at the expense of our planet.” UPD and WHO Philippines on Vaccination Inequities The University of the Philippines Diliman’s COVID-19 Task Force, which deploys volunteers from the UP Diliman community, collaborated with WHO Philippines and other organizations in a consortium to vaccinate more than 650 individuals from the National Capital Region’s at-risk populations. The beneficiaries were vaccinated at the UP Diliman College of Human Kinetics gymnasium on September 24 and 25 and October 22 and 23, 2021. Individuals of at-risk populations include the homeless, the survivors of gender-based violence, the severely marginalized constituents such as those belonging to the informal sectors, and people at risk of sexual exploitation and abuse. Volunteers verify information with senior citizens wanting to avail of vaccines at the UP Diliman Vaccination Hub. UP MPRO file photo. The activity hit SDG targets, particularly those under 3 (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages), 5 (Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls), 10 (Reduce inequality within and among countries), and 11 (Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable). The organizers primarily wanted to address vaccine inequity among the NCR’s poor and vulnerable communities and “gender inequities in vaccine rollout.” According to Prof. Maria Dulce Natividad of the UPD COVID-19 Task Force: “UPD COVID-19 Task Force was also part of the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) initiative on vaccines and gender equity. A roundtable (discussion) was organized in April 2021, ‘What’s Gender Got to Do with Vaccines?’ We were a co-organizer then and this led to our partnership with the consortium on the project to vaccinate the homeless/street dwellers and survivors of gender-based violence from Manila and Quezon City.” The vaccination sessions in UPD were implemented by relaxing documentation requirements and allowing advocacy groups to register them. The other organizers of the vaccination activity were the Philippine Commission on Human Rights, the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women – Asia Pacific (CATW-AP), the Kalinga Foundation, the Kariton Coalition, and the Australian Aid. UPOU in Global Campaign for SDG 4 The UP Open University (UPOU) joined a global campaign that could significantly contribute in policy and practice to SDG 4, which involves ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. UPOU Chancellor Melinda dP. Bandalaria co-launched the Asia leg of the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) Global Advocacy Campaign (GAC) on July 29, 2022 in Penang, Malaysia. The launching of ICDE GAC Asia was one of the highlights of the High-Level Roundtable Discussion for Vice Chancellors and Senior Officials of ODL Institutions organized by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and Asia eUniversity. ICDE GAC Asia is composed of five working groups, namely: Policy, Capacity Building, Sharing Best Practices and Resources, Development of Digital Platform, and Future Collaboration. Among the other member institutions of the ICDE GAC Asia are: University of Hong Kong School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE), Bangladesh Open University, Southeast Asian Ministries of Education Organization Secretariat, Virtual University of Pakistan, Asia eUniversity Malaysia, Anadolu University, Open University of Sri Lanka, Open University of China, Open University of Japan, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Universitas Terbuka, Mehr Alborz Institute of Higher Education, and HELP University Malaysia. Launching the ICDE GAC Asia together with Chancellor Bandalaria were Professor Dato Dr. Ahmed Ansary, co-chair of the ICDE GAC Asia and founding president of Asia eUniversity, and ICDE Secretary General Torunn Gjelsvik. Bandalaria presented the campaign website which will be the digital hub for the activities to be implemented in Asian countries covered by the campaign. The Global Advocacy Campaign aims to enable ICDE members to develop deeper understanding of regional challenges and construct key OFDL (Online, Flexible, Distance Learning) messaging within organized working groups around the world. UPLB, NEDA and the Philippines’ SDG Aspirations The University of the Philippines Los Baños included in a webinar series the topic, Philippine Macroeconomy and its Sustainable Development Goals Aspirations, offering an opportunity for dialogue between the top Philippine economic planners, environmental scientists and managers, and the public on a number of SDGs. The webinar, held on February 8, 2022 at the UP Los Baños School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM), featured National Economic Development Authority Undersecretary for National Development Policy and Planning Dr. Rosemarie Edillon. Aside from upholding the importance of stakeholders’ assignment and commitment, financing and implementation plans, and data monitoring for attaining SDGs, Dr. Edillon updated concerned SESAM scientists and managers on the SDGs. She said that under Outcome 1 or the economic, social and environmental impacts of production and consumption processes valued, NEDA had conducted an urban carrying-capacity assessment of the cities of Tagaytay and Baguio. She also shared the progress of the Philippine Nationally Determined Contributions (PH-NDC) in implementing SDG 13, particularly on climate change. “Our country committed to avoid 75 percent of future greenhouse gas emissions between 2020 to 2030,” Edillon reported. The Undersecretary enumerated achievements made in protecting the marine environment, such as implementing policies under Fisheries Administrative Order 263 Series of 2019 for establishing Fisheries Management Areas (FMAS) that conserve Philippine waters. She also mentioned the release of a Department of Agriculture-Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Department of Interior and Local Government Joint Memorandum Circular, containing the guidelines on establishing and managing Marine Protected Area Networks. Ninety-four participants joined the Zoom webinar, while the Facebook live broadcast garnered more than 300 views from all over the globe. “Our aim here is to have an active platform for more profound discussions on environmental problems, as well as the solutions,” SESAM Dean Rico Ancog said. More on UP and the SDGs UP and the Sustainable Development Goals Message from the President About UP UP at a Glance UP’s Quality Policy Green UP: A UP System Action Plan for Environmental Sustainability UP on Good Health and Well-Being UP on Quality Education UP on Gender Equality UP on Sustainable Cities and Communities UP on Climate Action |
https://up.edu.ph/up-on-climate-action/ | UP on Climate Action – University of the Philippines | UP on Climate Action Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts UPV Forum on Disaster Resiliency The College of Management of the University of the Philippines Visayas organized an event titled “Global Forum on Iloilo Disaster Resiliency: The Role of Diaspora in Building Back Safer Communities” on February 4, 2022, via Zoom. The College hosted the forum in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, USA, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and Golden Gate University. The forum provided insights on disaster resiliency drawn from empirical data and shared experiences. The topics covered all the major phases of emergency management, from disaster preparedness and response to post-disaster assessment and recovery. The event officially opened with welcome messages from UPV Chancellor Clement C. Camposano, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, and Chelsea Cooper, Project Assistant at IOM Washington. Consul General Neil Ferrer of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco delivered his keynote lecture, “The Role of US Diaspora in the Prevention and Preparation for Climate Change Disasters”. The discussion on disaster management and related issues featured three panelists who gave short presentations: “Update on Super Typhoon Odette, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Assessment–Iloilo City and Guimaras” by Ms. Donna Magno, Chief of the Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction Office and Teresita Galleto-Siason, Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer at Guimaras PDRRMO; “IOM Philippines: Build Back Safer (BBS)” by Mr. Conrad Natividad Jr. and Mr. Red Atenor of IOM Philippines; and, “LifeBank Iloilo: BBS Financing” by Mr. Alner Camocon, Division Manager at LifeBank Microfinance Foundation Inc. The presentations centered on innovative approaches to disaster preparedness, post-disaster recovery, and building community resilience. The presenters also highlighted the importance of ‘shared responsibilities’ between governments, private institutions, and local communities in addressing the gaps in disaster management. They focused on how a holistic, multi-sectoral, and multidisciplinary approach is vital for implementing emerging long-term strategies. UP Partnerships with Local Governments for DRRM and Environmental Governance In light of the urgent and persistent threat brought by climate change and its effects, the University of the Philippines is fully committed to supporting and advocating for the ongoing efforts, both national and international, in addressing this issue. UP actively engages in research, education, extension activities, and other initiatives aimed at taking practical and innovative measures to effectively tackle the problem of climate change and mitigate its consequences. By leveraging its academic expertise with real-world applications, UP contributes to the fight against the challenges and threats posed by climate change. To fulfill its public service mandate, UP provides technical assistance and expertise to local governments, communities, and other stakeholders in the co-creation and development of climate-resilient plans and strategies, particularly on flood management and prevention, disaster risk reduction, environmental governance, and climate change adaptation. Through its active involvement in climate action, UP and its constituent universities play a pivotal role in advancing the collective effort towards enhancing the resilience of vulnerable populations to the impacts of climate change, and building an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Employees of the City of Mandaue in Cebu, undergo a training by experts from UP Cebu. Contributed photo. From August 3 to 5, 2022, the UP Cebu Center for Environmental Informatics (CENVI) City-Wide Urban Flood Hazard Modeling (CUrb Flood) Project took part in the Mandaue City Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Planning Workshop from 2023 to 2027. The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office organized the workshop to update the local DRRM plan of Mandaue City and ensure the safety and protection of local communities, businesses, and critical infrastructure from extreme weather events and potential climate-related risks and hazards, such as severe flooding. During the workshop, CENVI’s CUrb Flood Project representatives shared their expertise and provided technical advice on flood hazards and spatial data requirements. The UP Cebu CENVI, established in 2018 as a regional research and development center for Central Visayas, focuses on pressing environmental issues through computing techniques. Meanwhile, the City-wide Urban Flood Modeling (CUrb Flood) Project is one of the components of the CENVI-led Smart City Solutions to Urban Flooding (Smart TUrF) program, funded by the Department of Science and Technology. Like UP Cebu, the UP Los Baños School of Environmental Science and Management (UPLB-SESAM) offers technical assistance to provincial and local government units in formulating their respective environmental codes and plans. As part of its public service efforts, UPLB-SESAM signed a Letter of Commitment (LOC) with the Municipal Government of Los Baños (MGLB) for the implementation of the “Environmental Governance in the Municipality of Los Baños” during the Earth Day celebration on April 22, 2022. A screenshot of the home page of the UPLB SESAM showing some of its recent projects. This academe-government partnership signifies the commitment of UPLB-SESAM to provide technical assistance and expert advice to the MGLB in formulating environmental plans required by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The project also aims to enhance the capacity of MGLB officers and staff and equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge in environmental governance. These activities align with the advocacy of UPLB-SESAM in fostering sustainable practices and taking positive action toward environmental protection and climate change resilience through education, upskilling, and knowledge sharing. UPLB-SESAM’s dean Dr. Rico C. Ancog and SESAM Research Division head Dr. Patricia Ann J. Sanchez represented UPLB-SESAM, while Municipal Mayor Antonio L. Kalaw and MENRO Focal Person Lizette D. Cardenas represented the MGLB during the signing ceremony. UPLB-SESAM university researchers For. Sofia A. Alaira, Dr. Yusuf A. Sucol, and MGLB Environmental Consultant (former SESAM faculty member) Dr. Antonio J. Alcantara also participated in the signing ceremony. Launch of the UP Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health Center The University of the Philippines Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health (UPM DRRM-H) Center was officially launched on June 8, 2022 to conduct state-of-the-art disaster simulation trainings and evidence-based research. “The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. Through the Center, we seek to conduct training and seminars that will prepare our responders, even ordinary employees, in disaster preparedness through our state-of-the-art facilities. We can finally hold disaster preparedness training virtually, and mistakes could be prevented in actual situations,” said Dr. Carlos Primero Gundran, lead investigator and UPM DRRM-H Center Head. The Center envisions itself to be “the center for excellence of the academe” when it comes to disaster risk reduction and management in health. It also embodies three primary objectives, specifically in its training: to develop necessary skills such as command and control, collaboration, and coordination; to identify those who need psychosocial interventions in evacuation camps; and, to efficiently allocate available resources immediately in disaster-stricken areas. Little over a month later, from July 27 to 28, the UP Manila DRRM-H Center conducted a two-day Disaster Simulation Training for a diverse group of emergency responders from different fields and sectors. The training consisted of lectures centered around Command, Communication, and Collaboration during emergencies, followed by immersive disaster simulation activities in which participants were challenged to respond to simulated emergency scenarios. The UPM DRRM-H was first envisioned by the Health Emergencies and Disasters (HEAD) study group of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) back in 2016. Its creation was inspired by Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, an emergency medicine expert, and Dr. Anna Tuazon and Dr. Hilton Lam, both part of the UP Manila and UP Diliman team who trained in Sweden in 2018 on the Emergo Train System. Its partner organizations include the DOST, Department of Health, and the UP System. The UP Manila DRRM-H Center also offers state-of-the-art Capacity Building Trainings, as well as evidence-based research and consultancy services. For inquiries, email upm-drrmh-list@up.edu.ph or ping the UPM DRRM-H Center on Messenger. More on UP and the SDGs UP and the Sustainable Development Goals Message from the President About UP UP at a Glance UP’s Quality Policy Green UP: A UP System Action Plan for Environmental Sustainability UP on Good Health and Well-Being UP on Quality Education UP on Gender Equality UP on Sustainable Cities and Communities UP on Partnerships to Achieve the Goals |
https://up.edu.ph/up-on-sustainable-cities-and-communities/ | UP on Sustainable Cities and Communities – University of the Philippines | UP on Sustainable Cities and Communities Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable UP Diliman Community vs Disruptively Bright Streetlights The University of the Philippines Diliman campus is widely known for its lush vegetation that offers a breath of fresh air for people who are coming from the bustling cities. The UP Wild, an online community dedicated to appreciating the flora and fauna in UP Diliman and to raising awareness on the importance of maintaining and preserving the campus’s urban green spaces, deemed the University’s newly installed outdoor lights used around its Academic Oval to be a little too bright. This can potentially harm both humans and animals within the campus. “The lamps around the Academic Oval have way too many bulbs, and their design scatters light to all directions,” the group said in a Facebook post on October 27, 2021. The resulting light pollution creates a negative impact on the campus’s fauna, which includes owls, fireflies, frogs, and other animals. “The lights can confuse them and alter their natural behavior,” the post went on to state. Other members of the community expressed their concerns by pointing out how excessive night light can disrupt the plants’ photosynthetic activity. According to the International Dark-Sky Association, an organization combating light pollution worldwide, artificial light can disrupt wildlife ecosystems in a variety of ways. Small insects can be drawn to the intense light, making them more visible for predators and thus drastically affecting the balance of the food chain. Stark lighting can also disturb birds’ migration patterns, which can be detrimental for UP Diliman, known to serve as a home for various avian species. Brights lights shine along the Academic Oval in UP Diliman in this contributed photo by Jediael Neri. The UP Wild came up with ideas to combat the high-intensity lighting by fitting the streetlamps with downward shades to diffuse light. “If their design allows, maybe the number of bulbs per post can be reduced or selectively turned on,” the group added. The UP community showed just how dedicated they are to preserving the environment by pointing out several issues, from as simple an issue as streetlights being too bright. The UP Wild even went the extra mile by showing various research towards this problem and thought of a possible solution to fix it out of respect for the environment and non-human residents of the campus. UP CFA’s Art Rehab and Conservation The famous artworks, “Captivity” and “Contemplation”, were moved to the College of Fine Arts in the University of the Philippines Diliman from their original spot on the corner of University Avenue and E. Jacinto St. Both sculptures, a part of the art conservation project by the Project Management Office under the UP Office of the Vice President for Planning and Development, were created by a CFA alumnus, Idelfonso Cruz Marcelo, back in the 1960s. The conservation project was headed by June Mercy P. Dalisay, who said the reason priority was given to these sculptures was their aesthetic and symbolic value. As time went on, it became more apparent that both “Captivity” and “Contemplation” were vulnerable to natural elements and that deterioration was bound to happen if nothing were to be done about this. The Captivity statue being moved with a forklift from its location for the restoration work. UP MPRO file photo. In 2020, tests were conducted during the rainy season to observe the effects of constant exposure to both light and very strong rains. “It was observed that the stone had been so weakened that its grains would crumble and fall off the surface with a slight touch,” Dalisay said. “The pressure generated by very strong downpour over the years eroded the surface and has abraded the skin of the two sculptures.” The arts conservation project commenced on Aug 31, 2020. Under Dalisay’s supervision, the two sculptures were covered in bubble wrap to prevent further exposure to the harmful elements and possible damage. To prepare the hauling, the sides or the perimeter area of the sculptures were also excavated involving jackhammers. The smaller sculpture, “Captivity”, was arranged to be hauled on September 1, while the bigger artwork, “Contemplation”, was to be hauled the following day. This was pushed to later dates as the heavy rains got in the way. Finally, on September 13, “Captivity” was lifted using a forklift truck. It was then transferred from its original location on the left side of University Avenue and carefully hauled and transported to the CFA. The same procedure was observed during the hauling and transfer of “Contemplation” on September 15. Presently, both significant artworks remain in UPD’s CFA. They continue to be preserved and handled carefully so that it continues to stay strong and proud for many Filipinos and art enjoyers to marvel and to be inspired. UPV Lecture-Workshops in History Writing and Cultural Heritage Tourism in Western Visayas Acknowledging the importance of local histories and cultural heritage to national development and social cohesion, the “Tourism Studies on Island-Based Opportunities for Growth in Western Visayas” (TSIBOG) program, funded by the University of the Philippines Visayas and the Commission on Higher Education, collaborated with the Municipal Government of Ibajay, Aklan, and the Department of Education Division of Aklan in launching the project “Bridging the Past, Sailing Toward the Future: History to the (and by the People)” on November 3, 2021. The project trained elementary and secondary school teachers, tourism and planning officers, and cultural workers in conducting historical research and promoting cultural heritage tourism in the Municipality of Ibajay. During the first three days of the six-day event, several experts in history, cultural heritage, education, and environmental management shared their knowledge and insights through a series of lectures. The speakers included Dr. Michael Pante from the Ateneo de Manila University, UP Visayas Chancellor Clement Camposano, National Museum of the Philippines Deputy Director-General Ana Maria Theresa Labrador, and Dr. Jurgenne Primavera, National Scientist. Participants of UPV’s TSIBOG workshop pose with theri certificates after completing the short course. Contributed photo. The last leg of the event focused on providing training workshops about cultural heritage documentation, writing learning modules, and creating promotional materials for education and sustainable tourism. Prof. Marie Joy Sumagaysay of the UP Visayas Division of Humanities guided the participants during the food-mapping activities and cultural heritage exhibit. Meanwhile, Joar Concha of Assumption San Lorenzo Makati and Yan Esquivel of the UP Visayas Teaching and Learning Resource Center assisted the participants in preparing their final outputs. The participants are expected to utilize their outputs to educate people about local history in schools and universities, promote local knowledge, sustainable tourism, and environmental protection, conserve tangible and intangible heritage assets, and respond to the developmental needs of their communities. Roll-Out of Modern Electric Jeepneys in UPLB The Academic Oval at the core of the UP Diliman campus finally reopened in November 2021 with the easing of pandemic restrictions. This 2.2 kilometer-long loop, lined with a canopy of acacia trees, has always been a haven for the UP community and the wider public. Whether taking a relaxing stroll, brisk walking for light exercise, or jogging to really get heart rates up, people of all ages were welcomed back, regardless of their vaccination status. Masks were still required and unidirectional movement around the Oval was advised. Groups of ten people or less were also allowed to use various open spaces within the Academic Oval and in areas around the Philippine Association of University Women (PAUW). They could now have picnics in the Lagoon, Amphitheater, or PAUW; play games and leisure sports in the Sunken Garden; or simply lounge around on benches along the Oval or in the Promenade. Bird watchers and nature enthusiasts could go back to exploring the campus center’s green spaces following years of absent physical human activity. While biking at the Academic Oval was still prohibited at the time, campus biking routes were provided to regulars and first-time visitors so they might still enjoy what UP Diliman had to offer. As pandemic protocols and restrictions were further loosened in 2022, members of the UP community, students, faculty, staff, and residents, and people outside of UP Diliman have come back to recover what they had to give up during the lockdowns: the opportunity to be outdoors in one of the remaining patches of greenery in the concrete jungle that is Metro Manila. A space that is free and open to all. Reopening of the Academic Oval The Academic Oval at the core of the UP Diliman campus finally reopened in November 2021 with the easing of pandemic restrictions. This 2.2 kilometer-long loop, lined with a canopy of acacia trees, has always been a haven for the UP community and the wider public. Whether taking a relaxing stroll, brisk walking for light exercise, or jogging to really get heart rates up, people of all ages were welcomed back, regardless of their vaccination status. Masks were still required and unidirectional movement around the Oval was advised. Groups of ten people or less were also allowed to use various open spaces within the Academic Oval and in areas around the Philippine Association of University Women (PAUW). They could now have picnics in the Lagoon, Amphitheater, or PAUW; play games and leisure sports in the Sunken Garden; or simply lounge around on benches along the Oval or in the Promenade. Bird watchers and nature enthusiasts could go back to exploring the campus center’s green spaces following years of absent physical human activity. While biking at the Academic Oval was still prohibited at the time, campus biking routes were provided to regulars and first-time visitors so they might still enjoy what UP Diliman had to offer. As pandemic protocols and restrictions were further loosened in 2022, members of the UP community, students, faculty, staff, and residents, and people outside of UP Diliman have come back to recover what they had to give up during the lockdowns: the opportunity to be outdoors in one of the remaining patches of greenery in the concrete jungle that is Metro Manila. A space that is free and open to all. UP Baguio’s Indigenous Cultures Program and MOA with NCIP on IPRA and Intangible Cultural Heritage The recognition, study, preservation and promotion of indigenous culture and indigenous studies are an integral part of UP Baguio’s identity at both the academic and the community level. UP Baguio’s Program for Indigenous Cultures (PIC) is a significant avenue for research and activities that promote indigenous cultural vibrance and awareness. The PIC’s main objectives are: to take the lead in the discussion and promotion of issues and concerns of the Philippines’ indigenous people (IP) within UP Baguio and the larger community; to coordinate projects and activities on IPs in relation to instruction, student-led research, and extension; and, to enhance the institutional capacity of UP Baguio to sustain its initiatives on IP concerns. The PIC is made up of several important components: the Indigenous Peoples’ Studies, such as integration in the curriculum, student-led research, and extension; the Learning and Resource Center that provides educational space for all, community life for IP students, space for interaction for IP and non-IP in the University; and, Capacity and Awareness Building and Living Traditions that count as a cultural component. Lastly, the Tanggyuob, the PIC’s monthly newsletter that is named after a local Filipino instrument made from carabao horns, provides multidisciplinary information on IPs, as well as a venue for interested faculty, students, and university employees to submit their articles, essays, and studies that cover indigenous knowledge systems and practices. In related news, in late July 2022, UP Baguio entered into a partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Cordillera Region (NCIP-CAR) through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed by UP Baguio Chancellor Corazon L. Abansi and NCIP-CAR Regional Director Atanacio Addog. The MOA facilitates the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process and research collaboration with the DOST’s National Research Council of the Philippines-funded research on “IPRA and Intangible Cultural Heritage”, a research project led by Dr. Analyn Salvador-Amores of the UP Baguio College of Social Sciences. UP Baguio remains committed to the preservation of indigenous culture and, through its programs and initiatives, encourages more Filipinos to learn and appreciate the beauty that comes from lesser known local traditions. More on UP and the SDGs UP and the Sustainable Development Goals Message from the President About UP UP at a Glance UP’s Quality Policy Green UP: A UP System Action Plan for Environmental Sustainability UP on Good Health and Well-Being UP on Quality Education UP on Gender Equality UP on Climate Action UP on Partnerships to Achieve the Goals |
https://up.edu.ph/up-on-gender-equality/ | UP on Gender Equality – University of the Philippines | UP on Gender Equality Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Kababaihan, Tungo sa Kaunlaran: Filipino Women Overseas Workers in France The University of the Philippines regularly engages in affirmative action to encourage wider participation and equitable representation of women within and outside the University. It takes pride in being a strong advocate for giving equal opportunities and treatment to all, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In line with the 2022 National Women’s Month banner theme, “We Make Change Work for Women,” UP created a platform where women across the world can share their experiences living and working abroad as well as their initiatives in creating a supportive environment. A webinar titled “Agenda ng Kababaihan, Tungo sa Kaunlaran: Filipino Women Overseas Workers in France Women’s Forum,” was held on April 07, 2022. It was organized by the University of the Philippines Open University Office of Gender Concerns (OGC) in coordination with the Social Work and Women Development academic programs of the UPOU Faculty of Management and Development Studies. The webinar’s resource speaker was Therese Mae C. Aviles-Debayle, a registered social worker, and a student of Master in Social Work in UPOU. She shared information about and challenges of Filipino women overseas workers in France, where she is currently based. Among the challenges she mentioned are adjusting to a different culture, language, food, beliefs, norms, and physically adapting to the seasons and way of life. Ms. Therese May C. Aviles-Debayle sharing her experiences at the webinar. Contributed photo. Aviles-Debayle added that, while women receive family support and maternity benefits that regular employees are entitled to receive from the French government, it is still important to hear the side of women working abroad. Despite the entitlements that they are receiving, Filipino women working and living abroad need further assistance, particularly, maternity benefits, family support, and reliable system and policies from the government. Dr. Finaflor F. Taylan, Director of the UPOU Office of Gender Concerns facilitating discussions during the webinar. Contributed photo. The forum gave the participants a picture about the lives, experiences, and journeys of women in their communities. Dr. Finaflor Taylan, UP Open University OGC director, was inspired to create social protection structures and programs for OFWs. She emphasized the need for a support and advocacy group for Filipino women working and living in other countries and encouraged the participants to be part of it or to start creating one. Recognition of the “Lived Identities” of UP’s Graduating Students The University of the Philippines takes pride in being a safe space for everyone from all walks of life, regardless of age, social or economic status, and gender orientation. No matter how big or small an event is, in UP one can freely express themselves in their most authentic way without judgment. And that includes one of the biggest milestones of every Iskolar ng Bayan: their graduation. On July 10, 2022, the UP Cebu and UP Cebu University Student Council (UPC USC) officially announced and posted that they were “allowing ALL graduates who will march on the 83rd Commencement Exercises to wear their preferred attire in accordance to their lived identities in terms of sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. All graduates will not be obliged to conform to heteronormative standards and there is also no need to ask permission from the administration or prepare a letter when doing so.” A graduating student flashes a rainbow-themed fan while waiting for the start of the graduation ceremonies in UP Cebu. Photo by Abraham Arboleda, UP MPRO. “As long as the graduation guidelines for academic costumes, such as color schemes and lengths, are still observed, graduating students may dress themselves how they see fit.” Similarly, the UP Manila Student Council (UPM USC) lobbied to do the same. After dialogues with the student body and administration, UP Manila followed suit with other constituent universities in recognizing the importance of letting their graduates express themselves through gender-affirming attire during their commencement exercises. The UP Manila memo specifically states: “Students will now be allowed to express themselves through clothing as reflected by their gender identity and expression; and use their lived names and preferred pronouns in the university graduation slide deck and procession as long as parental consent is documented.” This is a huge win for transgender, gender non-conforming, and all other gender identities. Graduating students from the UP College of Law flash their pride fans upon being called up during the UP Diliman graduation ceremony. Photo by Abraham Arboleda, UP MPRO. True to its mantra of “honor and excellence”, the University extends its support to programs that see and hear the LGBTIA+ community and opens its doors to dialogues to further end discrimination, ostracism, harassment, and violence. Various activities throughout the year are spearheaded by student councils, organizations, and UP offices, such as pride marches, gender sensitivity trainings, and other initiatives that highlight the University’s diversity and freedom of expression. Educational Campaign on the Expanded Maternity Leave Benefits of UP Employees In the Philippines, the month of March is widely recognized as Women’s Month. The occasion serves as a venue to highlight women’s significant contributions to the society as well as to discuss gender equality challenges and commitments. The University of the Philippines has implemented various programs and activities across its constituent units to commemorate Women’s Month. From gender-related discussions to street fairs, UP actively promotes gender equality to ensure that the rights and privileges of women are observed not just during the month of celebration but throughout the year. One of UP’s significant activities held on March 18, 2022 via Zoom was the discussion on the Amendment to Omnibus Rules on Leave (CSC MC No. 31 series of 1998) and its alignment with Republic Act No. 11210, popularly known as the 105-day Expanded Maternity Leave Law. Under RA 11210, women are entitled to 105 days of maternity leave with full pay and an option to extend for 30 days without pay, regardless of whether she gave birth via cesarean section or natural delivery. On top of the 105 days, solo parents are entitled to 15 more days of maternity leave. Meanwhile, women who suffered miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy, or who delivered stillbirth, can avail of 60 days maternity leave with full pay. The UP Manila Human Resource Development Office conducted a one-day virtual training with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Director of UP Field Office Hans Alcantara as the resource speaker, aimed at empowering participants by enhancing their comprehension of the law, promoting employee welfare, celebrating women’s achievements, and recognizing their invaluable contributions. The webinar was attended by 85 participants. Director Alcantara provided the employees with a deep understanding of the legal foundations of expanded maternity leave benefits. The session covered essential topics such as the updated definitions under Rule I, which clarified the improved coverage and benefits available to expectant employees. Also, Rule XVI highlighted the differences between old and new regulations, addressing the revised frequency of maternity leave and ensuring the protection of employees’ rights, even after termination. The webinar also focused on fair allocation of maternity leave credits and mechanisms to resolve disputes, facilitating a seamless process for employees. UP is committed to ensuring that their pregnant employees are fully equipped with the necessary knowledge about their benefits and entitlements. The webinar played a pivotal role in fostering a more inclusive and supportive work environment. UP employees and expectant mothers should be provided with support, protection, and benefits during their maternity leave to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy and a smooth transition when they return to work. More on UP and the SDGs UP and the Sustainable Development Goals Message from the President About UP UP at a Glance UP’s Quality Policy Green UP: A UP System Action Plan for Environmental Sustainability UP on Good Health and Well-Being UP on Quality Education UP on Sustainable Cities and Communities UP on Climate Action UP on Partnerships to Achieve the Goals |
https://up.edu.ph/up-on-quality-education/ | UP on Quality Education – University of the Philippines | UP on Quality Education Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all UPOU’s Free and Accessible Online Educational Resources The University of the Philippines has been providing free access to its online open educational resources (OERs) via the UP Open University (UPOU) Networks website since 2010. Literature such as books, journals, and monographs; podcasts; and videos covering a wide range of subject areas are available to all learners and educators who are looking for additional teaching materials. UPOU Networks also has resource-based course packages available for download. For calendar year 2022, almost a hundred videos of livestream events, webinars, lectures, and public fora were uploaded to the online repository. Apart from UPOU Networks, the University also has the UPOU Massive Open Distance eLearning (MODeL). In operation since 2013, it is UPOU’s official platform for the delivery of massive open online courses (MOOCs). In 2022, MODeL offered 25 MOOCs that were free and open to the public. Among those were courses on ODeL, technology for teaching and learning, scriptwriting, understanding children better, child rights protection and promotion, social entrepreneurship, blended teaching and learning using OERs, basic animation, business analytics, and the development and production of interactive educational video materials. A screenshot of the UPOU Networks website showing some of the materials and features available for the public. Click through to visit their website. Changes to the higher education landscape brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic remain significant driving forces in the University’s reimagination and recalibration of its approaches to the delivery of education—not only to its students in the Philippines and abroad, but also to the wider population who aim to be lifelong learners. A deeper focus on learner-centered education allows UP to adapt to the technology-driven world and the shifts it creates in learning demands. In times when retooling and upskilling of the current and future workforce is greatly needed, UP responds with the best of its resources. At the heart of its operations is the commitment to perform public service by offering free quality learning resources to all who wish to avail. Capacity-Building in Fisheries and Aquaculture The University of the Philippines Visayas College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS) and its institutes had been actively conducting training and other capacity-building programs for fisherfolk, people’s organizations, local governments, and educators before the pandemic. While face-to-face activities and engagements may have slowed down during the COVID-19 lockdowns, 2022 saw these activities coming back in full force. The CFOS Public Service Program led the “Fisheries Training Needs Assessment in the Municipality of Leganes, Iloilo and Its Environs” for the members of the mayor’s office, municipal council, and captains of the coastal barangays of the municipality. The Institute of Fisheries Policy and Development Studies gave lectures on fishery resources, laws and ordinances, climate change issues, effects of microplastics, and resource conservation and protection to the fisherfolk of the Municipality of Miagao, Iloilo. Recognizing education’s role in promoting aquaculture sustainability to enhance the country’s food security, the Brackishwater Aquaculture Center’s (BAC) annual Aquaculture Summer Institute conducted online lectures for senior high school teachers in the Science, Technology and Engineering strand of the Leganes National High School. The BAC is the Institute of Aquaculture’s (CFOS-IA) research facility located in the municipality. The topics included basic principles of aquaculture, aquaculture systems, and basic fish diseases detection. On a much larger scale, CFOS-IA mounted its three-week public service program for university and college teachers, Training of Educators in Aquatic Mainstream Science (TEAMS), with participants from Ilocos Norte, Zambales, Capiz, Zamboanga, and Maguindanao. TEAMS is intended to further strengthen research and instruction capabilities of higher education institutions offering fisheries and allied programs. Hands-on training sessions were conducted in partnership with the UPV National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology and the UPV Museum of Natural Sciences. A group photo of some of the participants in one of the trainings conducted by the UP Visayas College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (UPV CFOS). Contributed photo. Apart from the training programs for educators, CFOS-IA also had the “Training Course on Catfish Breeding, Nursery, and Management” for Miagao fisherfolk, who had some knowledge about catfish farming but were alarmed by the low survival rate of fingerlings. The course encouraged local fishing communities to maximize their resources. After their hands-on training, the catfish larvae produced during the activity were distributed to the participants to stock and culture. Team Scallops from the Institute of Fish Processing Technology (CFOS-IFPT) went to Islas de Gigantes, a group of islands off the northernmost part of Carles, Iloilo, to provide training on value addition and good manufacturing practices for scallops, which is abundant in the area. Islas de Gigantes is considered one of the most productive fishing grounds in the Philippines and known for bivalve fishery. It was participated in by members of the Gigantes Federation of Fisherfolks Sector (GIFFS) Fishermen Cooperative. CFOS-IFPT went back months later to conduct “Training on Entrepreneurship: Sustainable Management of a Community-Based Enterprise for Seafood Products” to a much larger audience composed of those already engaged in the processing of value-added scallop products. CFOS-IFPT then proceeded to Tibiao, Antique to conduct lectures and hands-on training on fish processing technologies to agrarian reform beneficiaries in the municipality. The participants were taught how to make the most use of their catch during peak season, a considerable volume of which was wasted—simply thrown back to the sea or buried—because of the lack of know-how in fish processing techniques. The back-to-back “Training-workshop on Packaging and Labeling of Priority Products and Introduction to Basic Entrepreneurship” and “Training-Workshop on GMP/SSOP for Small-Scale Production of Fishery Products and Introduction to Cooperative Development and Management” were given to fisherfolk from Ajuy and Concepcion, Iloilo who process sardines, squid, and blue swimming crab wastes, among others. The first was conducted in collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region VI and with assistance from the Department of Science and Technology Region VI and the UPV College of Management. It was intended to equip the participants with the basic concepts of packaging and labeling requirements of Philippine regulatory agencies, the hows of choosing appropriate packaging materials and labels, and ways to develop marketing plans for their products. The second was still in partnership with BFAR Region VI and with added partners, Provincial Fisheries Office-Iloilo, and the local governments of Ajuy and Concepcion. It was on good manufacturing practices/ sanitation standard operating procedures for small-scale production of fishery products, and cooperative development and management. With the ease of travel having almost gone back to the pre-pandemic normal, CFOS is expected to continue to provide its training programs within Western Visayas and across the country beyond 2022. Pahinungod’s Educational Enhancement Programs The Ugnayan ng Pahinungód/Oblation Corps of the University of the Philippines Los Baños has continuously provided for 27 years various volunteer service opportunities for over 5,000 UP students, staff and alumni, while assisting more than 20,000 individuals in remote areas and from marginalized sectors. Pahinungod is an integral public service arm of UP Los Baños; and it maintains various programs in: educational enhancement; environmental management; technical assistance; disaster resiliency; and, sectoral development. Pahinungod’s educational enhancement programs are functional literacy interventions that aim to supplement formal school instruction through participatory seminars, workshops and tutorials for underserved elementary and high school students. Public school teachers in rural areas also benefit from Pahinungod’s PAGTUTURO initiative. The Gurong Pahinungod Program (GPP) primarily caters to fresh graduates and alumni who are deployed for as long as a year as full-time volunteer faculty members of underserved elementary schools. The GPP is implemented in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), in recognition of the shared aspiration among public schools and state universities and colleges of making basic education work for Filipinos. Volunteers of the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod in UP Los Baños pose for a photo in the campus. Contributed photo. Pahinungód’s Affirmative Action Project (AAP) helps students of public schools in rural and disadvantaged areas to become more confident to take entrance exams, pursue college education, take courses needed in their communities, and assume leadership roles in their hometowns. Pahinungód hopes to provide underserved students with better chances to access quality tertiary education, and to improve their skills as future community leaders through the AAP’s 1-2 week leadership training and college preparatory review program for incoming grade 12 students. The program is also consistent with UP’s aim to democratize access to quality education services. Another initiative is the PAGTUTURO (Pagpapatalas ng Talino at Talento ng mga Guro). Teachers need constant updating of competence in education technology and policy. Since teachers and many faculty members of remote public schools often have limited means to access professional growth opportunities, Pahinungod provides two to three days of interactive retooling workshops on creative teaching strategies, content updates and other enrichment activities to improve their teaching capacities. Pahinungód also has a special program that provides a review once a week on selected difficult subject areas in the basic education curricula. The LINGAP ARAL Special Tutorials program aims to help boost the indigent students’ school performance and improve their accomplishments in national scholastic aptitude tests. Sponsor LGUs or support organizations identify these students; and they also provide resources, such as scholarships and stipends, to give the scholars sustained education support. More on UP and the SDGs UP and the Sustainable Development Goals Message from the President About UP UP at a Glance UP’s Quality Policy Green UP: A UP System Action Plan for Environmental Sustainability UP on Good Health and Well-Being UP on Gender Equality UP on Sustainable Cities and Communities UP on Climate Action UP on Partnerships to Achieve the Goals |
https://up.edu.ph/announcements/ | ANNOUNCEMENTS – University of the Philippines | Announcements Statement of President Angelo Jimenez on the Bombing of Mindanao State University – Marawi The University of the Philippines stands in solidarity with Mindanao State University (MSU), after an explosion at the... Read More UP Para Sa UP: The UP System kicks off Mental Health Awareness Month with launching of the UP Sanctuary University of the Philippines (UP) President Angelo Jimenez, together with the UP Office of the Assistant Vice President for Student... Read More UP fetes “Mr. Shooli” with Gawad Plaridel The University of the Philippines Diliman College of Mass Communication will be awarding actor, satirist, and advertising creative Manuel Urbano... Read More UP invites the public to join Day of Remembrance commemoration The University of the Philippines (UP) invites the public to join this year’s Day of Remembrance commemoration on September... Read More UP to hold noise barrage on Day of Remembrance Raise your voice, break the silence! 📢 Join us in commemorating the Day of Remembrance, as we use symbolic... Read More 1st UP-SUC Summit to launch four programs for SUC engagement On September 15, four University programs aimed at promoting engagement between UP and other Philippine state universities and colleges (SUCs)... Read More Load More |
https://up.edu.ph/up-on-good-health-and-well-being/ | UP on Good Health and Well-Being – University of the Philippines | UP on Good Health and Well-Being Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Six-Day DOST-NEWTON AGHAM Researchers Link Workshop in One Health Omics The University of the Philippines Mindanao collaborated with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), UK, in conducting a week-long free online bioinformatics workshop, otherwise known as the One Health Omics Project, from October 11 to 16, 2021. The One Health Omics workshop capacitated Filipino researchers in Mindanao on omics technology, tools and techniques in the surveillance, management, and control of infections in a One Health setting. This was attended by 40 selected faculty members, clinicians, and researchers from different regions in Mindanao. The project can help them in their research work in the region. Due to restrictions during the COVID-19 surge, the workshop was done via Zoom. The One Health Omics Project was funded by the DOST-Newton Agham Researcher Links Workshop grant from the British Council in partnership with LSHTM and supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)–Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD). The workshop is also co-sponsored by the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) Mindanao. Workshop facilitators included bioinformatics experts from LSHTM: Dr. Taane Clark, Professor of Genomics and Global Health; Dr. Jody Phelan; Julian Libiseller-Egger; Daniel Ward; Anton Spadar; and, Paula Josefina Gómez González. Workshop participants included: researchers from the PGC Mindanao; faculty of San Pedro College Davao; doctors from the Department of Health (DOH) XI; and, researchers from UP Mindanao. Bioinformatics is a new field in health research. With the use of computers, it allows researchers to further examine and understand the characteristics of an organism or a microbe through its genome, such as a virus like the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for the COVID-19 disease. For instance, bioinformatics allowed scientists to quickly develop diagnostic test kits and vaccines for COVID-19 “Bioinformatics and genomics techniques, as well as conducting related molecular investigations, are important skills for the participants to become genomics and genomic epidemiological experts and will contribute to improving the health of the Philippines population,” Prof. Taane said. Facilitators from UP Manila conduct a workshop under the Social Innovation for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights project. Contributed photo. Social Innovation for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights The University of the Philippines Manila, as Philippine hub of the Social Innovation in Health Initiative (SIHI), conducted its Social Innovation for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights project from 2020 to 2022. The Social Innovation for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) project, jointly conducted by the UP Manila School of Health Sciences and Maastricht University School of Health Professions Education (SHE), strengthened the capacity of UP Manila as Social Innovation in Health Initiative Philippine Hub and representatives of partner institutions. The project helped them to be trainers to frontline health professionals and facilitated their design of innovative, multi-stakeholder-driven, community-based interventions in response to SRHR problems. Dr. Meredith Del Pilar-Labarda of the Department of Medicine at the UP Manila School of Health Sciences served as the leader for the Social Innovation in Health Initiative (SIHI) Philippine Hub, together with Jana Mier-Alpano and Abigail Mier. According to Dr. Del Pilar-Labarda, this particular project trained the trainers for faculty, medical students, health officers of local government units, and leaders of communities such as the Sangguniang Kabataan. They can help co-create a comprehensive sexual education and gender issues program that would help adolescents in their communities. Another output would be the publication of a manual for trainers. This was the first face-to-face workshop since 2020 when the first series of trainings were done online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants availed of: an introduction to gender and sex; a workshop on intervention mapping; a short workshop on social media; and, a workshop on gender issues and comprehensive sexuality education. In the context of the “new normal”, the participants from different communities and sectors shared many of their challenges and innovations, including lessons from SRHR programs done in other countries. Among the goals of the project were: to reduce the high rates of teenage pregnancy and the spread of HIV; to prevent gender-based violence; and, to help the young generation to become happy and healthy adults. The final training, which aimed to integrate all knowledge and skills from previous workshops, was scheduled for Oct. 10-14, 2022. Launched in 2014, SIHI is a global network of individuals, organizations and institutions advocating social innovation in health and advancing research in social innovation. UP GOE Medical Mission 2022 in Brgy. Tagumpay, Bay, Laguna The University of the Philippines’ Grand Order of the Eagles (UPGOE) Fraternity, a duly recognized socio-civic organization in UP Los Banos, held a medical mission in Barangay Tagumpay, Bay, Laguna on June 26, 2022. The health outreach mission was done in cooperation with a medical team from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and was supported by UPGOE alumni and partner organizations. Medical services for a total of 644 patients included: 167 general check-ups; 158 ophthalmologic services; 150 dental services; 117 blood chemistry tests; 47 circumcisions (tuli); and, five minor surgeries. Patients-beneficiaries in the community also received a total of Php40,000 worth of medicines. Co-sponsors of the health outreach included: Gardenia Philippines, a food company that provided Gardenia products to all volunteers and patients; the Bay local government and Art Relief Mobile Kitchen that provided the lunch of volunteer medical workers; Ms. Mayette Estacion who provided shirts to volunteers; and, the family of UPGOE member, Brod Marvin Raymundo. UP students huddle to talk about the challenges they face in the university. UP MPRO File photo. UP’s Financial Aid for Students’ Mental Health Expense The University of the Philippine Los Baños, as with the other UP constituent universities, champions mental well-being by providing Php7,500 cash aid per semester to eligible UP students to support their mental health-related expenses. This is made possible through the UP Student Wellness Subsidy Program (UP SWSP) contained in Memorandum RAG 2022-13 issued by the Office of Student Development Services (UP OSDS) on June 7, 2022. The grant aims not only to reduce the cost of prescribed medication and other mental health services but also to encourage students to seek professional help. Apart from the lack of student spaces for conducive learning environments, inadequate manpower to address mental health issues, and financial challenges of students, there is still stigma in seeking professional help. The UP SWSP strives to address that. The wellness subsidy program is implemented by the UPLB Office of Counseling and Guidance (OCG) and the Office of Scholarships and Grants (OSG). Currently enrolled and financially challenged UPLB students with mental health concerns are eligible for the grant. The University has been strengthening its mental health programs, especially since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students may check out the various initiatives of the OCG, from support training programs to emotional pet support to art-based and other intervention therapies. Faculty and students are also encouraged to refer or reach out to the OCG through their landline at (049) 536-7255, via email at ocg.uplb@up.edu.ph, or through their Facebook page, “UPLB Office of Counseling and Guidance.” More on UP and the SDGs UP and the Sustainable Development Goals Message from the President About UP UP at a Glance UP’s Quality Policy Green UP: A UP System Action Plan for Environmental Sustainability UP on Quality Education UP on Gender Equality UP on Sustainable Cities and Communities UP on Climate Action UP on Partnerships to Achieve the Goals |
https://up.edu.ph/green-up-a-up-system-action-plan-for-environmental-sustainability/ | Green UP: A UP System Action Plan for Environmental Sustainability – University of the Philippines | Green UP: A UP System Action Plan for Environmental Sustainability A lotus flower blooms in the lagoon in UP Diliman. Photo by Jonathan Madrid, UP MPRO. The University of the Philippines’ eight (8) constituent universities (CU) span 17 geographically disparate and ecologically unique campuses. These campuses are socio-ecological systems in which education, research, and service are enabled by the environments in which human activities take place. These campuses are also situated within the broader socio-ecological system battered today by climate change, environmental pollution, and the vast environmental impacts. As the premiere national university, the University must lead in building, nurturing, and embodying sustainability practices that enhance and revitalize the environment, reduce environmental impact, and promote eco-education and sustainable development. It must gear efforts toward developing sustainable habits for optimized environmental utilization in its students, faculty, staff, and community. The University wholly commits to environmental sustainability as a guide to human rights principles, democratic participation, non-discrimination, gender equity, social justice, and ecological balance. These shall be upheld in the following areas for/of action. Green Spaces and Biodiversity. The University shall protect and promote green spaces and campus biodiversity. It shall adopt low-impact development and management plans to improve or incur no net biodiversity loss. This involves developing an environmental management protocol that monitors the health of the campus environment, promotes green spaces and biodiversity, documents and studies campus flora and fauna, and exercises proper campus animal management. Built Environment. Sustainable design should be incorporated into the University’s built environments to reduce its carbon footprint. Green technologies must be used whenever possible, and eco-friendly materials and methods must be integrated with construction and development plans. Utilities Management. The University shall regularly monitor the environmental impact of its energy usage and set reasonable targets to reduce energy and water consumption. In utility management, it shall promote energy and water conservation, periodically monitor consumption, and shift to sustainable technologies and materials in utilities upgrading or augmentation. Transportation and Mobility. The University shall ensure the availability of a reliable network of transportation and road infrastructure whose construction and maintenance are integrated with natural ecosystems. To maintain good air quality and well-protected ecosystems, UP promotes non-motorized transport and enhances pedestrian movement, ensuring compliance of public-use vehicles to emission standards; and adopting environment-friendly vehicles. Waste Management. The University’s waste management program shall adopt the UN Environmental Programme’s waste management hierarchy: prevention, reduction, recycling, recovery, and disposal, in decreasing order of importance. It shall enable individuals to embrace and realistically adopt a low- to zero-waste lifestyle by providing scientific information and support services for correct waste disposal practices. Contingent to this, the University shall proactively reduce plastic use and develop policy guidelines to transition into plastic-free campuses feasibly and equitably. The transition must be guided by a democratic and participatory process that addresses the economic and socio-cultural dimensions of rampant plastics use. Research. The University shall proactively encourage and support research and development relating to environmental sustainability and its multiple facets, whether ecological, social, cultural, behavioral, economic, moral, or political. It shall enable cross- and interdisciplinary approaches to address environmental concerns on the campus and the nation. It shall strengthen support, financial or otherwise, for sustainability research, programs, projects, and initiatives. Education. The University shall integrate principles of environmental sustainability in teaching and learning through its General Education program and different academic curricula. Such would facilitate cultural and behavioral changes toward sustainable living in students and faculty. Extension Services. The University shall encourage extension services and programs that promote and mainstream environmental sustainability principles to stakeholders and communities outside the University. Personnel Management. The University shall establish and activate appropriate offices or standing committees toward concrete, strategic sustainability goals. Some of its initiatives include building the capacity of staff and personnel through relevant training and certificate programs. Mainstreaming. The University shall adopt the month of April as UP’s Environmental Sustainability Month and facilitate inter-CU and inter-university collaborations toward the goals articulated in this Manifesto. This month shall turn the community’s attention to environmental sustainability projects and campaigns and engage students, faculty, and staff in environmental sustainability initiatives. “Green UP” is articulated here as both imperative and vision. Through the unified efforts of all constituent units, UP shall become a model of human rights-based, participatory, and inclusive environmental sustainability. The sunflowers bloom in the University Avenue in UP Diliman, Quezon City, in time for the graduation season. Photo by Jonathan Madrid, UP MPRO. More on UP and the SDGs UP and the Sustainable Development Goals Message from the President About UP UP at a Glance UP on Good Health and Well-Being UP on Quality Education UP on Gender Equality UP on Sustainable Cities and Communities UP on Climate Action UP on Partnerships to Achieve the Goals |
https://up.edu.ph/up-and-the-sdgs-about-up/ | About the University of the Philippines – University of the Philippines | About the University of the Philippines The Oblation, signifying the University’s commitment to serve the nation, dominates the plaza fronting Quezon Hall, UP Diliman. Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO. The University of the Philippines is the country’s national university, as mandated by Republic Act 9500 or the UP Charter of 2008. Established on June 18, 1908, in the heart of Manila, UP was meant to provide studies in medicine, law, engineering, and arts to every qualified student regardless of “age, sex, nationality, religious belief, and political affiliation.” As its first president Murray Simon Bartlett envisioned it, a “University for Filipinos.” Over its 115-year history, UP has grown into a system of eight constituent universities and 17 campuses throughout the Philippines. It offers 586 undergraduate and graduate programs, of which 248 are in the sciences and engineering, 31 in agriculture and fisheries, and 100 in the social sciences. It also offers 93 programs in the arts and letters, 83 programs in management, and 29 programs in education. As of December 31, 2022, the Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has declared 41 academic units of the University as Centers of Excellence (COE), while five units were declared as Centers for Development (COD). With around 1,747 International Publication Awards and a lot more locally, UP continues to achieve groundbreaking research in medicine, engineering, agriculture, fisheries, and disaster risk reduction and management. It also inspires its artists to pursue works that elevate human consciousness and move societies. UP continues to play a vital role in shaping the nation’s consciousness and identity, always anchored in honor and excellence. UP Diliman UP Diliman in Quezon City hosts most of the programs of the University. Its sprawling campus, which features a lagoon and an open field, has fueled the creativity of faculty and students in its various programs. Its National Science Complex hosts several units and institutes that have produced unique and innovative research and studies that contribute to the advancement of several scientific and technological fields. Among these is the UP Philippine Genome Center (UP PGC). Instrumental in detecting COVID-19 in the Philippines, the UP PGC was also involved in developing a local COVID-19 testing kit. UP Diliman also houses the Resilience Institute (UPRI) and its disaster risk reduction and management program, UP NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards). Partnering with communities, UPRI has conducted training programs that prepare these areas for possible disasters. Beyond the sciences and the arts, UP Diliman is also home to the UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UP CWGS), a pioneering research and advocacy institution in the country to advance women’s and LGBTIA+ rights and empowerment. UP Los Baños Farther south in the province of Laguna is UP Los Baños (UPLB). At the foot of Mt. Makiling, UPLB is a recognized leader in agriculture, forestry, environmental management, and veterinary medicine. It hosts the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (UPLB BIOTECH), which has continuously pursued agricultural, environmental, and health biotechnology research, resulting in alternative technologies and products that are proven useful to farmers. UPLB is a founding member of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), aimed at fostering collaborative efforts with partner institutions to enhance graduate education in agriculture, environment, and natural resources in the region. UP Manila In the country’s capital is the nation’s leader in health sciences studies, UP Manila. Home to the National Institutes of Health, (UP NIH), its experts conduct research that has resulted in innovations in public health, emergency response, and medicine. Hosting the UP Philippine General Hospital (UP PGH), the Philippines’ largest tertiary government hospital, the campus provides medical care to Filipinos from all walks of life. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, UP PGH served as a COVID-19 referral center, exerting its utmost to save lives. Consequently, its groundbreaking Stop COVID Deaths webinar series, the country’s first and only frontline-focused medical webinar series, was honored by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) with the 2022 Gold Quill Award of Merit. UP Manila is also home to the College of Nursing, the World Health Organization’s Regional Collaborating Center in Nursing Development. At the same time, its College of Public Health hosts TROPMED Philippines, which is the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization’s (SEAMEO) Regional Centre for Public Health, Hospital and Environmental and Occupational Health. UP Visayas Spread across three campuses in islands across central Philippines is UP Visayas. An acknowledged authority in fisheries, aquaculture, and marine science education and research, it is home to several units that conduct studies in support of the archipelagic nature of the Philippines. These are the Brackishwater Aquaculture Center, Freshwater Aquaculture Station, Batan Mariculture Station, and Marine Biological Station. Aside from marine research, UP Visayas is also active in efforts to preserve and enrich the Visayan cultural heritage. Recently, UP Visayas inaugurated the UP Philippine Genome Center-Visayas, allowing for the training of locals in the collection of specimens necessary for COVID-19 detection, as well as the conduct of testing in the region. UP Open University Situated near UPLB is the UP Open University (UPOU), the country’s pioneering virtual university. The UPOU provides quality distance education to students both in the Philippines and abroad who cannot attend the conventional in-person classroom setting due to personal or professional reasons. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UP Open University shared much of its experience in conducting virtual classes with other UP units and educational institutions. The UP Open University has ten learning centers nationwide, as well as a virtual learning center, with over 31 academic programs for both graduate and undergraduate studies. UP Mindanao Affirming the University’s presence in the country’s second-largest island, UP Mindanao was established by law to provide equitable access to quality education. The campus offers various programs in the humanities and the sciences, as well as in architecture, the food sciences, the humanities, and social, natural, and computing sciences. With the addition of sports science, medicine, and engineering to its program offerings, UP Mindanao is envisioned to produce graduates who will become leaders in the region UP Mindanao is also the home of the UP Philippine Genome Center-Mindanao, contributing to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Southern Philippines. UP Baguio Nestled in the Cordillera Region, north of Manila, atop a pine-clad hill in the heart of a mountain city, is a leading institution in science, mathematics, social sciences, and humanities—UP Baguio. Through its Cordillera Studies Center (CSC), UP Baguio is steadfast in pursuing research in governance and development, local literature, biodiversity conservation, and ethnicity. These studies, hosted in the campus’s Museo Kordilyera, contribute to the preservation and appreciation of the cultural traditions and heritage of the indigenous communities of Northern Philippines. UP Cebu UP Cebu is the UP System’s flagship university in Central Visayas. It was established ten years after the founding of UP in 1908. In 2010, the Board of Regents elevated its status to an autonomous unit, and in 2016, to a constituent university, making it the eighth unit of the University. Located in a region that is aggressively asserting itself as an area for direct and foreign investments, UP Cebu has focused on strengthening its business and information technology programs. In 2007, the Commission on Higher Education recognized UP Cebu as a National Center of Excellence in Information Technology. More on UP and the SDGs UP and the Sustainable Development Goals Message from the President Green UP: A UP System Action Plan for Environmental Sustainability UP at a Glance UP on Good Health and Well-Being UP on Quality Education UP on Gender Equality UP on Sustainable Cities and Communities UP on Climate Action UP on Partnerships to Achieve the Goals |
https://up.edu.ph/message-of-the-president/ | Message of the President – University of the Philippines | Message of the President President Angelo A. Jimenez. Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO. On September 14, 2023, I was granted the singular honor of being invested as President of the University of the Philippines. At a meeting with our vice presidents, chancellors, executive directors, and strategic advisers—as we began charting the course of our administration for the next six years—we made the significant decision to add one word to UP’s long-standing motto of “Honor and Excellence.” That word was “Service.” It is a simple yet deeply meaningful reminder of UP’s true calling and guiding principle: service to our people and to humanity as a whole. Service is a sacred vow, one made by each member of the UP community the moment we step into the University’s hallowed halls. We each learn to fulfill our responsibility as Iskolar ng Bayan with faithfulness, courage, and compassion. In the 21st century, in a world that is becoming increasingly turbulent and difficult to navigate, the call for UP to serve has expanded well beyond the nation’s geopolitical borders. UP is called on to be a regional and global player. To paraphrase Konstantin Stanislavski, we cannot be small actors attempting to play small roles anymore. And I am proud to see that, as evidenced by the case studies presented in this UP Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Report for 2021-2022, UP is doing precisely that. Our academic units, our research institutions, our students, alumni and community organizations continue to develop, implement, maintain and strengthen research programs and initiatives targeted at solving the most pressing challenges of our time. Our lofty aims include: climate change adaptation and disaster resilience; hunger alleviation and poverty reduction; expanding access to quality education and healthcare; building sustainable cities and communities; conserving biodiversity and the environment; and creating a society anchored on peace, security, justice, equality, and the protection of human rights for all. These goals cannot be accomplished without facilitating partnerships with other higher education institutions, local governments, and civil society, and require a holistic, grassroots approach to ensure genuine inclusiveness and community- and country-level ownership of all implemented projects and achieved outcomes. I commend every one of the units and individuals mentioned in this report for the innovation and dedication necessary to achieve this breadth of vision. Your efforts affect lives for the better, and ensure that UP and the Philippines are a positive force for change in the world. I would also like to thank the UP System Committee on University Rankings, the administrators and advisers and research and creative staff who made this UP SDG Report for 2021-2022 possible. Thank you for continuing to build upon UP’s database of SDG-related programs and projects, thus enabling us to monitor, understand, and improve the University’s contributions to our country’s success in meeting our targets under the UN SDGs. My administration is committed to supporting and magnifying these efforts. I affirm the UP System’s strong commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which serve as a global blueprint for addressing the most pressing challenges of our time. Our administration’s commitment to achieving the SDGs, however, goes beyond mere words; it is a firm pledge to take meaningful action. In this period of global crisis, we recognize the historical urgency of the SDGs, and thus are working to integrate them into the very fabric of our University. The core of our commitment lies in the field of education. Access to quality education is a cornerstone of sustainable development and a prerequisite for achieving all other SDGs. In UP, we firmly believe that our academic programs should reflect this commitment. It is not just about including SDGs in specific courses; it is about making the values and knowledge latent in the accomplishment of these goals an integral part of our curriculum. In every course offered by the university, we will ensure that the principles of sustainability are embedded deeply within our educational framework. But education is only our starting point. Research and development are also vital aspects of the SDGs, and universities like UP play a central role in advancing these goals. UP’s researchers are at the forefront of addressing the complex challenges posed by the SDGs, and our administration pledges to enable them to continue conducting action-oriented research that not only helps us better understand the costs and implications of implementing the SDGs at the local and national level, but also provides innovative solutions to real-world problems at the regional and global levels. Furthermore, universities serve as repositories of knowledge, fulcrums of cooperation, and drivers of innovation within their countries, regions, and in the global community. Recognizing the necessity of acting collectively with other stakeholders, UP is vigorously engaging with other state universities, governments, the private sector, and civil society to promote and implement the SDGs. By working together, we will provide a supportive environment and create a broad network of resources that will enable our students, researchers, and academics to actively participate in projects that contribute to building the knowledge and tools needed to achieve the SDGs. The tenets of sustainable development align with our mandate as the national university. We have a long and distinguished history of producing leaders, innovators, and changemakers in various fields. We have always recognized our duty to serve the people and contribute to progress and development in our country. Now, we are extending that same sense of service and commitment to the global community. Mabuhay tayong lahat! More on UP and the SDGs UP and the Sustainable Development Goals About UP Green UP: A UP System Action Plan for Environmental Sustainability UP at a Glance UP on Good Health and Well-Being UP on Quality Education UP on Gender Equality UP on Sustainable Cities and Communities UP on Climate Action UP on Partnerships to Achieve the Goals |
https://up.edu.ph/up-and-the-sdgs-up-at-a-glance/ | UP at a Glance – University of the Philippines | UP at a Glance Early morning joggers take a break while on the Academic Oval in UP Diliman, Quezon City. UP MPRO file photo. UP Campuses 8 Constituent Universities 17 Campuses 5 Future Campuses UP College Admissions (UPCA) 2023 111,128 Total applicants 74,280 (66.8%) Female 36,848 (33.2%) Male 17,527 Total qualifiers 11,330 (64.6%) Female qualifiers 6,197 (35.4%) Male qualifiers Students 64,144 Total Students 38,172 (59.5%) Female Students 25,972 (40.5%) Male Students Faculty 7,105 Total Faculty 4,172 (58.7%) Full-time or Regular Faculty 2,972 (40.5%) Part-time or Non-Regular Faculty UP Philippine General Hospital Service Recipients 473,385 Total patients served 43,433 (9.2%) In-patient patients 386,204 (81.6%) Out-patient patients 43,748 (9.2%) Emergency cases patients UP Landholdings 26,304.5416 hectares – Total Land Holdings 2,618.9986 hectares – Campus Sites 4,980.39 hectares – Research Areas 2,705.78 hectares – Mangrove Areas 9,093.44 hectares – Land Grants 6,900.00 hectares – Under UP Stewardship 5.933 hectares – Other Properties More on UP and the SDGs UP and the Sustainable Development Goals Message from the President About UP Green UP: A UP System Action Plan for Environmental Sustainability UP on Good Health and Well-Being UP on Quality Education UP on Gender Equality UP on Sustainable Cities and Communities UP on Climate Action UP on Partnerships to Achieve the Goals |
https://up.edu.ph/up-visual-identity-guidebook-2017-now-available-online/ | UP Visual Identity Guidebook 2017 now available online – University of the Philippines | UP Visual Identity Guidebook 2017 now available online UP Visual Identity Guidebook 2017 now available online March 14, 2017 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office UP Visual Identity Guide 2017 This is a digital copy of the University of the Philippines Visual Identity Guidebook 2017. This guide serves to define the elements found in official trademarks of the university, such as the seal, university colors, logo type and The Oblation. The VIG also prescribes how these symbols should be used in official communications, websites, social media accounts and other materials of the university’s units, offices, organizations, faculty, students and staff. The adoption of the UP VIG was approved by the Board of Regents on its 1324th Meeting held last 26 January 2017, at the Board Room, Quezon Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City. |
https://up.edu.ph/the-roots-of-angelo-a-jimenez/ | The Roots of Angelo A. Jimenez – University of the Philippines | The Roots of Angelo A. Jimenez The Roots of Angelo A. Jimenez June 6, 2023 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc Jimenez symbolically takes his oath as UP President in the mountains of a conflict-ridden place called Mahayahay in Butuan. “I was always there as a little boy. I took my oath before the children of the Lumad. I wanted to, in my own little way, remind UP where its ultimate loyalty belongs,” he says. Photo courtesy of Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) Strategic Communications Office. Angelo Azura Jimenez has the distinction of being the first UP Student Regent to be elected UP President and the first Mindanaoan to hold the position. He brings to the table a lived understanding of sectoral representation and the hope and the pride of the people of Mindanao. Having worked in government, he has also developed expertise in the protection and development of migrant workers. Family, community, and identity “Growing up in Butuan, you are close to family, close to church, and close to your friends on a day-to-day basis. We grew up in a very supporting, nurturing environment where there is much trust and very little distrust or suspicion of each other’s motives,” Jimenez described his life in his hometown. His Mindanao life embodied a unity of cultures, that supported trust in the other. “My family has been there for over a hundred years, and I am a native of the city itself. I am a Manobo and a Christian lowlander at the same time,” Jimenez said. “We grew up trusting each other. “We grew up playing with our neighbors. We grew up with close-knit communities and families together,” he remembered. “My mother was a high school principal and my grandmother was an elementary school principal. My mother was also a church leader,” Jimenez, who was an altar boy himself, speaks about the many other families connected to their own families through such involvements. The Catholic school boy, several years later, would also be named a tribal datu by the city elders, who conferred on him the name, Datu Mankalagan or “Great Spirit”. He recalls that ceremony fondly. “It’ll be a great source of strength and inspiration as I face this awesome, awesome job of becoming the twenty-second president of the University of the Philippines,” Jimenez said. He realizes that his Mindanao line 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. “It’s something significant to our people. I never realized that my election would resonate in Mindanao. “Finally, one of their own has become a UP president,” it has dawned upon him. “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.” “I was roundly criticized then. I had to just grit my teeth and decide in favor of the students so that they could graduate.” – Jimenez The rise of the student leader Having lived in a harmonious but diverse Mindanao community, Jimenez did not dream of being involved in campus politics when he passed the UPCAT and moved to the Big City. “I just loved to write, actually. So when I was in my sophomore year, I joined the Philippine Collegian where I was a feature writer, and probably the longest serving features editor in the Collegian.” Aside from features, he wrote poetry, and many of his poems were published in the Collegian and the Collegian Folio Magazine. He would become the paper’s associate editor in 1987-1988. Inevitably, he became active in the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), of which the Collegian was a founding member and which had turned militant during the First Quarter Storm. “One time I attended a session among campus writers in Metro Manila, and they decided they wanted me to run as CEGP national president. That was in 1987, and since it’s an organization of writers, I agreed. I won rather overwhelmingly,” Jimenez said about how he started on the path of national youth leadership. As a national leader, he got very involved with the youth and students outside UP. By then he was a freshman in Law school. “I was always traveling. And I almost neglected my law school [studies]. It was a very challenging time. But after that, now I was in the radar of student politics, particularly student electoral politics,” Jimenez recalled. After his term as CEGP national president, he was asked to run for councilor in the UP Diliman student council. “I started to speak in the streets, in public fora, and it went naturally from there.” As chair of the traditionally militant University Student Council in 1991-1992, he remembers facing the burning issue of the renewal of US military bases in the country. “We were against it, and I would lead rallies. [UP] would be the largest contingent. It went as far as 5,000 students in UP from all political spectrum and diversity. We were very united then.” Jimenez, in one of first ceremonies of this presidency, leads the conferment of a Doctor of Law, honoris causa, on Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar bin Ibrahim, whom he cited for, among others, the advocacy of the concept of an Asian Renaissance and a devoted study of the life, works, and teachings of Dr. Jose Rizal. Photo by Kevin Christian Roque, UP MPRO. The Regent and the dilemma of representation Having been elected Student Regent in 1992, he had to deal with the more complicated issue of sectoral representation. “You have a sector that does not speak in just one voice. And then when you come to the meeting of the Board, you have to come to terms as well with what you call your personal agency, your own structure of beliefs, your ethical and moral structure that you have deep inside you as well,” Jimenez said. He remembers going against a popular opinion concerning medical students who were refused graduation by the college on the basis of moral fitness. The students and the University Council of UP Manila agreed with the position of the College, Jimenez recalls. He agonized over his vote. “Upon graduation, they imposed moral fitness and I was a little worried because, number one, it was not in the rules. Number two, I was worried about standards. Who sets moral standards? How do we comply with a particular standard? And what are fair standards that are acceptable to all. And we are a secular university… Whom do we allow to make judgment of our moral fitness to be in the profession?” Jimenez recalled his thoughts back then. “I was roundly criticized then. I had to just grit my teeth and decide in favor of the students so that they could graduate.” Jimenez would go back to the Board of Regents as a Malacañang appointee, representing the Republic of the Philippines in the University, from 2016 to 2021. “And to strengthen the institution, I feel that we have to build trust — trust in institutions and trust in each other.” – Jimenez President Angelo A. Jimenez. Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO. Lessons for UP from his experience From 1993 to 2007, Jimenez was in government in mostly labor-related posts. He held positions in Malacañang, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. From 1999 to 2003, he was the labor attaché, first to Japan, then to Kuwait, and then to Iraq, too. “I am a practitioner of international labor markets and the area of expertise I have developed over the last decades is the protection of migrant labor, especially overseas Filipino workers. I was on the opposite end of the educational system because I was receiving finished products,” he said, talking about OFWs as end products of the educational system. “And I have familiarity with the needs of international industries. I saw where the Filipinos are strong, based on our educational system, and where they’re weak.” “I realize certain things: Some of our professionals are not recognized abroad, or not recognized as we do recognize them. For example, I’ve seen architects who are hired as mere draftsmen, or dentists who are hired only as dental hygienists. We lack certain units or academic units. In the Middle East, for example, many of them observe British standards.” “At that time we didn’t have K-12. And that was one of the major weaknesses in terms of international recruitment and especially when it came to benefits pay rate, and opportunities, not just from job entry, but also job promotion,” he said. Jimenez talks about acquiring lessons from a global experience of crisis management. “When Saddam fell, I was sent as well to Iraq. I spent two years there protecting Filipinos in a war zone. There was civil war there, and it gave me a lot of insights. First, on how important it is to strengthen institutions because I’ve seen the country where there was no government, there were no laws.” “I saw the country implode before my eyes,” Jimenez went on. “I realized that when institutions fall, nations fall or social systems fall. And so perhaps, the greatest insight I have is the importance of strengthening our institutions, not just in the country, but more specifically today in the University as well.” “And to strengthen the institution, I feel that we have to build trust—trust in institutions and trust in each other. Because I’ve seen how the lack of trust in many places in the world kills societies, how societies degenerate into civil war, fratricidal war, because there was no trust in the community,” the UP President from Mindanao spoke. Read more stories from the UP Forum Read the latest News from UP Read UP’s Announcements |
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https://up.edu.ph/a-datu-in-diliman/ | A Datu in Diliman – University of the Philippines | A Datu in Diliman A Datu in Diliman August 1, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Commencement Address of President Angelo Jimenez 30 July 2023 UP Diliman 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. Madiyaw nga hinaat kaniyo nga tanan! Honorable Members of our Board of Regents, UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan, the Chancellors of our other Constituent Universities, our University officials, faculty members, staff members, workers, students, distinguished guests, and above all our graduating students today and their proud parents: A very pleasant albeit rainy morning to all of you, and thank you all for coming today despite the weather. I am sure that we will not allow a steel gray sky and a rush of rain to dampen our spirits, like the sunflowers along University Avenue that remain radiant as ever. I did not know until recently, when I was approached by Chancellor Vistan, that I was to be your commencement speaker. It is uncommon—if not unprecedented—for the UP President to fill that role, which we usually reserve for an academic, cultural, or political luminary, none of which I consider myself to be. But having been your President for less than half a year, I thought that this would be a good opportunity to introduce myself to our community, that you might know me and my ideas beyond my standard CV. This morning, I want to tell you a story. I am being introduced to you by my formal Christian name. Ako nga po si Angelo Azura Jimenez, abogado at ikadalawampu’t dalawang Pangulo ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas. Subalit may isa pa po akong pangalan na nais kong gamitin ngayong araw, bilang pagpapakilala sa inyo ng aking pinagmulan, at ng aking kabuuan. Ako po si Datu Mankalagan. Isa akong Manobo mula sa Agusan Valley. Isinilang ako at lumaki sa isang sinauna at makasaysayang lunsod sa wawa ng Ilog Agusan, sa Mindanaw. Ito ang lunsod ng Butuan, na bantog sa Silangang Asya bilang isang mayamang kaharian bago pa man dumating ang mga Kastila. In my city, we say: “Before there was the Philippines, there was Butuan.” And what a great pre-Hispanic city it was, home to skillful artisans of gold and builders of mighty, ocean-going boats called balangays. Many elements that now form part of the cultural tapestry of our island entered through the Agusan River’s estuary. Its sheer length, one of the longest in the country, ensured that cultural and social exchanges with a larger world penetrated deeply into the heart of Mindanaw centuries before our nation was born. I love my city. It is my legs, my arms, my mind, my heart. It is the cradle of my deepest affections. It is who I am, today and forever. The title of “datu” was conferred on me by my people in a solemn ceremony in 2007. A ritual dagger was plunged deep into the heart of a live boar. I heard its vertiginous squeal of pain as it spurted blood and began to die. A priestess scooped the blood that gushed straight from the heart of the boar before it fell to the ground, and proceeded to paint it on the palm of my hands and soles of my feet, to the drone of her own incantations. I thought I was going to faint and I never fully realized it then but now I think I know why—life was being ritually offered to give birth to a new one, a new identity. It was an overpowering sensation. On that same occasion, our elders gave me the name “Mankalagan.” In our local language, it means “great spirit.” I do not know if I deserve the name, and my title as a Manobo datu may be honorific, but the tremendous pride I draw from it gives me the courage I need to speak before you today. It was not always so. I grew up taking it for granted. I never took the time to officially register as one, nor find the need for it. All I knew growing up was that I had Manobo blood. That was enough. Or so I thought, until something I never dreamed of happened to me—I became UP President, which reminded me of the duality of my character, and why it is important to accept and embrace. Alam ko pong hindi lamang ito aking istorya, kundi istorya rin ng marami sa inyong kaharap ko ngayon. Malalayo ang inyong pinanggalingan, mga munting pook na minsa’y atin nang nakakalimutan. Naging bagong tahanan na natin ang kalunsuran, ang Diliman. Like Butuan, I love UP Diliman. It is not always easy to love you, Diliman, but I do. Because like Butuan, I was raised here, too. Like Butuan, UP Diliman is my arms, my legs, my mind, my heart—the cradle of my deepest affections. Like Butuan, UP Diliman is who I am, today and forever. When I attained the presidency of this national university, I knew I had to reconcile these two halves of me. They were not in conflict with each other, but were rather the two legs on which I would find my way forward. Early this year, I woke up one morning and had an epiphany. I would reclaim my Manobo identity, and view the world from its perspective, to seek both courage and clarity of vision. And it came. My region, CARAGA, is the poorest in our country, next only to our neighbor, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or BARMM. So, on February first, ten days before I took office, I went up the mountain to a place called Sitio Mahayahay. In the early morning, in Mahayahay, I took my oath of office as the 22nd UP President before the children of the Lumad. It was a symbolic act. But it was important to me. Oddly enough, in Bisaya, Mahayahay means comfortable, but life there is tough. It is a poverty-stricken, conflict-ridden hamlet located north of Butuan City. I was told, in fact, that a few days before I came, a firefight occurred in that area between government and communist forces. There could be worse places in the country, but I personally know of no place that symbolizes marginalization from the life of the nation—politically, economically and socially—more than the life of the Lumads in Mahayahay. Jimenez symbolically takes his oath as UP President in the mountains of a conflict-ridden place called Mahayahay in Butuan. “I was always there as a little boy. I took my oath before the children of the Lumad. I wanted to, in my own little way, remind UP where its ultimate loyalty belongs,” he says. Photo courtesy of Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) Strategic Communications Office. I wanted to remind UP, by taking my oath there, where its loyalty should ultimately lie. I needed to take that powerful lesson to heart. Despite the early morning chill, I had never felt so warm. I was, after all, among my people. Despite the fog that covered the hills, I had never felt such clarity. There, high up in those lovely hills, among the poorest of our people, from the outside looking in, I grasped what I had long suspected about our beloved university. And it came in the form of three great moral paradoxes. The first paradox is that the University of the Philippines was founded to provide leaders for the nation. And indeed we have, among the 300,000 alumni who preceded you today. We have produced the most Presidents, the most number of Chief Justices of the Supreme Court, Senate Presidents and Speakers of the House. Throughout the government bureaucracy, you will find our graduates in responsible positions. In the private sector, you will find captains of industry among our alumni. In fact, among the richest Filipinos, you will find UP graduates. No other University in the country comes close to our dominant position in national life. And yet, after over a hundred years since our founding as the national university, and still today the only national university in the broadest sense, we find ourselves in one of the most inequitable societies in the world. We would be blind not to see that poverty, poor health, homelessness and hunger still stalk most of our people. This is an outrage and a ringing accusation against our own self-conceit as the best and the brightest, Iskolar ng Bayan, and University of the People. This is an existential threat to Filipino nationhood. No nation can long endure under the extreme inequalities we are witnessing today. The second moral paradox is that access to our university, which we love to call the University of the People, is very difficult for the people. Dedicated in our mind to the highest ideal of equality, are we, in fact, reinforcing and institutionalizing inequality? I estimate that about 60 percent of our students today come from private schools, as I did. And we all know that while our public secondary schools have produced some of our best students and alumni, there is a yawning gap today between the quality of public and private basic education, in favor of the latter. Our UPCAT is designed to select only the best, the elite among our high schools. What are the chances of the children of the lumad in Mahayahay of entering UP? Or of the children of Aetas and other lumads? Of the teeming masses of the poor huddled in cramped, under-invested public schools in the country today? There’s more. There are around 114 state colleges and universities today and one of them gets 20 percent of the national budget for higher education. You guessed it! That’s our UP. I have long stopped bragging that we are the nation’s top university. With that share of the budget, we might as well close down if we were not Number One. One might argue—and some have—that there is no moral justification for just one school, UP, to have such an inordinate share of the budget. Some even say it is because we are simply powerful. But there is actually one. As the national university, we are mandated under Republic Act 9500, the law revising the UP Charter, to lead in higher education. Have we? We all know that there is a huge gap overall between the quality of UP education and the rest of the SUCs. In fact, no other public tertiary educational institution in the Philippines has ever landed among the top 1000 in in global rankings. Have we simply run away with the biggest share of the national budget for higher education without doing what we could for others? I believe in democratic access to UP education. And I believe that it is best done by helping improve the quality of education in other SUCs. Would this not be more equitable? Would this not be more democratic access? Does one have to be in UP to have access to a UP-level education? At the same time, we can review UPCAT and our equity-excellence formulas to give our disadvantaged a better fighting chance. Finally, the third paradox is that the free education you enjoyed in UP today was not actually free. It was paid for by other people who might have needed it more. Every peso that was spent on your education was one peso less for another Filipino who might have been sick and could not afford to buy medicines. It was one peso less for housing for another Filipino who could not afford decent shelter. It was one peso less for a hungry Filipino who could not afford to buy food. It was one peso less for the education of another student your age who may have had to drop out of school entirely for lack of money. The free education you got from UP came from many people who needed it just as much if not more, and paid for it by enduring a lower quality of life. Dear graduates, throughout your UP years, the words “Honor” and “Excellence” have been drummed into your heads. For over a hundred years, we have pledged fealty to these two very personal ideals. But I ask you now—are these enough? All of us in UP bear a heavy moral burden to serve the Filipino people. Unless we do, honor and excellence are only for self-aggrandizement, and will mean little to our suffering compatriots. 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. When I look out my office in Quezon Hall at our green campus—and looking at you today—my heart swells with pride at what we have achieved. But when my thoughts go back to being that lumad on the mountain, gazing past the horizon to far Manila, I recall, with great trepidation, the great challenges and responsibilities that lie ahead of us. I did not mean to cast a pall on your graduation day but to reflect on what it means to be UP. I actually wanted to speak of hope. And a hopeful story is unfolding right this very instant. As you all know, last Tuesday, the Philippines National Women’s Football Team, better known as the Filipinas, beat host-country New Zealand 1-0 in the first round of this year’s FIFA World Cup. The whole world is talking about it now. The New Zealand Team, nicknamed the Ferns, ranked 26th in FIFA world standings, was way above our current rank of 46. In the game, they dominated with 70 percent ball possession. They were touted to win, we were not. In fact, as World Cup debutante, we were not expected to win at all. It took the Ferns 6 World Cup appearances to win their first match ever against former World Champions Norway last week. How did our team do it? There are three important lessons for all of us. First, by making the most of their chances. The Ferns dominated the game with 70 percent ball possession against our 30. They had 16 shots at goal, with 4 on target. We had 4, with only one, only one, on target. But that one hit the back of the net, to give us our first ever goal, our first ever win, and in our first ever appearance on the world’s biggest stage, the World Cup. I’ve watched that magical clip of Sarina Bolden’s four-against-one winning header. The exhilaration I felt could only be matched by the one I felt two decades ago when, as a hostage negotiator in Iraq, I finally, physically grabbed Filipino hostage Robert Tarongoy into freedom and safety right in the middle of the bloody streets of war-torn Baghdad. It was my own little, personal World-Cup-like moment. But the true prize for me was not a cheering crowd. It was way more precious. Mission accomplished for our nation, I could go back home to the loving arms of my wife and kids, alive. In Wellington a few days ago, the Filipinas tried to create many chances but, in the end, they managed to produce only one real chance. And that one chance was all they needed. In life, there will be precious few great chances. Maybe only one. Maybe none at all, if you will simply wait for it. We should strive for own World Cup moment. When it comes, grab it by the scruff of the neck. Second, by making themselves invincible. The Ferns never scored against us. So, another way of looking at 70 percent possession by the other side is that our defense was under pressure 70 percent of the time, and withstood the withering fire. I have no doubt that your UP education has made you strong, resourceful, and resolute. Yours is a generation that survived the ravages of the first ever truly global pandemic in human history. For over two years, you were all isolated from each other. That was not easy. Humans are essentially social beings, and their social nature has been key to the survival of the species throughout history. Isolation is the enemy. We have never survived serious challenges alone. Your generation has broken the isolation brought about by the pandemic by your mastery of technology that enabled us to keep our connection with each other. Social media and information technology may have redefined social interaction, but you have made it achieve its social purpose. It has also enabled all of you not only to graduate but prepare for life in the digital age. Against the challenges of the COVID pandemic, your defense held, like the Filipinas on world’s greatest sporting stage. Third, the Filipinas wanted to win more. Against a stronger side, this is absolutely required. The Filipinas had the proper motivation. One of the most competitive elements of an athlete is mental toughness. The most amazing part of the Filipinas victory is that they just came in from a 2-0 loss in their first game against a strong Swiss team. They quickly put that behind them, adjusted, and came out more determined in the next game. And won. This is perhaps the most important lesson we can learn from the Filipinas. We will always have our losses in life. But we take our defeats, learn our lessons, and move on to the next challenge trying to do better. These are not new insights. In fact, this is ancient wisdom. Be strong, take risks, be motivated. Most of all, succeed not just for yourself, but for the many others whose lives and spirits will be uplifted by the good you do. Di lang tayo dapat Iskolar ng Bayan kundi Iskolar Para sa Bayan. Serve the people. Wala nang mas tatayog pa sa adhikaing ito para sa ating lahat: paglingkuran ang sambayanan! Mabuhay kayo, mabuhay ang UP, at mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Ato ini, kadiyawon ta! |
https://up.edu.ph/welcome-and-introduction-by-president-jimenez-of-malaysian-prime-minister-anwar-ibrahim/ | Welcome and Introduction by President Jimenez of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim – University of the Philippines | Welcome and Introduction by President Jimenez of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Welcome and Introduction by President Jimenez of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim March 2, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Welcome and Introduction by UP President Angelo A. Jimenez for the Honorary Degree Conferment Ceremony of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim 2 March 2023, UP Theater, UP Diliman University of the Philippines President Angelo A. Jimenez delivering his welcome address and introduction of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Photo by Kevin Christian Roque (UPMPRO). Your Excellency Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Charge d’Affaires Mr. Mohammad Fareed Zakaria, Esteemed Members of the Board of Regents, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo and Chancellors of our Constituent Universities, To the Presidents of the State Universities and Colleges, Members of the Faculty, Administration, Students, Ladies and Gentlemen: I feel deeply honored to welcome you to the University of the Philippines—our country’s first and only national university to be so designated. That is because UP, as we call ourselves, represents the noblest of our people’s aspirations. It is home to the minds that shape our nation, and today those minds open themselves to yours—as we open our hearts as well to your party, who have so graciously chosen to visit us. Of course we are pleasantly aware that for Your Excellency, this is a kind of homecoming, having come to visit UP as a young student leader to seek the counsel of the late and beloved University Professor Emeritus Cesar Adib Majul, our foremost expert in Islamic studies. This campus would have been quite different then—a bit less crowded perhaps, given the many new buildings and facilities we have since erected. But what has not changed is the strong and unquenchable spirit of liberal and nationalist education that you would have found in UP then. That spirit has survived many challenges throughout the decades, as you yourself, Excellency, have survived and prevailed over the many vicissitudes of your political life. And thus we feel bound in spirit to your own youthful idealism, your courage, and your lifelong quest for freedom, justice, and prosperity—not just for Malaysia but for a renewed, aware, and vibrant Asia. The Philippines and Malaysia share a long and special kinship—one of blood and culture—beyond the politics and economics of the present. Our countries both emerged from colonial rule determined to claim our rightful place in the community of modern and progressive nations. We each have met with our own successes and our own setbacks. And while we cannot easily prescribe one’s solution for the other, given the differences in our societies and historical experience, it is clear that we are beset by many of the same problems—corruption in government, selective justice, socioeconomic inequality, food security, and environmental destruction, among others. There is much room and reason for our political, business, and academic leaders to engage in fruitful dialogue, and I hope that your visit today will result in new modes of cooperation between our countries and our universities. And now it is my great privilege to introduce our guest of honor to the UP community. Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim is the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia—a position for which his prior exposure to a broad range of government positions and responsibilities has prepared him well. Previously, he served as Deputy Prime Minister from 1993 to 1998 and Minister of Finance from 1991 to 1998, before which he served as Minister of Education in 1986, Minister of Agriculture in 1984, and Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports in 1983. Respected for his unyielding stance against corruption and his management of the Malaysian economy during the turbulent financial crisis of 1997, Anwar has been internationally recognized for his bold and dynamic leadership. Euromoney named him one of the world’s top four finance ministers in 1993, and in 1996 Asiamoney named him Finance Minister of the Year. In 1998, Newsweek voted him Asian of the Year. The awards reflect the effectiveness and impact of Anwar’s financial stewardship. During his tenure as Finance Minister, Malaysia enjoyed unprecedented prosperity and economic growth despite the instability rocking the regional economy. He backed free market principles and highlighted the issue of the proximity of business and politics in Malaysia. He advocated greater accountability, declined to offer government bailouts, and instituted widespread spending cuts. Anwar was Chairman of the Development Committee of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund in 1998. During his tenure, he strongly endorsed debt cancellation initiatives and reprieves for emerging countries, particularly Africa. Sadly, he has been made to pay a steep personal price for his unflinching principles. His calls for further reform in 1998 led to his dismissal from government. Subsequently he was tried and imprisoned on charges that were eventually overturned by the Malaysian Supreme Court, and he was finally released from solitary confinement in 2004. Imprisoned once more in 2015 on what were widely deplored to be political grounds, Anwar was pardoned by King Sultan Muhammad V in 2018. Anwar Ibrahim stood and won as a Pakatan Harapan coalition candidate in the general election of 2022, and was sworn in as Prime Minister by King Al-Sultan Abdullah on November 23, 2022. He has lectured at many of the world’s leading universities, and is an internationally renowned expert on Jose Rizal and on economics, democracy, freedom, governance, Islam and democracy, and the need for accountability in government. He was appointed Honorary President of the London-based group AccountAbility and Chairman of the Beirut-based Foundation for the Future. Anwar is also an advisor to the People’s Justice Party (Keadilan) in Malaysia. May I add, however, that this brief political biography hardly does justice to the intellectual and visionary within the politician. For beneath Anwar Ibrahim’s sharp sense of financial management lies a deep well of moral rectitude, a belief in right and wrong that seems to have deserted many of today’s political pragmatists. Much of that derives from his strong religious faith—which, unlike the West, he does not see as being incompatible with the needs and priorities of modern society. To him, this is a native strength that can be harnessed toward an Asian Renaissance. Like Jose Rizal, who self-identified as “Malayo-Tagalog” and who was a keen student of the cultural and linguistic connections between Malays and his own countrymen, Anwar appreciates the West as a source of knowledge but cautions against neglecting or yielding our cultural specificity. At the same time, he has championed a more inclusive and pluralistic Malaysia, arguing—and here I quote from his book on The Asian Renaissance—“not for mere tolerance, but rather for the active nurturing of alternative views. This would necessarily include lending a receptive ear to the voices of the politically oppressed, the socially marginalized, and the economically disadvantaged. Ultimately, the legitimacy of a leadership rests as much on moral uprightness as it does on popular support.” When I accepted the presidency of this great university not one month ago, I said that in addition to our most cherished ideals of Honor and Excellence, I wanted to add “kindness,” at least under my administration, as a measure and manifestation of our shared humanity. I am encouraged to find in his book that Prime Minister Anwar also seeks to foster “Justice, Virtue, and Compassion.” This is the humanist at the core of the man speaking—the young activist and sometime student of literature who never forgot that at the heart of all our efforts toward development lies the most human yearnings for freedom, happiness, and dignity. Ladies and gentleman, I give you His Excellency, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (left) and UP President Angelo Jimenez (center) share the stage alongside the members of the UP Board of Regents during the conferment ceremony. Photo by Kevin Christian Roque (UPMPRO). For more photos of the Conferment of the Honorary Degree on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, please click here. |
https://up.edu.ph/honor-and-excellence-in-a-digital-national-university/ | Honor and Excellence in a Digital National University – University of the Philippines | Honor and Excellence in a Digital National University Honor and Excellence in a Digital National University February 23, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Angelo A. Jimenez 22nd President University of the Philippines 10 February 2023 UP President Angelo A. Jimenez delivering his speech at the Turnover Ceremony for the Presidency of the University of the Philippines on February 10, 2023, at the Quezon Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City. Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO. President Danilo Concepcion, members of the Board of Regents; and the officials of our University; the faculty, staff, and alumni present; the students of our eight constituent universities; distinguished guests; magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat. Please allow me to begin by extending my gratitude to President Danny and the officials of the University who have graciously assisted myself and my team for the past few weeks as we have prepared for this day. Our goal is to hit the ground running from Day One, and I believe we are in a position to do that because of your help. To all of you, daghang salamat, and thank you for your service to the University. I am especially grateful to President Danny — or Danny the Builder as I like to call him — for all the work you have done in your six-year tenure as UP President. All of us are challenged to leave this world a little better than we found it; when President Concepcion assumed office six years ago, he took this to heart — and he will leave the University much, much better than when he found it. Walk around this campus and that is self- evident. Thank you very much, Mr. President; and thank you, Gabby, for sharing him with us these past six years. Our country has just weathered a global pandemic that has triggered massive disruptions in business, technology, labor, and education. These have upended conventional thinking and compelled humankind to hurriedly adapt to and accept new realities. In this day and age, higher education institutions (HEIs) cannot be parochial and self-absorbed. HEIs need to acquire a global consciousness in carrying their mandates. We need to look at the developments of the immediate past and prepare ourselves for a future in which the pace of innovation is — as AI is teaching us — faster than the speed of thought. With this as background, the University of the Philippines is envisioned in the next six years to be at the forefront of transformative scientific, cultural, and artistic pedagogy, research, and public service in local and global communities. Our mission is to foster efficacy, effectivity, and efficiency through transdisciplinary engagements in teaching, research, and public service. Ang UP ay mananatiling bulwagan ng dangal at ipagpapatuloy natin ang simulain nito tungo sa husay at dangal. But honor and excellence are not enough. Aanhin ang husay at dangal kung walang malasakit at kung walang pakikipag-kapwa tao? A transformative UP means no individual or small group effort would probe enough to offer a sound alternative to the complexities we are facing. Though coming from various backgrounds and enjoying disparate privileges, UP has provided and will always provide its constituencies with a common ground to overcome our differences. A passion for knowledge production brought us together and has given us a sense of belonging, which is a strong ground to negotiate between the legacy we share and the future we envision, to better serve our academic community and the world we live in. This is the cornerstone of our first line of action: pumailanlang, pumalaot. Pumailanlang, Pumalaot is pakikipag-ugnayan, which entails a call for communion. It is a commitment to recognize and respect each other’s worth. And in this sense, we will champion the following: First, engagement in Transdisciplinary Research, which is also an attempt to end the silo mentality. We must conduct more collaborative research and creative projects among disciplines and among constituent universities, with an agenda of creating translational research that will benefit the country and our people. At the end of the day, the general public should and will always be the target audience of our research. It is our obligation to convert scientific, social scientific, and artistic research into practical programs that will uplift the lives of the Filipino people. We have to build strong bridges within and between CUs. In our current reality, no single discipline nor single campus is able to provide holistic and comprehensive solutions to the problems confronted by an ever- changing world. We have to promote and encourage greater interaction and dialogue among UP constituents, such as institutionalization of research programs or curation of creative projects that engage the sciences and the arts in solving social concerns and critically interrogating social issues. Second, let us also build a stronger pakikipag-ugnayan with our alumni because they are an integral part of the UP community. Their role in providing resources to UP is invaluable. However, they are more than a source of much-needed funds; they are role models for our students. They may also serve as mentors to our students or they can be co-facilitators in extension programs and public services. Our alumni are also our international ambassadors — showing the world what “Honor” and ‘Excellence” with compassion means. Third, UP must also move forward towards the direction of the 21st century education by building and crossing bridges towards digital technology. UP needs to digitally transform learning in order to be responsive to the period of rapid change in an increasingly globalized environment. In this regard, UP in the next six years will critically participate in the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and we will journey towards the transformation of a learner-centered digital University. To make this a bit more concrete, digital transformation in the UP context means: Differentiated and personalized learning: the tailoring of learning content, processes and activities to match each learners ability level. Digital learning resources: the creation of digital resources that engage students in learning activities and support students’ learning goal. Global and remote learning: learning from anywhere and at any time. Administrative efficiencies: the greater use of data science in decision making. I imagine our CUs and campuses enjoying high-speed networks and the enhanced digital competence of our faculty and staff. One of the goals of digital transformation is to create compelling digital content in education that include current, relevant, and accurate information that are aligned to the highest quality standards. These user- friendly digital content will be made available to all UP students, regardless of what CU they are enrolled in. As part of our extension service, we will happily share the digital course content that we will develop with other SUCs. Our digital transformation initiative will also expand and make it easier for our students to cross-enroll in other CUs. Fourth, as a national university, we must also help the nation by reaching out to the state universities and colleges in the regions. With its resources, UP is better armed as a teaching, research, and public service university as compared to its fellow SUCs. As such, we must extend “honor and excellence” to the SUCs by ways of consortium or by assisting in capacity buildings or by sending our experts to aid them in academic program development. Fifth, reaching out to our administrative staff members is also a very important aspect of this agenda of pakikipag-ugnayan. We will review the benefits our staff members receive. We will also sit down with the Department of Budget and Management and the Civil Service Commission to address personnel and regularization issues on an institutional level. The second major plan of action is a take on pride of place. We have to envision a UP where spaces are safe, nurturing, shared, connected, and sustainable. This is an opportunity to think of UP as a means to transform spaces into places with meaning and memories. Emplacement is historically and culturally wired; our existence is embodied in space and time. A place has history. It also articulates cultural memory, and in the case of UP, it is an extension of a long history of intellectual, scientific, and artistic traditions. Pride of place plays an important role in identifying and supporting place- based policy, which includes environmental governance mechanisms. Pride of place entails community spirit, confidence in an area, and standing up for the community in the face of adversity. The ultimate goal is to involve everyone in the disposition of, “I care, and I want to improve this place.” We have to maintain UP as an ideal space of learning. Our digital national university will not only be an ideal place to learn, it will also be an ideal place to live and play. Our campuses will be green oases — the lungs of the communities that host them. We will set targets towards carbon neutrality, and in developing our campuses we will abide by the International Good Practice Principles for Sustainable Infrastructure. Our campuses will also serve as refuge for weary souls that will be rejuvenated though art and culture. UP campuses will be arts hubs. We have to maximize the use of spaces. Our campuses are good venues of found-space performances, site-specific exhibitions, community gatherings and socializations. With our sense of paglulugar, pagpopook, we are able to craft a system- wide arts and culture policy that will cement UPs place as the leader in arts education, culture promotion, and cultural centers in communities that hosts our campuses. Consequently, paglulugar, pagpopook will also develop a work environment that lead to fulfilling professional lives and improved well- being. It is also about the provision of resources that the faculty and staff members need to deliver excellent results. Hence, we will continue to invest in our human resources — our most important asset. Immediately, we will create a more transparent and accountable selection process for incentives and rewards; work to increase faculty and staff non-wage benefits; and develop a program to help our retirees transition to the new lives. In the end, paglulugar, pagpopook is also pride in people and pride in their contribution no matter how big or small. Finally, UP has molded and shaped its students. Its faculty and researchers have innovated and constructed new knowledge. At the same time, UP continuously gives back to the communities. We will continue to perform its unique and distinctive leadership in higher education and national development. The hallmark of UP in the next six years will be service to the nation. I sincerely believe that service to the nation is not simply on top of what we do, nor is it something that we should do on a voluntary basis. 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. As a national university our responsibility is to meet the needs of society in order to help create sustainable and inclusive human development. We will continue to be focused on the development of an enlightened and engaged citizenry and a more specialized, practical education for development. We cannot be satisfied with knowledge for knowledge’s sake. Our role does not end in producing graduates with 21st century skills. We need to go beyond undertaking research and policy advice on improving national governance, making the economy stronger, or creating a sustainable ecosystem. In this sense, we will work to intensify: Knowledge co-creation or the joint production of innovation with the private sector, civil society organizations, and communities themselves; and Service learning: “An educational approach that combines learning objectives with community service in order to provide a pragmatic, progressive learning experience while meeting societal needs.” We will embrace our national identity but aspire to be 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. UP will remain a bastion of academic freedom for the simple reason that we cannot achieve excellence without it. And part of it is a commitment to continue honing and supporting all forms of knowledge productions: scientific, social-scientific, creative or artistic, professional, and local or indigenous knowledge. The usual knowledge produced by the sciences and the humanities in the formal “Western” education paradigm must not be conceived as the pinnacle of learning. Engagement with indigenous knowledge or what we call the kaalamang bayan is an opportunity to understand that the world is more complicated than how these traditional classroom subjects provide. We are global yet we are very rooted to our indigenous worldviews. We are shaped by the challenges and crises that confront us. Our recent crises have tested our pedagogical modalities, our creative practices, our research projects, and even our physical and mental health. Nonetheless, these have also forced open windows of opportunities for our faculty and students to survive, to strive, and to thrive. And UP will continue to be an enabler so that they continue to do just that. In the end, UP will continue to be strong, courageous, critical, and nurturing because we are guided by our vision, our mission, and our values. Our UP Nating Mahal will continue to ensure diversity, inclusivity, and respect as driving forces towards honor, excellence, kindness, and compassion. The Filipino people deserve no less. Maraming salamat po. Mabuhay ang UP; mabuhay ang pag-asa ng bayan! Watch some the highlights of President Angelo A. Jimenez’s speech via the video above. Video shot and edited by Al Nikko M. Nagutom, UP MPRO. |
https://up.edu.ph/tv70-up-looks-back-on-70-years-of-philippine-television/ | TV@70: UP looks back on 70 years of Philippine television – University of the Philippines | TV@70: UP looks back on 70 years of Philippine television TV@70: UP looks back on 70 years of Philippine television December 13, 2023 | Written by Louie Jon A. Sánchez The University of the Philippines Department of Broadcast Communication (UP DBC) closed its year-long celebration of 70 years of Philippine television this November with several activities. The department spearheaded a lecture on long-form narratives in the age of algorithm and Tik-tok; launched an exhibit of short documentaries on local TV experiences; and conducted a roundtable discussion on radical television “in the time of crisis.” UP DBC Lecturer Dorian Merina delivered a talk titled “Countering the Algorithm: Is There Space for Long-Form Media in a Tik-Tok World?” on November 13, 2023. He emphasized the importance of cultivating long-form media amidst the proliferation of short-form content and platforms, both of which also tend to be influenced by algorithms. The Columbia University-educated lecturer asserted that there is currently an increasing demand for longform content, such as full-length articles and multimedia reportage. Apparently, consumers are also looking for depth, contrary to the popular belief that media culture nowadays is constricted by the public’s short attention span. “Shorter and faster trends in broadcast media promise to amplify new voices and reach audiences. . . it is not only possible, but critical, to produce and engage with long-form media to better serve our communities,” the Batanes-based Filipino-American lecturer underlined in his abstract. Meanwhile, UP DBC launched “TV sa Tabi-tabi: Maiiksing Dokumentaryo ng Danas TV ng mga Pilipino” on November 17, 2023. The exhibit mounted at the UP College of Mass Communication lobby featured videos produced by undergraduate students of the UP DBC’s Broadcast Media and Arts Studies program. The videos offered first-person accounts of TV viewing habits, recollections, and reflections. “In addition, this exhibit examines television as object, text and practice, urging us to ruminate on the technological, political-economic, sociocultural, and ontological realities that define and are defined by televisual engagement,” stated the Department in the exhibit’s brief. The exhibit, which ran until December 1, 2023, consisted of an iconic couch where visitors sat to watch; a TV monitor from which the documentaries were viewed; and some panels offering discourses on television, such as a poem by Joi Barrios, and popular culture as power articulations by the late National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera. Lastly, the roundtable discussion, “Radical Television in the Time of Crisis”, on November 17, 2023, surveyed the ever-changing terrain of broadcast media and explored current trends and perspectives in emergent televisualities. The panelists included: Benson Logronio, writer of GMA Network’s hit TV series Maria Clara at Ibarra; Jervis Manahan, ABS-CBN News reporter and teacher; Nick Santiago, Arcade Film Factory founder, partner, and commercial director; Eji Santos, IUGO Mobile Entertainment software developer and game designer; and Joelle Yuvienco, voice artist, host, and creator of the “Papaano Kung” Podcast. UP DBC’s year-long celebration, titled “Panonood at Pagtatanod: Paggunita sa ika-70 taon ng Telebisyon sa Pilipinas”, marked the sterling seven decades of Philippine Television, which began in 1953 with the first television broadcast of Alto Broadcasting System (later to become ABS-CBN). It was one of the few commemorations undertaken in Philippine academia. The celebrations kicked off in March 2023 with a colloquium on children’s television in the Philippines. It was followed by a conversation on “streaming unsettling televisuality”. The activities were supported by the UP Diliman Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts (OICA), and streamed at the department-managed DZUP 1602 khz. In 2022, UP DBC also marked the centenary of Philippine broadcasting, capping it with a virtual national conference. It also hosted several colloquial and roundtable discussions, as well as aired select broadcast productions marking the event. Louie Jon A. Sánchez is an Associate Professor of Broadcast Communication at the College of Mass Communication, University of the Philippines Diliman, where he teaches critical theory, broadcast history, media research, and gender and sexuality in media. |
https://up.edu.ph/aupaeu-end-terror-tagging-of-unionists-and-activists-resume-peace-talks/ | AUPAEU: End Terror-tagging of Unionists and Activists! Resume Peace Talks! – University of the Philippines | AUPAEU: End Terror-tagging of Unionists and Activists! Resume Peace Talks! AUPAEU: End Terror-tagging of Unionists and Activists! Resume Peace Talks! December 5, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Statement of All UP Academic Employees Union on the Red-Tagging Spree of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa December 2, 2023 The All UP Academic Employees Union (AUPAEU) condemns the recent terror-tagging of its members in a senate hearing held last November 29, 2023. The said hearing purportedly investigates the alleged recruitment of student activists in universities to take up arms and join the communist insurgency. This kind of theatrics, played, on the one hand, by characters whose names are tainted with their record of human rights abuses and, on the other, by dubious rebel surrenderees, has been staged since the regime of Rodrigo Duterte and has been constantly replayed up to the regime of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. What occasions like this have so far done is to vilify and terror-tag activists and unionists, rather than address the socio-economic and political factors that fuel the raging fire of communist insurgency in the country. The senate hearing last Wednesday only replays the intent to vilify and terror-tag, evidenced by the mention of the names of two academics who also happen to be members of the AUPAEU. The AUPAEU condemns the act of terror-tagging in the strongest possible terms. The hearing last Wednesday was not the first incident where academics from the University of the Philippines are terror-tagged. There have been several instances in the past where union members and academics were terror-tagged, merely because of their commitment to a pro-people and emancipatory scholarship. Not only does terror-tagging dangerously put the lives of activists, unionists, and even academics at risk, but also blur the root-causes of societal problems by identifying convenient scapegoats. The union is deeply alarmed as terror-tagging has often been a prelude to more and intense forms of harassment, including the filing of trumped-up charges, arrests, abductions, and even killings. The AUPAEU reiterates its call to the University of the Philippines to urgently act on the demands of various sectors of the University to create a system-wide Committee for the Protection of Academic Freedom and Human Rights. As the political situation in the country has continued to worsen, a committee such as this could effectively mobilize the needed institutional support to protect its various stakeholders from harassments and attacks and at the same time take proactive measures to ensure the safety of its researchers, academics, and students whose commitment to an emancipatory and pro-people scholarship has been terror-tagged by the state. An enduring peace is built on social justice. Terror-tagging should not have a place under a principled process of negotiations pursuing a just and enduring peace. The academic union challenges the Marcos Jr. regime to act in good faith in its intent to talk peace with the communists. Just days before the senate hearing, the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines have agreed to resume their peace negotiations. The Marcos Jr. regime cannot pretend to talk peace while continuing the campaign of suppression of supposed state enemies. The AUPAEU strongly supports the opportunity in resuming the peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). |
https://up.edu.ph/up-offices/ | UP Offices – University of the Philippines | UP Offices UP announces December benefits for employees For the last month of the year, faculty and staff of the University of the Philippines (UP) will receive... Read More UP statement on the procurement of network infrastructures The UP System administration clarifies that the procurement of network infrastructures at the level of both the System and constituent... Read More Call for Papers: 5th Biennial International Conference of the Consortium for Southeast Asian Studies in Asia The Asian Center of the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman is calling for paper submissions to the 5th Biennial... Read More PCCA Lantern-making Contest 2023 Calling all UP Creatives! As we approach the Christmas 2023 Season, let’s celebrate and showcase cultural diversity through lanterns! With... Read More BOR approves appointment of five new UP System officials During the 1384th meeting of the University of the Philippines (UP) Board of Regents (BOR) held at Quezon... Read More UP increases economic benefits for regular employees Starting January 2024, regular employees of the University of the Philippines (UP) will get an additional P1,500 to the... Read More Load More |
https://up.edu.ph/pamamahayag-bilang-pagmamalasakit-ilang-tala-hinggil-sa-some-people-need-killing/ | Pamamahayag bilang pagmamalasakit: Ilang tala hinggil sa ‘Some People Need Killing’ – University of the Philippines | Pamamahayag bilang pagmamalasakit: Ilang tala hinggil sa ‘Some People Need Killing’ Pamamahayag bilang pagmamalasakit: Ilang tala hinggil sa ‘Some People Need Killing’ December 7, 2023 | Written by Kenneth Roland A. Guda Estudyante pa lang si Patricia Evangelista ng Speech Communication sa College of Arts and Letters sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Diliman nang tumampok ang pangalan niya sa pandaigdigang entablado. Sa edad na 18, noong 2004, sumali si Patricia at nagwagi sa International Public Speaking Championship sa London, United Kingdom. Sa kanyang talumpati, pinamagatang “Blonde and Blue Eyes”, pinagdiwang niya ang mga Pilipinong nasa labas ng bansa, nakakalat sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng “mundong walang hangganan” (“borderless world”). Sa kanyang librong Some People Need Killing: A Memoir of Murder in My Country (2023, Random House), binalikan ni Evangelista ang talumpating ito. Sa paghirang niya sa mga Pilipinong nagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa, aniya, hindi niya nabanggit—o hindi niya alam—na nangingibang bansa ang mga Pilipino dahil sa kawalan ng oportunidad sa sariling bansa. “That many of those laborers had been forced into contracts abroad for the sake of starving families at home was a fact that I glossed over,” aniya. Gayunman, naging hudyat ang katanyagang ito ng isang karera sa midya. Noong 2006, bilang kolumnista para sa Philippine Daily Inquirer, isa si Evangelista sa pinakamasugid na sumubaybay sa kaso ng pagdukot ng militar sa dalawa niyang kaeskuwela sa UP: ang mga aktibistang sina Karen Empeño at Sherlyn Cadapan. Sinubaybayan din niya ang iba pang kaso ng mga paglabag sa karapatang pantao sa ilalim ng administrasyong Arroyo—sinundan, halimbawa, ang mga nanay na naghahanap ng kanilang nawawalang mga mahal-sa-buhay, kumakatok sa tarangkahan ng iba’t ibang kampo at opisina ng militar at gobyerno, para lang pagbagsakan ng mga pinto. Malayo ito sa “borderless world” na inakala noon ni Evangelista. Taong 2016, investigative reporter na siya para sa Rappler. Hasa na siya sa isang dekadang pagsubaybay sa mga isyung pangkarapatang pantao nang masabak sa pagkober sa madugong giyera kontra droga ng administrasyong Duterte. Ang karanasan ni Evangelista sa pagsubaybay sa giyerang ito ang naging bulto ng nilalaman ng Some People Need Killing. Mula sa paghirang ng New York Times at New Yorker sa kanyang libro bilang isa sa pinakamahusay ng taong 2023, muling nasabak sa pandaigdigang pagkilala si Evangelista. Sa pagkakataong ito, inabot niya ang pambihirang antas ng pagkilala. Pero, mas mahalaga, lalong naipapalaganap ang mga kuwento ng lagim ng giyera kontra droga ng administrasyong Duterte. Mas mahalaga, lalong naipapalaganap ang kawalan ng hustisya sa mga biktima. Nagsisimula ang libro sa pagpapaliwanag ng awtor sa personal niyang kasaysayan at perspektiba, at iniugnay ito sa kasaysayan ng bansa. Mabagal ang pag-usad ng bahaging ito, pero esensiyal na bahagi ng pag-unawa sa sumunod na mga desisyon ni Evangelista kaugnay ng pagsubaybay sa mga kuwento ng mga biktima ng (at kalahok sa) giyera kontra droga. Sa paglalahad ng mga kuwento pinakamakapangyarihan ang libro. Bagama’t minantine niya ang distansiya ng mamamahayag sa kanyang sabdyek, malinaw ang pagmamalasakit ni Evangelista sa mga biktima at kaanak. Malay ang awtor na nakatuntong ang giyera sa pagbubura ng pagkatao ng mga binabansagang “adik” at “tulak,” sa dehumanization at brutalidad ng mga institusyon ng estado sa mga maralitang itinuturing ng estado na latak ng lipunan. Kung kaya, pansin sa kanyang naratibo ang sadyang pagbawi ng pagkatao nila—sa pamamagitan ng paglalarawan sa kanila bilang mga magulang, anak o asawa, mga mamamayang di kaiba sa mambabasa. Sa pagitan ng mga naratibong ito, may pagpapasilip si Evangelista sa mga posibilidad ng paglaban—ang aktuwal na paglaban sa brutalidad, hindi ang pekeng “nanlaban” —ng mga mamamayang tulad ni Normy Lopez at iba pang pamilyang tumindig, nagsalita, nagreklamo at ipinaglaban ang dignidad ng kanilang mga anak, kapatid, asawa, marami pa na nilapastangan ng giyera ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. Sa kabila nito, ipinakita rin niya na bulnerable ang mga maralita sa pandarahas, panunuyo, panunuhol o pagkapagod—na siyang natural na bahagi ng mga paglaban. Sana lang, may naipakita pa ang libro na iba pang mukha ng mga biktimang tumitindig, dahil tiyak nating marami sila. May bahagi sa libro hinggil sa mga dating tagasuporta ni Duterte at ng kanyang madudugong kampanya. Ipinakita ang sarili nilang paglaban bilang akto ng pagsusumamo sa kanilang mga “kasalanan” bilang dating tagasuporta ng dating pangulo. Konsistent ito sa Katolikong tradisyon ng paghingi ng patawad. Sa bahaging ito, sinasabi sa atin ng awtor na umaasa siyang mababatid din ng karamihan ang katotohanan sa likod ng pekeng naratibo ng dating pangulo. Mahalaga ito, dahil sa panahong nagpapatuloy pa rin ang pandarahas at pagsisinungaling, madaling malulong sa kawalan-ng-pag-asa. Mainam na pasalamatan natin si Evangelista na tila hindi pa siya nawawalan ng pag-asa sa ating bayan. Mahalaga rin ang ilang bahagi ng libro na mistulang leksiyon sa semantikong paglalaro ng rehimen para linlangin ang mga mamamayan. Sa pagitan ng mga kuwento, panaka-nakang itinuturo ng manunulat kung papaanong binangkarote ni Duterte (at Marcos) ang wika para itago ang totoo: hindi pagsalba ang “salvage”, hindi paglaban ang “nanlaban”, at iba pa. Sa mga mambabasang artikulado at aral sa kapangyarihan ng wika, madaling masapol ang puntong ito ni Evangelista. Bahagi ng paglaban para sa katotohanan at kabutihan ang pagbawi sa ating wika bilang artikulasyon ng ating tunay na kalagayan, katangian at pangarap. Pero abstrakto ito sa marami. Mas malinaw at kongkreto ang paglaban kung malinaw sa ating isipan ang katangian ng kalaban. Higit kay Duterte (o kahit kay Marcos Jr. at Sr.), matagal nang nakalatag ang sistema ng brutalidad sa mga maralita. May direktang linya, halimbawa, na nag-uugnay sa giyera kontra droga at giyera kontra insurhensiya. Matagal nang nakatanim sa isipan ng mga nasa kapangyarihan at armadong puwersa ng estado ang ideolohiya ng dehumanization, adik man siya, tulak, rebelde o komunista. Mainam sanang maipakita o mabanggit ang ugnayang ito. Mayroon naman sa libro, pero hindi malinaw at kulang. Mainam din kung maipapakita ang batayan sa tunggalian ng mga uri ng brutalidad ng rehimen. “Are you going to shoot fellow Filipinos?” tanong ng mga mamamayang nag-alsa sa EDSA noong 1986 sa mga sundalo ni Marcos Sr. Ayon kay Evangelista, “oo” ang sagot dito ng mga Pilipino tatlong dekada matapos ang EDSA. “Kami ang mga Duterte,” sagot ng 16 milyong Pilipino. Pero hindi lang si Duterte ang naging tagapamandila ng brutalidad, at hindi lang ang kanyang giyera ang naging giyera sa mga maralita. Ang kaibahan ng EDSA at Tokhang: marami sa mga nasa kalsada noong 1986 ay mula sa panggitnang uri. Silang may kumpiyansa at artikulado, nakapag-aral at angat ang kabuhayan, mahirap baliwalain at tanggalan ng pagkatao. Sa kabilang banda, hindi mahirap ituring na mababa sa antas-tao ang mga maralita, adik, tulak, rebelde. Mainam sanang maiugat ang brutalidad ng giyera kontra droga sa historikal na panghahamak sa mga mamamayang nasa laylayan—sa pamamagitan man iyan ng mga polisiya sa ekonomiya o direktang paggamit ng dahas ng estado. Pero umaasa akong aabot din si Evangelista. Nasa tamang landas siya: ito ang landas ng pakikipagkapwa at pagmamalasakit sa mga maralitang sabdyek ng mga ulat niya. Malayo na ang inabot niya mula sa pagiging batang nangarap magkaroon ng blonde na buhok at asul na mata. Ipinakita niya sa librong Some People Need Killing ang sensitibidad ng isang mamamahayag na may pakialam sa kanyang mga kababayan, at may poot sa mga marahas at mapagsamantala. Anu’t anuman, mahalagang babasahin ang librong ito bilang dokumento ng barbarismo ng nakaraang administrasyon. Mahalaga ito dahil nagpapatuloy at umiigting ang brutalidad sa ating panahon. Malaking bahagi ng pag-unawa natin sa panahong ito ang ginawa ni Evangelista na pakikisimpatya sa mga biktima, paglulugar ng ating sarili sa kanilang kalagayan, at pagsilip sa mga posibilidad ng ating paglaban. Si Kenneth Roland Guda, 45, ang may akda ng “Peryodismo Sa Bingit: Mga Naratibong Ulat Sa Panahon Ng Digmaan At Krisis,” na nanalo sa Journalism category ng National Book Awards. Naging editor si Guda ng alternatibong newsmagazine na Pinoy Weekly, at naging senior reporter para sa Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism. Kasalukuyang bahagi si Guda ng UP Institute of Creative Writing. |
https://up.edu.ph/call-for-papers-5th-biennial-international-conference-of-the-consortium-for-southeast-asian-studies-in-asia/ | Call for Papers: 5th Biennial International Conference of the Consortium for Southeast Asian Studies in Asia – University of the Philippines | Call for Papers: 5th Biennial International Conference of the Consortium for Southeast Asian Studies in Asia Call for Papers: 5th Biennial International Conference of the Consortium for Southeast Asian Studies in Asia November 23, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The Asian Center of the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman is calling for paper submissions to the 5th Biennial International Conference of the Consortium for Southeast Asian Studies in Asia (SEASIA), which will be held in UP Diliman on July 18 – 20, 2024. With the theme De/Centering Southeast Asia, the conference hopes to advance Southeast Asian scholarship by highlighting the diverse histories, cultures and societies in the region in papers and presentations. The event will also provide a venue for the discussions on possible new topics and efforts in studies on the region. For more information on the conference, you may view the Concept Note here. For details on the submissions, please check out the poster below. For questions or clarifications, you may contact the UP Conference Committee Secretariat via this email address: seasia2024.upd@up.edu.ph of this mobile number: 63-9623771709 (available for Viber, Whatsapp, Line and KakaoTalk) For updates on the conference, visit their website: seasia2024.upd.edu.ph, or follow their official Facebook page: facebook.com/SEASIA2024 |
https://up.edu.ph/presidents-corner/ | President’s Corner – University of the Philippines | President's Corner Statement of President Angelo Jimenez on the Bombing of Mindanao State University – Marawi The University of the Philippines stands in solidarity with Mindanao State University (MSU), after an explosion at the... Read More UP-UMA agree on increasing collaboration activities The University of the Philippines (UP) and the Universidad de Málaga (UMA) of Spain have agreed to strengthen linkages... Read More Readiness, operational research, and climate justice: UP President Jimenez’s key points in climate change discussions UP President Angelo A. Jimenez delivered the concluding remarks during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) University Leaders’ Forum held in... Read More UP President Jimenez’s October sojourn to the US “Far tho’ we wander o’er island yonder, Loyal thy sons we’ll ever be” So go the lines from the UP... Read More UP and PNOC sign MOU The University of the Philippines (UP) and the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) have formalized their cooperation. PNOC counts on... Read More Possible UP-uOttawa collab areas discussed Biosurveillance, cybersecurity, and resilience. These were the possible areas of collaboration mentioned by UP President Angelo Jimenez (PAJ) to University... Read More Load More |
https://up.edu.ph/up-statement-on-the-procurement-of-network-infrastructures/ | UP statement on the procurement of network infrastructures – University of the Philippines | UP statement on the procurement of network infrastructures UP statement on the procurement of network infrastructures November 24, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The UP System administration clarifies that the procurement of network infrastructures at the level of both the System and constituent universities is ongoing. UP is still welcoming proposals from stakeholders and suppliers. All processes are being done in strict compliance with Republic Act No. 9184 and other procurement laws. The University remains committed to upholding all relevant regulations and to maintaining transparency and accountability in all procedures. |
https://up.edu.ph/up-announces-december-benefits-for-employees/ | UP announces December benefits for employees – University of the Philippines | UP announces December benefits for employees UP announces December benefits for employees December 20, 2023 | Written by Franco Gargantiel II For the last month of the year, faculty and staff of the University of the Philippines (UP) will receive the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) Incentive for Fiscal Year of 2023, a grant of up to Php30,000. According to Memorandum No. ACR 23-73 issued by UP Vice President for Administration Augustus Resurreccion on December 7, the CNA Incentive is sourced from the savings generated from the joint efforts of the University and the two unions, the All UP Workers Union (AUPWU) and the All UP Academic Employees Union (AUPAEU), with the help of all UP faculty, REPS (research, extension, and professional staff) and administrative staff in accordance with DBM Budget Circular No. 23-1 dated November 10, 2023. The CNA Incentive will be given to all regular full-time and part-time UP faculty, REPS and administrative staff who: have rendered at least a total or an aggregate of four months of service as of December 2023; are members of the AUPWU and AUPAEU; are non-members of the AUPWU and AUPAEU but want to enjoy or accept benefits under the CAN and who perform managerial functions (i.e., University officials). Those who were separated from the University within the year and had rendered at least four months of service within the year shall be entitled to the full amount of the CNA Incentive. However, those who were separated from the University within the year and had rendered less than four months of service shall be entitled only to a pro-rated 2023 CNA Incentive as follows: Length of Service Percentage of the 2023 CNA Incentive Amount 3 months but less than 4 months 75% Php22,500 2 months but less than 4 months 50% Php15,000 1 month but less than 4 months 25% Php7,500 Less than 1 month 10% Php3,000 As for those have rendered less than four months of service as of December 15, 2023, they too shall be entitled to a pro-rated 2023 CNA Incentive as follows: Length of Service Percentage of the 2023 CNA Incentive Amount 3 months but less than 4 months 75% Php22,500 2 months but less than 4 months 50% Php 15,000 1 month but less than 4 months 25% Php 7,500 Less than 1 month 10% Php 3,000 Part-time employees with employer-employee relations will also receive an amount in proportion to their workload, and months of service (e.g., part-time employees with four months and above shall receive Php15,000). SRI Incentive In addition to the CNA Incentive, UP faculty and staff will also receive the one-time Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) grant of Php20,000, to be given to government employees in the executive branch. This was authorized by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., accordance with Administrative Order (AO) No. 12 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on December 7. Qualified for the PhP20,000 SRI are civilian personnel in national government agencies including those in state universities and colleges (SUCs) and government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs), occupying regular, contractual or casual positions. On the other hand, President Marcos approved under Administrative Order No. 13 the grant of a one-time gratuity pay of not more than Php5,000 each for contract of service (COS) and job order (JO) (government employees who have rendered at least four months of actual satisfactory performance of service, as stipulated in their respective contracts as of December 15, and whose contracts are still effective as of the same date. Rice Subsidy 4th Tranche Finally, UP faculty, REPS, and administrative staff will receive the fourth tranche of the 2023 rice subsidy in accordance with a memorandum from the UP VP for Administration dated October 24, 2023, in the amount of P2,350 each. Due to failed bidding, the fourth tranche of the rice subsidy will be converted to cash. |
https://up.edu.ph/readiness-operational-research-and-climate-justice-up-president-jimenezs-key-points-in-climate-change-discussions/ | Readiness, operational research, and climate justice: UP President Jimenez’s key points in climate change discussions – University of the Philippines | Readiness, operational research, and climate justice: UP President Jimenez’s key points in climate change discussions Readiness, operational research, and climate justice: UP President Jimenez’s key points in climate change discussions November 14, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office UP President Angelo A. Jimenez delivered the concluding remarks during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) University Leaders’ Forum held in San Francisco, California, on November 13, 2023. With the theme “Investing in Tomorrow’s Biodiversity”, the forum was dedicated to sustainability and climate resilience, including sessions on sustaining the evolving biodiversity landscape, strengthening the resilience of coastal communities, rethinking food systems, and protecting water for the survival of humanity. The APEC University Leaders’ Forum, organized by the University of California-Davis, the University of California-Santa Cruz, and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), brought together presidents of the major Asia-Pacific research universities and leaders from major global corporations and governments to share insights and discuss critical global and regional issues. The forum served as an official collaborative event with the APEC CEO Summit and provided a unique platform to address key challenges and foster collaboration. Read UP President Jimenez’s speech below. Our troubles are mounting but peace be on all of us. As-salamu alaykum. A pleasant afternoon. I extend my heartfelt appreciation and congratulations to each one of you as we conclude this APEC University Leaders’ Forum on “Investing in Tomorrow’s Biodiversity.” It has been an honor to share this platform with esteemed leaders, scholars, and visionaries committed to addressing the critical issues of today. As substantive as our discussions on biodiversity have been, we cannot escape the fact that we are meeting in one of the most difficult and challenging periods for humanity since the end of the last World War. Many parts of our globe are shaking and coming apart under tragic conflict. Poverty and hunger continue to haunt billions of people. And on the immediate horizon, artificial intelligence is posing more serious questions than answers for human civilization. Against this backdrop, we are all threatened by climate change—not only we humans, but all life as we know it on this planet. And like the most devastating of wars, this change is, as we all know, man-made. We have waged war, as it were, on ourselves, on Nature, and on the future. The question now is whether we can find the wisdom, the will, and the means to make peace with the Earth and ensure our own survival. We have spoken all day about the severe threats faced by global biodiversity, coastal communities, and the world’s food production systems. We all know the urgent need for sustainable development, and for concrete measures to ensure climate adaptation, environmental resilience, water resource management, and food security, among others. As we fly home to deal with our specific situations, I suggest we ponder three key questions. First: Are existing international and national governing institutions adequately prepared to handle the global threats we face today? We raise this question because we are alarmed by the failure of the annual Conference of Parties or COP to agree on deadlines on the phasing out of coal and fossil fuel and on climate finance to help developing economies like ours manage the difficult climate adjustment and transition programs. At the national level, many countries remain unable to deliver on their mitigation commitments under the Paris Agreement of 2015. Rhetoric is cheap, but the costs of climate change to our economies and societies are real. It is Code Red for the Philippines and other countries in Asia. Alternating floods and droughts have been growing in intensity each year, severely damaging our economy and eroding our food security. Incidentally, the Philippines, which has contributed less than one percent to global GHG emissions, is among the top five countries considered most vulnerable to climate risks. About 60 percent of our people live in coastal towns and villages, for whom a sea rise of one to two meters will be calamitous. This is why we listened attentively to the discussions in this forum on how to mitigate climate impacts on coastal communities. Second key question: What can our universities do to fight or mitigate climate change? We hold the keys to enormous troves of knowledge, and produce new knowledge through research all the time. How much of that knowledge translates to practical solutions to real-world problems? Beyond amassing citations and achieving high global rankings, what do our universities strive for in our societies? President Jimenez delivering his message at the Closing Ceremony of the APEC University Leaders’ Forum. Sceengrab from the UP Resilience Institute live stream video. In our University, for example, one of our answers to this question has been the operational research undertaken by faculty members and researchers through our Resilience Institute, which has helped local communities build disaster resilience through trans-disciplinary actions, such as multisectoral and anticipatory development planning. These communities are involved from the very start of research, so they have a real stake in its outcome. We have also adopted an open-data policy, to share what we have learned with others. In other words, we need to get our feet wet and our hands dirty before our libraries and laboratories are flooded. Third key question: Can there be a greater moral imperative of our time than climate justice? Aside from measures to save and repair the planet, climate justice involves social justice, in that it must empower the most vulnerable victims of climate change to articulate their concerns, demand accountability, and seek proper redress for their grievances. At the same time, green transition must be just and transformative. Within our industries, for example, we must ensure that workers and communities reliant even on fossil-dependent industries and sectors, especially in developing countries, are not unduly displaced. A just transition to green industries must mean a transition to a better life, to more jobs, and to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy. Also, it must protect and improve life for all elements of our ecosystems, because the impacts of climate change extend far beyond human affairs. Climate justice encompasses the intricate web of biodiversity that includes plants, animals, organisms—the very fabric of our planet. The forces threatening us are global in nature, underscoring the urgency of our collective responsibility. In our pursuit of progress, let us always remember that our common survival is at stake, and our actions today will reverberate through generations to come. As we conclude this forum, let us remind ourselves that our role as educators extends beyond the confines of academia to our streets, our homes, our rivers, and the very grass beneath our feet. As we share this world, so we share in its well-being. And by contributing to the well-being of humanity and the planet, we contribute as well to the peace and prosperity our peoples everywhere so ardently desire. In the spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility, allow me to call upon each university leader present here today to join hands in creating a sustainable and resilient future for all. Indeed, we must create a network among ourselves to provide training and education on climate change and sustainable practices, so we can share vital knowledge with those who suffer at the short end of climate justice. Where governments fail or fall short, universities can and must act. Let us work together to amplify our impact, inspire change, promote transformative education, and usher in an era where investing in tomorrow’s biodiversity is not just a choice but an inescapable responsibility for all. Thank you very much. Watch UP President Jimenez’s speech with this video recorded and shared by the UP Resilience Institute. |
https://up.edu.ph/statement-of-president-angelo-jimenez-on-the-bombing-of-mindanao-state-university-marawi/ | Statement of President Angelo Jimenez on the Bombing of Mindanao State University – Marawi – University of the Philippines | Statement of President Angelo Jimenez on the Bombing of Mindanao State University – Marawi Statement of President Angelo Jimenez on the Bombing of Mindanao State University – Marawi December 3, 2023 | Written by the Office of the President The University of the Philippines stands in solidarity with Mindanao State University (MSU), after an explosion at the Marawi main campus that left four dead and dozens injured. This was an act of violence not only against the innocent victims and their families, but against the principles of peace, understanding, and unity that should be inviolable in academic institutions. We commend the swift response of MSU and its commitment to protecting the safety of all its constituents in this difficult time, and offer our support and resources in navigating the aftermath of this painful incident. State universities should serve as safe spaces for all its constituents, and as academic bastions where conflicts are discussed, debated, and resolved rather than exacerbated. It is imperative for all of us to be united in our mandate to cultivate an atmosphere where diversity and dialogue thrive. As a Mindanaoan Christian and Manobo lumad, I share in the grief and outrage of the community over this senseless tragedy. Despite the long history of strife in our region, many of us have always believed in justice and equality among the Bangsamoro peoples, actively working to ensure the recognition and protection of all cultures and religions. Let us all rally against violence and extremism, and join in the continuing effort to build a just and inclusive society in our homeland. |
https://up.edu.ph/events/ | Events – University of the Philippines | Events Tayo na Giliw: Konsyertong Pamasko ng UP Symphony Orchestra November 30, 2023 Join the University of the Philippines Symphony Orchestra (UPSO) for their annual Christmas community concert on Tuesday, December 19,... Read More Extending the Horizons of Human Rights: Philippines and the UDHR November 30, 2023 The University of the Philippines (UP) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will celebrate the 75th Anniversary of... Read More Pangarap Amerikano: Farmer-Migrants Behind the Camera November 30, 2023 “Pangarap Amerikano: Farmer-Migrants Behind the Camera” features home movies shot by a farmer-migrant Nicholas Viernes, the unofficial documentarian of... Read More Tech Tales Youth November 30, 2023 Watch the premiere of the #TechTalesYouth: Films about Digital Rights in the Asia-Pacific on December 7 (Thursday) from 2pm-5pm... Read More Leading Safe Spaces: The Role of Good Governance in Ending Violence Against Women November 30, 2023 As part of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), the University of the Philippines-Centre International de... Read More The Saga of Philippine Cinema November 30, 2023 With support from The UNESCO Memory of the World (PH), a new movement to recognize cinema as the world’s... Read More Load More |
https://up.edu.ph/leading-safe-spaces-the-role-of-good-governance-in-ending-violence-against-women/ | Leading Safe Spaces: The Role of Good Governance in Ending Violence Against Women – University of the Philippines | Leading Safe Spaces: The Role of Good Governance in Ending Violence Against Women Leading Safe Spaces: The Role of Good Governance in Ending Violence Against Women November 30, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office As part of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), the University of the Philippines-Centre International de Formation des Autorites et Leaders Philippines (UP-CIFAL Philippines) will hold “Leading Safe Spaces: The Role of Good Governance in Ending Violence Against Women” on December 6, Wednesday, 1:00 pm, at the GT Toyota Asian Center Auditorium, UP Diliman, Quezon City. The forum will discuss the vital role of leaders and authorities in crafting and implementing inclusive policies addressing gender-based violence. It will also tackle the current situation of gender-based violence in the country and examine the effectiveness of policies and programs in response to VAW. The event is free and open to the public. Interested parties however, are encouraged to register via this link: https://bit.ly/LeadingSafeSpacesForum of by scanning the QR code below. For questions and clarifications, you may send a message to UP-CIFAL Philippines via cifalphilippines@up.edu.ph. |
https://up.edu.ph/tech-tales-youth/ | Tech Tales Youth – University of the Philippines | Tech Tales Youth Tech Tales Youth November 30, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Watch the premiere of the #TechTalesYouth: Films about Digital Rights in the Asia-Pacific on December 7 (Thursday) from 2pm-5pm at the UPFI Film Center. Produced by EngageMedia, seven short films created by young and talented filmmakers from Thailand and the Philippines feature stories on digital labour, new money and platform accountability, access to the internet and digital technologies, disinformation and historical revisionism, doxxing, data privacy and accountability of the state and private companies. Aside from the screenings, there will also be talk back sessions with the filmmakers and invited guests. See you there! —- In partnership with UP Film Institute, DAKILA, Active Vista, Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA), Cinemata.org, Computer Professionals’ Union (CPU), DZUP 1602 and Altermidya. |
https://up.edu.ph/pangarap-amerikano-farmer-migrants-behind-the-camera/ | Pangarap Amerikano: Farmer-Migrants Behind the Camera – University of the Philippines | Pangarap Amerikano: Farmer-Migrants Behind the Camera Pangarap Amerikano: Farmer-Migrants Behind the Camera November 30, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office “Pangarap Amerikano: Farmer-Migrants Behind the Camera” features home movies shot by a farmer-migrant Nicholas Viernes, the unofficial documentarian of the Filipino immigrant community in Chicago. Since his arrival in the US in 1926, Viernes filmed events, gatherings, travels, and various slices of life. The films curated for this program were all from the 1930’s and are part of a larger collection of 240 analog films of the Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago (FAHSC), established in 1986. Please join this presentation by FAHSC archivist Ashley Dequilla this December 11 Monday 5 p.m. at UPFI Film Center. ~~~ UPFI Film Center December 2023 Pangarap Amerikano: Farmer-Migrants Behind the Camera Dec 11 Mon 5 p.m. ~~~ The screening is open to the public for free on a first-come, first-served basis. Register at the cinema entrance 1 hour before screen time. Eating and drinking are not allowed. |
https://up.edu.ph/extending-the-horizons-of-human-rights-philippines-and-the-udhr/ | Extending the Horizons of Human Rights: Philippines and the UDHR – University of the Philippines | Extending the Horizons of Human Rights: Philippines and the UDHR Extending the Horizons of Human Rights: Philippines and the UDHR November 30, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The University of the Philippines (UP) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on December 12, 2023, Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. at the University Theater, UP Diliman, Quezon City. The symposium, organized by both institutions, will discuss the role of the Philippines in the sharing of the international human rights framework, with a focus on UP alumnus and former United Nations General Assembly President Carlos P. Romulo’s contributions in the preparation of the UDHR. The event will also showcase the contributions of other Filipinos in international human rights treaties and mechanisms, particularly those in the United Nations. Interested parties may register for the event via this link: https://bit.ly/UPCelebrates75UDHR The event will streamed live via TVUP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TVUP.ph and TVUP on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TVUPph #StandUp4HumanRights #UDHR75 #UPCelebratesUDHR75 |
https://up.edu.ph/tayo-na-giliw-konsyertong-pamasko-ng-up-symphony-orchestra/ | Tayo na Giliw: Konsyertong Pamasko ng UP Symphony Orchestra – University of the Philippines | Tayo na Giliw: Konsyertong Pamasko ng UP Symphony Orchestra Tayo na Giliw: Konsyertong Pamasko ng UP Symphony Orchestra November 30, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Join the University of the Philippines Symphony Orchestra (UPSO) for their annual Christmas community concert on Tuesday, December 19, 6:30pm at the UP Theater, UP Diliman, Quezon City. The Orkestra ng Bayan will be presenting works from Saint-Saens’ Danse Bacchanale, Khachaturian’s Sabre Dance, Copeland’s Hoe Down and many more. Capping the night will be a rendition of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with soprano Stefanie Quintin, mezzo-soprano Aya Tantiongco, tenor Malvin Beethoven Macasaet, baritone Lawrence Ayuro Jatayna, and the UPSO Chorus. The Concert is FREE with pre-registration at http://bit.ly/upsopasko2023reg. For more information, send a message to the UP Symphony Orchestra via their official Facebook page. See you there! |
https://up.edu.ph/news/ | NEWS – University of the Philippines | News UP makes a big leap in rankings for tackling environmental, social, and governance challenges The University of the Philippines (UP) made a great leap in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) sustainability rankings, which measures universities... Read More The holidays arrive with “Pag-iilaw” rites across UP campuses You know it’s the holiday season once again when the campuses of the University of the Philippines (UP) come alive... Read More UP faculty and alumni, UP Press, win 41st National Book Awards Faculty and alumni of the University of the Philippines (UP), as well as the UP Press, won big when... Read More UP Cebu graduate tops licensure exam for secondary-level teachers A BS Mathematics graduate of the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu College of Science, Trilbe Lizann Espina Vasquez, ranked... Read More Above the Fold: A glimpse into the turbulence of Martial Law through the lens of the Collegian It was an eye-opening walk-through of one of the most turbulent periods in the history of of the... Read More UP launches online courses on resilience Starting on January 15, 2024, professionals engaged in climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR) work can... Read More Load More |
https://up.edu.ph/up-faculty-and-alumni-up-press-win-41st-national-book-awards/ | UP faculty and alumni, UP Press, win 41st National Book Awards – University of the Philippines | UP faculty and alumni, UP Press, win 41st National Book Awards UP faculty and alumni, UP Press, win 41st National Book Awards December 13, 2023 | Written by Franco Gargantiel II Faculty and alumni of the University of the Philippines (UP), as well as the UP Press, won big when the National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Manila Critics Circle (MCC) recently announced the winners of the 41st National Book Awards. Among the list of winners are books written by UP faculty members or graduates of the University, and/or published by the UP Press, the official publishing house for all constituent units of the UP System and the first university press in the country. The winners are: BEST NOVEL IN ENGLISH – “Yñiga: A Novel” – Glenn Diaz (Ateneo de Manila University Press) GERARDO P. CABOCHAN PRIZE FOR BEST BOOK OF SHORT FICTION IN FILIPINO – “Ang Buang ng Bayan: Mga Maikling Kuwento” – Rowena P. Festin (University of the Philippines Press) PABLO TAN PRIZE FOR BEST BOOK OF NONFICTION PROSE IN ENGLISH – “Even Ducks Get Liver Cancer and Other Medical Misadventures” -Wilfredo Liangco (Milflores Publishing) BEST ANTHOLOGY IN ENGLISH – “Kalandrakas Part 1, 1890-1945: Stories and Storytellers of /on Regions in Mindanao, 1890-1990” and “Kalandrakas Part 2, 1946-1990: Stories and Storytellers of/on Regions in Mindanao 1890-1990” – Ricardo M. De Ungria (Ed.) (Ateneo de Manila University Press) BEST ANTHOLOGY IN FIILIPINO – “Plus/+ at Iba Plus, Maramihan; New Philippine Nonfiction on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identities” – Roland B. Tolentino and Chuckberry J. Pasucal (Eds.) (Atendeo de Manila University Press) BEST BOOK ON MEDIA STUDIES – “Alternative Cinema: The Unchronicled History of Alternative Cinema in the Philippines” – Nick Deomampo (University of the Philippines Press) PHILIPPINE LITERARY ARTS COUNCIL PRIZE FOR BEST BOOK OF POETRY IN ENGLISH – “Coming Home to the Island: Poems” – Arlene J. Yandug (Xavier University Press) BEST GRAPHIC NOVEL AND COMICS IN FILIPINO – “Josefina” – Ace C. Enriquez, Illustrator (Adarna House) BEST TRANSLATED BOOK IN FILIPINO – “Illustrado” – Chuckberry J. Pascual, Translator (University of Santo Tomas Publishing House) BEST BOOK ON DRAMA AND FILM – “Huni at Pakpak: Mga Dula, Mga Sanaysay’ – Luna Sicat Cleto (University of the Philippines Press) BEST NOVEL IN BINISAYA – “Arkipelago: Novela” – Januar Yap (Advaux Publishing) BEST BOOK OF POETRY IN BINISAYA – “Ang Nakayatak kay Nayatakan (Who Steps Upon Is Stepped Upon)’ – Adonis Durado (University of the Philippines Press) ALFONSO T. ONGPIN PRIZE FOR BEST BOOK ON ART – “Julio Nakpil (1867-1950) Collected Works Volume 1: Piano, Vocal, and Chamber Music – Maria Alexandria Iñigo Chua (Ed.) (University of Santo Tomas Publishing House) The National Book Awards, an annual prize that honors the most outstanding book titles written, designed, and published in the Philippines, aims to celebrate the enterprising creative labor involved in book publishing. According to the NDBD’s website, for this cycle of the National Book Awards, a total of 235 titles were submitted across 34 categories consisting of seven languages: Filipino, English, Bikol, Binisaya, Hiligaynon, Tausug, and Waray. The 41st iteration of the awards is slated to take place in February 2024. The 41st National Book Awards coincides with the two-year preparation of the Philippines as it makes history as the second Southeast Asian country to be chosen as Guest of Honour in 2025 at the world’s biggest book fair, the Frankfurter Buchmesse. |
https://up.edu.ph/making-a-difference/ | Making A Difference – University of the Philippines | Making A Difference Eleventh year of ArtGifts returns with “Sari-saring Likhang Sining” Giving transcends the mere exchange of objects. It is an act that imparts something beyond the physicality of the... Read More UP Features: Andre Arboleda UP Features, the official video publication of the University of the Philippines, is a platform that showcases narratives of exceptional... Read More Datu Waway Saway’s Artistic Mission as UPD’s First Culture Bearer-in-Residence I would like to help our original culture to re-emerge, help people to understand who they are and what they... Read More Teaching Literature: The Gemino H. Abad Seminar-Workshop 2023 Teaching literature is impossible; that is why it is difficult. –Northrop Frye “Do you want to enhance your skills in... Read More Doktor Para sa Bayan, Kasama ng Bayan Jessica Franco Perez Magna cum laude Doctor of Medicine UP College of Medicine I am Jessica Franco Perez, 32... Read More Love life and don’t give up Hannah Patricia E. Bringas Doctor of Dental Medicine UP College of Dentistry I am Hannah Patricia E. Bringas, a... Read More Load More |
https://up.edu.ph/up-makes-a-big-leap-in-rankings-for-tackling-environmental-social-and-governance-challenges/ | UP makes a big leap in rankings for tackling environmental, social, and governance challenges – University of the Philippines | UP makes a big leap in rankings for tackling environmental, social, and governance challenges UP makes a big leap in rankings for tackling environmental, social, and governance challenges December 15, 2023 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc The University of the Philippines (UP) made a great leap in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) sustainability rankings, which measures universities in terms of their ability to tackle environmental, social, and now, governance challenges. It climbed from the 401-450 bracket of 700 universities to 231st among 1,400 universities. In terms of environmental impact, it now ranks 180th; in social impact, 355th; and in governance, 330th. The previous year’s rankings measured only environmental impact and social impact, under which categories UP ranked 365th and 405th, respectively. Governance was measured in terms of university governance and the university’s human and research resources for sustainable development and policy-making. Environmental impact, which contributed the biggest to UP’s climb in the rankings, was measured in terms of environmental sustainability of the campuses, environmental education, and environmental research. Environmental research, in turn, was measured largely in terms of research impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for sustainable research. Social impact was measured in terms of equality, knowledge exchange, impact of education, employability and opportunities, and health and well-being. Equality, impact of education, health and well-being, and environmental research were measured largely in terms of research impact on the SDGs for each. Screencapture of the rankings on the QS website. Details of the methodology for the sustainability rankings are available here. In the previous year’s sustainability rankings, which was the first, only UP and De La Salle University (DLSU) made it, with the latter earning a spot in the 601+ bracket. In this year’s ranking, “QS World Sustainability Rankings: Sustainability 2024”, released on December 5, 2023, three other Philippine universities figured: Ateneo de Manila University, 593rd; University of Santo Tomas, 1,001-1,050; and Mapua University, 1,201+. DLSU made it to the 981-1,000 bracket. UP as the national university ranked number one in the Philippines in all subcategories. A screenshot from the QS website of UP’s ranking in terms of Environmental Impact. A screenshot from the QS website of UP’s ranking in terms of Social Impact. A screenshot from the QS website of UP’s impact on Governance. UP Vice President for Academic Affairs Leo Cubillan, for his part, said that UP’s rise in the QS sustainability rankings “reflects UP’s continuous efforts in sustainability and its roles as a leader in higher education, committed to making a positive impact to society and the environment.” UP’s sustainability ranking by QS is higher than its global universities ranking by the same ranking firm, the latter placing more significance on the global reputation and orientation of research universities. UP is currently 404th among 1,500 global universities, as ranked by QS. |
https://up.edu.ph/datu-waway-saways-artistic-mission-as-upds-first-culture-bearer-in-residence/ | Datu Waway Saway’s Artistic Mission as UPD’s First Culture Bearer-in-Residence – University of the Philippines | Datu Waway Saway’s Artistic Mission as UPD’s First Culture Bearer-in-Residence Datu Waway Saway’s Artistic Mission as UPD’s First Culture Bearer-in-Residence November 24, 2023 | Written by Ma. Patricia Brillantes Silvestre I would like to help our original culture to re-emerge, help people to understand who they are and what they were. – Datu Waway Saway Datu Waway on his katyapi, a Philippine two-stringed, fretted boat-lute. (Photo from the UP Diliman Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts) Rodelio “Waway” Saway, Talaandig datu, brilliant master artist, musician, educator and current Municipal Councilor of Songco, Lantapan in Bukidnon, arrived November 6 at the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Music to fulfill a three-week sojourn till November 24 under the new UP Diliman (UPD) Culture Bearers-in-Residence Program. Approved by the UPD Office of the Chancellor on February 7, 2023, and envisioned to shine the spotlight on the promotion and protection of the nation’s indigenous knowledges or katutubong kaalaman and kaalamang bayan, this new program aligns with Republic Act 9500, which seals UP’s mandate, as the country’s national university, to spearhead exemplary academic standards and innovative practices. Not new to this, the College of Music since the 1960s has had a string of culture bearers as teachers of Asian music in the Musicology curricula, a significant move initiated by ethnomusicologist-composer and National Artist for Music, Dr. Jose Maceda. Ben Pangosban and Benicio Sokkong taught Kalinga music; Ligaya Amilbangsa taught Sulu pangalay dance; Joey Ayala taught instrumental music of the Davao lumad; Abraham Sakili taught Tausug gabbang and songs; and today, Aga Mayo Butocan and Kanapia Kalanduyan currently teach Magindanaon kulintangan. However, Waway’s intensive stay-in engagement brought knowledge-learning to a closer degree of apprenticeship: freer, more flexible time for lots of informal kwentuhan, juxtaposed with jamming outside of the formal class setting and curriculum. The son of Datu Kinulintang, descendant of revered chieftain-peacemakers of Mindanao, Waway is one of 18 siblings, counting tribal leaders, Datu Makapukaw and anthropologist Datu Migketay or Vic (who lobbied for the signing of the Indigenous People’s Rights Act in 1997), and sociologist-soil-painter Salima among them. His family was instrumental in establishing the Talaandig School for Living Traditions in 1995, which endeavored to keep alive the artistic traditions and cultural values of the community. This became a model system adopted by other indigenous groups, which today has branched out to 14 other barangays by means of a moving school-on-wheels. Transfixed by the dynamism of the tribal elders in preserving their traditions through teaching, a bunch of multidisciplinal researchers, mostly from UP, worked to bring the Talaandig educational exemplar in 1998 to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC, as part of the grand Pahiyas Folklife Festival in celebration of the centennial of the Philippine Revolution. There, the Talaandig tent constantly reverberated with excitement, as Waway beat on the massive log drums, or taught the audience how to move to the shimmering bell tones and rhythmic foot stamping of the elegant ceremonial dance Dugso, enveloping those who watched in a hushed, mesmerizingly reverent state. This was Waway’s very first foray outside of his barangay, along with two brothers and an aunt. Little did he know that he was destined for global recognition, as he would soon travel the world to share his music at festivals in Europe, Asia and the United States, and perform with noted artists in venues such as the Quai Branly Museum in Paris, and the Lincoln Center in New York. An innovator, he bridged Asia and the West through his bowed katyapi, a two-stringed lute traditionally played by plucking. He developed an adventurous, contemporary sound that keenly projected his ethnicity as it embraced globality, fusing elements of rock and reggae with indigenous melodies and timbres. Samples of Datu Waway’s soil-paintings. (Photo from the UP Diliman Office for Initaitives in Culture and the Arts) Not only in music did Waway make his mark. He pioneered the art of soil painting in the community, a modern form of artistic expression that sourced organic materials from the environment and colored soil (23 myriad hues) from hills and riverbanks. Through the medium of soil, Waway created a visual avenue for expressing Talaandig oral history and daily life: a woman playing the polycordal zither; female dugso dancers; a family on a moonlit walk; a mother with child at her bosom; a storyteller; flowers and butterflies. Young Talaandig soil painters have won the prestigious Philippine Arts Awards and Metrobank Award. Datu Waway demonstrates his kubing skills. (Photo from the UP Diliman Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts.) Amiable, unassuming, soft-spoken and radiating with quiet wisdom and positivity, Waway is a revitalizing presence on campus. Billeted at the Balay Kalinaw, he followed an itinerary of multi-disciplinary activities to foster a collaborative spirit. At the College of Music—Sayaw, Hukagtes, Salay (Dance, Flute, Beads)—a dance and chant workshop (that had our dancers gamely working their vocal cords); bamboo flute-making (which resourcefully used PVC pipes instead of bamboo due to a logistics glitch, but which surprisingly emitted nice, airy tones); and beadwork for crafts (that fired the students’ imaginations). And at the College of Fine Arts—Bugta: Embracing Talaandig Ancestral Soil—an exhibit on Talaandig culture and Waway as Artist, preceded by an Artist’s Talk, was launched on Nov. 16 at the PAROLA Gallery, co-curated by a team from both colleges, and graced by Chancellor Vistan. Seventeen of Waway’s own soil paintings are currently on exhibit till November 24, along with his musical instruments, katyapi, pulala (bamboo flute), and kubing (jaw harp made from bamboo), while videos of Waway in musical action unfold on a screen, and a pair of headphones strung on the panel enfolds the listener in the Talaandig soundscape. Invited as a guest in our classes, and holding lively exchanges with students and faculty, and spirited jam sessions with our groups TUGMA (Tugtugang Musika Asyatika) and Padayon Rondalla, which saw an organic immersion in music juxtaposed with precious kwentuhan, good-natured banter and insights—all these became vital components of his stay. With just three more days left of his UP visit, two final events remain on the calendar: the soil-painting workshop on November 23, and a culminating concert on November 24, both at the College of Fine Arts. Dubbed “Munahu. Datu Waway Saway, the Lightkeeper of Talaandig Culture in a Special Thanksgiving Concert”, this event brings together :prominent ethnic-pop music artists Joey Ayala and Bayang Barrios; Asian Music major and former Up Dharma Down lead singer Armi Millare; our very own Asian Music teachers, Dr. Hiroko Nagai, Tusa Montes and Malou Matute; saxophone artist Mike Guevarra, percussionist Jose Dufourt; our students and performing groups ,TUGMA and Padayon Rondalla, all in one big momentous concert that will be hard to replicate. Three weeks of unforgettable learnings rooted in indigenous wisdom, art and life while engaging the contemporary zeitgeist. Waway’s visit was like soft rain on parched earth. He infused a new, vibrant energy into the academic community through his spontaneous sprinkles of aphorism and gentle counsel dispensed between verses of a song, or while carving out a flute or sharing a meal. He made the ordinary extraordinary: “Tingnan mo ang buwan. . . laging sinasabi na maliwanag ang buwan. . . pagmasdan na di lang maliwanag kundi maganda rin ang buwan.” He showed how effortless it was to be one with nature and the environment: “Nature was my recording studio. . . the birds, insects, rustling leaves were my back-up musicians.” He explained how organic practices, resilience, resourcefulness and creative sharing should be developed as natural attributes. His songs, Bulalakaw, Sinla Sinla, Gabi sa Unay-House of Gongs Mix, and Riverclouds, are fervent testaments to a snug union of traditional and modern-day aesthetics as they embody the Talaandig imagination, spirituality, and cosmology, as well as daily reality and struggle. Datu Waway shares his traditions, culture and musical and artistic gifts with UP arts and music scholars. (Photo from the UP Diliman Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts) The soil-painting workshop on November 23 returns human respect to this most fundamental material on which rests the Earth’s systems, through use of soil as art medium. The Talaandig’s deep love for the earth is passed on to us, through their paintings which bear the community’s “geographic and geologic imprint”, as Dean San Valentin remarked at the exhibit opening. Through each graceful turn of the hand on the kubing, each delicate brushstroke of soil paint, each sincere intonation of chant phrase, Waway demonstrated how we can all be better humans for others through art and music. Waway’s artistic journey led to his mission of “helping” his “original culture” to re-emerge. His brief but eye- and ear-opening stay as UPD’s first Culture Bearer-in-Residence has led us onto a path of re-emergence as well. You may view Datu Waway’s latest works and activities via his Facebook page Article written by Dr. Ma. Patricia Brillantes Silvestre, Associate Professor of Historical Musicology, and Chair of the Department of Musicology, UP College of Music. Prof. Patricia has written on various topics, in which she combines her fluency in the Spanish language, acquired after obtaining a Diploma Básico de Español como Lengua Extranjera from the Universidad de Salamanca and an MA in Spanish from UP, with her interest in Fil-Hispanic culture. She earned her PhD in Philippine Studies from UP Diliman’s TriCollege Program in 2021. Her research focus is social history of 19th to early 20th Century Manila, thru ideas of being and becoming (in Musicology and Cultural Studies) in the journalism on music in the colonial press. |
https://up.edu.ph/up-features-andre-arboleda/ | UP Features: Andre Arboleda – University of the Philippines | UP Features: Andre Arboleda UP Features: Andre Arboleda December 6, 2023 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office UP Features, the official video publication of the University of the Philippines, is a platform that showcases narratives of exceptional individuals alongside remarkable breakthroughs within the institution. These videos celebrate UP’s legacy while highlighting the pivotal role of the University in nation building and its tradition of honor, excellence, and—most importantly—public service. UP Features focuses on the UP community, the beating heart of the University, and showcases how individuals serve the public in various ways, whether through significant contributions towards progress and development, or through excellence in their fields that inspires others within and outside the university. These videos highlight the extraordinary contributions of selected individuals, UP offices, and projects that set records in applied research and development for the nation. The series also features ordinary people on campus, whose work and contribution enrich the experience of life in UP for all. UP Features are open to all people who wish to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of every member of the UP community, whether they are personnel or alumni of the university. The pilot episode of UP Features is an example of how one such member of the UP community is harnessing his passion and expertise to teach street dance. Andrei Arboleda graduated with a Bachelor of Sports Science in 2016 from UP and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Human Movement Sciences, with a focus on Physical Education. Beyond his academic pursuits in UP Diliman, where he imparts the intricacies of Basic Street Dance to UPD students, he also teaches young students in Pampanga, working with children and teenagers aged 5 to 14. Additionally, he serves as a coach for the dance troupes at Miriam College, guiding and nurturing young talents in the art of dance. Watch the video of this new segment of UP Features, produced by the UP Media and Public Relations Office under the Office of the Vice President for Public Affairs. |
https://up.edu.ph/eleventh-year-of-artgifts-returns-with-sari-saring-likhang-sining/ | Eleventh year of ArtGifts returns with “Sari-saring Likhang Sining” – University of the Philippines | Eleventh year of ArtGifts returns with “Sari-saring Likhang Sining” Eleventh year of ArtGifts returns with “Sari-saring Likhang Sining” December 14, 2023 | Written by Kevin Christian Roque Giving transcends the mere exchange of objects. It is an act that imparts something beyond the physicality of the gift, leaving a fragment of oneself with the receiver. This profound act of sharing, encapsulated in the Filipino term “pababahagi,” is the essence of ArtGifts, a tradition initiated in 2012 during the term of Prof. Emeritus Benjie Cabangis as curator for the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts (UPCFA) Gallery. Now in its eleventh year, ArtGifts returns with “Sari-saring Likhang Sining,” celebrating the spirit of giving that has been at the core of this annual fundraising show. The exhibit, featuring 44 artists from the UPCFA’s distinguished faculty and staff, showcases over 160 small artworks in various media, including ceramics, canvas paintings, ink works, photographs, sculptures, and prints – all available for sale. The title “Sari-sari” serves as a metaphor, drawing inspiration from the humble sari-sari store. Beyond its role as a commercial space, the sari-sari store is a communal hub where meaningful exchanges unfold, and stories are shared. In the context of ArtGifts, “Sari-sari” becomes a point of departure, symbolizing the gathering of artistic expressions and diverse narratives. Through the concept of “sari-sari,” the spirit of “pagbabahagi” is upheld, reinforcing the celebration of community and nurturing the diversity of people and artistry that define the UPCFA. The exhibit invites all to partake in this collective act of sharing, encouraging everyone to impart themselves through their creations, in whatever form they may take. Ruben Totet De Jesus’ Mahiyaing Manok illustration. Art Mugs atbp in collaboration with Ruben Totet De Jesus; illustrations of Philippine cultural traditions. Ambie Abaño’s print. Lisa Ito-Tapang’s cat print. Poeleen Alvarez’ Tropical Depression II: Raging On. Rogelio Espiritu’s Gayuma, Jerome San Jose’s Orange, and Lea Jadia’s Durian. Julie Verano’s lamps, holders, and diffusers. Toym Imao’s Kriss Kross sculpture. Paul Albert Quiaño’s rendition of UP Oblation sculpture. ArtGifts 2023 runs from December 6 to December 20, 2023, at Gallery One, UP Fine Arts Gallery. For the catalog, you can download it at https://bit.ly/ArtGifts-2023, send a message to cfagallery.upd@up.edu.ph, visit https://www.facebook.com/upfineartsgallery, or check https://www.instagram.com/upfineartsgallery. |
https://up.edu.ph/up-remains-in-position-to-lead-philippine-universities-based-on-2024-qs-world-university-rankings-asia/ | UP remains in position to lead Philippine universities, based on 2024 QS World University Rankings: Asia – University of the Philippines | UP remains in position to lead Philippine universities, based on 2024 QS World University Rankings: Asia UP remains in position to lead Philippine universities, based on 2024 QS World University Rankings: Asia November 10, 2023 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc The University of the Philippines (UP) is on the up and up again in terms of ranking among Asia’s top universities, climbing to No. 78 from the previous 87, remaining No. 18 in Southeast Asia and number one in the Philippines, according to the 2024 edition of Asia university rankings by the widely recognized and referenced Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). Sixteen Philippine universities made it to the Asia rankings, although UP is the only Philippine university to make it to the top 10% of the top 856 Asian universities, led by Peking University. UP’s overall score out of a possible 100 is 48, 13 points higher than the next-ranked university. The 2024 QS Asia University Rankings included a breakdown by Asian sub-region. UP placed 18th among the top 148 universities of Southeast Asia, where the National University of Singapore ranked number one. The current rankings of Philippine universities that made the QS Asia grade are as follows: UP, 78; Ateneo de Manila University, 137; De La Salle University, 154; University of Santo Tomas, 179; Adamson University, 551-600; Polytechnic University of the Philippines, 551-600; University of San Carlos, 551-600; Mapua University, 601-650; Silliman University, 601-650; Ateneo de Davao University, 651-700; Far Eastern University, 701-750; Mindanao State University (MSU)-Iligan Institute of Technology, 701-750; Saint Louis University, 751-800; Lyceum of the Philippines University, 801+; MSU-Marawi, 801+; and Xavier University, 801+. The rankings are based on scores for academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, faculty-staff with PhD, papers per faculty, citations per paper, international research network, international faculty, international students, inbound exchange, and outbound exchange. Based on the 2024 edition scores, UP’s biggest advantage in the Philippines appears to be in the indicators of international research network and academic reputation. It scored 68.4 out of a possible 100 in international research network. The closest university in terms of this indicator only managed a score of 14.5. It is also where UP made the biggest improvement in score from the previous year, when it managed to get 52.1. UP’s academic reputation is unparalleled in the country, with its score of 61.2, 20 points higher than the next highest score from a Philippine university, 41.2. UP’s highest score, however, is in employer reputation at 77.7. The 2024 QS Asia University Rankings can be viewed at https://www.topuniversities.com/asia-university-rankings. The QS rankings portfolio was inaugurated in 2004 and published by the Times Higher Education (THE) Supplement as Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings. In 2009, THE broke from its partnership with QS in favor of Thomson Reuters and later, Elsevier, in coming out with the THE World University Rankings. |
https://up.edu.ph/up-uma-agree-on-increasing-collaboration-activities/ | UP-UMA agree on increasing collaboration activities – University of the Philippines | UP-UMA agree on increasing collaboration activities UP-UMA agree on increasing collaboration activities December 1, 2023 | Written by Fred Dabu Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez, UP President, and Prof. Juan Antonio García Galindo, UMA Vice Rectorate of Social Projection and Communication, present a signed memorandum of agreement. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO.) The University of the Philippines (UP) and the Universidad de Málaga (UMA) of Spain have agreed to strengthen linkages and increase opportunities for collaboration with the opening of representative offices between UP and UMA and the creation of the Aula Maria Zambrano UP-UMA Centre at the UP Diliman campus on December 1, 2023. This Centre will be a hub “for the study of relations between the Philippines, Spain and Ibero-America, enriching our understanding of the Pacific region’s cultural heritage,” said UP President Angelo A. Jimenez. Universidad de Málaga (UMA) and University of the Philippines (UP) officials sign the agreements that aim to strengthen linkages and increase opportunities for collaboration in international studies. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO.) Officials of the two universities visited the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA) International Collaboration Unit at Vinzons Hall, UP Diliman, before signing two Memoranda of Agreement at the UP Board of Regents Room at Quezon Hall. “Together, we aim to create a lasting impact on both our institutions and the public even beyond academic pursuits. The cultural, social, political, and economic exchanges facilitated by this collaboration will provide a broader vision on Transatlantic Studies,” Jimenez said. Prof. Juan Antonio García Galindo, UMA Vice Rectorate of Social Projection and Communication, said that the Centre here will be a place for research and collaboration. It will also link UP to the International Network of María Zambrano Centres for Transatlantic Studies (AMZET) and Centre for Ibero-American and Transatlantic Studies coordinated by the University of Málaga. UP President Angelo A. Jimenez and UMA Prof. Juan Antonio García Galindo together with UMA Prof. Miriam Lopez Rodriguez, UP Vice President for Academic Affairs Leo D.P. Cubillan, UP Executive Vice President Jose Fernando T. Alcantara, UP Vice President for Public Affairs Rolando B. Tolentino, UP Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Ma. Shari Niña G. Oliquino, UP Office of International Linkages Deputy Director Noel A. Moratilla, UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II, UP College of Law Dean Darlene Marie B. Berberabe, UP College of Law Associate Dean Solomon Lumba, and UP College of Law Prof. Donna Manlangit. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO.) New avenues for cooperation, particularly in the field of international studies, include participation of faculty and students in activities of international networks, identification of areas for research and development, promotion of the Transatlantic Studies Network (TSN) Revista de Estudios Internacionales, and joint organization of courses, seminars, conferences, and scientific-technical sessions. The UP-UMA Centre in UP Diliman will be headed by UP Vice President for Academic Affairs Leo D.P. Cubillan. The UP Office at UMA Teatinos campus, Spain, will be headed by Prof. Susana Cabrero Yeto, UMA Vice Rectorate for Mobility and International Cooperation. With UMA Vice Rector Galindo was Dr. Miriam López-Rodríguez, UMA Deputy Vice-President for Social Projection. With UP President Jimenez and Vice President Cubillan were Executive Vice President Jose Fernando T. Alcantara, Vice President for Public Affairs Rolando B. Tolentino, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Ma. Shari Niña G. Oliquino, Office of International Linkages Deputy Director Noel A. Moratilla, UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II, College of Law Dean Darlene Marie B. Berberabe, College of Law Associate Dean Solomon Lumba, and College of Law Prof. Donna Manlangit. Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez, UP President, and Prof. Juan Antonio García Galindo, UMA Vice Rectorate of Social Projection and Communication. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO.) From left to right: UP College of Law Associate Dean Solomon Lumba, UP Office of International Linkages Deputy Director Noel A. Moratilla, UP Vice President for Academic Affairs Leo D.P. Cubillan, UP President Angelo A. Jimenez, UMA Prof. Juan Antonio García Galindo, UMA Prof. Miriam Lopez Rodriguez, and UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO.) Universidad de Málaga (UMA) and University of the Philippines (UP) officials exchange tokens of appreciation after the signing of the memorandums of agreement. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO.) Below are some highlights of the MOA signing with the University of Malaga. Video by Al Nikko Nagutom, UP MPRO. |
https://up.edu.ph/think-tank-instrumental-to-s-korea-prosperity-introduced-in-up/ | Think-tank instrumental to S. Korea prosperity introduced in UP – University of the Philippines | Think-tank instrumental to S. Korea prosperity introduced in UP Think-tank instrumental to S. Korea prosperity introduced in UP December 4, 2023 | Written by Raymond Barreno, UP Korea Research Center, and Jo. Lontoc, UP MPRO Dr. Chang-keun Lee and Ms Min-young Seo (fifth and eighth from left, back) of the KDI School of Public Policy and Management, together with (left to right, back) UP professors Aletheia Valenciano, Matthew Miranda, Hwee-rak Park, Ronel Laranjo, Jean Encinas-Franco, and Erik Capistrano (third from right, back), and (middle) UP Korea Research Center’s (UKRC) Raymond Barreno (sitting), Pame Jacar, and Dr. Kyung-min Bae, with UP graduate and undergraduate students, during a Korea Studies Info-session of the UPKRC, October 20, 2023, in UP Diliman, Quezon City. (Photo courtesy of the UPKRC.) The University of the Philippines Korea Research Center (UP-KRC) introduced UP faculty to the Korea Development Institute (KDI) School of Public Policy and Management, the institute reputed to be the driving force behind the economic and social development of South Korea, by hosting a talk by one of its professors. Dr. Changkeun Lee, KDI Professor of Economic History, visited the UP Korea Research Center last October 20 to conduct an orientation for UP Department of Political Science faculty and students who are interested in pursuing and advancing their careers in policymaking and development studies. Dr. Lee ended his lecture by proposing partnerships and exchange programs between the KDI School and the UP Department of Political Science for the mutual development of the two institutions. The UP Department of Political Science contingent was headed by its Chair Dr. Aries A. Arugay and Dr. Jean S. Encinas Franco. Dr. Chang-keun Lee, professor at the KDI School of Public Policy and Management, talks about collaborative research opportunities in Korea, during a Korea Studies Info-session of the UP Korea Research Center, October 20, 2023, in UP Diliman, Quezon City. (Photo courtesy of the UPKRC.) Located at the heart of Sejong City, the KDI is the major institution that has steered the wheel of South Korea toward economic growth and development, Dr. Lee said. The KDI also prides itself as the leading institution in the field of public policy in Korea. Moreover, he stated that the KDI School focuses on evidence-based policymaking, analyzing processes and policymaking, and application of policy research that will help students become the future policymakers and leaders that their country needs. Dr. Lee introduced the programs offered by the school. The KDI School offers Development Policy, Public Policy, Public Administration, and Intellectual Property and Development courses for Master’s Programs and Development Policy and Public Policy for Ph.D. Program. These graduate programs are being supervised by Professors with diverse academic backgrounds and policy experiences both abroad and in Korea. Dr. Lee also mentioned that the KDI has state-of-the-art resource facilities and equipment, organized peer group reviews, and a strong alumni network. Moreover, the KDI School grants financial support to aspiring scholars. Dr. Lee said that graduates of the KDI School in Korea have numerous opportunities waiting after graduation. Graduates may consider applying for grants from the National Research Foundation in Korea for their research proposals. Ms. Min-young Seo, Head of Cooperative Research Division of the KDI School, said that they can also work with various international cooperation agencies and organizations like KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency). The session ended with a question-and-answer forum. UP Political Science students asked questions regarding the requirements and application calendar of the school as well as fully-funded scholarships and tuition discounts for Filipino students. Faculty members and students of political science, international relations, linguistics, business, and others listen to the talk of Dr. Chang-keun Lee of the KDI School of Public Policy and Management during a Korea Studies Info-session of the UP Korea Research Center, October 20, 2023, in UP Diliman, Quezon City. (Photo courtesy of the UPKRC.) Learn more about the UP Korea Research Center: https://upkrc.wordpress.com/ https://www.facebook.com/UPKRC https://www.youtube.com/@UPKoreaResearchCenter |
https://up.edu.ph/up-launches-online-courses-on-resilience/ | UP launches online courses on resilience – University of the Philippines | UP launches online courses on resilience UP launches online courses on resilience December 7, 2023 | Written by Fred Dabu Dr. Mahar Lagmay shows PAJ the Earthquake Simulator. Photo by Jonathan Madrid, UPMPRO. Starting on January 15, 2024, professionals engaged in climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR) work can enroll in the University of the Philippines’ Basics of Resilience Online Courses. This collaborative program was launched on December 5 at the UP Resilience Institute (UP RI) building in UP Diliman, Quezon City. The UP RI and the UP Open University Faculty of Management and Development Studies (UPOU-FMDS) designed the online courses especially for crises managers, CCA-DRR practitioners, and climate action partners and stakeholders. According to the proponents of this program, the series of microcourses to be offered through UPOU’s Open and Distance Learning (ODL) modality can be taken as standalone courses and be eventually credited to a Diploma or even a Master’s degree. To introduce content of the online courses, Prof. Alfredo Mahar A. Lagmay, UP RI Executive Director, delivered a 30-minute lecture on the disaster context in the Philippines. He explained CCA-DRR terminologies, some of the natural hazards and the country’s experiences during the past decades, and what must be done given that the Philippines also ranks first in the World Risk Index. Opening Remarks of UPOU-FMDS Dean Joane V. Serrano. Photo by Jonathan Madrid, UPMPRO Lecture of UPRI Executive Director Alfredo Mahar A. Lagmay. Photo by Jonathan Madrid, UPMPRO. UP and CCA-DRR officials delivered inspirational messages during the hybrid face-to-face and online launch of the program. More than 400 attended this event. Prof. Ruben M. Gamala, UP RI Director for Education, said this program is a welcome opportunity for those who cannot leave their workplace or community to study. UPOU-FMDS Dean Joane V. Serrano explained that the courses would provide necessary knowledge not only to those in CCA-DRR professions, but also to those in underserved sectors and other stakeholders to enable them to build resilience in their respective communities. UPOU Chancellor Melinda Dela Peña Bandalaria added that the program’s micro-credentialing framework is transformational and can be a model for UP’s new initiatives and the country’s higher education institutions. Office of Civil Defense Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno expressed hope that the online courses will capacitate more CCA-DRR professionals who will engage more people in creating safe, sustainable and resilient communities. Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert E.A. Borje said the initiative affirms the academe’s role in resilience building and is a huge step forward in making education accessible. Message of UP President Angelo A. Jimenez. Photo by Jonathan Madrid, UPMPRO. A final photo to conclude the launch. Photo by Jonathan Madrid, UPMPRO. UP President Angelo A. Jimenez emphasized the role of universities in facing the threats due to climate change. He said that universities must bring the message to the communities that climate action—climate justice—is the greatest moral imperative of this generation. “What is required is climate justice. There has to be equity as well,” he said. He challenged academics and researchers to be effective communicators and maximize their creativity in building a scientific culture or a culture of science. To conclude the program launch, Prof. Genaro A. Cuaresma, UP RI Director for Institution Building, presented a recap of the messages and lessons learned as he acknowledged the speakers, participants and co-organizers of the event. |
https://up.edu.ph/the-holidays-arrive-with-pag-iilaw-rites-across-up-campuses/ | The holidays arrive with “Pag-iilaw” rites across UP campuses – University of the Philippines | The holidays arrive with “Pag-iilaw” rites across UP campuses The holidays arrive with “Pag-iilaw” rites across UP campuses December 13, 2023 | Written by Chelsea Lilang The Oblation, the University’s symbol representing the selfless commitment of the Filipino youth to the nation, is decked in colorful upcycled bicycles for the Holiday Season. Dubbed Tatsulokuyan by its creator, Fine Arts Assistant Professor Toym Imao, the name is a combination of the Filipino terms Tatsulok (triangle), Sulo (torch), and Kasalukuyan (present), symbolizing the university’s role in enlightening the nation amidst its current predicament. Photo by Kevin Roque, UP MPRO. You know it’s the holiday season once again when the campuses of the University of the Philippines (UP) come alive in a blaze of twinkling lights, colorful lanterns, and festive music. Over the past week, the constituent universities of the UP System held their traditional “pag-iilaw” ceremonies to officially launch the celebration of Christmas 2023. The University’s creativity, musicality and artistic vision are once again on full display as the UP community came together to welcome the season of peace, joy, and love. The Oblation in UP Diliman, Quezon City, stands amidst this year’s holidays design called Tatsulokuyan. Photo by Kevin Roque, UP MPRO. “Pag-iilaw ng Tatsulokuyan” illuminates UP Diliman UP Diliman’s most iconic statue came to vibrant life during the recent “Pag-iilaw ng Tatsulokuyan,” held on December 1, 2023 at the Oblation plaza. This year’s traditional Pag-iilaw, with the theme “Panibagong Lakas,” illuminated the campus and featured an array of musical performances and the artistic installation of “Tatsulokuyan,” by Filipino multi-media visual artist and UP Fine Arts alumnus Prof. Abdulmari “Toym” Imao, Jr. The title was crafted from the Filipino words “tatsulok,” “sulo,” and “kasalukuyan.” UP Vice President for Public Affairs Rolando Tolentino, on behalf of UP President Atty. Angelo Jimenez, welcomed those who gathered for the celebration. “Tulad ng mga parola at lighthouses sa madidilim na kalawakan, ang UP ay magsilbing liwanag na tanglaw at aktor ng pag-asa at pagbabago laban sa katiwalian at culture of impunity o kawalan nag takot na maparusahan lalo na sa edad ng malawakang disinformation, trolling and sponsored trending sa ating lipunan,” said VP Tolentino. UP Vice President for Public Affairs Rolando Tolentino. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UPMPRO. UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II mentioned the four-year transition of “Pa-ilaw” from virtual, to hybrid, then to face-to-face with masks to no masks, marking the evolving phases of the event. “Ang panibagong lakas ay nakaugat din sa mahalagang tungkulin ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas na maging lunsaran ng pagtuklas at pag buo ng mga tugon sa iba’t ibang suliraning kinakaharap ng ating lipunan. Gamit ang panibagong lakas na ito, sikapin nating makalikha ng mga napapanatili o sustinabling lunas sa mga problemang ating dinaranas bilang isang komunidad at isang bansa,” he said. UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UPMPRO. UP Diliman welcomes the season with music and dance. Photos by Bong Arboleda, UPMPRO. UP Cebu and UPSO celebrate cultural diversity, creativity and community This yuletide season, the University of the Philippines in the Queen City of the South illuminated their Christmas Tree at the Oblation Square on December 1. UP Cebu marked the commencement of the season with the theme “Cultural Kaleidoscope: Celebrating Cultural Diversity and Creativity in the Service of the Community.” A highlight of the season was the debut concert of the UP Symphony Orchestra, titled “Huni ug Hudyaka sa Pasko,” held in the evening of December 7 at the UP Cebu Open Grounds. Members of the UP Cebu community were treated to the UPSO’s variety of musical pieces. Watch the UP Symphony Orchestra’s Huni ug Hudayaka sa Pasko by clicking this link. UP Manila and UP-PGH together celebrate unity and hope On December 1, UP Manila and the UP Philippine General Hospital joined forces to kick off the festive season with a magical Christmas celebration. The theme at UP Manila, ‘PUNO NG PAG-ASA,’ promised a vibrant and colorful Christmas, while UP-PGH embraced ‘Pag-asa, Ginhawa, Hilom’—both themes resonating with hope and healing. The evening commenced with a heartwarming Thanksgiving Mass at the UP-PGH Chapel, setting the tone for an enchanting night. The UP Manila Chorale invoked the festive spirit, followed by the grand Kick-Off and Tree Lighting Ceremony at PGH Flagpole & Oblation Plaza. Amidst the twinkling lights, UP Manila officials were recognized, and the UP Manila Chancellor, Dr. Michael L. Tee, conveyed a heartfelt message. Dean Charlotte M. Chiong of UPCM and PGH Director Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi also shared inspiring messages, underscoring the significance of unity and celebration during the holiday season. The program unfolded with captivating intermission numbers by UP Med Choir and PGH-Department of Medicine, adding musical notes to the joyous occasion. The sponsors, Firefly Electric and Lighting Corporation, were acknowledged for their contribution to the event. As the night progressed, the College of Dentistry, in collaboration with Firefly Electric and Lighting Corporation, mesmerized the audience with a stunning Christmas Tree Lighting and Musical Light Show. Dr. Anthony Geronimo Cordero and Dr. Krizzia Rae Jabonillo skillfully guided the festivities as the Masters of Ceremony. The joint celebration embodied the spirit of the season, bringing together the UP Manila and PGH communities in a joyous embrace of hope, joy, and unity. The Christmas magic lingered in the air, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come. UP Baguio sparkles with festive lights to celebrate Christmas Awash in a sea of lights, the entire UP Baguio campus sparkled in celebration of the start of the Christmas season on December 4. Chancellor Corazon Abansi welcomed the UP Baguio community with a warm welcome message. “This traditional ceremony of illuminating the season excites us the most because it kicks off the festive mood despite deadlines to beat and the usual end of output to complete. I consider our Christmas lighting ceremony a spectacular event filled with festive cheers especially from our students,” she said. UPLB’s annual Christmas lighting ceremony dazzles at Freedom Park UP Los Baños’ Annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony dazzled at Freedom Park in front of DL Umali Hall on December 6. The event showcased captivating performances from Harmonya, UPLB’s string ensemble, the UPLB Choral Ensemble, Umalohokan, Inc., the UPLB Filipiniana Dance Troupe, and the UPLB Talent Pool. In the meantime, Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr., Vice Chancellor for Administration Rolando Bello, College of Human Ecology Dean Jennifer Amparo, BAO Director and Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Administration Eugene Raymond Crudo, and BAO PDA Cris Edwin Bonalos led the opening of the UPLB Christmas Bazaar. The Bazaar will be held from December 6 to 16, 2023. It will also include special activities including Local Vocals, Dance Flash Mobs, Santa Experience, and Bazaaristas’ Christmas Party. Watch UPLB’s Christmas Lighting Ceremony streaming video here. UPV Iloilo City Campus shines bright with festive lights Showcase UP Visayas illuminated its Iloilo City campus for the Christmas season as part of the Paskua 2023 festivities of the University. UPV students—composed mostly of those from the College of Management (CM) and the UP High School in Iloilo (UPHSI), UPV personnel, and guests were able to witness the opening of lights at the said campus during the Christmas Lights Illumination Ceremony held on December 7. The University Oblation Avenue and the facade of the Main Building are now surrounded with colorful Christmas lights and displays. Vice Chancellor for Administration John Lorenz Belanio, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Philip Ian Padilla, and Prof. Agustin Huyong, Paskua 2023 co-chair, led the opening of lights. The audience was treated to a series of performances from various student groups to make the ceremony even more festive. UPV Rhapsody and the Iloilo Harana Performing Group of CM and UPHSI, respectively, sang various Christmas songs to the delight of the audience. CM dance group UPV Khoryu, on the other hand, added flair to the event with their performance. With the illumination of the Iloilo City campus, UPV’s two campuses now serve as attractions this Christmas season. On Dec. 5, the Miagao campus held its illumination ceremony which saw an influx of guests who witnessed the opening of lights. Pagsalud han Dan-ag han Kapaskuhan at UP Tacloban The UP Tacloban community welcomed the holiday season with “Paglamrag 2023 to lighten the Christmas lanterns and lights at the Oblation signaling the start of Christmas festivities at the UP Tacloban campus. During the program held at the UP Tacloban AS Grounds, UPTC Dean Patricia B. Arinto, UPTC Alumni Association President Ateneones Bacale, and UPTC Student Council Chair Paul Lachica delivered inspirational messages, followed by a joyful singing of a medley of Christmas songs by the UP Amplify & Psych Circle. |
https://up.edu.ph/philippine-transparency-seal/ | Philippine Transparency Seal – University of the Philippines | Philippine Transparency Seal The University of the Philippines complies with the conditions of good governance as set by Section 106 of the General Provisions of the FY 2019 General Appropriations Act (GAA), Section 94 of the General Provisions of the FY 2020 General Appropriations Act (GAA), Section 96 of the General Provisions of the FY 2021 General Appropriations Act (GAA) and Section 102 of the General Provisions of the FY 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA). Available below are the information required of the University under the said directives. I. Mandate, Function, List of Officials, and Contact Information II. Annual Financial Reports III. DBM Approved Budget and Corresponding Targets for FY 2022 IV. Projects, Programs and Activities, Beneficiaries and Status of Implementation V. Annual Procurement Plan VI. Quality Management System Certificates VII. Guidelines in Determining the Eligibility of Delivery Units and Individuals VIII. Agency Review and Compliance Procedure of Statements and Financial Disclosures IX. People’s Freedom of Information X. Compliance to Republic Act No. 11032: An Act Promoting Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Delivery of Government Services, amending for the purpose Republic Act No. 9485, otherwise known as the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, and for Other Purposes XI. Accountability Report Cards I. Mandate, Function, List of Officials, and Contact Information A. Mandate and Functions, Vision and Mission B. Officials, Designations and Contact Information To view the Transparency pages of the constituent units of the University, please click the links below: UP Diliman UP Los Baños UP Manila UP Visayas UP Open University UP Mindanao UP Baguio UP Cebu UP PGH II. Annual Financial Reports Financial Accountability Report (FAR) No. 1 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 Summary Report on Disbursements 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 Budget Accountability Report (BAR) No. 1 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 Financial Accountability Report (FAR) No. 5 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 Financial Plan (BED) No. 1 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 Financial Accountability Report (FAR) No. 1-A 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 Financial Accountability Report (FAR) No. 1-B 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 Financial Accountability Report (FAR) No. 1-C 2022 2021 2020 Financial Accountability Report (FAR) No. 2 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 Financial Accountability Report (FAR) No. 2-A 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 Financial Accountability Report (FAR) No. 3 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 Financial Accountability Report (FAR) No. 4 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 Financial Accountability Report (FAR) No. 6 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 III. DBM Approved Budget and Corresponding Targets 2023 A. General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2023 B. GAA Performance Targets for FY 2023 2022 A. General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2022 B. GAA Performance Targets for FY 2022 2021 A. General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2021 B. GAA Performance Targets for FY 2021 2020 A. General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2020 B. GAA Performance Targets for FY 2020 IV. Projects, Programs and Activities, Beneficiaries and Status of Implementation for FY 2020 • Balik-PhD Research Grants • Emerging Interdisciplinary Research (EIDR) • Enhanced Creative Work and Research Grant (ECWRG) • Implementation of the Free Tuition Law V. Annual Procurement Plan FY 2019 Consolidated Indicative Annual Procurement Plan (FY 2019 Indicative APP-nonCSE) of all UP CUs FY 2019 Consolidated Annual Procurement Plan for Common-Use Supplies and Equipment (FY 2019 APP CSE) for all CUs FY 2019 Consolidated Annual Procurement Plan (FY 2019 APP-nonCSE) for all UP CUs FY 2020 Consolidated Indicative Annual Procurement Plan (FY 2020 Indicative APP-nonCSE) of all UP CUs FY 2020 Consolidated Annual Procurement Plan for Common-Use Supplies and Equipment (FY 2020 APP CSE) for all CUs FY 2020 Consolidated Annual Procurement Plan (FY 2020 APP-nonCSE) for all UP CUs (Updated) FY 2021 Consolidated Indicative Annual Procurement Plan (FY 2021 Indicative APP-non CSE) of all UP CUs FY 2021 Consolidated Annual Procurement Plan for Common-Use Supplies and Equipment (FY 2021 APP CSE) for all CUs FY 2021 Consolidated Annual Procurement Plan (FY 2021 APP-nonCSE) for all UP CUs FY 2022 Consolidated Indicative Annual Procurement Plan (FY 2022 Indicative APP-non CSE) of all UP CUs FY 2022 Consolidated Annual Procurement Plan for Common-Use Supplies and Equipment (FY 2022 APP CSE) for all CUs FY 2022 Consolidated Annual Procurement Plan (FY 2022 APP-nonCSE) for all UP CUs FY 2023 Consolidated Indicative Annual Procurement Plan (FY 2023 Indicative APP-non CSE) of all UP CUs (large file) UP Systemwide Summary, UP System Administration and UP Diliman UP Los Baños, UP Manila, PGH, UP Open U, UP Visayas, UP Baguio, UP Mindanao and UP Cebu FY 2023 Consolidated Annual Procurement Plan for Common-Use Supplies and Equipment (FY 2023 APP CSE) for all CUs FY 2023 Consolidated Annual Procurement Plan (FY 2023 APP-nonCSE) for all UP CUs FY 2024 Consolidated Indicative Annual Procurement Plan (FY 2024 Indicative APP-nonCSE) for all UP CUs FY 2024 Consolidated Annual Procurement Plan for Common-Use Supplies and Equipment (FY 2024 APP CSE) for all CUs FY 2024 Consolidated Indicative Annual Procurement Plan (FY 2024 Indicative APP-nonCSE) for all UP CUs – UP System FY 2024 Consolidated Indicative Annual Procurement Plan (FY 2024 Indicative APP-nonCSE) for all UP CUs – UP Diliman FY 2024 Consolidated Indicative Annual Procurement Plan (FY 2024 Indicative APP-nonCSE) for all UP CUs – UP Baguio, UP Los Baños, UP Tacloban, and UP Visayas VI. Quality Management System Certificates ISO Certificates Philippine General Hospital (PGH): | Renewal 2018-2021 | Renewal 2021-2024 | NIH-Institute of Human Genetics (IHG), UP Manila: | Renewal 2018-2021 | Renewal 2021-2024 | NIH-IHG-Newborn Screening Center (NSC), UP Manila: | Renewal 2018-2021 | Renewal 2021-2024 | Newborn Screening Reference Center (NSRC), UP Manila: | Renewal 2017-2020 | Renewal 2020-2023 | UP Law Complex, UP Diliman: | 2020-2023 | Philippine National Collection of Microorganisms – National Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (PNCM-NIMBB), UP Los Baños: | 2018-2021 | Renewal 2021-2024 | Other Certificates Human Resource Development Office (HRDO), UP Diliman: PRIME HRM Assessment Open University (UPOU): ICDE PRIZE OF EXCELLENCE College of Medicine (CM), UP Manila: Basic Medical Education Program – PAASCU – Level IV Re-accredited Status College of Pharmacy (CP), UP Manila: Pharmacy Program – PAASCU – Level III Re-accredited Status College of Nursing (CN), UP Manila: Nursing Program – PAASCU – Level II Re-accredited Status VII. Guidelines in Determining the Eligibility of Delivery Units and Individuals Guidelines in Ranking of Delivery Units for the Grant of Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Guidelines in Ranking of Delivery Units for the Grant of Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Guidelines in Determining the Eligibility of Delivery Units and Individuals for the Grant of Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Guidelines in Determining the Eligibility of Delivery Units and Individuals for the Grant of Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Guidelines in Determining the Eligibility of Delivery Units and Individuals for the Grant of Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 VIII. Agency Review and Compliance Procedure of Statements and Financial Disclosures Review and Compliance Procedures in the Filing and Submission of Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Networth (SALN) and Disclosure of Business Interest and Financial Connections for 2018 UP Sytemwide 2018 SALN Review and Compliance Committee Review and Compliance Procedures in the Filing and Submission of Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Networth (SALN) and Disclosure of Business Interest and Financial Connections for 2019 UP Sytemwide 2019 SALN Review and Compliance Committee Review and Compliance Procedures in the Filing and Submission of Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Networth (SALN) and Disclosure of Business Interest and Financial Connections for 2020 UP Sytemwide 2020 SALN Review and Compliance Committee Review and Compliance Procedures in the Filing and Submission of Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Networth (SALN) and Disclosure of Business Interest and Financial Connections for 2021 UP Sytemwide 2021 SALN Review and Compliance Committee Review and Compliance Procedures in the Filing and Submission of Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Networth (SALN) and Disclosure of Business Interest and Financial Connections for 2022 UP Sytemwide 2022 SALN Review and Compliance Committee IX. People’s Freedom of Information The Final People’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Manual Modified One-Page FOI Manual Freedom of Information (FOI) Reports Assessing Information Disclosure Practices for FOI Compliance (AID-FOI Tool) X. Compliance to Republic Act No. 11032: An Act Promoting Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Delivery of Government Services, amending for the purpose Republic Act No. 9485, otherwise known as the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 and for other Purposes Certificate of Compliance to Republic Act No. 11032: An Act Promoting Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Delivery of Government Services (2019) Certificate of Compliance to Republic Act No. 11032: An Act Promoting Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Delivery of Government Services (updated: 2020) Certificate of Compliance to Republic Act No. 11032: An Act Promoting Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Delivery of Government Services (2021) Certificate of Compliance to Republic Act No. 11032: An Act Promoting Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Delivery of Government Services (updated: 2021) Certificate of Compliance to Republic Act No. 11032: An Act Promoting Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Delivery of Government Services (2022) Certificate of Compliance to Republic Act No. 11032: An Act Promoting Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Delivery of Government Services (2023) UP System and Constituent Universities Committee on Anti-Red Tape (CART) To view the Citizen’s Charters of the UP System and the Constituent Universities, please click the links below: UP System Administration UP Diliman UP Los Baños UP Manila UP Visayas UP Open University UP Mindanao UP Baguio UP Cebu UP Philippine General Hospital XI. Accountability Report Cards 2021 Performance-Based Bonus Scorecard 2020 MFO Accountability Report Card (MARC-1) Management Accountability Report Card (MARC-2) 2019 Congratulatory Letter MFO Accountability Report Card (MARC-1) Management Accountability Report Card (MARC-2) 2018 Congratulatory Letter MFO Accountability Report Card (MARC-1) Management Accountability Report Card (MARC-2) |
https://up.edu.ph/university-of-the-philippines-up-privacy-notice-foi/ | UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES (UP) PRIVACY NOTICE FOR FILIPINO CITIZENS REQUESTING ACCESS TO INFORMATION ON MATTERS OF PUBLIC CONCERN PURSUANT TO EO 2 SERIES OF 2016 – University of the Philippines | UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES (UP) PRIVACY NOTICE FOR FILIPINO CITIZENS REQUESTING ACCESS TO INFORMATION ON MATTERS OF PUBLIC CONCERN PURSUANT TO EO 2 SERIES OF 2016 UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES (UP) PRIVACY NOTICE FOR FILIPINO CITIZENS REQUESTING ACCESS TO INFORMATION ON MATTERS OF PUBLIC CONCERN PURSUANT TO EO 2 SERIES OF 2016 August 20, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The University of the Philippines is committed to uphold the right of Filipino citizens to information on matters of public concern under Article III Section 7 of the 1987 Constitution. E.O. No. 2 Series of 2016 http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2016/07/23/executive-order-no-02-s-2016/ which applies to the Executive Branch was issued in order to implement such right. UP has adopted a Freedom of Information manual as required by the said E.O. In order to process FOI requests made pursuant to the above E.O. (https://www.up.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Revised-UP-FOI-Manual-as-of-050718-2.pdf), the University must necessarily process the personal information of a requesting party, that is, information that identifies a requesting party as an individual. The University is likewise committed to uphold the Philippine Data Privacy Act that implements the Constitutional right to informational privacy of data subjects. http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2012/08/15/republic-act-no-10173/ This notice explains in general terms, the purpose and legal basis for the processing of the personal information collected by UP in order to act on FOI requests made pursuant to the abovementioned E.O. from Filipino citizens like you, the measures in place to protect your data privacy and the rights that you may exercise in relation to such information. The term UP/University/us/our refers to the University of the Philippines System and Constituent University offices. The term you/your refers to Filipino citizens who make FOI requests pursuant to the provisions of E.O. No. 2 series of 2016 (“requesting parties”) . Personal Information Collected From Requesting Parties, the Purpose and Legal Basis for Collecting the Information FOI requests may be made through a paper-based application process filed with UP’s FOI Receiving Officer(s). We highly encourage requesting parties to lodge requests using the eFOI portal of the Presidential Communications Operations Office at https://www.foi.gov.ph/ Our FOI Receiving Officers may upload paper-based applications to the eFOI portal in order to enable the University to more efficiently process, monitor and track FOI requests. In case you file a paper-based application with a UP office, your image may be captured by UP’s CCTVs and your information may be processed in connection with other security procedures e.g. you shall be required to present a valid government issued ID and sign the relevant logbook etc. upon your entry and exit from University offices. Your name, citizenship and a copy of your government-issued ID indicating your Filipino citizenship or in the absence thereof, a document evidencing your Filipino citizenship, the specific purpose(s) for your request are processed by UP in order to verify your identity and to ascertain that your request involves a matter of public concern and that you are qualified to make such request pursuant to the 1987 Constitution. Kindly note that, in the event your request is granted, and UP provides you with the information requested, the same must be used only for the purpose(s) indicated in your request pursuant to the provisions of the FOI EO, RA 6713 and its IRR, the DPA and related issuances as well as other applicable laws, regulations and issuances. You shall likewise hold UP free and harmless from all liabilities arising from the processing of the information received for purposes other than those stated in your application as well as those purposes allowed by applicable laws and regulations. Your address and contact information (landline, mobile number, email) are processed in order for UP to verify your identity and contact you regarding your request. The abovementioned personal information shall also be processed by UP in order to prevent fraud. UP may also process personal information of requesting parties in order to do research on how to improve FOI implementation and to comply with reportorial requirements subject to the provisions of the DPA and applicable research ethics guidelines. UP will keep your application form and the records regarding your request in order to protect itself from liabilities for the unauthorized processing of information. CCTVs and other security measures which may involve the processing of your personal information are intended to protect your vitally important interests, for public order and safety and pursuant to the University and the public’s legitimate interests. UP does not process your personal information to carry out any wholly automated decision making that affects you. When consent is the appropriate or relevant basis for collecting your personal information, the University will obtain such consent in written, electronic or recorded form at the appropriate time. UP is required to comply with the provisions of the National Archives Act of 2007 R.A. 9470 http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2007/05/21/republic-act-no-9470/ and related issuances in the archiving and disposal of your personal information. Nondisclosure of Your Personal Information to Third Parties Except Upon Your Consent or as Required or Permitted by Law As a general rule, UP will only disclose your personal and sensitive personal information to third parties with your consent. The University will disclose or share such information only when required or allowed by applicable laws. Note that as stated above, FOI Receiving Officers may upload your request, including your personal information in the eFOI portal in order to more efficiently process, track and monitor your request. UP is required under issuances to be enrolled in the eFOI portal and to use the same to process FOI requests. The PCOO by operating and maintaining the eFOI portal also therefore processeses your personal information. Under the DPA, personal information may be processed e.g. disclosed, for instance, when it is necessary in order for UP to comply with alegal obligation; to protect your vitally important interests including life and health; necessary to respond to national emergency, public order and safety; necessary to fulfill the functions of public authority or for the pursuant to the legitimate interests of the University or a third party except where such interests are overridden by your fundamental rights. Sensitive personal information (e.g. confidential educational records, age/birthdate, civil status, health, ethnicity, government-issued ID number that identifies an individual) on the other hand may be processed e.g. disclosed when such is allowed by laws and regulations, such regulatory enactments provide for the protection of such information and the consent of the data subject is not required for such law or regulation; such is needed to protect the life and health of the data subject or another person and the data subject is unable to legally or physically express consent, in thecase of medical treatment, needed for the protection of lawful rights and interests of natural or legal persons in court proceedings, for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims or where provided to government or public authority. How UP Protects Your Personal Information UP put in place physical, organizational and technical measures to protect your right to privacy and is committed to reviewing and improving the same, so as to be able to comply with the DPA. From time to time UP posts information on relevant sites that explain how you can secure and maintain the confidentiality of your personal information. Rest assured that UP personnel are allowed to process your personal information only when such processing is part of their official duties. As stated above the eFOI portal is operated and maintained by the PCOO. UP is engaged in an ongoing dialogue with the PCOO and NPC to help see to it that your right to data privacy is protected when the eFOI portal is used by to process FOI requests pursuant to its legal obligation. Access To Your Personal Information In case you request for access to or the correction of your personal information made in relation to your FOI request, UP will require you to provide a GIID to ascertain your identity and prevent fraud. In case the request is made through your representative, a letter of authorization stating the name of your authorized representative, the purpose(s) for which the requested document(s) will be used and your GIID as well as the valid GIID of your authorized representative. UP shall request a copy of the GIID that you and your representative presented. Kindly note that since UP is under a legal obligation to use the eFOI portal to process requests there are certain requests that you may make in relation to your personal information in the portal that must be addressed to PCOO as the operator of the eFOI portal e.g. if you register via the eFOI site then the correction of your registration information must be made via the eFOI portal as UP has no means of correcting the personal information that you entered when you registered in the eFOI portal. Queries re the eFOI portal may be directed to: Queries Regarding Data Privacy We encourage you to visit this site from time to time to see any updates regarding this Privacy Notice. Please also refer to the eFOI site Privacy Notice https://www.foi.gov.ph/downloads/FOI%20Privacy%20Notice.pdf For queries, comments or suggestions regarding this System-wide privacy notice, please contact the University of the Philippines System Data Protection Officer through the following: a. Via post c/o the Office of the President 2F North Wing Quezon Hall (Admin Building) University Avenue, UP Diliman, Quezon City 1101 Philippines b. Through the following landlines Phone | (632) 9280110; (632) 9818500 loc. 2521 c. Through email dpo@up.edu.ph |
https://up.edu.ph/approved-acceptable-use-policy-for-information-technology-it-resources-of-the-up-system/ | APPROVED ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) RESOURCES OF THE UP SYSTEM – University of the Philippines | APPROVED ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) RESOURCES OF THE UP SYSTEM APPROVED ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) RESOURCES OF THE UP SYSTEM June 28, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Approved by the Board of Regents on its 1165th Meeting, 31 October 2002. version Section 1. Policy Statement Computers and networks are powerful technologies for accessing and distributing information and knowledge. They are strategic technologies for the current and future needs of the UP SYSTEM. For now, computing facilities and network infrastructure are a costly resource and thus must be used solely for teaching, learning, research, and other officially-sanctioned activities. Also, since these technologies allow individuals to access and copy information from remote sources, users must respect the rights of others, particularly to their privacy and intellectual property. There is therefore a need for rules and regulations to ensure equitable, secure and reliable access to these resources. The following regulations will govern the use of computing facilities, networks and other Information Technology (IT) resources of the University of the Philippines System. These regulations aim to: ensure an information infrastructure that promotes the basic missions of the UP SYSTEM in teaching, learning and research; protect the integrity, reliability, availability, confidentiality and efficiency of the IT resources of the UP SYSTEM; establish processes for addressing policy violations and providing sanctions for violators; emphasize that the UP SYSTEM shall not be liable for any damages incurred from the use of IT resources and for any claims and suits arising from the unauthorized and irresponsible use of the same; warn users that use of IT resources for partisan political activities as defined in relevant rules and regulations of the Civil Service Commission or the University of the Philippines, or for any unauthorized commercial purposes is prohibited; and notify users of the existence of this Policy. Section 2. Basic Standards The same standards and principles of intellectual and academic freedom developed for university libraries shall be applied to material received from the network. The same standards of intellectual and academic freedom developed for faculty and student publication in traditional media shall be applied to publication in computer media. As constituents of the academic community, faculty, students, and academic and non-academic staff should be free, individually and collectively, to express their views on issues of institutional policy and on matters of general interest to the academic body. The constituents of the academic community should have clearly defined means to participate in the formulation and application of institutional policy affecting academic and student affairs. The actions of the constituents of the academic community within the areas of its jurisdictions should be reviewed only through orderly prescribed procedures. Section 3. Definitions Agreement Form means document in which the user undertakes to comply with this Policy. The form may be electronic. Confidential information means data or information which on its face is not intended for unrestricted dissemination. Examples include student records, examination archives, proprietary technical information, disciplinary case records, administrative records, and the like. Document when used in this Policy shall refer both to the paper and its electronic format. Information Technology System or IT System includes computers, terminals, printers, networks, modem banks, online and offline storage media and related equipment, and software, databases and other data files that are owned, managed, or maintained by any unit of the University of the Philippines. For purposes of this Policy, any other equipment, computer unit or external network, when attached to, or used to access and/or interact with any component of, the IT System may also be considered part of the IT System. Private files means information that a user would reasonably regard as private. Examples include the contents of electronic mail boxes, private file storage areas of individual users, and information stored in other areas that are not public, even if no measure has been taken to protect such information. System and Network Administrator means a person designated to manage the particular system assigned to her/him, to oversee the day-to-day operation of the system, or to preliminarily determine who is permitted access to particular facilities and resources of the IT System, whether hired on a temporary, contractual or permanent basis. UP SYSTEM means the University of the Philippines System and all its constituent units. User means any person, whether authorized or not, who makes any use of the IT System or any of its components by any means or from any location. Section 4. Scope And Applicability a. General Coverage. This Policy applies to all facilities within the IT System and all its users. All users should be aware of these regulations, and should realize that when using the computers within the UP SYSTEM, they are bound by these regulations. Users may be required to sign a form agreeing to comply with this Policy. However, failure to sign the agreement form will not release users from coverage of this Policy. b. Local and External Conditions of Use. Individual units within the UP SYSTEM may define additional “conditions of use” for components of the ITSystem under their control. These conditions must be consistent with this overall policy but may provide additional detail, guidelines, restrictions, and/or enforcement mechanisms. These units will be responsible for publishing the regulations they establish and their policies concerning the authorized and appropriate use of the equipment for which they are responsible. Copies of these policies should be given to the President, Vice-President for Development, the Intellectual Property Office and the Office of Legal Services. Where use of external networks is involved, policies governing such use will be applicable and must be adhered to. Section 5. General Responsibilities a. General Responsibilities of Users. In general, users of the IT System must: use the IT System only for its intended purpose, and refrain from misusing or abusing it; maintain the integrity, reliability, availability, confidentiality and efficiency of computer-based information resources; refrain from seeking to gain unauthorized access or exceed authorized access; respect software copyright and licenses and other intellectual property rights; respect the rights of other computer users; and be aware that although computing and information technology providers throughout the university are charged with preserving the integrity and security of resources, security sometimes can be breached through actions beyond their control. Users are therefore urged to take appropriate precautions such as safeguarding their account and password, taking full advantage of file security mechanisms, backing up critical data and promptly reporting any misuse or violations of the policy. Every member of the University community has an obligation to report suspected violations of the Acceptable Use Policy for Information Technology of the U.P. System or any of its units. Reports should be directed to the system and network administrators, Chairs, Deans, Chancellors or the President. b. General Responsibilities Of System And Network Administrators System and network administrators and providers of University Information Technology resources have the additional responsibility of ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the resources they are managing. Persons in these positions are granted significant trust to use their privileges appropriately for their intended purpose and only when required to maintain the system. Any private information seen in carrying out these duties must be treated in the strictest confidence, unless it relates to a violation or the security of the system. System and network administrators are expected to treat the contents of electronic files as private and confidential. Any inspection of electronic files, and any action based upon such inspection, will be governed by this Policy, other university rules and all applicable laws. c. General Responsibilities Of University Administrators To be informed and knowledgeable about these policies To initiate systematic programs to inform academic and non-academic personnel of these policies Section 6. Appropriate Use a. Appropriate Use Users may only use the IT System for its authorized purposes, which is to support the research, education, clinical, administrative and other functions of the UP SYSTEM. The particular purposes of any of the components of the IT System, as well as the nature and scope of authorized incidental personal use, may vary according to the duties and responsibilities of a user. b. Proper Authorization Users may access only those facilities and components of the IT System that are consistent with their authorization coming from competent authorities. c. Specific Proscriptions on Use The following categories of use of the IT System are considered prohibited and/or inappropriate: i. Uses Contrary To Law Unlawful use. Users may not use the IT System for any activity that is contrary to any law or administrative rule or regulation, or to encourage any such unlawful activity. Violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one year to expulsion or dismissal Infringement of protected material. Users must not infringe on the copyright and other property rights covering software, databases and all other copyrighted material such as text, images, icons, retrieved from or through the IT System. These acts shall include, but is not limited to, the unauthorized copying, reproduction, dissemination, distribution, importation, use, removal, alteration, substitution, modification, storage, unloading, downloading, communication, publication or broadcasting of such material. Users must properly attribute any material they copy from or through the IT System. Users are reminded that the infringement of intellectual property rights belonging to others through the use of telecommunications networks is a criminal offense under Section 33(b) of the Electronic Commerce Act. Violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one month to expulsion or dismissal. Hacking. Users may not use the IT System to gain unauthorized access into or interfere with another computer, system, server, information or communication system, or to obtain any access in order to corrupt, alter, steal or destroy any such system or information within such system or to introduce viruses. Users are reminded that all of the foregoing acts constitute the crime of Hacking under Section 33(a) of the Electronic Commerce Act and are punishable by mandatory imprisonment and/or a fine. Violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one year to expulsion or dismissal. The penalty shall carry with it permanent withdrawal of all IT privileges. ii. Uses Inconsistent With The Purposes Of The UP System Cheating. Users may not use the IT System to engage in cheating or academic dishonesty. Acts prohibited under this provision include but are not limited to the following: Copying a computer file that contains another person’s work and submitting it for one’s own credit; Copying a computer file that contains another person’s work and using it as a model for one’s own work; Collaborating on a work, sharing the computer files and submitting the shared file, or a modification thereof, as one’s individual work, when the work is supposed to be done individually; and Communicating with another person on-line during the conduct of an examination. Violators shall suffer a penalty of suspension for not less than one semester. Students found guilty of cheating shall be barred form graduating with honors, even if their weighted average is within the requirement for graduation with honors. Political use. Users may not use the IT System for any partisan political activities. Violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one month to one year. Unauthorized Commercial use. Users may not use the IT System for commercial purposes, except as permitted under other written policies of the UP SYSTEM or with the written approval of a competent authority. Violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one month to one year with fine. If the violator is a student, the fine shall be P1,000.00 or the amount equivalent to the earnings, whichever is higher. If the violator is a faculty member or an employee, the fine shall be one-half of his monthly salary or the amount equivalent to the earnings, whichever is higher. Personal use. Users may not use the IT System for personal activities not related to appropriate University functions except in a purely incidental manner. Violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one month to one year. Unauthorized gaming or entertainment. Users may not play games or use entertainment software on or through the IT System unless authorized in writing by competent authorities. Violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one week to one year; provided, that the penalty for habitual offense shall be expulsion or dismissal. The presence of game software or any part thereof may be presumptive evidence of unauthorized gaming or entertainment. Use contrary to University policy or contract. Users may not use the IT System in violation of other policies of the University, or in any manner inconsistent with the contractual obligations of the University. Violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one week to one year in addition to the penalty of the offense facilitated through IT network. iii. Uses That Damage The Integrity, Reliability, Confidentiality And Efficiency Of The IT System Software and hardware installation and removal. Unless properly authorized, users may not destroy, remove, modify or install any computer equipment, peripheral, operating system, disk partition, software, database, or other component of the IT System; or connect any computer unit or external network to the IT System. Violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one month to expulsion. Unauthorized or destructive programs. Unless properly authorized and part of her/his administrative or academic duties, users may not develop or use programs on the IT System that may or are intended to: interfere with the ability of the UP SYSTEM to enforce these policies; damage any software or hardware component of the system; modify normally protected or restricted portions of the system or user accounts; access private or restricted portions of the system; or interfere with or disrupt other computer users. Violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one year to expulsion. Destructive acts. Users may not attempt to crash, tie up, or deny any service on, the IT System. Violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one year to expulsion. Unauthorized access. Users may not attempt to gain unauthorized access, exceed authorized access, or enable unauthorized access to the IT System, or to other networks or systems of which the IT System is a part. Violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one month to one year. Password protection. A user who has been authorized to use a password-protected account may not disclose such password or otherwise makes the account available to others without permission of the system administrator. Violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one week to one year. Concealing access. Users may not conceal, delete, or modify information or records pertaining to access to the IT System at the time of access, or alter system logs after such access for the purpose of concealing identity or to hide unauthorized use. Users may not conceal their own identity or masquerade as other users when accessing, sending, receiving, processing or storing through or on the IT System. Violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one year to expulsion. Prohibited material. Users may not publish (on mailing lists, bulletin boards, and the World Wide Web) or disseminate prohibited materials over, or store such information on, the IT System. Prohibited materials under this provision include but are not limited to the following: Any collection of passwords, personal identification numbers (PINs), private digital certificates, credit card numbers, or other secure identification information; Any material that enables others to gain unauthorized access to a computer system. This may include instructions for gaining such access, computer code, or other devices. This would effectively preclude displaying items such as ‘Hackers Guides’, etc.; Any material that permits an unauthorized user, who has gained access to a system, to carry out any modification of the computer programs or data stored in the system; and Any material that incites or encourages others to carry out unauthorized access to or modification of a computer system. Violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one year to expulsion. iv. Uses That Encroach On The Rights Of The Users Wasteful and destructive practices. Users may not encroach on others’ access and use of the IT System through wasteful and destructive practices such as but not limited to the following: Sending chain-letters or excessive messages including spamming, either locally or off-campus; violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one week to one month; spamming, includes the act of (1) repeated cross-posting the same message to as many newsgroups or mailing lists as possible, whether or not the message is germane to the stated topic of the newsgroups or mailing lists targeted, (2) maliciously sending out of unsolicited email in bulk, or (3) sending large unwanted or unnecessary files to a single email address. Printing excess copies of documents, files, data, or programs; violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one week to one month; Running grossly inefficient programs when efficient alternatives are known by the user to be available; violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one week to one month; Using more than one computer terminal at a time, unless specifically authorized by competent authority. Faculty members whose duties require the use of more than one computer shall be exempted. Violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one week to one year; Locking public access computers using screen savers or otherwise, unless specifically authorized by competent authority; violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one week to one month; Not logging out of the system to allow other users to make use of the public access computer; violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one week to one month; and Using a service which has been identified by the System Administrator as causing an excessive amount of traffic on the IT System or its external network links; violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one week to one year. Offensive material. Users may not use the facilities of the IT System to produce, disseminate, or display material that could be considered offensive, pornographic, racially abusive, or libelous in nature. Users may not use electronic communication facilities (such as mail, chat, or systems with similar functions) to send messages which are fraudulent, maliciously harassing, obscene, threatening, or in violation of laws, administrative rules and regulations, or other policies of the University System or its constituent universities (CU). Violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one month to expulsion or dismissal. Inappropriate messages. Users may not send to a mailing list, including local or network news groups and bulletin boards, any unsolicited material inconsistent with the list’s purpose. Users of an electronic mailing list are responsible for determining the purpose of the list before sending messages to or receiving messages from the list. Subscribers to an electronic mailing list are deemed to have solicited any material delivered by the list that is consistent with the list’s purpose. Violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one week to one month. v. Uses which Violate Privacy Confidential information. Unless properly authorized, users may not attempt to gain access to archives or systems that contain, process, or transmit confidential information. Authorized users may not exceed their approved levels of access, nor should they disclose confidential information to others. Users shall treat as confidential such information which may become available to them through the use of the IT System, whether intentionally or accidentally. Users may not copy, modify, disseminate, or use such information, either in whole or in part, without the permission of the person or body entitled to give it. Violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one year to expulsion or dismissal. Encrypted information. Users shall consider as confidential all encrypted information. This includes but is not limited to passwords, digital keys and signatures. Users may not decrypt, attempt to decrypt, or enable others to decrypt such information if they are not the intended recipient. Violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one year to expulsion or dismissal. Information belonging to others. Users may not intentionally seek or provide information on, obtain copies of, or modify files, programs, or passwords belonging to other users, without the permission of those other users. Violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one month to expulsion or dismissal. Wiretapping, traffic capture and snooping. Unless properly authorized, users may not re-route or capture data transmitted over the IT System. Violators shall suffer a penalty ranging from suspension for one year to expulsion or dismissal. vi. In addition to the penalties provided, all IT privileges of the offender may be suspended for a maximum of the period of the penalty. If the violation amounts to a penalty punishable by expulsion or dismissal, IT privileges may be revoked permanently. vii. repeated violations of any of the acts proscribed under this policy shall be considered as gross misconduct. Section 7. Tolerated Use From time to time, the UP SYSTEM or its constituent universities may issue a list classifying certain types of use under the category of tolerated use. This list shall form part of this Policy and will be considered binding on all users. Users should consult their system and network administrators if they are not sure whether a certain type of use is considered allowed, tolerated, unacceptable or prohibited. Section 8. Enforcement Procedures a. Monitoring. The UP SYSTEM or its constituent universities may monitor all use of the IT System at all times as may be necessary for its proper management. Activities on the IT System may be automatically and/or continuously logged. System and network administrators may examine these logs anytime. All logs shall be considered confidential. b. Access to Private Files. The UP SYSTEM may access all aspects of the IT System, including private files, without the consent of the user, in the following instances: When necessary to identify or diagnose systems or security vulnerabilities and problems, or otherwise preserve the integrity, reliability, availability, confidentiality and efficiency of the IT System; When such access to the IT System is required to carry out essential business functions of the UP SYSTEM; When necessary to avoid disrepute to the UP SYSTEM; When there are reasonable grounds to believe that a violation of law or a significant breach of this Policy or any other policy of the UP SYSTEM may have taken place, and that access and inspection may produce evidence related to the misconduct; When required by law or administrative rules or court order; or When required to preserve public health and safety. The UP SYSTEM will access private files without the consent of the user only with the approval of the Chancellor except when an emergency entry is necessary to preserve the integrity, reliability, availability, confidentiality and efficiency of the IT System or to preserve public health and safety. The UP SYSTEM through the system and network administrators will document all instances of access without consent. c. Reporting Problems and misuse. Users must report to the appropriate system administrators any defects discovered in system accounting or system security, all known or suspected abuse or misuse of the IT System, and especially any damage to or problems with their facilities or files. d. User Cooperation. Users, when requested, are expected to cooperate with UP SYSTEM in any investigation of IT system abuse. e. Guidelines for Immediate Action. Notification. When any system administrator or member of the faculty or staff has persuasive evidence of abuse or misuse of the IT System, and if that evidence points to the activities or the files of an individual, he or she shall, within 24 hours of the discovery of the possible misuse, notify the Chancellor or his/her duly designated authority. Suspension. In such cases, the system administrator may temporarily suspend or restrict the user’s access privileges for a period not exceeding 72 hours. A user may appeal such suspension or restriction and petition for immediate reinstatement of privileges through the Chancellor or his/her duly designated authority. The Chancellor may extend the suspension for thirty (30) days. Removal. In addition, in such cases, the system administrator may immediately remove or uninstall from the IT System any material, software or hardware which poses an immediate threat to the integrity, reliability, availability, confidentiality and efficiency of the IT System or any of its components or if the use might be contrary to this Policy. The user shall be notified of the action taken. A user may appeal such removal and petition for reinstatement of the material within fifteen (15) days from removal. f. Investigation. The investigation and prosecution of academic and administrative personnel and students shall be in accordance with the regulations of the UP SYSTEM. The investigating committee, body or tribunal must have at least one member knowledgeable about IT. The actions the proper officer may undertake include but are not limited to the following: Extend the suspension or restriction of a user’s privileges for the duration of the investigation, or as may be deemed necessary to preserve evidence and protect the system and its users; Call and interview potential witnesses; and Summon the subject of the complaint to provide information. g. Filing of Criminal Charges. In cases where there is evidence of serious misconduct or possible criminal activity, the Chancellor shall file the appropriate criminal charges with the proper courts. Where proceedings have been instituted against a user for violation of this Policy, the Chancellor may indefinitely suspend or restrict the user’s access privileges for the duration of such proceedings. h. Cumulative Remedies. The procedures under this Policy shall not exclude any other remedy available to any injured or interested party under any relevant law, administrative rule or regulation, or other policy of the UP SYSTEM. i. External Legal Processes. The UP SYSTEM shall comply with any lawful order to provide electronic or other records or other information related to those records or relating to use of the IT System which may result from coercive processes in administrative investigations, or judicial actions or proceedings. Section 9. Waiver a. Loss of Data. Users recognize that systems and networks are imperfect and waive any claim for lost work or time that may arise from the use of the IT System. The UP SYSTEM shall not be liable for degradation or loss of personal data, software, or hardware as a result of their use of the IT System. b. Authorization. Users recognize that the UP SYSTEM provides access to the IT System only as a privilege and not a right; that they have no right to use it for any purpose other than those directly connected with the work of the UP SYSTEM; and that the UP SYSTEM may take whatever measures it deems necessary to enforce this. Users therefore waive any action they may have against the UP SYSTEM under any law or administrative rule or regulation for any act the UP SYSTEM undertakes under this Policy, specifically including, but not limited to, those acts enumerated under Section 7 hereof. |
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https://up.edu.ph/covid-19-updates/ | Online Portal of University of the Philippines COVID-19 News and Information – University of the Philippines | Online Portal of University of the Philippines COVID-19 News and Information This portal serves as a compilation of verified information and resource materials on UP’s actions during this public health situation. Please bookmark and refresh this page to get the latest updates on UP’s response to COVID-19. Share this site and help us prevent the spread of misinformation. Thank you. Messages from the UP President About COVID-19 UP-PGH Bayanihan Na! Operations Center UP COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team Policy Papers News, Memos, and Announcements Information on Constituent Universities Resources on Remote Learning, Teaching, and Working Tributes Messages from the UP President 26 March 2020—Message from UP President Danilo L. Concepcion to the PGH community To the Staff and Administration of UP-PGH, On behalf of our community at the University of the Philippines—indeed, on behalf of the Filipino people—let me thank you, first of all, for your courageous, selfless, and outstanding service in these very trying times. Our nation and our people are suffering from a devastating scourge, and those of you at the frontlines are performing a heroic and unenviable function. [Read full text] 20 March 2020—UP president addresses the university community 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. [Read full text] 20 March 2020—Actions on academic matters 11 March 2020—UP’s response to COVID-19 About COVID-19 Health Advisory Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Advice for the UP Community [Read full advisory] | [ version of infographics] What to do while at home on enhanced community quarantine: COVID-19 Test Kit What does the NIH-PGC test kit contain? What does the locally produced COVID-19 test kit contain? These are explained by Dr. Raul Destura of the University of the Philippines Manila National Institutes of Health and Philippine Genome Center to members of the media during the press conference on March 12. While the kit can be dependably used as it is, it does contain a component that allows for a quality control mechanism with the aid of the experts at the PGC. For Dr. Cynthia Saloma of the PGC, the samples that will be derived from the kit will allow them to analyze the origin of the COVID-19 virus circulating among patients with the disease. It would also allow them to compare this with those found in other countries. With the test kit and analysis, UP Manila Chancellor, Dr. Carmencita Padilla is confident of the University’s capability, as it does have the necessary equipment to get the job done. The Philippine Genome Center: Stockpiling for COVID-19 [Learn more] 10 March 2020—As the world grapples with the spread of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 or COVID-19, countries such as the Philippines are mobilizing its experts in preparation of its impact on its citizens. Among those actively working to address the public health concern is the Philippine Genome Center of the University of the Philippines. On February 13, 2020, its pharmaceutical partner, Manila HealthTek, Inc. released a photo of a locally-made test kit which is the product of efforts by experts at the PGC and the National Institutes of Health, UP Manila. [Read full story] COVID-19: Dr. Raul Destura explaining the process of collecting samples Collecting samples for COVID-19 is a risky and challenging task. In this video, epidemiologist Dr. Raul Destura of the National Institutes of Health, UP Manila and Philippine Genome Center, explains how it is carefully and properly done. According to Destura, a medical professional who intends to collect samples from a suspected patient should be wearing the following: Personal protective equipment (PPE); N95 mask; gloves; goggles or face shield; water resistant or waterproof laboratory gown. All of these must be worn, observing the proper donning and doffing so as to prevent the person collecting samples from patients from getting into contact with any contaminant from the kit. The equipment, he added, must also be disposed of properly, abiding by generally-adopted protocols. What you need to know about the UP-developed coronavirus test kits 7 April 2020—After weeks of field trials, the country’s first locally-developed test kits for COVID-19 detection finally received the green light for public use. The Food and Drug Administration last week issued a certificate of product registration for the GenAmplify™ COVID-19 rRT-PCR Detection Kit, the low-cost test kit invented by a team of scientists from the University of the Philippines National Institutes of Health, the Philippine Genome Center, and The Manila HealthTek Inc. [Read full story] 120,000 UP-developed COVID-19 test kits available starting this weekend —DOST 30 March 2020—The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Monday announced that at least 120,000 locally-developed test kits for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) will be available starting Saturday. [Read full story] DOST: Locally developed COVID-19 test kits ready this week 30 March 2020—The field validation of the locally developed COVID-19 test kits funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and made by scientists at the University of the Philippines-National Institute of Health (UP-NIH) is expected to be finished by April 1, DOST’s top official announced on Monday. [Read full story] UP-PGH Bayanihan Na! Operations Center UP PGH Bayanihan Na! Operations Center for patient queries and donations Bayanihan Na! UP-PGH launches COVID-19 Ops Center 31 March 2020-155-200 is the number to call. And it’s open 24/7. The UP-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) launched its Bayanihan Na! COVID-19 Operations Center on March 30 to answer queries related to COVID-19, including how to volunteer and donate. [Read full story] UP officials discuss the establishment of UP PGH Bayanihan Operations Center 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. [See photo story] Isang Pagsaludo sa mga Intern ng Philippine General Hospital UP-PGH launches ‘Tele-kumusta’ UP COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team UP COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team launches new features on endcov.ph The UP COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team (UP PRT) launches new features in endcov.ph, a web portal created to provide the public with vital information and tools in the fight against COVID-19. [Read full story] UP Resilience Institute EndCOV Dashboard The UP COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team has created a web portal (http://endcov.ph/) mapping out COVID-19 cases in the country in clear, useful detail. [Read full story] Addressing the Immediate Needs of All, Especially the Most Vulnerable Sectors: Analysis and Recommendations Social, economic, and political inequalities are starkly manifested in times of disasters. Read the full report here. ECQ doing good, ‘graduated activation’ recommended after April 30—UP pandemic response team The enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) imposed over Luzon, along with other interventions, has indeed slowed down the spread of COVID-19 virus, based on “the best available data”, according to a team specially formed by the University of the Philippines to help government make informed interventions against the pandemic. Read the story here. Estimating Local Healthcare Capacity to Deal with COVID-19 Case Surge: Analysis and Recommendations The rising number of cases of COVID-19 infections on a daily basis is a serious concern as there are limits to hospital care capacity for patients with serious symptoms (e.g. difficulty in breathing). Should the number of infected people rapidly rise, there may come a time when the hospital care resources will be overwhelmed. The UP COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team, in its latest model run, estimates the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases to reach 9,000 to 44,000 by the end of April 2020. As of April 16 DOH reports a total of 5,660 confirmed cases. Download the report here. Modified Community Quarantine beyond April 30: Analysis and Recommendations The extension of the Luzon-wide Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) raises the question on how effective the ECQ has been to contain the spread of COVID-19. If it is, how should it be implemented after April 30 without unnecessarily paralyzing local economies over a long period of time? Download the report here. Preparing for a Post-ECQ Scenario: Analysis and Recommendations The UP COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team releases the results of its projections, analyses, and recommendations to aid decision-making. Here’s what they have found: The peak of the “curve” is estimated to be seen by the end of April to June As many as 140,000-550,000 people are projected to be infected in Metro Manila, including undetected, mild and asymptomatic cases comprising probably 80% of the total Hospital bed capacity and other healthcare metrics can be projected based on the proportion of severe cases (5%) School and work lockdown, requiring PPEs, hand-washing, and social distancing are projected to help flatten the curve A modified, location-specific community quarantine strategy can be explored in light of different realities on the ground There is a need for more open, transparent data and sharing of information so we can apply the best science available Download the report here. UP Resilience Institute introduces COVID chatbot Meet Yani, the newest AI member of the UP COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team! Yani, short for baYANIhan and named in honor of our heroes in the fight against COVID-19, is ready to help you find the information you need. If you’re looking for the nearest hospitals, psychosocial support, or policy information, Yani has got you covered: m.me/YaniEndCovBot Yani is ready to chat every time you visit https://endcov.ph/ and can converse both in English and Filipino (dapat!) LGBT slang or the Beki language option is now available when you converse with Yani! If you’re looking for COVID-19 statistics, the nearest hospitals, links to therapy and counseling, or information on policies, you can talk to Yani through Facebook messenger: m.me/YaniEndCovBot. Read more: Yani, the EndCovBot, learns LGBT slang Policy Notes Preparing for a Post-ECQ Scenario: Analysis and Recommendations (7 April 2020) Modified Community Quarantine beyond April 30: Analysis and Recommendations (13 April 2020) Estimating Local Healthcare Capacity to Deal with COVID-19 Case Surge: Analysis and Recommendations (20 April 2020) Addressing the Immediate Needs of All, Especially the Most Vulnerable Sectors: Analysis and Recommendations (26 April 2020) Social Interactions and Post-ECQ School Opening and Mobility of Older People: Analysis and Recommendations (7 May 2020) Prevailing Data Issues in the Time of COVID-19 and the Need for Open Data (12 May 2020) Post-ECQ Job Risks: Analysis and Recommendations (22 May 2020) Policy Papers Preparing for a Post-ECQ Scenario: Analysis and Recommendations (7 April 2020) Modified Community Quarantine beyond April 30: Analysis and Recommendations (13 April 2020) Davao City should consider extending community quarantine beyond April 19 and conduct more tests for COVID-19—UP Mindanao Researchers (16 April 2020) Estimating Local Healthcare Capacity to Deal with COVID-19 Case Surge: Analysis and Recommendations (20 April 2020) A Sectoral View of Lifting the Lockdown and the Use of Sample-based Random Testing (27 April 2020) Surviving the Lockdown and Beyond (27 April 2020) Addressing the Immediate Needs of All, Especially the Most Vulnerable Sectors: Analysis and Recommendations (26 April 2020) Modified Community Quarantine Public Health Framework In Reponse To Covid-19 For Iloilo And Western Visayas After April 30: Data Analysis And Recommendations (28 April 2020) Public Health Data Analysis and Recommendations for COVID-19 in Western Visayas as of 30 April 2020 (7 May 2020) Social Interactions and Post-ECQ School Opening and Mobility of Older People: Analysis and Recommendations (7 May 2020) Briefer on “Flattening the Curve” (9 May 2020) Prevailing Data Issues in the Time of COVID-19 and the Need for Open Data (12 May 2020) Post-ECQ Job Risks: Analysis and Recommendations (22 May 2020) Briefer on How an Epidemic Happens and What is an Epidemic Wave (22 May 2020) News UP offers educational materials to the public 17 August 2020—The University of the Philippines serves as the country’s premier community of scholars, experts, academics and researchers, and a rich reservoir of knowledge, information, cutting-edge research, innovations and technologies. [Read full story] UPOU-Kaagapay+ launched 10 September 2020—In consonance with the UP System’s Kaagapay sa Pag-aaral ng mga Iskolar ng Bayan Fundraising and Resource Generation Campaign (Kaagapay UP), UP Open University (UPOU) launched its own UPOU-Kaagapay+ program on September 1. [Read full story] UPLB graduates ready to take on the challenge of a post-COVID world – Regent Laurel 8 September 2020—“The year 2020 is the year that will forever be remembered as the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a daunting challenge to say the least. This is where the UP education comes into play.” [Read full story] Enrolling in UP this semester? Here’s what to expect 26 August 2020—Aside from gadgets and financial assistance, UP will be implementing two additional programs for the student’s health, dignity, and welfare. [Read full story] COVID-19 cases in PH could hit over half a million by end of 2020, UP forecast says 2 September 2020—The coronavirus tally in the Philippines could average at around 585,000 before the year ends, based on a forecast by researchers from the University of the Philippines. [Read full story] Social scientists give insights on the COVID-19 pandemic 24 August 2020—Faculty members of the UPLB Department of Social Sciences (DSS) gave their take on the COVID-19 pandemic using the lenses of their respective disciplines at the inaugural edition of USAP PH webinar series on Aug 20. [Read full story] UPLB CMDL aims to double its testing target per day 18 August 2020—The University of the Philippines Los Banos COVID-19 Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory (UPLB CMDL) is aiming to double its target number of testing per day through employing two shifts. [Read full story] SiM opens 18 August 2020—The newly-renovated Molave Residence Hall is in an acceptable distance from the various communities inside UPD, including Barangay UP Campus. [Read full story] COVID infection and inflammation highlighted in UP’s next online medical grand rounds this Friday 12 August 2020—Infection and inflammation are both processes that come into play in COVID-19. Most patients will battle the infection over two weeks and only have a mild case of the disease. In some patients, however, inflammation may be severe, leading to cytokine storms and organ failure that are difficult to manage. [Read full story] UP-backed genome center on the trail of coronavirus 1 August 2020—Researchers at the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) are working round the clock to trace the “route” of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that has been ravaging populations around the Philippines since March. [Read full story] #KaagapayUP project to bring hope to financially challenged UP students 23 July 2020—The word kaagapay is typically associated with being at one’s side. Its constituents, the affix, ka-, which indicates relation, and its root, agapay, or support, together connote mutual assistance, trust, care, and respect from individuals who desire that others become fully functional persons. [Read full story] UPOU shares tutorials for creating video lectures 28 July 2020—The shift to remote learning because of COVID-19 brings the possibility of using video materials for teaching. Video lectures by teachers will be an important tool, especially in asynchronous learning, where lessons are discussed without the constraint of having all students together at the same place or at the same time. [Read full story] UP-developed test kits ready for commercial use: DOH 19 July 2020—The Department of Health said the test kits developed by University of the Philippines scientists are now ready for commercial use. [Read full story] UP webinar takes on the mental and emotional impact of COVID-19 22 July 2020—The COVID-19 pandemic poses a threat not just to people’s physical health, but perhaps more insidiously, to their mental, emotional and psychological health as well, with uncertainty and fear of the unknown causing and exacerbating worry and stress. [Read full story] UP COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team tracks PH cities’ road to recovery 23 July 2020—How are cities in the Philippines faring in the fight against COVID-19? Where are they now on the road to recovery towards the goal of zero cases? [Read full story] UP CoPES helps build psychosocial resilience of self and others 14 July 2020—Times of crisis can inflict not only physical and economic, but also psychosocial harm. These psychosocial hazards take a toll on both individuals and families, compromising the safety and productivity of those involved. [Read full story] Long road to recovery for survivors of critical COVID-19 cases 14 July 2020—“We want our patients to be able to go back to the lives they had before being critically ill.” This is the end goal of physiatrists in providing rehabilitative care and treatment, as emphasized by Dr. Celso Bate of The Medical City and the Victor R. Potenciano Medical Center, in the eleventh episode of UP’s STOP COVID DEATHS webinar series on July 3. [Read full story] COVID-19 cases in Philippines may rise to 85,000 by end of July —UP experts 16 July 2020—Experts from the University of the Philippines have projected that the number of COVID-19 cases in the country may reach more than 85,000 by the end of July. [Read full story] UPLB inaugurates its COVID-19 testing center 15 July 2020—The UPLB-CMDL will serve as a subnational testing center for Laguna and nearby provinces, thereby helping ease a major bottleneck in the COVID-19 response in the country. [Read full story] Devcom prof joins scicom in COVID-19 talk 15 July 2020—“Today, more than any other time, science communication plays an integral part on how science can become more relevant in overcoming the challenges we face in this pandemic.” [Read full story] PGH says can no longer accept critically ill coronavirus patients 15 July 2020—The Philippine General Hospital said Wednesday it could no longer accept critically ill coronavirus patients from other health facilities because its beds were almost full. [Read full story] Social protection should be sector-specific – UP experts 14 July 2020—The experts from the University of the Philippines (UP) have recommended that the government should take into consideration the sector-specific needs of the vulnerable and marginalized to be able to survive the coronavirus pandemic. [Read full story] UP COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team launches new features on endcov.ph 7 July 2020—The UP COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team (UP PRT) launches new features in endcov.ph, a web portal created to provide the public with vital information and tools in the fight against COVID-19. [Read full story] UP webinar to tackle the challenges of staying safe while serving in the line of fire 7 July 2020—Anesthesiologists, doctors who provide perioperative care to COVID-19 patients, are among medical workers who serve at the frontlines in the battle against the viral pandemic. As such, they face health risks due to their exposure and close proximity to COVID-19-positive patients in enclosed spaces. [Read full story] ‘Be visible. Be available.’ 6 July 2020—Ma. Rita Villanueva-Tamse teaches in the UP Open University (UPOU) Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN) program and at the UP Manila College of Nursing, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She is a former chief of the UP Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Division of Clinical Nursing Operations and a former deputy director for Nursing at the same hospital. She has almost 40 years of experience in nursing administration. [Read full story] Know the risk of getting COVID-19 at your workplace 6 July 2020—You can calculate this using job and workplace risk calculators developed by UPLB biomathematicians based at the Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Physics (IMSP) of the College of Arts and Sciences. [Read full story] UPLB alumna is behind COVID-19 testing tech in Switzerland 7 July 2020—An alumna of UPLB and native of Los Baños leads the development of a mass testing technology in Switzerland that is considered a breakthrough in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. [Read full story] Biochemist stresses agri biotech’s role in COVID-19 fight 7 July 2020—At first glance, the field of agricultural biotechnology (agri biotech) does not seem to have any relation at all to fighting a pandemic. But according to Dr. Flerida A. Cariño, professor of biochemistry at UP Diliman, agri biotech has a bigger role in countering the current COVID-19 crisis than most people realize. [Read full story] Next Edu-Hack Podcasts targets Students’ Perspectives on Learning amidst the Pandemic 6 July 2020—The next episode of “Edu-Hack: Navigating a Turbulent Educational Landscape” targets students who will be enrolling this academic year, with the gloom of the pandemic on their shoulders. [Read full story] UP BadAss hits a serve for IP communities 6 July 2020—Even with COVID-19 putting a strain on the country’s healthcare system and economy, experts have found that the world’s indigenous peoples have been disproportionately affected. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs recently cited that their relatively poor access to healthcare, higher rates of communicable and non-communicable diseases, and lack of access to essential services make indigenous communities especially vulnerable to the ravages of a global pandemic. [Read full story] PH starts Covid-19 vaccine trials 10 July 2020—The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has approved the collaboration with five coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine manufacturers from China and Taiwan to be used in clinical trials in the country. [Read full story] UP-PGH’s COVID-19 admissions exceed 130-bed capacity 9 July 2020—The University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital on Thursday said it has exceeded its initial 130-bed capacity for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. [Read full story] Plans, Possibilities and Progress: UP academics moving into the “next normal” 2 July 2020—The University of the Philippines (UP) is coming to terms with the fact that we can no longer go back to the traditional modes of teaching and learning. However, this “next normal”is also opening up new prospects, platforms, and possibilities for teaching and learning, which UP is set to explore within the next two months. [Read full story] UPRI launches Policy Sourcebook on COVID-19 3 July 2020—With the barrage of news, information, and social media posts coming from all sides, it can be a challenge for ordinary Filipinos to stay up-to-date with the national government’s efforts to fight COVID-19. In light of this, the University of the Philippines (UP) has come up with a way to keep track of the government’s latest policies and measures to defeat the viral pandemic in the country. [Read full story] Off-label drug therapies in COVID-19 may lead to arrythmias 2 July 2020—The use of antivirals and antimalarials as off-label therapies in the treatment of COVID-19 may result in arrythmias or heartbeat irregularities, according to Dr. Chito Permejo, a UP Manila College of Medicine 2001 graduate who is a cardiology intensivist at the Philippine Heart Center. [Read full story] UP Prof. Emeritus Pernia talks COVID-19 and the Economy at UPAA Kapihan 3 July 2020—An enriching discussion titled “COVID-19 and the Economy” on the intersection of human and economic health took place on June 16, 2020, as former National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary and UP School of Economics Emeritus Professor Ernesto M. Pernia was the guest and resource speaker at the UP Alumni Association’s (UPAA) Kapihan ng Bayan sa UP program. [Read full story] UPLB epidemiologist situates pandemics in ecosystem status 29 June 2020—A molecular epidemiologist from UPLB explained how pandemics, such as COVID-19, are caused by declining biodiversity. [Read full story] UPLB COVID testing center is now certified! 29 June 2020—The UPLB COVID-19 Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory (UPLB-CMDL) received today, June 29, its certification as a molecular laboratory that can perform independent testing for COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) by Realtime PCR from the Department of Health-Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (DOH-RITM). [Read full story] UP BadAss sells face masks for IPs 1 July 2020—The UP Badminton Association in Diliman (UP BADASS), in coordination with Abra Indigo-Manila, is selling hand-embroidered face masks by the Itneg community in Abra to raise funds for the indigenous peoples (IPs) community in Namarabar, Peñarrubia, Abra. [Read full story] URUGUP para han Jipapad 30 June 2020—UP Tacloban turned over to the local government of Jipapad, Eastern Samar 231 sacks of rice (@ 10 kilos), 10 liters of alcohol-based hand rub, and 350 3-D printed face shields on 21 June 2020 for distribution to residents. The donation was delivered with the assistance of Navara Nation Philippines-Eastern Visayas Chapter. [Read full story] Self-reliance needed in country’s response to COVID-19 30 June 2020—UP Manila (UPM) College of Medicine (UPCM) Dean Charlotte Chiong said, “We need to be self-reliant in testing, prevention, and treatment.” This was her statement after being asked by PhilHealth Board Director Susan Mercado to comment on the country’s independence in the fight against COVID-19. [Read full story] University students help rice farmers sell their produce 26 June 2020—Among these are the farmers who have lost their market due to transport constraints. Seeing the plight of the farmers, a group of university students decided to act and help the farmers gain a market in the metro. [Read full story] Sisters launch fundraiser for UP’s Ikot, Toki drivers 29 June 2020—But what began as a hobby and at times, a source of additional income, has now turned into a way for the trio to give back to the jeepney drivers on the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman campus in Quezon City who have been jobless since March due to the Metro Manila lockdown. [Read full story] Masks reveal history of Cordillera fabrics 28 June 2020—Masks made of indigenous fabric have retained some level of value both for producers and their clientele. This is because of the time, effort and history behind the fabric woven the traditional way in many parts of the city and other Cordillera towns. [Read full story] COVID-19 cases in Philippines may reach 60,000 by July 31 —experts 30 June 2020—The number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines may reach more than 60,000 by July 31, according to a study made by a group of experts. [Read full story] 332 COVID-19 patients in PH now participating in WHO Solidarity Trials 26 June 2020—There are now 332 patients afflicted with the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country who are participating in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global Solidarity Trial, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato dela Pena said on Friday, June 26. [Read full story] How the pandemic impacts healthcare 28 June 2020—The art of medicine is almost as old as civilization itself. Advances in science have increased the reliability of treatments we use to help our patients feel better. The way we deliver care, however, has remained the same. A doctor still needs to examine a patient. [Read full story] UP Mindanao, DOST XI to help set up COVID-19 testing facility in Davao de Oro 26 June 2020—The University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao will help set up another COVID-19 testing facility in Davao de Oro Province, signing a memorandum of agreement with the Provincial Government and the Department of Science and Technology Region XI last 22 June 2020 at the Provincial Capitol in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro. [Read full story] UPOU offers free online bridge courses 23 June 2020—True to the University as a public service institution, UP Open University (UPOU) will offer free online bridge courses in English and Mathematics for senior high school students, college freshmen, and all other interested individuals starting July 1. [Read full story] 10th UP-PhilHealth webinar will be about children’s health during COVID-19 pandemic 24 June 2020—There are many ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic may negatively affect the health, wellbeing, and development of children. Like adults, they are also at risk of getting COVID-19 or facing various stressful situations, such as lack of access to food, vaccination, healthcare, education, and other basic needs due to lockdown policies, unfavorable environment, or possibly other illnesses. Children may also become anxious about this “new normal” or have difficulties in expressing their feelings about the situation. [Read full story] “Bawal lumabas.” 23 June 2020—Angelique Rosete is a gynecology and trophoblastic nurse, and a research coordinator at the UP-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) who is currently finishing her thesis in the Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN) program of UP Open University (UPOU). [Read full story] CSC@40 Anniversary Lecture: “Katatagan at Pagbangon sa Panahon ng Pandemya” 24 June 2020—The UP Baguio Cordillera Studies Center invites everyone to join us on Friday, 26 June 2020, 10:00 a.m., via Livestream for the CSC@40 Anniversary Lecture titled, “Katatagan at Pagbangon sa Panahon ng Pandemya” to be delivered by Prof. Rozel Balmores-Paulino of the Department of Anthropology, Sociology and Psychology, University of the Philippines Baguio. [Read full story] Surviving COVID-19, becoming a better nurse 23 June 2020—John Alex Melencio is a charge nurse and team leader at The Royal Brompton Hospital in London, UK. He is also a UP alumnus, having earned his Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN) degree from the UP Open University (UPOU). [Read full story] Univ Lib expands online services during the pandemic 23 June 2020—In this time of a pandemic, the UPLB University Library (UL) aims to move “closer” to its users by intensifying its online services. [Read full story] With forensics, COVID-19 dead can tell fresh tales on pandemic 24 June 2020—A forensics-based approach to managing the dead due to COVID-19 will help policymakers better understand the disease as they navigate the country through the pandemic, a member of the academe said Wednesday. [Read full story] DOST, UP-PGH to conduct convalescent plasma transfusion as possible cure for COVID-19 24 June 2020—The project called “Convalescent Plasma as Adjunctive Therapy for Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19″ will provide adjunctive therapy which is a treatment used to support the main or primary treatment of diseases. [Read full story] Philippines wants equitable access to vaccine 21 June 2020—The Philippine representatives to the WHO Solidarity clinical trial are led by Dr. Marissa Alejandria of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine and president of the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. [Read full story] Record 1,150 new cases sets total near 32k, UP team cites relaxed lockdown for surge 24 June 2020—The relaxation in quarantine restrictions has brought about a surge in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections nationwide, a University of the Philippines math professor said Tuesday. [Read full story] UP Baguio opens arts and crafts market at Oblation grounds 22 June 2020—It is the artists and artisans their turn at trading their works at the University of the Philippines Baguio (UPB) Oblation Grounds with an arts and crafts fair dubbed “Mandëko Kito, Artisans Market” scheduled every Monday and Tuesday 9:00am-12:00nn starting June 15. [Read full story] UPVTC URUGUP distributes 2nd batch of alcohol 17 June 2020—UP Visayas Tacloban College (UPVTC), through URUGUP, its institutional response to the COVID-19 crisis in Eastern Visayas, distributed its second batch of 80% ethyl alcohol URUGUP hand rub on May 27. [Read full story] UP webinar highlights Lung Center’s innovations in fighting COVID-19 18 June 2020—Dr. Antonio B. Ramos, manager of the Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP) Department of Administrative Services and resource speaker for the sixth episode of the University of the Philippines’ “STOP COVID DEATHS: Clinical Management Updates” webinar series held on May 29, talked about the LCP experience in promoting hospital personnel safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. [Read full story] Is there more to a zero in disease statistics? 17 June 2020—Lachica is a member of the IAM laboratory and has been involved in the conduct of COVID-19-related research. He is also a research assistant in the Commission on Higher Education-Discovery-Applied Research and Extension for Trans/Interdisciplinary Opportunities: Synoptic Study on Transmission and Optimum Control to Prevent Rabies Program or the CHED DARE-TO: STOP Rabies Program, which is headed by UPMin. [Read full story] COVID-19 Clinical Management: The Cebu Experience 17 June 2020—To help Filipinos courageously face the COVID-19 pandemic, the UP webinar series, “STOP COVID DEATHS: Clinical Management Updates,” is hosted by the University of the Philippines, in partnership with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the UP Manila National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Telehealth Center, every Friday from 12nn to 2pm. [Read full story] UP freshmen told to expect remote learning under new normal 16 June 2020—Incoming freshmen entering the University of the Philippines (UP) are told to expect remote teaching and learning under the new normal. [Read full story] Bucoy ‘monovlogs’ pay tribute to COVID-19 frontliners 16 June 2020—The latest literary works of Layeta Bucoy, UPLB’s lone UP Artist, homegrown playwright, and faculty member at the Department of Humanities, is a story about life, struggles, and love for family amid the pandemic and community lockdown. [Read full story] Catastrophic Loss in Jobs and Work Hours: Save the MSMEs and Protect the Workers 17 June 2020—More catastrophic losses in both jobs and work hours are expected in the second and third quarters of 2020 in view of: (a) the expansion of the lockdown from Luzon in mid-March to virtually the rest of the country by early April 2020; (b) the extension of the community quarantine until a vaccine against COVID-19 is available and made more widely accessible; and (c) the influx of tens of thousands of displaced overseas Filipino workers. [Read full story] UPCAT qualifiers enrolling in UP can expect the “new normal” of remote learning 15 June 2020—For this year’s batch of successful UPCAT qualifiers who will be entering the University of the Philippines (UP) as freshmen enrollees, their first taste of university life will be that of the “new normal”: remote teaching and learning, with the possibility of blending remote and face-to-face meetings. [Read full story] UPV Tacloban College maps the COVID-19 outbreak in Eastern Visayas 16 June 2020—Motivated by recent developments in the COVID-19 situation and incremental movements towards the new normal in Eastern Visayas, the University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban College, through its Regional Environmental Information Systems program and Health Services Unit, has endeavored to visualize key COVID-19 data in the region. [Read full story] Gender inclusion, appreciative resilience vital to crisis response 16 June 2020—Response to a crisis, whether the crisis may be resolved quickly or drawn out over a long period, benefits greatly from gender inclusion and appreciative resilience. For which reason these actions are vital to successfully ensuring the psychosocial well-being of persons dealing with crises. [Read full story] Remote learning resources now available 15 June 2020—Resources for remote learning are now available to assist educators shifting from traditional classroom instruction to blended learning when the new school year opens on August 24. [Read full story] Oplan Hatid makes 1000th mark in students served 15 June 2020—UPLB’s Oplan Hatid has made it to the 1,000th mark in the number of students it has served since the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was implemented in Luzon on March 16. [Read full story] Oplan Hatid embarks on biggest international operation 12 June 2020—Twenty four Sri Lankan graduate students from UPLB were able to fly home to their country today, June 11, through an embassy-coordinated operation of various UPLB offices and Oplan Hatid. [Read full story] PAF flies stranded UPLB students home to Western Visayas 12 June 2020—UPLB Oplan Hatid, a program under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (OVCSA), partnered with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to fly home students who were stranded in the UPLB campus during the series of community quarantine implemented in Luzon from March 16 to date. [Read full story] UP webinar takes on COVID-19 and its impact on heart disease 11 June 2020—One out of four adult Filipinos has hypertension, while a large portion of the population are not aware that they have persistently high blood pressure. How does the COVID-19 pandemic impact adult Filipinos with heart disease? [Read full story] UPV community takes care of UPD students 11 June 2020—The arrival of 14 Ilonggo UP Diliman (UPD) students in Iloilo City on May 31 may have come as a surprise to the UP Visayas (UPV) administration and alumni, but they wasted no time in taking care of these students. [Read full story] UP Alumni Association to hold Kapihan ng Bayan sa UP on “COVID-19 and the Economy” 11 June 2020—From jobs lost, businesses shutting down, manufacturing and supply chains interrupted, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a tremendous toll on both the global and national economy. [Read full story] UPOU sets more online lectures and discussion 11 June 2020—The easing of restrictions does not mean the crisis is over, with the impact of COVID-19 cutting across various sectors. In an effort to continue the capacity-building of affected individuals, organizations, and fields, the UP Open University (UPOU) has embraced its unique role as online education provider, at a time when physical distancing is a must and mass gatherings are prohibited. [Read full story] Virgin coconut oil trials for COVID patients OK’d 9 June 2020—Virgin coconut oil trials on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) are finally underway, according to Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato dela Peña. [Read full story] Telepresence device enables health workers at PGH to communicate with patients remotely 7 June 2020—A telepresence device that can enable health workers to connect with their patients without physically being present in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) wards can now be used at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). [Read full story] COVID-19 test booth project reaches 100th mark 5 June 2020—A partnership that sought to help the medical community in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic has fulfilled its promise. [Read full story] Opening soon: UPHS telemedicine specialty clinics 5 June 2020—Seven UP Health Service (UPHS) specialty clinics will be available through telemedicine and will tentatively serve on Monday. [Read full story] UPLB makes upgraded COVID-19 swabbing booth 5 June 2020—Swabbing booths for COVID-19 testing have become imperative to protect the lives of medical frontliners who collect sample specimens from suspected and probable patients. [Read full story] 5 more stranded UP Mindanao students return home 4 June 2020—Five more students from the University of the Philippines in Mindanao were able to return to their hometowns in Davao region after being stranded due to the lockdown brought by the coronavirus disease. [Read full story] DIY face shields initiative continues in UPV 24 May 2020—Students of UP Visayas may be considered as trail blazers in the creation of the ‘Do It Yourself’ face shields in the country. [Read full story] UP Mindanao, SPMC to train more medical personnel for Covid-19 testing facilities 3 June 2020—The Mindanao campus of the University of the Philippines and the Southern Philippines Medical Center would soon start a series of training for medical personnel to handle the human resource demand of the emerging testing centers across Mindanao for Covid-19 cases. [Read full story] UP Mindanao launches online platform to track COVID-19 cases in the Davao Region 3 June 2020—COVID-19 Insights, a web-based platform created and maintained by the UP Mindanao COVID-19 Modeling Team for tracking COVID-19 cases in the Davao Region was launched last month. The team created the platform to provide local government officials, policymakers, researchers, and health professionals valuable tools for decision-making. [Read full story] UP researchers develop VR prototype of stay-homecare for behavioral and psychological conditions 3 June 2020—Neurological conditions, such as Dementia and Cerebral Palsy, affect the cognitive abilities, motor functions, and performance of activities of daily living of patients. These manifestations may occur throughout the patients’ lifetime, which may render poor quality of life for both the patients and their families. [Read full story] Lessons from the San Lazaro experience 3 June 2020—In the fifth presentation of the UP webinar series,“STOP COVID DEATHS: Clinical Management Updates,” on May 22, 2020, Dr. Rontgene M. Solante, head of the Adult Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine unit of the San Lazaro Hospital, shared valuable insights from their care and management of COVID-19 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and other infections. [Read full story] The pivotal role of Noel Ferriols and PGC-Visayas in the WV fight against COVID-19 2 June 2020—Heroes emerge during times of crisis. [Read full story] How epidemics start and end: COVID-19 spread in PH analyzed 23 May 2020—Dr. Mary Grace Dacuma of the UP Pandemic Response Team has released findings from a recent study on how an epidemic happens and what an epidemic wave is. [Read full story] Quarantine facility sa UP College of Human Kinetics, handa na para sa mga gumaling sa COVID-19 1 June 2020—Handa na ang Kalinga Center quarantine facility sa College of Human Kinetics annex gym sa University of the Philippines-Diliman sa lungsod ng Quezon para sa mga pasyenteng gumaling na sa COVID-19 at nangangailangan lang ng karagdagang quarantine period. [Basahin ang buong istorya] Yani, the EndCovBot, learns LGBT slang 26 May 2020—LGBT slang or the Beki language option is now available when you converse with Yani! If you’re looking for COVID-19 statistics, the nearest hospitals, links to therapy and counseling, or information on policies, you can talk to Yani through Facebook messenger: m.me/YaniEndCovBot. [Read full story] Medical eLearning at the time of COVID-19 29 May 2020—UP College of Medicine, DOH, and APMC to hold month-long Medical eLearning: Behind the Screens Virtual Conference on June 2020. [Read full story] Frontliners at the forefront of the 6th UP “Stop COVID Deaths” Webinar, May 29 26 May 2020—The University of the Philippines, in partnership with Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the UP Manila NIH National Telehealth Center, is inviting you to join the fight against COVID-19. [Read full story] UPVTC reflects on MHPSS in COVID-19 crisis 29 May 2020—The COVID-19 pandemic, just like previous emergency and crisis situations, activated the UP Visayas Tacloban College (UPVTC) mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) core team. [Read full story] 23 stranded UP Mindanao students return to hometowns through inter-agency efforts 29 May 2020—Twenty-three students of the University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao successfully returned to their respective hometowns starting May 6, following a tightly coordinated inter-agency operation. [Read full story] More UPV students reunite with families 29 May 2020—Stranded no more. Students of UP Visayas (UPV) who hail from other cities, municipalities, provinces, and regions have gone home as UPV has continued to facilitate their return to their families with the province of Iloilo’s transition to general community quarantine. [Read full story] Doing the math in a pandemic 27 May 2020—“Our decision will be based on science.” The science community must have heaved a collective sigh of relief when a top government official said this about the way forward for the country in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. [Read full story] UPLB ready to open COVID-19 laboratory 21 May 2020—The University of the Philippines Los Baños’ (UPLB) molecular diagnostic laboratory for COVID-19 is now on its way to the final stages of obtaining approval from the World Health Organization (WHO), Department of Health (DoH), and Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). [Read full story] P4.7M allotted for research, development of disinfection pods for health frontliners 25 May 2020—Dubbed the “SANI-POD,” the research and development project is a partnership among doctors of the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila and engineers of UP Diliman, President Rodrigo Duterte’s report to Congress on Monday said. [Read full story] LRT-1 operator invests in disinfection technology 28 May 2020—Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), operator of Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), has partnered with the University of the Philippines-Diliman’s National Engineering Center for the use of an ultraviolet technology to disinfect its train sets. [Read full story] UP women’s basketball team creates masks to help indigent members 29 May 2020—The UP Women’s Basketball Team is launching a fundraiser to help indigent team members amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. [Read full story] UP Baguio puts up farmers market to aid food growers 30 May 2020—A farmers market will be open to the public every Friday at the University of the Philippines Baguio, to help widen access to food during the quarantine. [Read full story] Lopez Group helps PGH expand testing capacity 30 May 2020—The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) has accepted an offer from the Lopez Group to help the state university hospital increase 10 times its capability to test for the virus SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of the dreaded coronavirus disease (COVID-19). [Read full story] OVPAA Memorandum No. 2020-62: Reiteration of the Grading System in the Implementing Guidelines of the UP System Policy on the Second Semester 2019-2020 in Light of COVID-19 22 May 2020—The University of the Philippines Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs has issued Memorandum No. OVPAA 2020-62 reiterating the grading system in the implementing guidelines of the UP policy on the second semester 2019-2020 in light of COVID-19. [Read full memorandum] UPVTC turns 47 22 May 2020—What to do when mass gatherings are not allowed to celebrate an occasion because of a pandemic? Take it online. [Read full story] Kidney patients more vulnerable to COVID-19 21 May 2020—The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 or SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind the COVID-19 pandemic, is well-known for causing respiratory problems. However, the virus does not only attack the lungs but targets other organs as well. [Read full story] UP Cebu CENVI presents “a timeline in maps” of Cebu City’s battle against COVID-19 21 May 2020—The University of the Philippines Cebu Central Visayas Center for Informatics (CENVI), a Department of Science and Technology-funded project under the NICER program, created last May 5 a story map showing the series of events that took place after the first COVID-19 cases were reported in Cebu City. [Read full story] Negrense students of UPV go home 21 May 2020—Twenty-three UP Visayas (UPV) students from Negros Occidental who were stranded in Miagao and Iloilo City due to the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) have gone home. [Read full story] UP Beta Sigma Fraternity – UP Visayas Chapter ramps up COVID-19 response, distributes medical supplies, sends relief in southern Iloilo 21 May 2020—The local chapter of UP Beta Sigma Fraternity in the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) distributed 100 liters of alcohol and 1000 pieces of medical grade surgical masks to different health centers and hospitals in the first district of Iloilo, including the municipalities of Oton, Tigbauan, Guimbal, Miag-ao, and the UPV Infirmary and dormitories. [Read full story] IMSP FabLab makes medical accessories for frontliners 21 May 2020—Fighting the COVID-19 pandemic has made UPLB colleges and institutes step up to do their part. [Read full story] Save a life. Make a face shield. 20 May 2020—To continue providing frontliners protective gear to battle COVID-19, the UPD Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (OVCAA) is making a clarion call for volunteers to assemble face shields. [Read full story] 14 stranded UP students to arrive in Naga City 20 May 2020—At least 14 students of the University of the Philippines (UP), who were stranded at the school campus in Quezon City since the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine last March, were expected to arrive in Naga City on Wednesday afternoon. [Read full story] UPD continues to help 19 May 2020—Here is an update on the initiatives or projects of various UPD units, student organizations and an alumni group. [Read full story] CHED chair, HEI heads discuss grad educ amid COVID-19 8 May 2020—Issues surrounding higher education institutions (HEIs) amid the COVID-19 pandemic are often associated with the undergraduate level, with this sector comprising majority of students. [Read full story] CoVcheck develops Quarantine Buddy: a patient care management system 15 May 2020—In these extraordinary times, speed is of the essence. To further accelerate our LGUs’ CoVID-19 response, CoVcheck developed the Quarantine Buddy (QB). [Read full story] UPV facilitates going home of students 14 May 2020—UP Visayas is continuously endeavoring to assist its students who are stranded in Miagao and Iloilo City campuses who wish to return to their places of residence now that the Second Semester has ended. [Read full story] LOOK: Palma Hall opens its doors as isolation unit for UP Diliman 19 May 2020—Dubbed as Kanlungang Palma sa Panahon ng Pandemya, the social sciences and humanities hub of University of the Philippines Diliman takes on the responsibility of housing suspected and probable coronavirus cases in the area. [Read full story] UP CHK opens annex as step-down iso facility for COVID-19 cases 18 May 2020—In support of the government’s drive to curb the effect of the ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, University of the Philippines opened the annex of the College of Human Kinetics Gym as a step-down isolation facility. [Read full story] NIMBB trains 54 medical technicians under DOH-RITM 15 May 2020—The National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB) helped the Department of Health-Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (DOH-RITM) train 54 medical technicians. [Read full story] UP Diliman looking for volunteers to help assemble frontliner gear 17 May 2020—The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (UPD-OVCAA) of the University of the Philippines-Dilman is asking for volunteers to help assemble face shields for frontliners. [Read full story] Tsikiting Stories addresses children’s mental health amidst COVID-19 15 May 2020—While adults are adjusting to the arrangements required by the COVID-19 crisis, children are likely having a hard time understanding the sudden changes going on around them. [Read full story] STAT: Finding solutions for COVID-19 12 May 2020—Like most UP Diliman units, the UP School of Statistics (STAT) has projects addressing the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis. [Read full story] Relaxed quarantine measures in PH not ‘coming-out party’: disease expert 14 May 2020—An infectious diseases specialist cautioned the public against keeping their guard down as the Philippine government is set to reduce quarantine restrictions to revive the economy during the coronavirus pandemic. [Read full story] Philippines in a global race to find a treatment for COVID-19 13 May 2020—As the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the planet, medical experts and scientists around the world have found themselves in an unprecedented race to find a treatment for the disease. [Read full story] Yani the EndCovbot has unlocked a new skill! 12 May 2020—Remember Yani the EndCovBot? If you’re looking for the latest COVID-19 statistics in your municipality, city, province, region, or for the whole Philippines, just ask Yani on Messenger. [Read full story] UP to provide its workforce additional emergency allowance 14 May 2020—In consideration of the unprecedented situation confronting its constituents, UP is providing its workforce an additional emergency allowance of P5,000 each not earlier than May 15, 2020. [Read full story] UPLB ensures adherence to biosafety reqts in COVID-19 testing lab 11 May 2020—As UPLB stepped up to establish its own COVID-19 Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory that shall serve as a subnational testing center for Laguna and neighboring provinces, it sought to equip the said facility with an all-important pre-requisite – biosafety and biosecurity. [Read full story] ECQ alone won’t curb coronavirus, PH needs mass testing – UP expert 12 May 2020—’Mass testing, isolation, and contact tracing – this is where we should invest,’ says Professor Jomar Rabajante of the UP COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team [Read full story] The inspiring everyday heroism of PGH’s frontliner moms 9 May 2020—‘Ma, Bakit Hindi ka pa uuwi?’ is a question often asked of the children of these amazing women at Philippine General Hospital. But despite missing and worrying about their own families, they must heed their call to serve. [Read full story] U.P. experts say ‘open data’ is part of fight vs COVID-19 12 May 2020—The UP COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team, a group of some 200 professors, researchers, alumni, and students, says data sharing ‘must be used to generate knowledge’ [Read full story] UP experts spot ‘alarming errors’ in DOH’s COVID-19 patient data 12 May 2020—The University of the Philippines COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team in their policy note released Tuesday pointed out errors and discrepancies in the Department of Health’s data on COVID-19 patients. [Read full story] Pinoy medical experts, scientists join fight vs virus 13 May 2020—Filipino scientists and medical practitioners who were trained and based overseas have joined the frontliners in Philippine hospitals in the continuing struggle against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). [Read full story] ‘Test center gives more hope against Covid-19 in Eastern Visayas’ 10 May 2020—The first accredited molecular laboratory in Eastern Visayas will boost the country’s fight against the deadly coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the region. [Read full story] UP-Diliman’s Palma Hall now a DOH-approved quarantine facility 13 May 2020—The University of the Philippines-Diliman (UPD) Palma Hall is now operating as a quarantine facility for suspected and probable cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). [Read full story] Pandemic shines light on country’s brightest minds 11 May 2020—In the battle against COVID-19, Filipino scientists—such as the UP COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team—take center stage. Get to know some of the ways they harness their knowledge and skills to help the country win the war against a deadly virus. [Read full story] UP Concert Chorus conveys peace message in song 11 May 2020—Netizens were treated to a heart-felt cover of the song “Let there be Peace on Earth” by the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus. [Read full story] Metro Manila Council chief sees another lockdown extension 11 May 2020—On Saturday, a team of University of the Philippines (UP) professors recommended that the government extend the ECQ in Metro Manila and other areas, warning that a premature easing could lead to 24,000 COVID-19 cases and 1,700 deaths by mid-June. [Read full story] Philippines now has 26 COVID-19 testing centers — DOH 10 May 2020—There are now 26 testing laboratories in the Philippines that are capable of detecting the SARS CoV-2—the coronavirus that causes the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). [Read full story] UPD-NIMBB trains med-techs for COVID-19 detection 8 May 2020—The University of the Philippines is training medical technicians in performing the qRT-PCR assay for the detection of the SARS CoV2, to support the training efforts of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) for COVID-19 testing. [Read full story] COVID-19, ECQ, and Crash Landing on You 8 May 2020—Question: How does one explain the COVID-19 crisis from a governance perspective in an easily digestible and palatable manner? [Read full story] UP pays tribute to 22 alumni who died from COVID-19 8 May 2020—The University of the Philippines has released a video paying tribute to its alumni who succumbed to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). [Read full story] UP Law faculty proposes use of new tech for ‘smart courts’ during pandemic 7 May 2020—Incorporation of new technologies into the Philippine court system will help dispensation of justice during the COVID-19 pandemic and even after, a study from the University of the Philippines College of Law said. [Read full story] UP scientist: gov’t should reconsider activities with adverse effects on air quality 6 May 2020—To maintain the “good air quality” as the “new normal,” a scientist from the University of the Philippines has appealed to all sectors to use the opportunity to reconsider activities that have adverse impacts on air quality. [Read full story] UP’s “StopCOVIDDeaths” webinar to discuss COVID-19 treatment landscape 7 May 2020—The third installment of the UP webinar series, “Stop COVID Deaths: Clinical Management Updates,” will happen on Friday, May 8, at 12:00 PM in Taipei. [Read full story] #TatagUP: resilience, survival and response post-ECQ 1 May 2020—As the nation looks forward to a post-pandemic scenario, UP Diliman (UPD) is easing the transition to post-ECQ. [Read full story] Maynilad turns over 100 isolation tents 7 May 2020—MAYNILAD Water Services, Inc. has handed over 100 isolation tents and hygiene kits to an alumni association of the University of the Philippines that is setting up a 100-bed quarantine facility for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. [Read full story] 5 tips to maintain psychosocial health amid COVID-19 pandemic 6 May 2020—Physical health is not the only thing that needs precious care in this COVID-19 crisis. Equally important is mental and psychosocial well-being. UP Open University (UPOU) Assistant Professor Finaflor Taylan of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies, who is also a registered social worker, gives advice on maintaining psychosocial health during this time. [Read full story] UP pays tribute to COVID-19 fatalities 6 May 2020—UP honors the memory of those who have succumbed to COVID-19 as “unknown heroes who fell during the night” in a music video of Fr. Manuel Francisco’s “Hindi Kita Malilimutan”, featuring the symbolic image of UP’s Oblation and an alumni roster whose lives were also taken by the virus. [Read full story] UP buildings transformed into Covid-19 facilities 1 May 2020—Several buildings within the University of the Philippines campus in Diliman, Quezon City have been transformed into testing sites, a quarantine facility and living quarters for frontliners and health workers. [Read full story] 58 UP Students na Umuwi sa Isabela, Nasa Maayos na Kalagayan! 4 May 2020—Nasa maayos na kalagayan at walang sintomas ng COVID-19 ang 58 estudyante ng UP Los Baños na sinundo ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Isabela. [Read full story] UPCAT 2020 results targeted for release within the month of May 5 May 2020—As previously announced, the release of the UPCAT2020 results has been delayed due to the enhanced community quarantine. [Read full announcement] Elevate air pollution problem in post-ECQ “new normal” agenda – UPD scientist 5 May 2020—A scientist from the University of the Philippines-Diliman Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology has called on all sectors to consider putting the issue and solutions to the air pollution problem in the higher agenda for a post-enhanced community quarantine (post-ECQ) “new normal” Philippines. [Read full story] UPV increases priority of relief to its affected communities 5 May 2020—While the University continues to deliver public service in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, UP Visayas (UPV) has decided to give more priority to the sectors that have been affected by its work and class suspensions. These include its students and employees as well as those who rely on the UPV community’s patronage: tricycle drivers, food vendors, and laundry service providers, among others. [Read full story] Air quality after ECQ far from ‘new normal’ expectations – UPD experts 5 May 2020—Experts from the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Science and College of Engineering are looking at the positive impact of the enhanced community quarantine on air quality, but are not seeing this to be the “new normal” in a post-enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) Philippines. In making this conclusion, they conducted ground-, satellite- and modeling-based approaches to visualize the extent of air quality during pre-ECQ and while on lockdown. [Read full story] UPV to stranded students: “Prepare to go home” 5 May 2020—UP Visayas (UPV) has advised its students stranded in campus and off-campus housing to start preparing to go home. [Read full story] UP Law offers free legal aid online 5 May 2020—The UP College of Law launched on April 20, 2020 an online portal to “handle requests for legal assistance, legal advice and education, and if necessary, legal representation for issues arising from the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine [ECQ].” [Read full story] UPOU launches “Edu-Hack” podcast series 5 May 2020—Flexibility and compassion. These were the key takeaways in the first episode of UP Open University’s (UPOU) podcast series, “Edu-Hack: Navigating through a Turbulent Educational Landscape” on April 28. [Read full story] UP Beta Epsilon Fraternity donates 10,000 PPEs for UPM-PGH frontliners 5 May 2020—The UP Beta Epsilon Fraternity (UPBE), based in the UP Diliman College of Engineering, is doing its part to help the country win the war against COVID-19. [Read full story] UPSO, UP musicians come together in “Alay sa Sambayang Pilipino sa Panahon ng Agam-Agam”, a musical tribute 4 May 2020—Musicians, vocalists and choristers from the University of the Philippines came together in a virtual performance to honor of the medical and healthcare workers, the frontliners, and the ordinary Filipino people battling against a global pandemic and socio-economic uncertainty. [Read full story] UPLB medical technologists and volunteers train in COVID-19 testing 1 May 2020—In order to prepare for the operation of the UPLB SARS-CoV2/COVID-19 Testing Center, UPLB personnel took the SARS-CoV2 Testing Training Program at the UP Manila -National Institute of Health (NIH) and the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB) in UP Diliman on April 28 and 29. [Read full story] UP’s graduation tradition of planting sunflowers endures despite COVID-19 4 May 2020—While the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) may lead to the postponement or even cancellation of this year’s commencement rites at the state university, it doesn’t mean the end of a cherished graduation tradition. [Read full story] Para sa bayan: U.P. lends expertise, resources in fight vs coronavirus 1 May 2020—As the coronavirus disease continues to spread across the country, the University of the Philippines (UP) has risen to the challenge of lending its expertise and resources to stem the new virus. [Read full story] UP team bares 3 minimum health standards to flatten the curve 2 May 2020—With COVID-19 cases declining in major areas in Luzon, a team of professors from the University of the Philippines said three minimum health safeguards have to be met first to sustain the flattening of the curve if the government intends to relax its quarantine protocols. [Read full story] UP Men’s Basketball players stay fighting amidst COVID-19 3 May 2020—The whole world of sports has come to a halt because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons Men’s Basketball Team (UP MBT) stay fighting. [Read full story] DavNor donates P12-M for UP Covid-19 test lab 29 April 2020—The Provincial Government of Davao del Norte donated P12 million to help set up the University of the Philippines Mindanao (UP-Mindanao) coronavirus disease (Covid-19) testing laboratory. [Read full story] UP holds “Stop COVID Deaths: Clinical Management Updates” webinar for healthcare frontliners 30 April 2020—The University of the Philippines continues its mission to help educate our country’s medical and healthcare workers and frontliners, enabling them to win the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic through the sharing of information, research, experience, and expertise. [Read full story] Start an EL garden today and have a ready food source 28 April 2020—Whether one has or has no money, food source during the enhanced community quarantine remains a problem. [Read full story] PGC Core Facility for Bioinformatics releases six (6) genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 from Philippine samples between March 22-28, 2020 30 April 2020—The Philippine Genome Center through its Core Facility for Bioinformatics releases today to the global community through the GISAID database six (6) viral genome sequences of the SARS-CoV-2 from COVID-19 cases between March 22-28, 2020 in Metro Manila. [Read full story] More support for UP Cebu’s stranded students 29 April 2020—More support has come in for the students left stranded at the University of the Philippines Cebu campus following the declaration of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and travel ban over the City of Cebu. [Read full story] UPV team submits post-ECQ plan to Iloilo City gov’t 29 April 2020—UP Visayas (UPV) Professors Maria Elisa Baliao (Sociology), Rhodella Ibabao (Management), Hanny John Mediodia (Economics), Cristabel Parcon (Sociology), Juhn Cris Espia (Political Science), and Vicente Balinas (Statistics) have forwarded their team’s proposed exit plan to the Iloilo City government in anticipation of the eventual lifting of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). [Read full story] UPLB laboratorians complete online biosafety training on COVID-19 28 April 2020—Nine UPLB staff completed the Free Online Biosafety Training for Laboratorians who will be handling SARS-COV-2 or COVID-19, boosting UPLB’s capability to become certified as a COVID-19 testing center. [Read full story] UPV turns over 3D-printed face shields to Western Visayas LGUs 27 April 2020—UP Visayas has started distributing 3D-printed face shields to local government units and its institutional partners in Panay and Negros since last week as part of the university’s contribution to the efforts against COVID 19 pandemic. [Read full story] UPLB retrofits BL2 lab for gold standard COVID-19 testing 27 April 2020—UPLB is now rushing work to retrofit one of its Biosafety Level II laboratories into a COVID-19 testing center. [Read full story] Project ARK can diagnose a combination of rapid antibody testing, PCR screening 28 April 2020—A private sector-led initiative has started to conduct a massive testing for the coronavirus disease to help in the early identification, isolation, and management of the disease at the community level. [Read full story] Telepsychotherapy services offered to frontliners and COVID-19 patients, PUIs, PUMS, and probables 23 April 2020—The Department of Psychology of the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) is offering free “telepsychotherapy” services to frontliners, and suspect, probable, and positive COVID-19 patients, including their relatives, and other severely affected by the pandemic. [Read full story] Philippine Genome Center is country’s 18th coronavirus testing hub 24 April 2020—The Department of Health on Friday, April 24, confirmed that the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) is the country’s 18th testing center for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). [Read full story] UP Mindanao eyes opening of COVID-19 test lab by June 24 April 2020—Mindanao will have its second COVID-19 testing laboratory by June this year, University of the Philippines Mindanao said in a press release Friday. [Read full story] UP team favors quarantine extension to check coronavirus transmissions 27 April 2020—Based on its forecast, the UP team said that should the ECQ be continued, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the National Capital Region (NCR) will not breach the 10,000 mark by May 31. [Read full story] OVP buys 10,000 coronavirus test kits developed by UP scientist 24 April 2020—The office of Vice President Leni Robredo has purchased 10,000 units of coronavirus test kits that were developed by a scientist from the University of the Philippines. [Read full story] UP sets guidelines on proceeding with academic year affected by the ECQ 24 April 2020—The University of the Philippines released on 23 April 2020 implementing guidelines for proceeding with the Second Semester of Academic Year 2019-2020, which has been affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon and other parts of the country. [Read full story] UPD chemists produce sanitizers 24 April 2020—Like other UP campuses with chemists and chemistry laboratories, UP Diliman (UPD) has been producing alcohol sanitizers—the demand for which has significantly increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These were distributed to the UPD community and the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). [Read full story] Statement on the Reported Proposal of the UP COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team to Delay the Reopening of Schools up to December 2020 24 April 2020—In a press briefing at Malacañang Palace on 21 April 2020, the scientific findings by the UP COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team on age-group social interactions and its implications on flattening the so-called epidemic curve was presented. [Read full statement] UP united: How the state university is raising head and heart against COVID-19 23 April 2020—As expected of the country’s national university, the University of the Philippines has been among the main institutions at the forefront of the battle against the coronavirus. The spirit of honor, excellence and compassion shines brightly among faculty, students, alumni, and staff across constituent universities nationwide. [Read full story] UP historic building to shelter persons for COVID-19 isolation 23 April 2020—Operations of “Kanlungang Palma” will begin on April 22 after the historic Palma Hall of UP Diliman (UPD) was designated an isolation area for suspected and probable cases of persons with COVID-19, according to bulletins from the UPD College of Social Sciences of Philosophy (CSSP). The shelter will handle cases coming from the UPD area. [Read full story] UPD department offers free counseling in a time of physical distancing 23 April 2020—The UP Diliman Department of Psychology, along with its UPD Psychosocial Services (PsycServ) program, has offered free telepsychotherapy services to frontliners, PUMs and PUIs, COVID-19 positive individuals, their relatives, and others severely affected by COVID-19. [Read full story] URUGUP: UPV Tacloban’s call for cooperation amid COVID-19 crisis 23 April 2020—Partner, ally, kaugop. This is what UP Visayas Tacloban College (UPVTC) advocates each and everyone to be in facing the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the Waray word, ugop, URUGUP is UPVTC’s institutional initiative in bringing together various sectors to help those in need in these trying times. [Read full story] UP economics profs recommend sector-based random sample testing 22 April 2020—A group of economics professors from the University of the Philippines (UP) has proposed the use of sample-based random testing for COVID-19 from among the different industries or sectors and localities such as barangays to fully understand and monitor the transmission of the deadly virus. [Read full story] Stranded UPLB students participate in blood donation drive 22 April 2020—Stranded students of University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) participated in a blood donation drive to make purposeful use of their idle time. [Read full story] UP-PGH, PLDT upgrade Action Center with telemedicine program 23 April 2020—Since the establishment of the University of the Philippines Manila-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Bayanihan Na! Covid-19 Action Center on March 30, 2020, PLDT Enterprise has served as its backbone through its connectivity infrastructure, Hotline 155-200. [Read full story] UP AIT houses QC District 6 testing center for COVID-19 22 April 2020—The east wing of the newly renovated UP Asian Institute of Tourism (AIT) building located along Commonwealth Avenue is now COVID-19 Testing Center of Quezon City District 6. [Read full story] Stop COVID Deaths: Clinical Management Updates Webinar Series 22 April 2020—Changes in the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 as an infection, and as it impacts on all medical and surgical conditions occur at great speed. There are no experts in COVID-19. But over the past month, expertise in different specialties of medicine is growing. [Read full story] COVID-19 heroine was ‘Wonder Woman’: ‘It’s my moral responsibility and obligation’ 22 April 2020—At 5:37 p.m., April 11, Faye Marie Palafox, head nurse with the Hospital Infection Control unit at Philippine General Hospital (PGH), posted on her Facebook: “Finally! Home sweet home!” [Read full story] Millennial ‘bayanihan’: UP-PGH interns’ ‘call center’ 22 April 2020—When the Alliance of Philippine Medical Colleges (APMC) ordered the pull-out of 350 medical students from the University of the Philippines Manila Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) mid-March, interns Nick Tan, Ino Villlacastin, PA Pangan and Michelle Eala couldn’t help but feel anxious. [Read full story] UP-Min’s Covid-19 diagnostic lab now under engineering planning stage 21 April 2020—The coronavirus disease (Covid-19) diagnostic laboratory proposed by the University of the Philippines (UP)-Mindanao is now in its engineering planning and manpower training stages, said Philippine Genome Center (PGC)-Mindanao director. [Read full story] UPLB publishes free-to-download children’s ebooks on COVID-19 prevention and control measures 20 April 2020—The Department of Human and Family Development Studies (DHFDS) under the UP Los Baños College of Human Ecology (UPLB-CHE) has published free-to-download children’s e-books about the importance of social distancing and of wearing face masks during this time of COVID-19. This was announced in recent posts on UPLB’s Facebook page. [Read full story] Former UPLB researcher who developed a COVID-19 test kit in UK says local research is valuable in a pandemic 20 April 2020—“Local research provides country- or region-specific information and data that are necessary for adoption of a new technology.” [Read full story] UP-NIH begins mass distribution of Pinoy-made COVID-19 test kits that can yield results within 2 hours 20 April 2020—The Manila Health Tek Lab, Inc. has delivered the locally-made coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) test to the University of the Philippines National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH). [Read full story] Get help on how to teach, learn, and work remotely 20 April 2020—Physical or social distancing have been buzzwords since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out more than a month ago. Traditional classes have been suspended. Work has been reduced to skeleton forces and confined to industries of basic goods and services. [Read full story] DILG-endorsed UPOU MOOC begins in May 20 April 2020—Enrollment is ongoing for the UP Open University (UPOU) Master of Public Management (MPM) program’s massive open online course (MOOC) on interlocal cooperation. It is free and open to the public. [Read full story] ECQ doing good, ‘graduated activation’ recommended after April 30—UP pandemic response team 20 April 2020—The enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) imposed over Luzon, along with other interventions, has indeed slowed down the spread of COVID-19 virus, based on “the best available data”, according to a team specially formed by the University of the Philippines to help government make informed interventions against the pandemic. [Read full story] Estimating Local Healthcare Capacity to Deal with COVID-19 Case Surge: Analysis and Recommendations 20 April 2020—The rising number of cases of COVID-19 infections on a daily basis is a serious concern as there are limits to hospital care capacity for patients with serious symptoms (e.g. difficulty in breathing). [Read full paper] UP Baguio produces ethyl alcohol 20 April 2020—A team from the UP Baguio College of Science (UPB-CS) is producing 70-percent ethyl alcohol in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, UPB announced through an official Facebook post on April 8, 2020. [Read full story] Call for blood donations: Red Cross ‘Love Bus’ goes to UP Diliman dorms 20 Abril 2020—Dahil sa COVID-19 at sa umiiral na enhanced community quarantine, maraming mga mass blood donation ang nakansela. Nahihirapan din ang mga walk-in donors dahil sa limitasyon sa public transportation, kahit na bukas ang ibang blood donation centers. [Basahin ang buong pabatid] Meet the Hero Doctor Helping Fight COVID-19 By Developing a Filipino-Made Ventilator 20 April 2020—At least one good thing that has come out of the coronavirus pandemic is the display of bravery and heroism from ordinary people. [Read full story] Palma Hall sa UP Diliman inihahanda bilang COVID-19 isolation facility 19 Abril 2020—Inihahanda na ang gusali ng Palma Hall sa University of the Philippines-Diliman (UP) campus sa Quezon City para magsilbing isolation facility ng mga pasyenteng may coronavirus disease (COVID-19). [Basahin ang buong kwento] UP scientists aim to double COVID-19 test kit output by May 19 April 2020—The team of scientists who delivered the country’s first locally-developed test kits for COVID-19 detection aims to double their production capacity by next month. [Read full story] UP frat alumni send aid to COVID-19 frontliners, set up quarantine facilities at Diliman campus 18 April 2020—Alumni of a fraternity at the University of the Philippines Diliman have come together to send help for frontliners in the battle against the coronavirus crisis. [Read full story] UP students given options in complying with course reqs, safety nets against failing grades 17 April 2020—In light of the global pandemic and enhanced community quarantine declared across most of the country, the University of the Philippines has decided to end the second semester of AY 2019-2020 on April 30, 2020, instead of the original May 23, 2020. [Read full story] UP CMC battles COVID-19 ‘infodemic’ through fact-checking 17 April 2020—The UP College of Mass Communication Journalism Department is joining the fight against COVID-19 through fact-checking. [Read full story] Filipinos start to ‘flatten curve’ but expert warns vs. ‘resurgence’ of COVID-19 cases if they let their guard down 17 April 2020—As the government-ordered shutdown continues in Luzon, data show the coronavirus curve is starting to flatten, a health expert said Friday. [Read full story] Get Checked! FireCheck develops CoVcheck 8 April 2020—While it’s important to remain socially distant, there’s no stopping our joining of hands to #CombatCOVID. [Read full story] Free Rides, AI-Powered Thermal Scanning, And Grocery Deliveries: How Pinoy Tech Startups Are Fighting COVID-19 16 April 2020—Working with DOST-PCIEERD and UPSCALE Innovation Hub, three Philippine tech startups have started offering new services to aid in the fight against COVID-19. The startups will offer these services and roll out improvements for the duration of the pandemic. [Read full story] “OCG Cares’ Kumustahan” ensures psychosocial support to UPLB students in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic 16 April 2020—Apart from being a health crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, is also a psychosocial crisis. [Read full story] A little help with WFH 14 April 2020—WAHM, SAHM – we’ve probably heard of these before. The terms Work-at-home-moms or stay-at-home-moms have been circulating the virtual space for a few years now. Mothers, mostly, are the ones who maintain online jobs to earn while attending to their families. Today, however, forced by circumstances we find everyone staying home while earning. [Read full story] DILG endorses UPOU MPM’s MOOC on Inter-Local Cooperation 15 April 2020—The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has formally endorsed the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Interlocal Cooperation (ILC) of the Master of Public Management (MPM) Program. [Read full story] Iloilo City gov’t receives 1,700 UP-developed COVID-19 test kits 15 April 2020—The city government of Iloilo City on Wednesday received additional COVID-19 test kits bought using donations. [Read full story] No alcohol? UP scientists come to the rescue 15 April 2020—The local supply of alcohol for sanitation has dwindled due to high demand triggered by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. [Read full story] UP athletes initiate online training program to help fund PPEs for frontliners 15 April 2020—A group of athletes from University of the Philippines organized an online training program for the benefit of frontline workers. [Read full story] Dorm frontliners briefed on how to give psychosocial support to stranded UPV students 13 April 2020—“During disasters, the most basic needs are to be attended,” says Dr. Johnrev Guilaran, clinical psychologist and assistant professor of the College of Arts and Sciences, UP Visayas during an orientation for the frontliners of the university’s six dormitories at the Miagao campus. [Read full story] UP COVID-19 team suggests localized quarantine after initial lockdown ends 14 April 2020—The COVID-19 response team of the University of the Philippines (UP) has suggested enforcing localized quarantine measures after the initial enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) deadline ends on April 30. [Read full story] UP rolls out free online courses to train teachers in online teaching 14 April 2020—In light of the Covid-19 pandemic and the limitation of educational institutions to hold physical classes, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) said it will be offering free online courses to train teachers in online teaching. [Read full story] Manila HealthTek aims to produce 8,000 UP-developed coronavirus test kits daily 15 April 2020—Medical research company Manila HealthTek Inc. said Tuesday it aims to produce 8,000 coronavirus test kits per day, which will be distributed to different local government units (LGUs). [Read full story] Luzon lockdown slowed COVID-19 spread: UP institute 14 April 2020—A nearly month-long lockdown of the Philippines’ main island of Luzon slowed the spread of COVID-19, an institute of the University of the Philippines said Monday as it identified areas that might need to sustain quarantine measures beyond April. [Read full story] UPLB mobilizes for COVID-19 R&D and testing center establishment 13 April 2020—UPLB has always stood at the ready to help in the areas of its expertise in the name of public service during times of great calamity, but the COVID-19 pandemic that is currently gripping the nation and the whole world may be its biggest challenge so far. [Read full story] UPV officials and task force members donate allowance and benefits for COVID-19 efforts 12 April 2020—Officials of UP Visayas led by Chancellor Ricardo Babaran are turning over one month of their Representation and Travel Allowance (RATA), honorarium or other additional benefits to UP, Magbubunga Tayo! to sustain the UPDanay donation drive and relief efforts during the current public health emergency. [Read full story] Beyond the call of duty: UP Manila teacher assembles PPEs, distributes food for homeless 14 April 2020—A young instructor from the University of the Philippines-Manila’s College of Allied Medical Professions (CAMP) has earned the admiration of netizens for going beyond the call of duty amid the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. [Read full story] 26,000 PH-developed COVID-19 test kits ready for delivery 13 April 2020—The delivery of locally developed COVID-19 real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test kits is finally moving after getting the nod from the Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA). [Read full story] UP Vanguard raises P1.8-M for PPEs, other medical supplies for hospitals 12 April 2020—A University of the Philippines group raised some P1.8 million to buy personal protective equipment (PPE) and other medical supplies to be donated to some hospitals in Metro Manila. [Read full story] From free masks to free money delivery: Covid-19 Bayanihan in Eastern Visayas 13 April 2020—In Tacloban City, businessman Rhoel Ladera and lawyer Hermie Alcera II are organizing a drive to help the frontliners anywhere in the region through their car club Navara Nation Philippines-Eastern Visayas (NNP-EV) chapter. [Read full story] Drive Manila’s grocery delivery app goes live 13 April 2020—An app that offers grocery delivery service, which was developed with the support of the Department of Science and Technology and the University of the Philippines Sustaining Collaboration in an Advanced Learning Environment (UPSCALE), was launched by Drive Manila. [Read full story] UP creates COVID-19 dictionary for children 3 April 2020—For the young to further understand terms they usually encounter during the COVID-19 pandemic, the faculty of the University of the Philippines College of Education has created a children’s dictionary containing words related to COVID-19. [Read full story] Modified Community Quarantine beyond April 30: Analysis and Recommendations 13 April 2020—Problem situation: The extension of the Luzon-wide Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) raises the question on how effective the ECQ has been to contain the spread of COVID-19. If it is, how should it be implemented after April 30 without unnecessarily paralyzing local economies over a long period of time? [Read full report] PGH naglunsad ng ‘e-dalaw’ para sa COVID-19 patients 13 Abril 2020—Pinagagamit ng Philippine General Hospital (PGH) ang sistemang “e-dalaw” o electronic dalaw sa kanilang mga pasyenteng may coronavirus disease (COVID-19) para makausap ng mga ito ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay at kahit papaano ay maibsan ang lungkot dulot ng paglaban sa sakit. [Basahin ang kabuuan ng istorya] FASSSTER than COVID-19: The science used to forecast COVID-19 in PH 8 April 2020—Evidence-based forecasts of possible cases and scenarios on the spread of COVID-19 in the country can now be accessed thanks to the Feasibility Analysis of Syndromic Surveillance using Spatio-Temporal Epidemiological Modeler or FASSSTER. [Read full story] UPOU’s Free Online Courses will Train Teachers in Online Teaching 13 April 2020—In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the limitation of educational institutions to hold physical classes, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) continues its offering of free online courses to train teachers in Online Teaching. [Read full story] Schools now safe shelters for frontliners 8 April 2020—The University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City has converted one of its buildings to accommodate around 35 health workers from the university’s health service and the Lung Center of the Philippines. [Read full story] Preparing for a Post-ECQ Scenario: Analysis and Recommendations 7 April 2020—Since Day One, the UP COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team has done simulations on the spread of SARS-COV-2 in the country. Our bioinformatics group—composed mostly of mathematicians from different UP campuses—estimate a peak by end of April to June with approximately 140,000 to 550,000 people infected in Metro Manila. [Read full story] Even in the midst of need, UPLB extends a helping hand 3 April 2020—UPLB may be on SOS mode as it raised an urgent call for donations to provide food and other needs of around 1,500 of its students who are stranded in dorms inside and outside the campus due to the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). [Read full story] EL Team donates fresh produce, planting materials to stranded dormers 6 April 2020—Nutritious diet with fruits and vegetables has become even more important for survival and better immunity in the midst of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [Read full story] Dulaang UP is streaming 3 of its plays for free 7 April 2020—Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (DUP) is letting the public watch three of its plays online for free amid the coronavirus-induced quarantine. [Read full story] Lawyers from UP College of Law to aid people discriminated amid COVID-19 scare -Nograles 6 April 2020—Lawyers from the University of the Philippines College of Law have offered to defend individuals who have experienced discrimination amid the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Monday. [Read full story] PH gov’t to launch contact tracing app for COVID-19 cases 5 April 2020—The Philippine government is beginning the testing of a new contact tracing smartphone app to aid its fight against the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19). [Read full story] UP scientists lauded for COVID-19 test kits 4 April 2020—Senator Joel Villanueva lauded on Friday the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of the University of the Philippines-developed COVID-19 testing kits for public use. [Read full story] UP Tacloban produces alcohol-based hand rub for frontliners 6 April 2020—Through its URUGUP public service initiative, UPV Tacloban College has produced an alcohol-based hand rub following World Health Organization standards for donation to healthcare facilities and other frontline service providers in Eastern Visayas. [Read full story] UP PGC-Visayas Satellite Facility shares equipment for COVID-19 testing 6 April 2020—The UP Philippine Genome Center-Visayas Satellite Facility (PGC-VSF) has lent its reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) machine to the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) to strengthen the hospital’s capability in testing patients for COVID-19. [Read full story] Locally-made COVID-19 test kits to cost less: health official 6 April 2020—The Food and Drug Administration last week said it has approved the test kits developed by the University of the Philippines National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH) and the Philippine Genome Center with the support of the Department of Science and Technology. [Read full story] Quarantine extension would flatten COVID-19 curve – UP team 5 April 2020—The University of the Philippines COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team said an extension of the enhanced community quarantine may help control the further transmission of the novel coronavirus. [Read full story] UPLB to open subnational testing lab for COVID-19 5 April 2020—The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) has offered to convert its existing research laboratories to become a subnational testing center for the coronavirus. [Read full story] BREAKING: FDA approves UP-developed COVID-19 test kits for commercial use 3 April 2020—The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Friday that it has approved the test kits developed by the University of the Philippines-National Institute ofHealth (UP-NIH). [Read full story] UP-developed COVID-19 test kits ready for rollout 3 April 2020—The COVID-19 testing kits developed by scientists of the University of the Philippines (UP) have completed field validation, and are now ready for mass production and usage. [Read full story] The low-cost COVID-19 testing kit made by UP scientists is ready for rollout 3 April 2020—A number of testing kits, which can do up to 26,000 tests, will be distributed for field implementation from April 4 to 25. Currently in production are testing kits that can accommodate up to 120,000 tests. [Read full story] DOST to study use of virgin coconut oil as coronavirus treatment 2 April 2020—The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is conducting clinical studies on the possible benefits of virgin coconut oil for patients with moderate to severe cases of COVID-19 and patients under investigation (PUIs). [Read full story] DOST gives PGH medical devices that reduce contact between COVID-19 patients, frontliners 2 April 2020—The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has delivered 106 units of RxBox, a device capable of simultaneously measuring an individual’s vital signs, to the Philippine General Hospital. [Read full story] UP launches web portal, map for COVID-19 responders 2 April 2020—The University of the Philippines COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team created the web portal http://endcov.ph/ to provide the public with vital information for fighting the coronavirus 2019 or COVID-19 in the country. [Read full story] UPD food tech students produce ginger-calamansi concentrate for PGH and Lung Center frontliners 2 April 2020—Meghan Sevilla and Sofia Tagle, 4th year BS Food Technology students from UP Diliman’s College of Home Economics (CHE), formulated and produced a ginger-calamansi concentrate called Lucal. Lucal can easily be consumed when mixed with warm or cold water. [Read full story] DOH pins hope on UP-NIH-developed ventilators 1 April 2020—DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire hopes that the University of the Philippines-National Institutes of Health can soon come out with their locally produced ventilator that is now still in the pipeline. [Read full story] UPLB prepares 80% ethyl alcohol for frontliners 2 April 2020—The University of the Philippines Los Baños Institute of Chemistry (IC-UPLB) produced ethyl alcohol to be given to the frontliners fighting against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). [Read full story] U.P. researchers develop coronavirus dashboard tracker 2 April 2020—The University of the Philippines Resilience Institute (UPRI), in collaboration with the UP Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH), developed a dashboard that tracks the spread of COVID-19 in the Philippines. [Read full story] UP-produced Covid-19 testing kits ready for deployment, says Nograles 2 April 2020—IATF spokesperson Karlo Nograles announced that the government has allocated 57.2 million pesos for the production of locally-produced COVID-19 testing kits developed by the UP NIH and Manila HealthTek Inc., saying in a press briefing on Tuesday that field validation of the said kits has already been completed and will be rolled out by April 4. [Read full story] DOST allots P53.2-M to fund development of UP COVID-19 test kits 1 April 2020—DOST has allotted P53.2 million as funding for the development of the COVID-19 test kits by the University of the Philippines National Institute of Health in response to the pandemic, a report submitted by President Rodrigo Duterte to Congress states. [Read full story] UPD College of Science responds to COVID-19 1 April 2020—The UP Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) expressed its appreciation for its constituents who are actively helping the country respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. [Read full story] UP-PGH begins operating as COVID-19 referral center 1 April 2020—Preparations have been completed, and on March 30, the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) begins operations as a COVID-19 referral center. [Read full story] How the UP-developed COVID-19 test kits aid hospital work 1 April 2020—Test kits are essential for rationalization in hospital work. This is what University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Director, Dr. Gerardo Legaspi said in a press conference on March 12. This, he said, allows them to provide their patients proper advice when they consult them about their health. [Read full story] UP scientists making ventilators as coronavirus cases mount: health dept 1 April 2020—Scientists from the University of the Philippines are designing a more affordable ventilator that will help patients with the novel coronavirus breathe, the health department said Wednesday as cases of the respiratory disease continued to climb. [Read full story] New Clark City polyclinic ready for PUIs 31 March 2020—Isolation rooms set up at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital Polyclinic inside the New Clark City are now ready to take in persons under investigation (PUI) for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), who display mild symptoms, Capas Mayor Reynaldo Catacutan said in a statement. [Read full story] Bayanihan Na! UP-PGH launches COVID-19 Ops Center 31 March 2020—155-200 is the number to call. And it’s open 24/7. The UP-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) launched its Bayanihan Na! COVID-19 Operations Center on March 30 to answer queries related to COVID-19, including how to volunteer and donate. [Read full story] LOOK: UP-PGH launches COVID-19 operations center 30 March 2020—The University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital on Monday launched its operations center for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) concerns. [Read full story] PGH debuts 24/7 COVID Bayanihan Operations Center hotline 30 March 2020—The University of the Philippines Manila-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) on Monday launched a dedicated 24/7 hotline number for its Bayanihan Operations Center that covers cases related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). [Read full story] UPV chemists formulate alcohol to aid hospitals in this COVID-19 pandemic 28 March 2020—Chemists composed of students and alumni of UP Visayas are currently making alcohol to be donated to hospitals and frontliners. [Read full story] UP personnel to receive emergency allowance 28 March 2020—The UP Administration has announced the release of an Emergency Allowance amounting to P5,000.00 each for all UP faculty and Professors Emeriti who are in active service as of March 17, 2020; research, extension and professional staff (REPS); administrative staff, whether regular, permanent, temporary, UP contractual/casual or substitute; and Contract of Service (COS) and Job Order (JO) workers who are rendering full-time service. [Read full story] Announcement on the release of UPCAT 2020 results 28 March 2020—The University of the Philippines Office of Admissions is postponing the release of the UP College Admissions Test 2020 results, which was originally scheduled on 30 March 2020. Please wait for further announcement. [Read full story] Salin sa Filipinong mga terminolohiya kaugnay ng COVID-19 28 March 2020—Halaw sa salin ni Prof. Eilene Antoinette G. Narvaez mula sa Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas, Kolehiyo ng Arte at Literatura, UP Diliman. [Read full story] UP employees get financial aid early 27 March 2020—The University of the Philippines has released additional financial support for its members in light of the enhanced community quarantine implemented in Luzon. [Read full story] UP Visayas lends RT PCR Machine to WVMC for COVID-19 Testing 27 March 2020—The University of the Philippines Visayas through its Philippine Genome Center, transferred its RT Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine to the Western Visayas Medical Center for COVID-19 testing to complement the existing PCR machine of WVMC. [Read full story] SOS for stranded students 27 March 2020—The UP community in each constituent university banded together to give donations and other forms of assistance for UP students who have been stranded in campus and off-campus housing by the enhanced community quarantine. [Read full story] Free Online Biosafety Training for Laboratorians who will be handling SARS-CoV-2 27 March 2020—The National Training Center for Biosafety and Biosecurity (NTCBB) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), UP Manila is offering a free Online Biosafety Training for Laboratorians who will be handling SARS-CoV-2 on March 30 to April 3, 2020. [Read full story] UP-PGH to continue treating non-COVID-19 patients even as a COVID-19 referral center 26 March 2020—The University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) will continue serving non-COVID-19 patients even while operating as a COVID-19 referral center as designated by the Department of Health (DOH). [Read full story] The bayanihan spirit burns bright in the University of the Philippines 26 March 2020—No task is too big nor too small in UP’s fight against COVID-19. This is the rallying spirit behind the various UP bayanihan efforts that range from science and technology to humanitarian efforts, leading the way in social responsibility for its students and staff. [Read full story] Your 3-D Printer might help save lives in the COVID-19 crisis 25 March 2020—UP’s College of Engineering is working on several initiatives to help solve problems brought about by the coronavirus. Here’s how you can help. [Read full story] Dr. Raul Jara: The Blueprint of a Great Teacher 24 March 2020—On Tuesday, Dr. Raul Jara, a renowned cardiologist and an influential teacher, passed away because of COVID-19. We are republishing this piece, originally written in 2013 and updated in 2019, as a tribute to the legacy of Dr. Jara, with permission from the author. [Read full story] CALL FOR DONATIONS: FabLab is in need of materials to produce PPEs 24 March 2020—FabLab UP Cebu is receiving so many requests for face shields that it is producing. We are producing these for free to the medical frontliners of Cebu. Design work for other types of personal protective equipment (PPE) is also in the pipeline. [Read full story] UP-PGH preparing to operate as COVID-19 referral center 24 March 2020—The University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital has been designated by the Department of Health as one of the three COVID-19 referral centers in NCR, with the concurrence of UP President Danilo L. Concepcion and UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita D. Padilla. [Read full story] UP Cebu FabLab creates face shields for frontliners against COVID-19 23 March 2020—A team of faculty members and staff at the University of the Philippines Cebu FabLab has designed and started 3D-printing face shield frames to contribute to the much-needed supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the fight against COVID-19. [Read full story] UP Mindanao Proposes a Diagnostics Program for Free COVID-19 Testing in Davao Region 23 March 2020—The University of the Philippines Mindanao is proposing a diagnostic program that can give free testing for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Davao Region. [Read full story] In Memoriam: Former UP Asian Center Dean Aileen SP Baviera 21 March 2020—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. [Read full story] ‘China always rose to the front and center of my work’ | Dr. Aileen Baviera (1959–2020) 21 March 2020—Dr. Aileen S.P. Baviera, Professor and former Dean of the UP Asian Center, passed away on the early morning of 21 March 2020. She was 60. [Read full story] UP-PGH is designated as COVID-19 referral hospital for NCR 20 March 2020—The University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) has been designated by the Department of Health as one of its COVID-19 referral hospitals for the National Capital Region in line with UP’s mandate as a public service university. [Read full story] Salaries of UP lecturers, teaching assistants and fellows to be released early 20 March 2020—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. [Read full story] Protocols carried out as 2 UP faculty members undergo test for COVID-19 11 March 2020—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. [Read full story] Memos and Announcements 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 from OVPAA: Academic Contingency Plan in Light of COVID-19 Memorandum No. TJH-2020-15 on Payment of the First Tranche of the Annual Incentive Grant (AIG) for the Faculty, REPS and Administrative Staff for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Memorandum No. NGY 20-49 on Guidelines on Release of the First Tranche of Rice Allowance for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 BOR Resolution on 16 April 2020: UP System Policy on the Second Semester AY 2019-2020 in the Time of COVID-19 Implementing Guidelines to the UP System Policy on the Second Semester AY 2019-2020 in the Time of COVID-19 OVPAA Memorandum No. 2020-62: Reiteration of the Grading System in the Implementing Guidelines of the UP System Policy on the Second Semester 2019-2020 in Light of COVID-19 Information on Constituent Universities Healthscape Special COVID-19 Issue No. 10 Healthscape Special COVID-19 Issue No. 9 Healthscape Special COVID-19 Issue No. 8 Healthscape Special COVID-19 Issue No. 7 Healthscape Special COVID-19 Issue No. 6 UPD unfazed by ECQ extension 2 Healthscape Special COVID-19 Issue No. 5 Healthscape Special COVID-19 Issue No. 2 Healthscape Special COVID-19 Issue No. 1 Summary of COVID-19 Responses by Constituent Universities Constituent Universities’ Weekly Bulletins (Updates as of 31 March 2020) Constituent Universities’ Weekly Bulletins (Updates as of 24 March 2020) Diliman [Website] | [Social Media] Los Baños [Website] | [Social Media] Manila [Website] | [Social Media] Philippine General Hospital [Website] | [Social Media] Visayas [Website] | [Social Media] Open University [Website] | [Social Media] Mindanao [Website] | [Social Media] Baguio [Website] | [Social Media] Cebu [Website] | [Social Media] Resources on Remote Learning, Teaching, and Working Tributes IN MEMORIAM: Remembering those we have lost They died alone, with no relatives around to hold their hands as they breathed their last. Some still have to be buried, and others were cremated with no ceremony and no one to bid them goodbye. [Read full story] Members of the UP Concert Chorus (UPCC) Batch 90s who are in different countries pay tribute to their co-UPCC alumnus, Dr. Raul Jara, and other UPCC alumni-frontliners. UPSA’s Tribute to COVID-19 Frontliners University of the Philippines Singing Ambassadors Founded and Conducted by Dr. Ed Manguiat IN MEMORIAM UP Video Tribute: UP honors the memory of those who have succumbed to COVID-19 as “unknown heroes who fell during the night” in a music video of Fr. Manuel Francisco’s “Hindi Kita Malilimutan”, featuring the symbolic image of UP’s Oblation and an alumni roster whose lives were also taken by the virus. ALAY SA SAMBAYANANG PILIPINO SA PANAHON NG AGAM-AGAM Nasa aming puso ang lahat ng nagdadalamhati. Nasa aming diwa ang mga bayani ng bagong panahon. Nasa aming kaluluwa ang pakikiisa sa bawat Pilipino. Mula sa mga lockdown na lugar ng Baguio, Leyte, Cebu, Davao, Manila, at iba pa, inaalay ng University of the Philippines Symphony Orchestra (UPSO), kasama ang UP Madrigal Singers at ang UPCC, UP Staff Chorale, Auit Vocal Ensemble, at mga artista’t iskolar. In a time as dark as a pandemic, the true heroes shine the brightest: our medical and healthcare frontliners and essential workers, the people who risk each day to save lives, protect our campuses and communities, and keep the world safe for the rest of us. The University of the Philippines System and TVUP offer a tribute video to thank and honor the people who continue to serve despite the gravest odds, featuring an original song titled “I’ll Hold the Line,” composed, arranged and performed by UP Integrated School alumnus Ardie O. Lopez. |
https://up.edu.ph/up-forum/ | UP Forum – University of the Philippines | UP FORUM The Roots of Angelo A. Jimenez Angelo Azura Jimenez has the distinction of being the first UP Student Regent to be elected UP President and... Read More Heeding the Higher Call “I was already set on early retirement. I took a week to decide.” Dr. Leo De Paz Cubillan narrated... Read More VP Iryn’s Perfect Timing So what made you come back to UP? “I’ve been asking myself that question for the past month,” lightly... Read More Simply Nes “I’m Nestor Yunque, the present Vice President for Administration. I started as VP for Administration way back in 2017. ... Read More Coming Home, Giving Back He looked around the College of Engineering Faculty Lounge, trying to recall what the room had been before. And... Read More The Many Facets of VP Wendell Capili If you happen to visit Art Circle Café in the UP Diliman campus, odds are you might see a... Read More Load More |
https://up.edu.ph/academic-programs/ | Academic Programs – University of the Philippines | Academic Programs A Accountancy UP Visayas Agribusiness Economics UP Mindanao Agribusiness Management UP Los Baños Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering UP Los Baños Agricultural Biotechnology UP Los Baños Agricultural Chemistry UP Los Baños Agricultural Economics UP Los Baños Agriculture UP Los Baños Anthropology UP Diliman UP Mindanao Applied Mathematics UP Los Baños UP Visayas UP Mindanao Applied Physics UP Diliman UP Los Baños UP Manila Architecture UP Diliman UP Mindanao Art Studies UP Diliman B Behavioral Sciences UP Manila Biochemistry UP Manila Biology UP Diliman UP Los Baños UP Manila UP Visayas UP Mindanao UP Baguio UP Cebu Broadcast Communication UP Diliman Business Administration UP Diliman UP Visayas Business Administration and Accountancy UP Diliman Business Economics UP Diliman C Chemical Engineering UP Diliman UP Los Baños UP Visayas Chemistry UP Diliman UP Los Baños UP Visayas Civil Engineering UP Diliman UP Los Baños Clothing Technology UP Diliman Communication UP Baguio Communication and Media Studies UP Visayas Communication Arts UP Los Baños UP Visayas UP Mindanao Communication Development UP Diliman Community Development UP Visayas Community Research UP Diliman Community Nutrition UP Diliman Comparative Literature UP Diliman Computer Engineering UP Diliman Computer Science UP Diliman UP Los Baños UP Manila UP Visayas UP Mindanao UP Baguio UP Cebu Creative Writing UP Diliman D Dental Medicine UP Manila Development Communication UP Los Baños Development Studies UP Manila E Economics UP Diliman UP Los Baños UP Visayas Education Studies UP Open University Electrical Engineering UP Diliman UP Los Baños Electronics and Communications Engineering UP Diliman Elementary Education UP Diliman English (Creative Writing) UP Mindanao English Studies: Language UP Diliman English Studies: Literature UP Diliman European Languages UP Diliman F Family Life and Child Development UP Diliman Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas UP Diliman Film UP Diliman Fine Arts UP Diliman UP Baguio UP Cebu Fisheries UP Visayas Food Technology UP Diliman UP Los Baños UP Mindanao Forestry UP Los Baños G Geodetic Engineering UP Diliman Geography UP Diliman Geology UP Diliman H History UP Diliman UP Visayas Home Economics UP Diliman Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management UP Diliman Human Ecology UP Los Baños I Industrial Engineering UP Diliman UP Los Baños Industrial Pharmacy UP Manila Interior Design UP Diliman J Journalism UP Diliman L Landscape Architecture UP Diliman Language and Literature UP Baguio Library and Information Science UP Diliman Linguistics UP Diliman Literature UP Visayas M Malikhaing Pagsulat sa Filipino UP Diliman Management UP Visayas UP Cebu Management Economics UP Baguio Mass Communication UP Cebu Materials Engineering UP Diliman Mathematics UP Diliman UP Los Baños UP Baguio UP Cebu Mathematics and Science Teaching UP Los Baños Mechanical Engineering UP Diliman Metallurgical Engineering UP Diliman Mining Engineering UP Diliman Molecular Biology and Biotechnology UP Diliman Multimedia Studies UP Open University Music UP Diliman N Nursing UP Manila Nutrition UP Los Baños O Occupational Therapy UP Manila Organizational Communication UP Manila P Pharmacy UP Manila Philippine Arts UP Manila Philippine Studies UP Diliman Philosophy UP Diliman UP Los Baños Physical Education UP Diliman Physical Therapy UP Manila Physics UP Diliman UP Baguio Political Science UP Diliman UP Manila UP Visayas UP Cebu Psychology UP Diliman UP Visayas UP Cebu Public Administration UP Diliman Public Health UP Manila UP Visayas S Secondary Education UP Diliman Social Sciences UP Manila UP Visayas UP Baguio Social Work UP Diliman Sociology UP Diliman UP Los Baños UP Visayas Speech Communication UP Diliman Speech Pathology UP Manila Sports Science UP Diliman Statistics UP Diliman UP Los Baños UP Visayas T Theater Arts UP Diliman Tourism UP Diliman V Veterinary Medicine UP Los Baños |
https://up.edu.ph/financial-aid/ | Financial Aid – University of the Philippines | Financial Aid There are a number of private and government funded scholarships available to UP students, both in the undergraduate and graduate programs. To view the updated list of these scholarships, please visit the links below: UP Diliman UP Los Baños UP Manila UP Visay UP Cebu The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA), which handled the student financial assistance services for applicants, has been renamed as the Office of Student Development Services (OSDS). And aside from financial assistance, they now also provide the following services to students: Student Academic Support Student Welfare IT and Admin Support for Students For more on the OSDS, please visit their website: https://slasonline.up.edu.ph/ or like their official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/uposds For questions and concerns, the OSDS can also be contacted via the following contact information: Postal Address Office of Student Development Services Vinzons Hall, 4F, University of the Philippines University of the Philippines Diliman Campus, Quezon City 1101 Metro Manila, Philippines Telephone numbers: (632) 8981-8500, local number 8779; (632) 8981-8779 Email addresses: osds@up.edu.ph or studentwelfare.osds@up.edu.ph |
https://up.edu.ph/upcat/ | UPCAT – University of the Philippines | UPCAT As the premier State University, UP offers a wide range of degree programs. Some degree programs are offered in only one campus (e.g., BS Nursing, BA Filipino) while others are offered in two or more campuses (e.g., B Fine Arts, BS Statistics). Most of these require qualification through the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT). To maintain its high standard of education and to maximize its limited resources, UP has had to limit slots for freshman admission to each campus and to its various degree programs. If you decide to take the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT), you will be one among many thousands who aspire to enter the University of the Philippines. The UPCAT consists of 4 subtests: Language Proficiency, Science, Mathematics and Reading Comprehension. Standardized scores on these subtests are combined with the weighted average of final grades in the first three years of high school to determine qualification into UP. Moreover, to implement the policy of democratization to make the UP studentry more representative of the nation’s population, socio-economic and geographic considerations are factored in the selection of campus qualifiers. Conditions for Eligibility To be eligible to take the UPCAT, you must meet certain specific requirements. First: You must belong to one of the categories listed below: 1. Senior students (e.g., Fourth Year, Grade 12, Senior 6) of DepEd-accredited schools or secondary schools abroad (expecting to graduate at the end of the school year); 2. Graduates of DepEd-accredited schools or secondary schools abroad; or 3. Those declared eligible for admission to college after taking the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT). NOTE: Graduates of DepEd-accredited schools or secondary schools abroad and those declared eligible for admission to college after taking the PEPT 1. Must not have taken any college subject/s previously; 2. Must not be taking any college subject/s at present; and 3. Will not be taking any college subject/s prior to or for the semester/academic year for which the UPCAT is to be taken. Second: You must also have: Final grades for the First, Second and Third Years of the 4-year secondary school curriculum in schools with DepEd recognition/permit to operate said curriculum (or Grades 9, 10 and 11 or, their equivalent for international or foreign schools); and Third: You must also NOT HAVE TAKEN the UPCAT previously. Taking the UPCAT 1. Go to your designated Test Center on the date specified in your Test Permit. Be there by 6:30 for the morning session or by 12:30 for the afternoon session. 2. Bring only your Test Permit, two good quality pencils, a sharpener, a rubber eraser and snacks. (The test administration will last about five hours). The use of cellphones and/or calculating devices during the test is strictly prohibited and can be a cause for disqualification. After the UPCAT 1. Check the UPCAT website (http://www.upcat.up.edu.ph) for announcements and posting of UPCAT Results (towards the end of March). 2. A list of qualifiers from your school will be sent to your Principal. Individual notices will also be sent to all examinees.If you qualify for admission to UP, register according to the instructions provided by the college or unit to which you have been accepted. On Scholarships Since 1991, the UP Oblation Scholarship has been awarded to the top fifty UPCAT qualifiers. The benefits include free tuition, miscellaneous and laboratory fees, a semestral book subsidy and a monthly incentive and transportation allowance. Recipients may enjoy the UP Oblation Scholarship throughout the normal length of time required to finish their chosen degree program, provided they maintain the required grade point average. For those in the accelerated medical program (INTARMED), however, only the first four years are covered by this grant. The University of the Philippines has a Socialized Tuition System. It provides possible tuition discounts and/or additional financial assistance for financially needy students in the form of monthly subsidies for living and travel expenses and a semestral book allowance. A number of scholarships, study grants and awards donated by government and private companies or individuals, are also available for the Office of Scholarships and Student Services. Most are intended for financially needy students, though some are awarded in recognition of outstanding academic performance. Important Reminders -There is no minimum high school average grade requirement for taking the UPCAT. -The UPCAT can be taken only once. For more details on the UPCAT and how to take test, click here. |
https://up.edu.ph/graduate-admissions/ | Graduate Admissions – University of the Philippines | Graduate Admissions The UP Diliman campus with Quezon Hall, the main administrative building in the foreground. Photo by Jonathan Madrid, UP MPRO. Requirements for graduate programs vary according to those set by the colleges and units. The programs offered by the constituent universities can be browsed over through the following links: UP Diliman UP Los Baños UP Manila UP Visayas UP Open University UP Mindanao UP Baguio UP Cebu |
https://up.edu.ph/undergraduate-admissions/ | Undergraduate Admissions – University of the Philippines | Undergraduate Admissions General Admission Requirements Graduates of foreign and Philippine high schools accredited by the Department of Education (DepEd) may be admitted as freshmen into the University based on the following: Performance in the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT); and Weighted average of final grades obtained in high school. Those who wish to study at the university take the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT). For more details, please go to the Office of Admissions website. Undergraduate Programs Requirements for academic programs vary according to those set by the colleges and units. The programs offered by the constituent universities can be browsed over through the following links: UP Diliman UP Los Baños UP Manila UP Visayas UP Open University UP Mindanao UP Baguio UP Cebu Transferees For transferees, here are links with the necessary information. UP Diliman UP Los Baños UP Manila UP Visayas UP Open University UP Mindanao UP Baguio UP Cebu Foreign students Information on admission of foreign students may be found at the following pages: UP Diliman UP Los Baños UP Manila UP Visayas UP Open University UP Mindanao UP Baguio UP Cebu |
https://up.edu.ph/admissions/ | ADMISSIONS – University of the Philippines | ADMISSIONS General Admission Requirements Graduates of foreign and Philippine high schools accredited by the Department of Education (DepEd) may be admitted as freshmen into the University based on the following: Performance in the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT); and Weighted average of final grades obtained in high school. A total combined score of 1,200 for the verbal and mathematics subtests in the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) will also qualify an applicant for automatic admission as freshman to the University. The UPCAT Those who wish to study at the university take the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT). It is administered on the first weekend of August every year. The UPCAT is a four-hour long examination consisting of subtests on language proficiency, reading comprehension, mathematics and science. The UPCAT is in English and Filipino. Standardized scores on these subtests are combined with the weighted average of final grades in the first three (3) years of high school to determine qualification into UP. Moreover, to implement the policy of democratization to make the UP studentry more representative of the nation’s population, socio-economic and geographic considerations are factored in the selection of campus qualifiers. UPCAT applicants are ranked based on their admission grades which are the combinedUPCAT scores, high school grades, and equity factors where applicable. Admission grades like the University Predicted Grade (UPG) measure the applicant’s potential to do well in the University. Every year, thousands of senior high school students take the UPCAT exam at UP constituent units and designated exam centers across the country. In 2010, over 65,000 examinees took the UPCAT. For more details, please go to the Office of Admissions website. Those who want to study at the UP Open University, may want to check this link for instructions. Graduate students Requirements for graduate programs vary according to those set by the colleges and units. The programs offered by the constituent universities can be browsed over with the links the following links: UP Diliman UP Los Baños UP Manila UP Visayas UP Open University UP Mindanao UP Baguio UP Cebu Transferees For transferees, here are links with the necessary information. UP Diliman UP Los Baños UP Manila UP Visayas UP Open University UP Mindanao UP Baguio UP Cebu Foreign students Information on admission of foreign students may be found at the following pages: UP Diliman UP Los Baños UP Manila UP Visayas UP Open University UP Mindanao UP Baguio UP Cebu Scholarships There are a number of private and government funded scholarships available to UP students, both in the undergraduate and graduate level. To view the updated list of these scholarships, please visit the links below: Diliman Los Baños Manila Visayas Cebu Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Student Financial Assistance Programs (StuFAPs) In consonance with the mandate of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), as provided for in Article XIV, Section 1 of the Philippine Constitution, “to protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all,” and Article XIV, Section 2(3) “to establish and maintain a system of scholarship grants, student loan programs, subsidies, and other incentives which shall be available to deserving students in both public and private schools, especially to the underprivileged,” the CHED Commission en Banc (CEB) approved the Revised Guidelines for the Implementation of Student Financial Assistance Programs (StuFAPs) Effective AY 2014-2015, signed as CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 13, series of 2014, by virtue of CEB Resolution Nos. 045-2014 and 148-2014 dated January 27, 2014 and March 10, 2014, respectively. For more details on the CHED StuFAPs please click here. Other sections which you might be interested in: University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) How to get to UP Diliman Campus Maps Academic Calendars |
https://up.edu.ph/up-system-officials-and-offices/ | UP System Officials and Offices – University of the Philippines | UP System Officials and Offices The Board of Regents Hon. J. PROSPERO E. DE VERA III Chairperson Chairman, Commission on Higher Education Hon. ANGELO A. JIMENEZ Co-chairperson President, University of the Philippines Hon. FRANCIS JOSEPH G. ESCUDERO Chairperson, Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education Hon. MARK O. GO Chairperson, House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Hon. ROBERT LESTER F. ARANTON Alumni Regent President, UP Alumni Association Hon. RAUL C. PAGDANGANAN Member Hon. GREGORIO B. PASTORFIDE Member Hon. GLADYS S.J. TIONGCO Member Hon. CARL MARC L. RAMOTA Faculty Regent Hon. SOFIA JAN DG. TRINIDAD Student Regent Hon. VICTORIA C. BELEGAL Staff Regent Hon. ROBERTO M.J. LARA Secretary of the University and of the Board of Regents Board of Regents contact information: borsecretariat@up.edu.ph Officials of the UP System Administration Executive Committee ANGELO A. JIMENEZ President (632) 8928-0110 op@up.edu.ph JOSE FERNANDO T. ALCANTARA Executive Vice President (632) 8928-0110 op@up.edu.ph LEO D.P. CUBILLAN Vice President for Academic Affairs (632) 8926-4736 ovpaa@up.edu.ph IRYN Y. BALMORES Vice President for Planning and Finance (632) 8928-2866 ovppf@up.edu.ph AUGUSTUS C. RESURRECCION Vice President for Administration (632) 8925-0984 ovpa@up.edu.ph FERDINAND JESUS A. PECSON Vice President for Development (632) 8928-2888 ovpd@up.edu.ph ROLANDO B. TOLENTINO Vice President for Public Affairs (632) 8929-1288 / (632) 8981-8500 local 2531, 2532, 2507 ovppa@up.edu.ph ABRAHAM REY M. ACOSTA Vice President for Legal Affairs (632) 8927-8459 ovpla@up.edu.ph ROBERTO M.J. LARA Secretary of the University (632) 8920-6885 osu@up.edu.ph RICKY D. DELA TORRE Chief of Staff of the Office of the President (632) 8928-0110 op@up.edu.ph PETER A. SY Adviser for Digital Transformation (632) 8928-0110 op@up.edu.ph Assistant Vice Presidents MA. THERESA T. PAYONGAYONG Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs (Curriculum and Instruction) (632) 8981-8500 local 2622 ovpaa@up.edu.ph PERCIVAL F. ALMORO Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs (Research) (632) 8981-8500 local 2622 ovpaa@up.edu.ph ALYSSA M. PELEO-ALAMPAY Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs (Quality Assurance) (632) 8981-8500 local 2622/3753 qa.ovpaa@up.edu.ph MA. SHARI NIÑA G. OLIQUINO Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs (Student Affairs) (632) 8981-8500 local 2622/3753 osds@up.edu.ph IMEE S. MARTINEZ Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs (Internationalization) (632) 8928-8321 / (632) 8981-8500 local 2544 oil@up.edu.ph JOSE ANTONIO R. CLEMENTE Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs (R and D Resource Mobilization) (632) 8981-8500 local 2622 ovpaa@up.edu.ph NOREEN P. ESCULTURA Assistant Vice President for Planning and Finance (632) 8930-5992 npescultura@up.edu.ph TIFFANY ADELAINE G. TAN Assistant Vice President for Administration (Organizational Development and Operations) (632) 8925-0984 ovpa@up.edu.ph RICHARD S. JAVIER Assistant Vice President for Administration (Human Resource Development) (632) 8925-0984 ovpa@up.edu.ph JEANETTE L. YASOL-NAVAL Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs (632) 8929-1288 / (632) 8981-8500 local 2531, 2532, 2507 ovppa@up.edu.ph Program Directors MARIE THERESE A.P. BUSTOS System Director, Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Office (632) 8981-8500 local 2603, 2607-08 pahinungod.upsys@up.edu.ph TERESA S. ENCARNACION TADEM Executive Director, Center for Integrative and Development Studies (632) 3435-9283 cids@up.edu.ph MARIE AUBREY J. VILLACERAN Director, Center for Women and Gender Studies (632) 8920-6950 cws@up.edu.ph FELICITAS L. LACBAWAN Executive Director, Philippine Genome Center (632) 8981-8742 / (632) 8981-8500 local 8742 pgc@up.edu.ph CHERISH AILEEN A. BRILLON Director, Padayon Public Service Office (632) 8981-8500 local 4256 padayon@up.edu.ph ALFREDO MAHAR LAGMAY Executive Director, UP Resilience Institute (632) 8924-2904 resilience.institute@up.edu.ph GRACE J. ALFONSO Director, TVUP (632) 8936-7031 television@up.edu.ph MICHELLE R. PALUMBARIT Director, UP CIFAL Philippines (632) 8981-8500 local 4266 to 67 cifalphilippines@up.edu.ph KYUNG MIN BAE Director, UP Korea Research Center pkrc@up.edu.ph Administrative Offices Directors FRANCISCO N. DE LOS REYES Director, Office of Admissions (632)927-4561 oadms@up.edu.ph GALILEO S. ZAFRA Director, UP Press (632) 8928-2558 press@up.edu.ph NOREEN P. ESCULTURA Director, System Budget Office (632) 8930-5992 sbo@up.edu.ph JENNIFER M. TOLENTINO Officer-in-Charge, System Cash Office (632) 8981-8500 local 2540 ISAGANI L. BAGUS Acting Chief, System Supply and Management Office (632) 8981-8500 local 2538, 2539 spmo.upsystem@up.edu.ph SUSAN C. SANCHEZ Director, System Accounting Office (632) 8981-8500 local 4253 FLOR L. OFILADA Director, System Procurement Office flofilada@up.edu.ph (632) 8981-8500, local 4056, 4058 and 4061 MA. SHARI NIÑA G. OLIQUINO Director, Office of Student Development Services (632) 8981-8500 local 2622/3753 osds@up.edu.ph RICHARD S. JAVIER Director, System Human Resource Development Office (632) 8925-0984 ovpa@up.edu.ph LUIS G. SISON Director, Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (632) 8981-8500 local 2542 ttbdo@up.edu.ph PAULO NOEL G. PAJE Director, Information Technology Development Center (632) 8920-2080 / (632) 8981-8500 local 4469 itdc_info@up.edu.ph LARISSA MAE R. SUAREZ Director, Media and Public Relations Office (632) 8981-8500 local 2549, 2550 to 52, 2511 media@up.edu.ph KAREN CONNIE M. ABALOS-ORENDAIN Director, Office of Alumni Relations (02) 8981-8500 local 4252 and 4251 up.alumnioffice@up.edu.ph JOSE FERNANDO T. ALCANTARA Officer-in-Charge, UP Bonifacio Global City Campus, (UP-BGC) (632) 8928-0110 op@up.edu.ph Chancellors of Constituent Universities EDGARDO CARLO L. VISTAN Chancellor, UP Diliman (632) 8929-5401 chancellor.updiliman@up.edu.ph JOSE V. CAMACHO, JR. Chancellor, UP Los Baños (6349) 536-2567 oc.uplb@up.edu.ph MICHAEL L. TEE Chancellor, UP Manila (632) 521-0184 upm-oc@up.edu.ph CLEMENT C. CAMPOSANO Chancellor, UP Visayas (033) 315-9378 oc.upvisayas@up.edu.ph MELINDA dP. BANDALARIA Chancellor, UP Open University (6349)536-6001 oc@upou.edu.ph LYRE ANNI E. MURAO Chancellor, UP Mindanao (6382) 293-0310 oc.upmindanao@up.edu.ph CORAZON L. ABANSI Chancellor, UP Baguio (6374) 442-3888 oc.upbaguio@up.edu.ph LEO B. MALAGAR Chancellor, UP Cebu (6332) 232-8104 / (6332)231-3086 oc.upcebu@up.edu.ph GERARDO D. LEGASPI Director, Philippine General Hospital (632) 523-7123 od.uppgh@up.edu.ph |
https://up.edu.ph/office-of-the-university-president/ | Office of the University President – University of the Philippines | Office of the University President Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO. Angelo A. Jimenez President University of the Philippines Angelo A. 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 Attache 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 the rescue of a Filipino hostage held in Iraq. While at the Department of Labor and Employment, Jimenez represented the agency on the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council, Governing Board of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, and the Inter-Agency Media Task Force on Overseas Filipino Workers. At the Office of the President, he represented the Office of the Senior Deputy Executive Secretary in the Presidential Fact-Finding and Policy Advisory Commission on the Protection of Overseas Filipinos––better known as the Gancayco Commission––and the Cabinet Committee on Maritime and Ocean Affairs during the administration of the late President Fidel V. Ramos. 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, where he has given lectures on gender-responsive migration governance, ethical recruitment principles, migrant protection, and crisis preparedness. He has also written papers for organizations such as the International Organization for Migration Philippines and the Blas Ople Policy Center, focusing on immigration law and labor recruitment policies, processes, and practices. He is a regular lecturer on Philippine overseas labor laws at the UP Law Center’s Mandatory Continuing Legal Education program. The global outlook of Jimenez is not just a result of the work he accomplished overseas but the education he received abroad. Jimenez graduated with a Master in Public Management degree from the National University of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and was a Lee Kuan Yew Fellow at the Harvard School of Government. His understanding of the factors that have led to the Filipino diaspora, on the other hand, 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. 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. Roles and Powers of the University President The UP President is the Chief Academic Officer, Head of the University Faculty, and Chief Executive Officer of the University for a fixed term of 6 years. The President is expected to pursue goals stated in the UP Charter and pursue the Vision-Mission (which is later refined into a 6-year strategic development plan) s/he pledged to the community. Majority of the powers of the UP President are provided for in the UP Charter and determined by the Board of Regents as reflected in the Handbook on Existing Delineation of Authority in the University (2008). Offices under the Office of the President UP Professional Schools Bonifacio Global City Resilience Institute TVUP UP Pahinungod Office – System Below are select messages and writings about President Jimenez Honor and Excellence in a Digital National University Welcome and Introduction by President Jimenez of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim A Datu in Diliman The Roots of Angelo A. Jimenez |
https://up.edu.ph/the-board-of-regents/ | The Board of Regents – University of the Philippines | The Board of Regents The highest governing body in the UP System is the Board of Regents. Its members are drawn from both the University and the private and public sectors. The current Board of Regents is composed of: Hon. J. PROSPERO E. DE VERA III Chairperson Chairman, Commission on Higher Education Hon. ANGELO A. JIMENEZ Co-chairperson President, University of the Philippines Hon. FRANCIS JOSEPH G. ESCUDERO Chairperson, Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education Hon. MARK O. GO Chairperson, House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Hon. ROBERT LESTER F. ARANTON Alumni Regent President, UP Alumni Association Hon. RAUL C. PAGDANGANAN Hon. GREGORIO B. PASTORFIDE Hon. GLADYS SJ. TIONGCO Hon. CARL MARC L. RAMOTA Faculty Regent Hon. SOFIA JAN DG. TRINIDAD Student Regent Hon. VICTORIA CANAPE BELEGAL Staff Regent Hon. ROBERTO MJ LARA Secretary of the University and of the Board of Regents For more information on the Board of Regents and the Office of the Secretary of the University and of the Board of Regents, please visit their website. You may also get in touch with them via these contact details: Telephone number: (632) 8981-8500 loc 2534/35/36 Email address: osu@up.edu.ph |
https://up.edu.ph/contact-us/ | Contact Us – University of the Philippines | Contact Us For more information on the University of the Philippines, you may contact: GENERAL INFORMATION University of the Philippines Quezon Hall, UP Diliman Quezon City 1101 (632)8981-8500 ADMISSIONS University of the Philippines Office of Admissions Kalaw cor. Quirino Avenue, UP Diliman Quezon City 1101 Telefax: (632)9274561 Telephone number: (632)8981-8500 loc. 3827/3828/3830/3831 Email: oadms@up.edu.ph Website: https://upcat.up.edu.ph Facebook ABOUT THIS WEBSITE University of the Philippines Media and Public Relations Office Fonacier Hall, Magsaysay Avenue University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City 1101 Telephone number: (632)8981-8500 local 2549, 2550, 2551 and 2552 Email: media@up.edu.ph You may also contact the UP MPRO via the university’s social media accounts which it maintains: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram YouTube TikTok Constituent Universities Contact Information: UP Diliman UP Los Baños UP Manila UP Visayas UP Open University UP Mindanao UP Baguio UP Cebu |
https://up.edu.ph/the-up-charter/ | The UP Charter – University of the Philippines | The UP Charter Mandate as the National University Under its Charter of 2008 (RA 9500), UP is mandated to perform its unique and distinctive leadership in higher education and development. The University of the Philippines 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. Rights and Responsibilities Academic Freedom UP has the right and responsibility to exercise academic freedom. Academic Excellence UP has the responsibility to maintain and enhance its high academic standards in the performance of its functions of instruction, research and extension, and public service. Commitment to National Development UP shall harness the expertise of the members of its community and other individuals to regularly study the state of the nation in relation to its quest for national development in the primary areas of politics and economics, among others. UP shall identify key concerns, conduct research and formulate responsive policies regarding these concerns, give advice and recommendations to the President of the Philippines, Congress, the Supreme Court, the lower courts, other government agencies and instrumentalities. Social Responsibility UP is committed to serve the Filipino nation and humanity, and relate its activities to the needs of the Filipino people and their aspirations for social progress and transformation, and provide venues for student volunteerism. Democratic Access UP shall take affirmative steps, which may take the form of an alternative and equitable admissions process to enhance the access of disadvantaged students. Sports UP shall undertake and support comprehensive sports programs that promote physical education, uphold excellence and encourage competitive participation in sports activities, instill school identity and solidarity, cultivate pride, self-discipline and teamwork. Institutional and Fiscal Autonomy UP has the right to be treated in a manner consistent with its institutional requirements as the national university by the service-wide agencies in the exercise of their respective jurisdiction. Taking into account national goals and priorities, UP shall exclusively determine its teaching, research and extension thrusts, plans, policies, programs and standards, and on the basis of such determination, shall recommend its annual budget to the President of the Republic of the Philippines and Congress. Guiding Principles Honor, Excellence and Democratic Governance Committed to UP’s long tradition of honor and excellence, we shall be guided in our decision-making by the principles of democratic governance: collegiality, representation, accountability, transparency, and active participation of the University’s constituents Accessibility and Responsiveness We will break down bureaucratic walls and make our administration accessible and responsive to our stakeholders. Innovativeness and Creativity In making decisions, we shall not be bound by traditional solutions. We shall be prepared to pursue innovative approaches in solving the problems and issues that confront the University. One University We shall be guided by the spirit of Oneness: common standards of excellence, harmonized systems, common and shared services across constituent universities, but with decentralized decision-making and execution. For a full copy of the UP Charter or Republic Act 9500, please click here. |
https://up.edu.ph/administration/ | ADMINISTRATION – University of the Philippines | ADMINISTRATION The University System The University of the Philippines is a university system and shall be composed of constituent universities established solely by its Board of Regents upon the recommendation of the President of the University. The University of the Philippines System is composed of its existing constituent universities, as follows: University of the Philippines Diliman; University of the Philippines Manila; University of the Philippines Los Baños; University of the Philippines Visayas; University of the Philippines Mindanao; University of the Philippines Baguio; University of the Philippines Open University; and those that may be created in the future. It is referred to in this law as the “National University .” (Sec. 4, Republic Act 9500) The Board of Regents The governance of the national university is vested in a board of regents known as the “Board of Regents of the University of the Philippines System,” hereinafter referred to as the “Board,” composed of: The Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education as Chairperson; The President of the University of the Philippines System as Co-Chairperson; The Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture; The Chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education; The President of the U.P. Alumni Association, to serve as Alumni Regent during his or her incumbency in that position; One Faculty Regent representing all teaching personnel, chosen in accordance with the rules and qualification set by the constituent university councils to.serve for a term of two (2) years; One Student Regent, to serve for a term of one (1) year, chosen by the students from their ranks in accordance with rules and qualifications approved in a referendum by the students; One Staff Regent representing the full-time permanent research, extension, and professional staff (REPS) and administrative personnel, and chosen by them from their ranks in accordance with the rules and qualifications set by their duly recognized organizations, to serve for a term of two (2) years; and Three other Regents who have distinguished themselves in their professions or fields of specialization, to be appointed by the President of the Philippines, considering the recommendation of the Board. At least two (2) of these Regents should be alumni. All these Regents shall each serve for a term of two (2) years: Provided, That the Regents holding office as members of the Board at the time of the effectivity of this Act shall continue to serve until the expiration of their appointments as provided in Executive Order No. 204-A, issued by the President of the Philippines on July 15, 1987. (Sec 12, RA 9500) The President of the University President of the University is the chief academic officer, head of the university faculty and the chief executive officer of the University. The President of the University shall exercise the powers specifically provided for in the UP Charter (RA 9500), those determined by the Board, those which pertain to the office of the president of a university, and those which are related or necessary to its functions. The Board shall determine the compensation of the President of the University. (Sec 13, RA 9500) The Secretary of the University and of the Board of Regents There shall be a Secretary of the University appointed by the Board, who shall also be the Secretary of the Board, and who shall keep such records of the University as may be designated by the Board. (Sec. 15, RA 9500). The Chancellors The Administration of each constituent university is vested in the Chancellor insofar as authorized by the Board and the President of the University. The Chancellor of the constituent university shall be elected by the Board upon nomination of the President of the University, following a process of consultation with the constituents of the constituent university based on standards and guidelines set by the Board. The Chancellor shall report to the President of the University, and shall perform the duties and functions elsewhere stated in this Act, and all the usual, necessary and related functions of the Office of the Chancellor, subject to the policies and rules prescribed by the Board. The Board shall determine the term and compensation of the Chancellor. If a Chancellor fails to complete his/her term, the President shall appoint an acting Chancellor while a search process is in progress. In no case shall the search and election of the next Chancellor be longer than sixty (60) calendar days from the date when the vacancy occurs. (Sec. 18, RA 9500) For more information on the officials of the university, please click these links: Vice President for Academic Affairs Vice President for Administration Vice President for Planning and Finance Vice President for Development Vice President for Public Affairs Vice President for Legal Affairs UP System Officials and Offices Click here for the full text of Republic Act 9500 or the Act to Strengthen the University of the Philippines as the National University. |
https://up.edu.ph/institutional-linkages/ | Institutional Linkages – University of the Philippines | Institutional Linkages Internationally recognized as the leading educational institution in the country, UP is the only Philippine university in the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), where membership is based on the nomination and votes of member universities. UP is also the only Philippine university in the ASEAN-European University Network, a network of universities offering comprehensive graduate degree programs. It is a founding member of and is one of only three Philippine universities in the ASEAN University Network (AUN). The University of the Philippines lives as a nerve center for most local and foreign private and government and non-government institutions by providing the much needed academic, professional and leadership training in the undergraduate, graduate, post-doctoral and even professional levels. To date, UP, being the National University, has Memoranda of Agreement or Memoranda of Understanding with about three hundred foreign academic institutions throughout the world that also play a significant role in the formation of their societies. The Office of International Linkages The Office of Institutional Linkages is a unit under the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. It is mandated to identify and explore areas of cooperation and linkages with foreign and local institutions. It promotes academic collaboration with local and foreign universities in the form of student and faculty and student exchange, joint research, exchange of publication, sponsorship of conference and other academic activities. The office is engage in the initiation, planning, implementation and monitoring of linkage activities. The office also participates in the implementation of student exchange program with partner universities. It facilitates the application and endorsement of UP students who wishes to participate in the exchange program with local or foreign universities. Also, it provides assistance to foreign exchange students who are studying in UP under the benefit of memorandum of agreement between their home university and UP System. For more on UP’s linkages with other educational and research institutions, please visit the Office of Institutional Linkages website. |
https://up.edu.ph/university-seal/ | University Seal – University of the Philippines | University Seal The Seal that is in current use in the University was approved by the Board of Regents at its 77th meeting on February 25, 1913. It shows an eagle with its wings spread and perched on a shield that carries three icons representing the fields of specialization in the University, namely, agriculture, engineering, and medicine. Inscribed on the circular band that surrounds it are the words “University of the Philippines” on top and “1908” at the bottom. An earlier seal, however, was utilized by the University before 1913. It was adapted from the coat-of-arms of the Philippines approved by the Philippine Commission in 1905. It showed an eagle with outstretched wings on the crest of a shield that symbolized the city of Manila and the 13 colonies of America which fought for independence against Great Britain. Like the eagle in the coat-of-arms of the Philippines, the eagle in the University Seal was the American bald or white-headed type. This was the same eagle which appeared on the Seal that was approved in 1913. The eagle is among the most predominant animals used in heraldry, the art of devising or adorning insignias or coat-of-arms. It was used in the national emblems of ancient Rome, France, and the United States. Recognized as the king of birds, it has become a favorite in heraldry as a particular symbol for courage and power. The most common attitude by which the eagle is depicted in heraldry is with its wings spread out and pointing upwards. The head is usually turned to the right, that is, to the observer’s left. The Great Seal of the United States features the eagle in this position, from which the seals of the Philippines and the University were based. Several variations of the eagle can be gleaned, however, from the different instances in which the university has appeared from the 1910s to the pre-sent. These mutations include the positioning of the wings, the direction where the head turns, and the icons that represent the fields of specialization in the University. The establishment of UP in 1908 was considered the early 1900s as the best the American educational system had to offer. The University was also seen as the foundation upon which Filipino nationalism would take root. Conscious of its role in national development, the University initiated a move to redesign its coat-of-arms which was seen as a remnant of colonialism. President Salvador P. Lopez opened a competition through Memorandum Circular dated November 13, 1971. He stated, “Just as a new seal was designed for the Philippines when it became independent in 1946, so a new seal for the University should have been designed and adopted at that time…. The eagle appears to be particularly inappropriate as the dominant element in the seal of the university.” The winning design was made by Galo B. Ocampo, then director of the National Museum. The move to adapt it as the new university seal was deferred by the Board of Regents for further study. Up to the present, different versions of the university seal as in existence. These are being used by the different units and offices of the University in their publications and communications. Novelty items, carrying the different versions of the seal are being sold by commercial establishments doing business inside the campus. There is a need to standardize the seal of the University, in the light of the current proliferation. Article XV Section 83 of the Code of the University of the Philippines describes its design, its diameter, and the inscriptions “University of the Philippines” and “1908.” This is the only instance where the genus of the seal is specified (as approved in the 77th Board of Regents meeting held in 1913). But the position of the bird, details of the icons and colors were not indicated. No records have yet been uncovered to provide for the appropriation of the university colors of forest green and maroon in the university seal. Since the seal of an institution is not only a mark for its legal and public documents, communications, and publications, but more importantly, a symbol of the institution, then clarity in its elements must be imposed. A seal does not only feature a distinctive object that would make identification clear and easy. More than that, it signifies the sentiments and aspirations that guide the institution and its constituents. The current directive by the Heraldry Division of the National Historical Institute regarding the design of seals discourages the use of foreign heraldic objects and this criteria has a bearing on the university seal. Though a change in the elements of the seal may be considered, the study of the conception, clarification of its elements, and its standardization are of utmost need to avert the indiscriminate proliferation of the university seal. The university seal, with the eagle as the dominant object including the icons of the fields of specialization, faithfully symbolize what the University aspires for—the highest in the field of knowledge as well as a commitment to the nation. It is only proper that the symbol of the State University be given the necessary serious attentions it deserves. (This article by Professor Armando P. Burgos of the UP Diliman College of Fine Arts was reprinted in the May 2011 issue of the UP Newsletter with permission from the author and first publisher. It originally appeared in the August-September 1998 issue of the Diliman UPDate.) For more details on how the university seal, as well as other symbols of the university, can be properly used, please view the the UP Visual Identity Guidebook below. UP Visual Identity Guide 2017 |
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