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https://up.edu.ph/up-still-lone-ph-university-in-the-world-university-rankings/
UP still lone PH university in THE World University Rankings – University of the Philippines
UP still lone PH university in THE World University Rankings UP still lone PH university in THE World University Rankings September 6, 2017 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office MANILA, Philippines – The University of the Philippines (UP) remains the lone Philippine university in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. UP is now in the 601-800 bracket of the THE World University Rankings 2018, which ranks the world’s top 1000 universities, released Wednesday, September 6.   TOP UNIVERSITY. The Oblation sculpture at the University of the Philippines Diliman campus, July 20, 2017. (Photo by LeAnne Jazul/Rappler)   In the 2017 rankings, the institution was in the “>800 bracket”, and was the only Philippine institution on the list. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings based its scores on 13 performance indicators that cover teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook, the publication said. The Philippines’ national university got an overall score of 30.6 out of 100. The global university ranking is topped by the University of Oxford, followed by the University of Cambridge. The California Institute of Technology, which topped the list in 2012 and 2016, is currently at third position, tied with Stanford University.   Data from THE World University Rankings 2018 (Photo from Rappler)   The National University of Singapore is still the top Asian university, and is now ranked 22nd alongside the University of Toronto. This year’s rankings, the publication said, saw the continued rise of Chinese institutions, notably Peking and Tsinghua Universities into the top 30. A total of 77 countries are represented in the ranking, THE World University Rankings said. UP was also included in this year’s Asian University Rankings (rank 201-250) and the BRICS & Emerging Economies Rankings (rank 201-250). (Rappler.com)
https://up.edu.ph/up-leaps-into-the-asias-top-200/
UP leaps into THE Asia’s Top 200 – University of the Philippines
UP leaps into THE Asia’s Top 200 UP leaps into THE Asia’s Top 200 February 7, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office   Riding on its research being cited by the world’s scholars, the University of the Philippines made a big jump in the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings or the THE ranking of the top 359 universities of the region. The Philippine national university leaped from the 201st-250th ranked group in 2017 to the top 200, placing 156th, in 2018. THE released the results of its 2018 Asia rankings on February 7, 2018. UP is the only Philippine university to figure in the THE rankings, which is currently led by the National University of Singapore. At the same time, in the THE World University Rankings or the THE ranking of the top 1,000 universities in the world, UP moved in overall ranking from the 801st-1,000th ranked universities up to the 601st-800th ranked universities. In the areas of clinical, pre-clinical and health, UP ranks higher, falling under the 201-250 ranked group. UP is one of the top 3 Asian universities that moved the most in terms of citations of UP’s published research works by scholars from different parts of the world according to UP Vice President for Academic Affairs Cynthia Rose Bautista. According to THE data, UP’s citations score rose from 13.5 in 2017 to 40 in 2018. Breakdown of rankings data for University of the Philippines. Source: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/university-philippines   The citations score is a measure of the research influence of the university. THE tries to capture the average number of times a university’s published work is cited by scholars globally, using bibliometric data from Elsevier over five years. The citations score comprises 30 percent of the overall score, alongside teaching (25 percent), research (30 percent), international outlook (7.5 percent), and industry income (7.5 percent). From 2017, UP’s teaching score rose slightly from 23 to 23.4; and research, from 10.6 to 11.5.; although its international outlook and industry income scores fell several points. Bautista cited information personally shared by representatives of Elsevier to the university a week ago, revealing that papers from UP are cited 14 percent more frequently than the world average. In medicine, they are cited 336 percent more frequently, according to the same source. “We have not gone to details in terms of areas where we have more influence,” Bautista said. “For now we believe Elsevier when it says our citations are global as opposed to being confined to particular regions only.” The most recent THE Asia University Rankings are published at https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2018/regional-ranking. (Jo. Lontoc, MPRO)
https://up.edu.ph/up-continues-upward-trend-in-world-rankings-joins-top-5-from-southeast-asia/
UP continues upward trend in world rankings; joins top 5 from Southeast Asia – University of the Philippines
UP continues upward trend in world rankings; joins top 5 from Southeast Asia UP continues upward trend in world rankings; joins top 5 from Southeast Asia September 27, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office   The University of the Philippines moved up once again in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. Securing a place in the 501-600 bracket, it joined universities from Singapore and Malaysia in the top 5 from Southeast Asia. UP has consistently made progress in the rankings since its entry in 2017. Before breaking into the top 600 for 2019, it climbed to 601-800 in 2018 from its inaugural 801-1,000 position. The continued rise in the rankings is an indication of the national university’s hard work and commitment to excellence in teaching, research and public service. THE world rankings are based on the achievements of research-intensive universities across various core missions. Performance is gauged using thirteen metrics in five main areas: teaching (30 percent), research (30 percent), citations (30 percent), international outlook (7.5 percent) and industry income (2.5 percent). An impressive score in citations–up by 30 points from last year–drove UP’s movement in the 2019 rankings. The high score means that in the past years, UP did not only become more productive but it also produced research that stood out and influenced the work of other scholars around the world. Close to 14 million scholarly publications including 25,000 academic journals indexed by Scopus between 2013 and 2017 were examined by analytics company Elsevier to help THE compare the research influence of institutions. This was not the first time that citations played a big role in UP’s ranking. In 2018, UP leaped several places in the Asia University Rankings as its citation score went up from 13.5 to 40. For 2019, UP also received higher scores in the areas of teaching, with academic prestige as a large component, industry income which gauged a university’s ability to help industry with innovation, inventions and consultancy, and research composed of research reputation, income and productivity. International outlook, or global connections as measured by the number of international staff, students and collaborations, went down by a few points.   UP’s performance in the 2019 THE World University Rankings. Source: Times Higher Education   UP, one of the two universities from the Philippines that figured in the rankings, remains the country’s top university. UK and American universities constituted the top 10 worldwide, with the University of Oxford in first place, while Tsinghua University led the universities from Asia. Publishing some of the most influential rankings used in the academic community, THE also releases the annual Emerging Economies Universities Rankings in which UP jumped from 201-250 to 166 in 2018.   (This article was originally published by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs on September 26 and last updated on October 1, 2018: http://ovpaa.up.edu.ph/up-continues-upward-trend-in-world-rankings/)
https://up.edu.ph/up-soars-to-70th-among-top-universities-from-emerging-economies/
UP soars to 70th among top universities from emerging economies – University of the Philippines
UP soars to 70th among top universities from emerging economies UP soars to 70th among top universities from emerging economies February 18, 2020 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc   (UPDATED) The University of the Philippines is now at the top 70 notable universities from emerging economies in 2020. This is according to the 2020 Times Higher Education (THE) Emerging Economies University Rankings, where the University had steadily risen from the top 201-250 bracket in 2017, to the top 166 in 2018, and to the top 87 in 2019. De La Salle University is the only other Philippine university in the 2020 rankings, figuring in for the second year. As it did last year, China leads the rankings with its universities claiming the top four places. It is also the one represented best, with 81 institutions. India is still second with 56 institutions, while Brazil is third with 46. THE used London’s Financial Times Stock Exchange Quality of Markets criteria in classifying economies as “advanced emerging, secondary emerging, or frontier.” These include: advanced emerging economies, Brazil, Malaysia, South Africa, and Taiwan; secondary emerging markets, China, India, the Philippines, and Russia; and, frontier economies, Argentina, Malta, Romania, and Vietnam. UP’s rise in the ranking is remarkable, given an increase in the number of eligible institutions, from 442 last year to 533 this year. The rankings use the same 13 performance indicators as the THE World University Rankings (THE-WUR) to judge institutions, but recalibrate them “to reflect the development priorities of universities in emerging economies.”   Breakdown of University of the Philippines’ ranking in the 2020 Times Higher Education Emerging Economies University Rankings   Performance indicators are grouped into five areas. UP’s scores show its strength in citations, where it got 86.9 out of 100, up from 69.1 the previous year. Its next best score is in industry income: 39.4, up from 35.8; followed by international outlook: 38.1, down from 39.8, UP’s only dip in score. The University improved its score in teaching and research: 24.1 and 17.2 from 21.7 and 16.4, respectively. Data for citations or research influence included citations from 2014 to 2019 of more than 23,400 academic journals indexed by Elsevier’s Scopus database and all indexed publications between 2014 and 2018. Industry income or knowledge transfer looked at how much research income an institution earned from industry, scaled against the number of academic staff it employed. International outlook considered the proportion of international students, staff, and research journal authorship. Teaching or the learning environment used data from an academic reputation survey and looked at staff-to-student ratio, doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio, doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio, and institutional income. Research also used the academic reputation survey, looked at research income scaled against the number of academic staff, and measured research productivity through the number of papers published in academic journals indexed by Elsevier’s Scopus database per scholar. In 2020, UP is at the top 500 of THE-WUR’s top 1,400 universities across 92 countries.
https://up.edu.ph/up-ranking-in-asia-pacific-rises/
UP ranking in Asia-Pacific rises – University of the Philippines
UP ranking in Asia-Pacific rises UP ranking in Asia-Pacific rises February 21, 2019 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc Times Higher Education Asia-Pacific University Rankings 2019   The University of the Philippines moves up to the top 101-110 universities of the Asia-Pacific region, leaping from its place in the 151-160 bracket in 2018 and in the 201+ bracket in 2017, based on the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia-Pacific University Ranking released on February 20, 2019. To come up with the ranking, THE analyzes universities across East Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania using the same performance indicators as the THE World University Rankings 2019. This year, the ranking for Asia-Pacific universities features the top 300. UP and De La Salle University are the only universities in the Philippines that made it to the table. THE’s Asia-Pacific ranking of UP reflects the latter’s rise in the World University Rankings from its place in the 800+ bracket in 2017, to the 601-800 bracket in 2018, and to 501-600 in 2019. Based on the THE rankings for 2019, UP also ranks 87th among the top 442 universities from 43 emerging economies. Among the top 1,250 world universities, UP is in the 126-150 bracket for Clinical, Pre-Clinical and Health subjects; in the 501-600 bracket for both Life Sciences and Social Sciences; in the 601+ bracket for Engineering and Technology, and Computer Science; and in the 801+ bracket in Physical Sciences. In Asia, UP’s latest ranking was 156th, securing a high spot among the top 350 universities in 25 countries. The THE university rankings cover research-intensive universities across their core missions of teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook, using 13 calibrated performance indicators. THE is a London-based publication. Its calculation of the rankings has been subject to independent audit by professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
https://up.edu.ph/up-climbs-30-points-to-65th-rank-among-top-universities-in-asia/
UP climbs 30 points to 65th rank among top universities in Asia – University of the Philippines
UP climbs 30 points to 65th rank among top universities in Asia UP climbs 30 points to 65th rank among top universities in Asia June 3, 2020 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office   The University of the Philippines climbed 30 points in the newly released 2020 Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings, placing 65th this year out of 489 universities ranked. This represents a significant rise from last year’s 95th ranking. This was announced by the Times Higher Education at the Virtual THE Live Asia webinar today. The national university has been featured in the THE Asia University Rankings since 2017. It entered the top 100 for the first time in 2019, soaring 61 places from its 156th position in 2018. In 2017, UP belonged to the 201st-250th ranking group.   Breakdown of ranking for the University of the Philippines from 2020 Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings   The THE Asia University Rankings use the same criteria (Teaching, Research, Citations, International Outlook and Industry Income) as the World University Rankings. Based on the data analytics presented by Scopus, the citation score is seen to be the main driver for the overall score of the ranked universities. The improvement in UP’s ranking this year is due to its high scores in “Citation” (86.9 points) and “Industry Income” (39.4 points) criteria. UP remains the highest ranked university from the Philippines. You can view the 2020 THE Asia University Rankings here.   Related stories: UP achieves top 100 ranking in THE Asia UP soars to 70th among top universities from emerging economies
https://up.edu.ph/unsung-heroes-up-among-8-asian-universities-shortlisted-in-new-the-awards-asia-category-for-research-excellence/
“Unsung heroes”: UP among 8 Asian universities shortlisted in new THE Awards Asia category for research excellence – University of the Philippines
“Unsung heroes”: UP among 8 Asian universities shortlisted in new THE Awards Asia category for research excellence “Unsung heroes”: UP among 8 Asian universities shortlisted in new THE Awards Asia category for research excellence June 5, 2020 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office   From its jump to 65th rank in the 2020 Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings—up 30 points from 95th in 2019—UP scores another win: being shortlisted for the 2020 THE Awards Asia THE DataPoints Merit Award category. This was announced during the Virtual THE Live Asia webinar held on June 3, 10:00 a.m. London time, during which the 2020 THE ranking of Asian universities was released. Shortlisted in this new category, UP is among eight Asian universities, out of a total of 489 universities that were ranked in the 2020 THE Asia University Rankings. According to the THE, the THE DataPoints Merit Award looks “at Asian universities that could be considered to be ‘unsung heroes’—those whose research excellence outpaces the recognition of their strength among the 10,000+ academics polled across the globe in our annual Reputation Survey.” Universities were not required to send in submissions to be considered for this category. Instead, the shortlist was compiled after an analysis of world university data collected by the THE for its suite of rankings, revealing “aspects of university performance that are not necessarily obvious in our published rankings results.” UP is the only university from Southeast Asia included in the shortlist for this category. The seven other universities shortlisted are: the American University of Beirut, Lebanon; Hunan University, China; King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia; Nankai University, China; Soochow University, China; Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), China; and Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), China. The 2020 Times Higher Education Awards Asia was launched in 2019 “to celebrate the achievements of universities across the continent, building on the success of THE’s long-running UK-focused awards, dubbed the ‘Oscars of higher education,” according to the THE. The awards began with five categories last year, but has been expanded to ten categories this year. UP broke into the top 100 universities in Asia for the first time last year (95th in 2019) after being ranked 156th in 2018, and 201-250 in 2017. The national university remains the highest ranked university in the country, with De La Salle University ranking within 301-350. View the full list of the THE Asia University Rankings 2020 here.
https://up.edu.ph/up-climbs-higher-in-world-university-rankings/
UP climbs higher in world university rankings – University of the Philippines
UP climbs higher in world university rankings UP climbs higher in world university rankings June 19, 2019 | Written by Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs The University of the Philippines (UP) further climbed international rankings, appearing in the top 33 percent of the 2020 QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) World University Rankings. It placed 356th, up by 28 notches from last year, in the top 1,000 institutions from around the world. As with previous editions, UP held the top spot in the Philippines, ahead of three other Philippine universities that made the latest rankings. It is the only Philippine university among the 16 Southeast Asian institutions in the upper half of the list. This is UP’s fourth climb in the QS world rankings and its highest standing since it moved into the rankings in 2014.     Source: 2020 QS World University Rankings Fact File   Universities are ranked by QS according to six indicators: academic reputation (40 percent), employer reputation (10 percent), faculty student ratio (20 percent), citations per faculty (20 percent), international faculty ratio (5 percent) and international student ratio (5 percent). UP retained its best performance in faculty-student ratio where it ascended 52 spots to 234th. In employer reputation, it was ranked 240th. Academic reputation was another strong indicator for UP where it rose 18 places to reach 242nd. Ratings for academic and employer reputation are determined through annual surveys. In the 2020 edition, more than 94,000 responses from academics and around 45,000 responses from employers worldwide were collected and analyzed by QS. UP recorded the lowest rankings in citations per faculty, international faculty ratio and international student ratio.   UP’s ranking by indicator. Source: 2020 QS World University Rankings Fact File   UP’s scores by indicator. The highest possible score is 100. Source: 2020 QS World University Rankings   QS also publishes the world university rankings by subject area, the regional rankings for Asia and the graduate employability rankings based on the world university rankings but with some refinements in the criteria. In the 2019 edition, UP placed 72nd among 503 institutions in Asia.
https://up.edu.ph/up-and-toyota-work-together-on-a-philippine-marine-biodiversity-game/
UP and Toyota work together on a Philippine marine biodiversity game – University of the Philippines
UP and Toyota work together on a Philippine marine biodiversity game UP and Toyota work together on a Philippine marine biodiversity game July 23, 2021 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office Anilao, Batangas is known as the nudibranch capital of the world. Divers love to photograph these tiny sea slugs and their extraordinary forms and colors. Shown in the picture is the nudibranch Chromodoris sp. Photo by Aletta Yñiguez, UP Puerto Galera Center.   As part of the University of the Philippines’ continuing partnership with Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation, Inc. (TMPF), UP is developing a screen share game about different marine species of the Philippines to highlight the rich marine biodiversity in the country and the need for biodiversity conservation. The global center of marine biodiversity is located in the Verde Island Passage (VIP), Philippines. The VIP is the body of water between Batangas and Mindoro, distinguished by having the highest concentration of coastal fishes, corals, crustaceans, molluscs, seagrasses, and mangroves. Scientists from the California Academy of Sciences make it a point to schedule an expedition to the VIP every year even during the pandemic, because they discover new species each and every time. The VIP is also home to endangered and threatened species, including the critically endangered hawksbill turtle, whale sharks, manta rays, dugongs, humphead wrasses, giant groupers, and giant clams. This makes it an ideal site for globally strengthening the conservation of endangered species. The anticipated UP Puerto Galera Biodiversity Center will have a program focused on science communication and environmental education to protect the VIP. As one of its first projects, UP, in partnership with TMPF and local game design studio Balangay Entertainment, will be designing a screen share game to introduce our iconic marine species to Filipinos. “We all know the animals from the African safari, but most of us have not been introduced to the species that live in our own oceans. Hopefully, through this game, people will get to know the animals and plants that live in our waters and discover pride in the beauty and richness of our biodiversity,” says Aletta Yñiguez, Chair of the UP Puerto Galera Center Committee and Associate Professor at the UP Marine Science Institute.   Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation, Inc. (TMPF) donated to UP a check in the amount of PhP100,000 to supplement their initial support to develop the game. Seen in the photo above are: (from left to right) UP Puerto Galera Center Committee Chair Aletta Yñiguez, TMPF Assistant Vice President and Operations Manager Ronald Gaspar, and Education and Outreach Program Officer Aya Cariño-Valdez. Photo from the UP Puerto Galera Center.   “Our partnership with UP fulfills our mutual objective of promoting harmony with nature towards biodiversity conservation. Awareness is the first step in protecting and conserving our endangered species,” says Ronald Gaspar, TMPF Assistant Vice President and Operations Manager. “Because of the pandemic, it’s been harder for us to connect with our loved ones. Through this game, we want to create fun experiences you can share with your friends and family. We hope that the players will get to know more about themselves, about each other, but most importantly, about the flora and fauna that live in the Philippine seas,” says Nico Valdez, game designer and president of Balangay Entertainment. The design and development of the game is currently underway. The game is set to launch in October 2021. For more information, please email Raising Initiatives and Consciousness for Healthy Oceans (RICH Oceans) Project Education and Outreach Program Officer Aya Cariño-Valdez at bcvaldez@msi.upd.edu.ph.      
https://up.edu.ph/call-for-abstracts-asean-university-network-2nd-international-health-promotion-conference/
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: ASEAN University Network 2nd International Health Promotion Conference – University of the Philippines
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: ASEAN University Network 2nd International Health Promotion Conference CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: ASEAN University Network 2nd International Health Promotion Conference May 21, 2019 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office   The University of the Philippines will host the 2nd International ASEAN University Network – Health Promotion Conference this 20-21 August 2019 in Manila. The conference, with its theme of “Moving Towards Healthy Universities in Asia,” aims to highlight the roles of universities in promoting healthy lifestyles and environments with the end-goal of empowering communities to embark on activities and programs that promote health. Success stories and challenges will be presented and strategies discussed in the context of local communities and universities. The conference is open to participants both in the ASEAN region and all over the world. Everyone is invited to join this conference and become active in health promotion in their own communities! Abstracts are invited on the themes of the conference which include: Mental health Physical activity Health literacy Tobacco, alcohol, and narcotic/illicit drug use Healthy diet and food safety Reproductive health and sexual issues Health promotion: teaching and learning Role of university in national policy development and policy advocacy Research collaboration Abstract submission deadline is extended until June 30, 2019. For more details visit https://aunhpnmnl2019.wixsite.com/conference.
https://up.edu.ph/up-retains-rank-in-top-500-world-university-rankings-leads-in-asean-in-terms-of-global-research-influence/
UP retains rank in top 500 world university rankings, leads in ASEAN in terms of global research influence – University of the Philippines
UP retains rank in top 500 world university rankings, leads in ASEAN in terms of global research influence UP retains rank in top 500 world university rankings, leads in ASEAN in terms of global research influence September 4, 2020 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc   The University of the Philippines (UP) retains its spot in a roster of the top 500 universities of the world. According to the 2021 Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THE-WUR), UP remains in the 401-500 bracket, after being assessed alongside 1,527 research-intensive universities. The country’s national university maintained its overall rank despite the number of universities ranked this year increasing from last year’s 1,396. Overall, UP is ranked fifth among noted universities in Southeast Asia (SEA): National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), University of Malaya, and the University of Brunei Darussalam. UP garnered its highest score in the criterion of citations or global research influence, which accounts for 30% of its total score. THE-WUR comes out with the citation score by capturing the average number of times a university’s published work is cited by scholars globally. This year, bibliometric data supplier Elsevier examined 86 million citations from 2015-2020 across 13.6 million journal articles, article reviews, conference proceedings, books and book chapters published from 2015-2019. [View the Times Higher Education World University Rankings report for the University of the Philippines here.]   Breakdown of ranking for the University of the Philippines. Source: Times Higher Education   According to the THE, citations are a way of measuring a university’s role in spreading new knowledge and ideas and its contribution to the sum of human knowledge. The other performance indicators are grouped into the areas of teaching (30%), research (30%), international outlook (7.5%), and industry income (2.5%). UP Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Carla Dimalanta notes that UP outranks universities in neighboring countries in terms of research citation. Its score of 86.7 outperforms the 81.5 of NUS and the 83 of NTU, the top two ranking universities in the ASEAN region. Singapore’s NUS and NTU are ranked 25 and 47, respectively, in the World University Rankings. “Our citation score is still a high 86.7, albeit down by a not so significant 0.2 points,” UP Vice President for Academic Affairs Ma. Cynthia Rose Bautista tells UP News. “It has been our strongest criterion, propelling UP to be among the top 500 universities in the world in the last 5 years. Interestingly, UP was among the top 10 universities in the world in terms of its citation score in the clinical, pre-clinical and health disciplines in 2020. Its score was higher than that of the top 10 universities in this field—the University of Oxford, Harvard University, University of Cambridge, Imperial College of London, Stanford University, University of Toronto, John Hopkins University, UCL UK, Yale University and Columbia University,” Bautista explained. THE’s 2021 world university ranking by subject has not yet been released. UP is the first Philippine university to figure in the THE-WUR and the only one to break into its top 500. The national university first figured in the THE-WUR in its 2017 rankings where it placed in the 801+ bracket. It climbed to the top 601-800 in the 2018 rankings and to the top 501-600 in the 2019 rankings. UP then broke through to the top 500, within the 401-500 bracket, in the 2020 rankings. UP’s jump into the top 500 has been powered mostly by its outstanding score in research citations or “influence in spreading new knowledge and ideas”. Its score leaped from 69.1 out of 100 in the 2019 rankings to 86.9 in the 2020 rankings. De La Salle University is the only other Philippine university figuring in the THE-WUR, breaking into the top 801-1,000 in the 2019 rankings, before slipping to 1,001+ in the 2020 and 2021 rankings. According to the THE-WUR website, “The University of Oxford tops the rankings for the fifth consecutive year, while mainland China’s Tsinghua University becomes the first Asian university to break into the top 20 under the current methodology.” THE publishes some of the most influential rankings used by the global academic community, which include the Asia University Rankings, Asia-Pacific University Rankings, Emerging Economies University Rankings, and the World University Rankings by Subject. Aside from the Elsevier data, responses from 22,000 scholars around the world are also used by THE, specifically in determining the academic reputation of universities.
https://up.edu.ph/up-concert-chorus-wows-audiences-with-music-and-environmentalist-spirit/
UP Concert Chorus wows audiences with music and environmentalist spirit – University of the Philippines
UP Concert Chorus wows audiences with music and environmentalist spirit UP Concert Chorus wows audiences with music and environmentalist spirit May 10, 2017 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The UP Concert Chorus (UPCC), one of the country’s foremost internationally awarded choral groups and the University’s premier show choir, brought their Filipino audiences to their feet with stirring performances of foreign religious, inspirational, Broadway and pop music, and of original music and classic OPMs, during their concert at the UP Diliman Carillon Plaza on May 5. The concert was their farewell performance before they embark on their 2017 international concert tour dubbed “Musikalikasan”, as they take the message of music and environmentalism to Europe with them. The concert at the Carillon Plaza was held under the aegis of the UP Alumni Association’s (UPAA) Carillon Concert Seasons, in partnership with the Alpha Phi Beta Fraternity Chancery. This made the UPCC, also known as the Korus, the fifth internationally awarded UP performing group to perform in the series, following the UP Madrigal Singers, UP College of Music’s premier opera singers, the UP Arco String Orchestra, and the UP Jazz Ensemble. The UPCC performs “I Believe” (Drake/Graham/Shirl/Stillman/arr. S.Beard & B.Beard) with Dr. Ramon “Montet” Acoymo as guest soloist during the first half of their Carillon Concert performance. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO The UPCC, which celebrates its 55th anniversary this year, pioneered ChoreoCapella or choreographed a capella, and won the Grand Prix at the 6th International Krakow Choir Festival in Poland on June 14, 2015, besting 23 other choirs from all over Europe and the US. Led by its conductor and musical director, Prof. Janet “Jai” Sabas-Aracama, the UPCC took the message of zero waste and environmental protection for which UPAA Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Awardee Ms. Luz Escalante-Sabas, mother of Prof. Aracama, has been an advocate. Ms. Sabas’s advocacy work, along with that of others like her, has helped lead to the signing of Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. Ms. Sabas was honored during the concert with an original song composed and arranged by Prof. Aracama that drew direct inspiration from her mother’s own words on taking care of the environment. In another song, Dr. Ramon G. Acoymo, one of the country’s premier classical singers and creative, artistic and music director for the Carillon Concert performance, joined the UPCC in another emotional number. The UPCC performs their final number for the night, a medley of the most famous OPMs during the Metropop era (choral arr. Eman De Leon), with conductor/musical director Prof. Jai Sabas-Aracama joining the choir onstage. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO Aside from launching the UPCC on its 2017 summer international tour, the UPAA sees the Carillon Concert Season as a way to generate support for the development, improvement and maintenance of the Carillon Tower and the surrounding Carillon Plaza. “We would like to make [this] a first-class venue for special events…at no expense to the alumni,” said UPAA President and UP Alumni Regent Ramon M. Maronilla in an interview before the Friday concert. He believes that special projects such as the musical performances being held at the Carillon Plaza will draw in sponsors and donations from UP alumni and friends.  “Abroad and here in the Philippines, if the UP alumni see that we are having a renaissance and reformation in our culture and the arts like this one—and we’re presenting this for free—maybe they will help us. And this should be a big booster in our alumni projects and programs for the benefit of everybody in the UP community,” Maronilla said. As for the UP alumni in Europe and other countries who will be treated to the music and environmentalist spirit of the UPCC very soon, Maronilla thanks them for their full support for “Musikalikasan”, the UPCC, and for all the UP graduates who participate in international competitions and events, “especially coming from our College of Music, where we have the most talented and brilliant artists in all aspects of our cultural life. This is what we want to really promote. In our little way, whatever we can contribute [to the UP Community], we will do it.” The 5th presentation in the UPAA Carillon Concert Season was also supported by the Offices of the UP President and the UP Diliman Chancellor, and the UP Theater under Director Josefina Estrella. The UPCC demonstrates one way to recycle waste by using trash items and discarded water bottles as instruments during a song in the second act of the concert.. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO
https://up.edu.ph/up-bags-anvil-award-for-public-service-programs/
UP bags Anvil award for public service programs – University of the Philippines
UP bags Anvil award for public service programs UP bags Anvil award for public service programs March 1, 2021 | Written by Charles Jason C. Ramos and Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc UP bags a Silver Anvil Award in the 56th Anvil Awards. Photo from the UP Padayon Public Service Office.   The University of the Philippines received a Silver Anvil in the 56th Anvil Awards of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) in recognition of two of the University’s public service programs. The Silver Anvil represents high standards met by the UP programs in the category of “public relations programs carried out on a sustained basis” for urban or rural community development. These were the Gawad Pangulo for Excellence in Public Service (GPEPS) and the Colleges and Universities Public Service Conference (CUPSCon), both conceptualized and implemented by the UP Padayon Public Service Office (PPSO) since 2015 with the support of the UP Office of the Vice President for Public Affairs (OVPPA). According to PRSP, there were 534 entries of public relations programs and tools, of which only 138 won Silver and Gold Anvils. The entries were screened by 65 Public Relations and Communication professionals, with each qualifier judged by a five-person multi-sectoral jury. There were 85 other programs that won Silver Anvils this year, but UP’s programs were the only awardees from an academic institution. This year’s awards theme was “PR for Good” or “purpose-driven and impactful initiatives that promote corporate integrity and the social good during crises and across platforms,” said Maria Luisa Sebastian, the 56th Anvil Awards chair. “We congratulate all the winners. They serve as role models in our industry,” PRSP President Norman Agatep added. UP Vice President for Public Affairs Elena Pernia, UP Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs Jose Wendell Capili, PPSO Director Jeanette Yasol-Naval, and PPSO senior project assistant Charles Jason Ramos received the award on behalf of UP at the Gabi ng Parangal, held on February 19, 2021 via livestream. GPEPS recognizes the best and innovative public service programs across UP to inspire support and replication of their best practices. Nineteen programs have been given the award and prize money that may be used to expand the program or initiate a new one. The awardees were subsequently showcased in CUPSCon, giving them the opportunity to be adopted by other higher education institutions (HEIs). CUPSCon is a biennial conference that promotes public service and engagement by HEIs. It draws an average 300 participants from HEIs and government, non-government, and civil society organizations. Close to 400 papers have been presented in the three conferences held thus far, on such themes as: HEIs engaging society with expertise, compassion and social responsibility in HEI public service and extension; and, academe-community partnership. PPSO administers the two programs as part of UP’s mandate as a public service university, which is also committed to uphold “honor and excellence”. According to PPSO Director Yasol-Naval, the office continues “to develop UP’s public service framework and system for designing, linking, and sustaining relevant, pragmatic, strategic, timely, and pioneering public service programs.” “The office is committed in coordinating and mobilizing the resources of the University for the prompt and efficient response to the demands of public service,” she added.   Awardees of the Gawad Pangulo for Excellence in Public Service pose with UP officials, guests, and staff. Photo from the UP Padayon Public Service Office.   Participants of the Visayas leg of the first CUPSCon, held in UP Cebu, pose for a commemorative photo. Photo from the UP Padayon Public Service Office.   Participants of the 2nd Colleges and Universities Public Service Conference pose for a commemorative photo in UP Bonifacio Global City. Photo from the UP Padayon Public Service Office.   Participants of the 3rd Colleges and Universities Public Service Conference held in UP Visayas pose for a photo. Photo from the UP Padayon Public Service Office.   UP Vice President for Public Affairs Elena Pernia, UP Padayon Public Service Office Director Jeanette Yasol-Naval, UP Visayas Chancellor Ricardo Babaran, and UP Visayas Office of Continuing Education and Pahinungod Director Rhodella Ibabao pose with the keynote speaker of the 3rd Colleges and Universities Public Service Conference, former National Economic and Development Authority chief Ernesto Pernia. Photo from the UP Padayon Public Service Office.   The UP Padayon Public Service Office staff with Office Director Jeanette Yasol-Naval. Photo from the UP Padayon Public Service Office.
https://up.edu.ph/writeshop-for-scholarly-works-on-public-service-pioneered/
Writeshop for scholarly works on public service pioneered – University of the Philippines
Writeshop for scholarly works on public service pioneered Writeshop for scholarly works on public service pioneered November 6, 2017 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Through a workshop held on October 24 and 25, 2017 at the National Arts Center, Mt. Makiling, Laguna, the Padayon Public Service Office of the UP System prepared a batch of University personnel to write journal articles based on the public service programs they have been undertaking in the University. Eight faculty, research, extension and professional staff members of UP Diliman, UP Los Baños, UP Manila, UP Visayas, UP Mindanao, and UP Open University went through workshop sessions on conceptual frameworks and quantitative methods of research that can best apply to their public service, so that they can come up with journal articles, either in English and Filipino, or both.   The participants of the Padayon writeshop: Vlademir Shuck of UP Mindanao, Fedelynn Jemena of UP Manila, Charina Maneja of UP Los Baños, Emely Amoloza of UP Open University, Celia Balbin of UP Diliman, Luisa Gelisan of UP Open University, Christine Joyce Mendoza of UP Los Baños, and Soledad Garibay of UP Visayas. (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO)   The workshop fellows were: Celia Balbin of the National Institute of Science and Mathematics Education Development in UP Diliman; Christine Joyce Mendoza and Charina Maneja of the College of Human Ecology of UP Los Baños; Fedelynn Jemena of Information, Publication, and Public Affairs Office of UP Manila; Soledad Garibay of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences of UP Visayas; Vlademir Shuck of the School of Management of UP Mindanao; and, Luisa Gelisan and Emely Amoloza of the UP Open University. The participants are currently engaged in services ranging from teaching and environmental education and multimedia support for education, to community information management and development, agricultural systems management, and child protection in the hospital. They are each expected to be able to submit an article to a peer-reviewed journal in six months. In the meantime, they will be presenting their public service programs in conferences organized by the University on public service and extension in higher education. From UP Diliman, the resource speakers were journal editors: Dr. Rogelio Alicor Panao of the Department of Political Science; Dr. Manuel Sapitula of the Department of Sociology; Dr. Milagros Laurel of the Department of English and Comparative Literature; and, Dr. Vim Nadera of the Department of Filipino and Philippine Literature who is currently the director of the Philippine High School for the Arts.   Participants of the Padayon writeshop in a session with Dr. Milagros Laurel (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO)   After being run through the rigors of scholarly writing by Panao and Sapitula, the participants had a session with Laurel and Nadera on nuances of communication in the Philippines and the value of the “indio-genius” as expressed in language. According to Padayon Public Service Office Director Ma. Crisanta Flores, the “writeshop” is being conducted for the first time. It was initiated by her immediate predecessor, Nelson Cainghog. With public service promoted as “a scholarly and interdisciplinary endeavor”, its acceptance as a role of the University of equal footing with teaching and research is likewise promoted, Flores said. UP as a public service university is thus mandated by its 2008 charter, she added. Panao said scholarly publication will not only lend “institutional legitimacy” to public service programs in the University but will strengthen its public impact and help public policy-making for community development. Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs Jose Wendell Capili, speaking on behalf of Vice President for Public Affairs Jose Dalisay Jr., added that UP is a member of AsiaEngage, a group of ASEAN universities advocating social and community engagement of universities. The UP Padayon Public Service Office is under Dalisay’s office. (Jo. Lontoc, UP MPRO)  
https://up.edu.ph/call-for-applications-for-the-first-public-service-writing-fellowship/
Call for Applications for the First Public Service Writing Fellowship – University of the Philippines
Call for Applications for the First Public Service Writing Fellowship Call for Applications for the First Public Service Writing Fellowship July 31, 2017 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The Office of the Vice President for Public Affairs, through the Padayon Public Service Office has launched the first Public Service Writing Fellowship. As a public service university, University of the Philippines aims to promote and develop public service initiatives and projects across all UP constituent universities. As a research university, the university also aims to promote the production and development of knowledge for the improvement of the lives of Filipinos. Combining the two mandates of the university, the Public Service Writing Fellowship aims to promote public service as a scholarly and interdisciplinary endeavor. It aims to encourage university faculty and staff to continue to write literature-grounded evaluation and documentation in the form of journal articles for publication based on the public service initiatives that they have developed and undertaken. Lastly, the fellowship aims to contribute to the existing pool of literature on public service to further develop public service as a field of research. UP Padayon Public Service Writing Fellowship Eight (8) fellows will be selected from each of the Constituent Universities under the UP System. For CUs without qualified applicants, their slots will be reallocated to others who qualify from other CUs. The fellowship is open to all regular faculty, staff and research, extension, and professional staff (REPS) in active service in the University of the Philippines System regardless of the status of employment whether permanent or temporary. Interested applicants may access the application package through this link http://bit.ly/PSWritingFellowship. Accomplished forms must be emailed to ovppa@up.edu.ph on or before 31 August 2017. Successful fellows will each be given PhP 30,000.00. The fellows are expected to produce a 7,000-word journal article to be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. The fellows are expected to attend the Writeshop on 24-25 October to be held at the National Institute of Science and Mathematics Education Development Conference room. Lastly, fellows are expected to present their works during the 2nd Colleges and Universities Public Service Conference (CUPSCon2) either during the Luzon leg on 9-10 November in UP Bonifacio Global City Campus or during the VisMin leg on 28-29 November in UP Cebu. For inquiries, please contact the Secretariat via (632) 981-8630 or ovppa@up.edu.ph.                  
https://up.edu.ph/summit-addresses-ups-psychosocial-wellness/
Summit addresses UP’s psychosocial wellness – University of the Philippines
Summit addresses UP’s psychosocial wellness Summit addresses UP’s psychosocial wellness April 27, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The Summit on Transforming UP into a Nurturing and Healthy University on April 19 and 20, 2018 at the UP Professional Schools Bonifacio Global City, Taguig brought together UP System and officials of constituent universities (CUs); staff of the Offices of Student Affairs, Gender, Guidance and Counseling; and psychosocial health experts to discuss a framework for psychosocial health in the University and work on action plans for the CUs. UP President Danilo Concepcion fast-tracked the holding of the summit, through the Padayon Public Service Office under the Office of the Vice President for Public Affairs.   Participants from UP Manila with resource person Dr. Lourdes Ignacio, Chancellor Carmencita Padilla, and technical working group member Dr. Anselmo Tronco discuss the action plan for their campus. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO)   Executive Vice President Teodoro Herbosa representing Concepcion said, “UP must become a nurturing and supportive home. . . with avenues, places, offices, and trustworthy people [others] can turn to.” “We at the UP System can generate policy that will harmonize the programs and initiatives being undertaken at the constituent university level, ensuring a common standard and baseline of support, even as each CU tailors policy into implementable measures appropriate to their context,” Herbosa added. In pre-summit meetings, a technical working group (TWG) worked on a draft framework for an action plan and chancellors reported on their CU’s psychosocial environment. The TWG was composed of: UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla; Dr. Violeta Bautista, chief of the UP Diliman Task Force on Psychosocial Services; Dr. Anselmo Tronco, psychiatric chief of the UP Manila-Philippine General Hospital; Dean Sylvia Estrada-Claudio of the College of Social Work and Community Development; Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Richard Philip Gonzalo; and Director Maria Crisanta Flores and Officer in Charge Frances Fatima Cabana of the Padayon Public Service Office.   UP officials, summit participants, resource persons, and organizers of “Transforming UP into a Nurturing and Healthy University.” (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO)   Through the summit workshops, the participants validated the framework, with the CU representatives using it to assess their CUs and to provide them with the basis for their CU action plans. Mental health experts Dr. Dinah Nadera and Dr. Lourdes Ignacio provided ideas for transforming educational systems and lives. Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs Jose Wendell Capili served as facilitator. At the end of the summit, Vice President for Public Affairs Jose Dalisay Jr. expressed optimism: “This summit began in a very different mood. It was dismay approaching despair over the series of bad news we keep getting about what’s going on with our students. I’m glad that we turned that around into something that today is much more affirmative. This would lead to positive action very soon.” “All of us are willing to do what it takes to reach out to our students and to one another with empathy, understanding, and kindness. That is after all what a community does,” Herbosa said.   The summit allows the chancellors and their representatives to share ideas on transforming their CUs into nurturing and healthy campuses. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO)   Vice President for Academic Affairs Cynthia Rose Bautista, in her opening remarks, said the conference theme “suggests that UP as a national university is committed not only to promote honor and excellence but also to preserve dignity, a basic principle of mental health care.” “The commitment starts by recognizing that emotions are part and parcel of the human experience and largely influence how effective we are in playing our roles in society,” Bautista said. (Jo. Lontoc, UP MPRO)  
https://up.edu.ph/can-electoral-reform-curb-patronage-politics/
Can electoral reform curb patronage politics? – University of the Philippines
Can electoral reform curb patronage politics? Can electoral reform curb patronage politics? February 18, 2019 | Written by Andre DP Encarnacion Dr. Paul Hutchcroft (center, in blue) poses with members of the UP Department of Political Science’s UP sa Halalan Team. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO   Students and scholars of political science gathered at the University of the Philippines Diliman’s Palma Hall in the morning of February 8, 2019 to listen to a lecture by Australia National University (ANU) Professor and Southeast Asia politics expert Paul Hutchcroft. The lecture, Strong Patronage, Weak Parties: The Case for Electoral System Redesign in the Philippines, drew upon years of Hutchcroft’s  scholarship on the Philippines, as well as insights from a recently released book with the same title that he edited, published by Anvil with funding from the Asia Foundation. The event was organized as part of the UP Diliman Department of Political Science’s UP sa Halalan Project. Taking the reins of the initiative launched by the UP Office of the Vice President for Public Affairs in 2013, the department will be organizing lectures, fora and other similar events in cooperation with different organizations. Last December, the department co-sponsored the first Senatorial Forum with CNN Philippines, featuring seven candidates for the Philippine Senate in the 2019 General Elections. Hutchcroft contended that electoral system reform, which he distinguished from shifts in systems of government and governance, provided the greatest opportunity to strengthen political institutions, especially political parties, in the country with the least amount of risk. Electoral systems, he explained, are formulas used by states around the world to “turn votes into seats”.   UP Department of Political Science Chair Dr. Maria Ela Atienza previews the lecture and briefs attendees about the UP sa Halalan Project. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO   The electoral arrangements of the 1987 Constitution, Hutchcroft said, have shaped political parties in the Philippines into “convenient vehicles of patronage”, rather than programmatic entities. Their unchecked proliferation and the lack of political cohesion that ensues are explained, he added, by: 1) the separate elections of president and vice president (who may come from two different parties); 2) the current multi-member plurality electoral system, which encourages intra-party competition; and, 3) the Philippine party list system, whose three-seat cap, he said, violated the principle of proportionality. The weakness of political parties, according to Hutchcroft, disadvantaged the marginalized in particular, as they disproportionately relied on strong collective action in the political realm. And with more parties in the mix, all things being equal, it was harder for governments to be decisive and to adapt policies to changing development needs and opportunities. In these settings, service delivery becomes skewed by electoral considerations over development objectives, with politicians becoming increasingly creative in their efforts to fill their election war chests.   Dr. Hutchcroft explains the difference of electoral system reforms from other kinds of political reforms. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO   Despite the dim outlook, Hutchcroft affirmed his belief that cultural barriers were not necessarily insurmountable obstacles for creating strong, coherent political parties. He mentioned the closed-list proportional representation system, where parties themselves list and rank legislative candidates, as the “gold standard of building party cohesion” across various cultural and national contexts. In this system, citizens vote for parties rather than candidates, who in turn win a number of seats proportional to the votes they receive. Not only does it provide a more proportional system of incentives for candidates, but it also gives parties the power to manage members who transgress their values and objectives.  “By changing the system of incentives by electoral system design,” Hutchcroft said, “you get to change how politics is done.”
https://up.edu.ph/raising-public-service-awareness-in-up/
Raising Public Service Awareness in UP – University of the Philippines
Raising Public Service Awareness in UP Raising Public Service Awareness in UP May 4, 2018 | Written by J. Mikhail Solitario Republic Act 9500, also known as the UP Char­ter, mandates the University of the Philippines to “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.” Public service is one of UP’s key responsibilities as the national university. But the actual performance of public service is one thing, while the act of co­ordinating, harmonizing, and standardizing public service initiatives among eight constituent units in 21 campuses is another feat altogether. This is where the Padayon Public Service Office (Padayon) enters the scene. Padayon is a Visayan word that means “to do promptly, and unceasingly”—an apt description of how UP must tirelessly and relentlessly serve the people. These lofty goals will not be realized without an office at the UP System level to centralize efforts to monitor programs, provide technical assistance, and recommend policies to respond to the needs of UP’s various publics when it comes to volunteerism, community engage­ment, and sustainable development. We spoke to Padayon’s project managers to discuss exist­ing initiatives and how these are implemented, as well as future plans to maintain and improve the public character of the University.   The project associates at work in the Padayon Public Service Office. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   Institutionalizing initiatives In order to assess UP’s compliance with its mandate, a system for reporting public service initiatives is needed. This system is provided by the UP Informa­tion Technology Development Center (UP ITDC) through the Public Service Module of the Human Resource Information System (HRIS) of the Univer­sity Information System. The template was devel­oped in partnership with the UP System Committee on Public Service Monitoring and Reporting. The aim of the online module is to enable UP faculty, administrative staff, and research, extension, and professional staff (REPS) to report public service initiatives and to retrieve records from the cloud once needed for reports and promotion. The data on public service initiatives can also be used by the respective CUs and the UP System in formulating system-wide policies. The Handbook on Public Service Reporting aims to gather relevant university public service regulations in one easily accessible handbook and provide explanations and examples on the data required in the online module. To complement this initiative, the UP Catalogue of Institutional Public Service serves as the direc­tory of all the extension services offered by UP units across the system, so that they may be accessible to the general public. As a publication of Padayon and the UP Office of the Vice President for Public Affairs, the listing aims to share and disseminate relevant information so that stakeholders and the community may avail of their services and may ac­cess them in a manner that will be helpful—not just for possible publicity and income generation, but also for lending a hand to those who would like to avail of professional services at a cost cheaper than those offered by private institutions. The listing has been uploaded in the Public Service website and the entries are downloadable in a searchable PDF format. The Public Service Handbook and the UP Catalogue of Institutional Public Service will be useless without strengthening the capacity of members of the UP community to write and report on the said public service initiatives. To address this, the Public Service Writing Fellowship was crafted to promote public service as a scholarly and interdisciplinary endeavor. It aims to encourage university faculty and staff to continue to write literature-grounded evaluation and documentation in the form of journal articles for publication based on the public service initiatives that they have developed and undertaken. The fellowship was awarded to one (1) Public Service fellow from each of the eight (8) CUs of the UP Sys­tem. The fellowship was open to all UP faculty, staff, and REPS who wish to write and publish their expe­riences and the results of the public service initiatives they have designed and undertaken in a scholarly outlet. The chosen fellows underwent a writeshop in order to further hone and develop their respective outputs. The first writeshop was held last October 24-25, 2017 at the Executive House, National Arts Center, Mt. Makiling, Laguna. After the writeshop, success­ful fellows were given the chance to present their work in the 2nd Colleges and Universities Public Service Conference in November of the same year. Padayon also extends technical assistance to external stakeholders such as national government agencies, local government units, and civil society organiza­tions. One of these partnerships is the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by UP with the Provincial Government of Palawan, City Govern­ment of Puerto Princesa, UP Alumni Association and its Palawan Chapter, and the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development. The MOU establishes cooperation between the par­ties and sets up an avenue for UP as an academic institution to support the planning, policy- and decision-making, and crafting of sustainable develop­ment processes in Palawan. The end goal is the crea­tion of the Palawan Center for Sustainable Develop­ment in accordance with Republic Act 7611. The first phase involves a seminar on solid waste manage­ment through the UP College of Engineering, and the next involves a comprehensive land use plan with the School of Urban and Regional Planning as well as coastal planning with the Marine Science Institute.   A preview of the UP Catalogue of Institutional Public Service from the Public Service website (publicservice.up.edu.ph)   Challenges in contexts Patricia Liganor, one of Padayon’s project associ­ates, notes that the execution of these projects is not without challenges. One is the need for UP to be in the lead even in data collection of its public service initiatives. Sometimes, there are gaps in compliance between constituent units, depending on the context and how these units assign values to the concept of public service reporting and monitoring. For example, some units see actual service inside the University as public service in itself, while others think there must be external stakeholders involved to constitute public service. Liganor foresees an empowered faculty and staff who dutifully maintain their public service pro­files without need of constant reminders. Assigned to handle the Palawan partnership, Marielle Antonio believes that the project is in line with the vision of malasakit (compassion) because it directly benefits stakeholders. The center will involve the op­erationalization of a sustainability center. Definitions and standards are also what hinder the faster rollout of the catalogue. Mimi Barretto recalls how they had to manually input the entries in the existing database and painstakingly sort them in clas­sifications or through labels or tags, by campus, by year, by type or kind of service, by beneficiary and the like. The meaning of the word “institutionalized” in relation to “individual” public service events has vary­ing values and treatment per campus and constituent unit. At the end of the day, the project associates stand firm that public service must not be viewed as an addition­al burden on one’s teaching and extension load, but instead be seen as a worthwhile academic endeavor of faculty, staff, and REPS of the national university.
https://up.edu.ph/public-lecture-strong-patronage-weak-parties-the-case-for-electoral-system-redesign-in-the-philippines/
Public Lecture: “Strong Patronage, Weak Parties: The Case for Electoral System Redesign in the Philippines” – University of the Philippines
Public Lecture: “Strong Patronage, Weak Parties: The Case for Electoral System Redesign in the Philippines” Public Lecture: “Strong Patronage, Weak Parties: The Case for Electoral System Redesign in the Philippines” February 6, 2019 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office   The UP Department of Political Science, UP sa Halalan, and the UP CIDS Program on Social and Political Change (PSPC) invite you to “Strong Patronage, Weak Parties: The Case for Electoral System Redesign in the Philippines,” a public lecture by Dr. Paul Hutchcroft (Australian National University), on 8 February 2019 (Friday), 9:30 AM to 12:00 NN at Palma Hall 400, UP Diliman. Dr. Paul Hutchcroft, a scholar of comparative and Southeast Asian politics who has written extensively on Philippine politics and political economy, will explore the comparative political dynamics of electoral reform processes and their implications for building a more policy-oriented (and less patronage-driven) Philippine electoral system and polity. This lecture is part of UP sa Halalan 2019, a project of the University of the Philippines System and the UP Department of Political Science that seeks to promote a clean, honest, and empowering 2019 elections. For inquiries, please email pspc.cids@up.edu.ph.
https://up.edu.ph/call-for-nominations-to-the-2nd-gawad-pangulo-award-for-excellence-in-public-service/
Call for Nominations to the 2nd Gawad Pangulo: Award for Excellence in Public Service – University of the Philippines
Call for Nominations to the 2nd Gawad Pangulo: Award for Excellence in Public Service Call for Nominations to the 2nd Gawad Pangulo: Award for Excellence in Public Service April 25, 2017 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The University of the Philippines, through the Office of the UP Vice President for Public Affairs, has made the call for nominations to the second Gawad Pangulo: Award for Excellence in Public Service. Nominations should belong to the five clusters: Arts and Letters and Communications; Science and Technology; Social Sciences, Management, and Law; Health and Allied Sciences; and Agriculture, Forestry, Fishery, and Natural Resources Management. Awardees will receive prize money worth PhP 100,000.00. Consistent with the message of President Danilo L. Concepcion during the turnover ceremony, the Award seeks to recognize outstanding public service initiatives of various units of the UP System that exhibit compassion (malasakit) to the different publics that we serve. Nominations must be emailed to ovppa@up.edu.ph on or before 31 July 2017, together with a documentation of the initiative, a list of academic and official citations of the project, certification from project beneficiaries, and certification of proper liquidation of funds if the project is funded by government funds. The nomination package is available in the following link: http://bit.ly/2oKnMUp The winners will be awarded on 5 December 2017, the UN International Volunteers Day. For inquiries, please contact the Secretariat via (632) 981-8630, 0917 5718886 or ovppa@up.edu.ph.
https://up.edu.ph/up-issues-call-for-nominations-to-the-4th-gawad-pangulo-award-for-excellence-in-public-service/
UP issues call for nominations to the 4th Gawad Pangulo: Award for Excellence in Public Service – University of the Philippines
UP issues call for nominations to the 4th Gawad Pangulo: Award for Excellence in Public Service UP issues call for nominations to the 4th Gawad Pangulo: Award for Excellence in Public Service October 6, 2021 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office The University of the Philippines, through the Padayon Public Service Office, has made the Call for Nominations to the 4th Gawad Pangulo: Award for Excellence in Public Service. With the theme, “Galing UP, Lingkod Bayan: Pagtugon sa Hamon ng Pandemya,” the award aims to recognize excellent and outstanding COVID-related public service initiatives facilitated and implemented by faculty and staff in all UP constituent universities. For this year, fifteen (15) units will be conferred the award in a virtual ceremony on December 6, 2021 and receive a prize money of PhP 100,000.00 each. Colleges, departments, institutes, and other units in UP are enjoined to submit their nominations by accomplishing and submitting a complete nomination form with the appropriate documentary attachments. Public service initiatives that have been implemented from March 1, 2020 until July 31, 2021, with tangible and substantive outputs based on the stated objectives and outcomes, may be nominated. The nomination package, consisting of the award guidelines, selection criteria, and nomination form, may be downloaded at bit.ly/4thGawadPanguloPublicService. Nominations must be certified by the CU Member of the System Committee on Public Service Monitoring and Reporting, endorsed by the Chancellor, and sent in PDF format to padayon@up.edu.ph with the subject: Gawad Pangulo: Award for Excellence in Public Service Nomination_<name of constituent university>. Nominations will be accepted until October 15, 2021. For inquiries, please contact the Gawad Pangulo Secretariat via email at padayon@up.edu.ph. For updates, please visit the UP Padayon Facebook page and follow the office on Twitter. This announcement was first published on the UP Padayon Public Service Office website.   
https://up.edu.ph/we-are-family/
We Are Family! – University of the Philippines
We Are Family! We Are Family! November 16, 2018 | Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo 2015 UPOU Family Day (Photo from UPOU Information Office)   We’re not just colleagues. We treat each other like family.” This is how Dr. Jean Saludadez, UP Open University (UPOU) Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, describes how UPOU employees relate to each other. The community of roughly 200, based in the UPOU Los Baños headquarters and scattered across several learning centers in the Philippines, makes time to cultivate interpersonal relationships, which the UPOU administration actively supports. “Our leadership has always had the heart for all who work here, whether faculty or staff, permanent or contractual,” says Human Resources Development Office chief Michael Lagaya, who has been with UPOU since 1998.   Celebrating milestones It’s not uncommon for institutions to commemorate foundation day anniversaries. Celebrating growth and progress, they’re milestones for many organizations. In UPOU, Foundation Day has two components—the formal anniversary program with “outsiders,” and the informal gathering of “insiders.” Institutional milestones are celebrated in the former, while the people behind the institution take center stage in the latter. It’s in that informal setting, an exclusive “for UPOU people” event, where its best workers are recognized. The UPOU Service Awards, which began in 2000, recognize length of service in multiples of five years. UPOU was five years old at that time. Over the years, the Service Awards program has included honoring employees for other achievements. The Gawad Chancellor rewards exemplary service by faculty, administrative staff, and research, extension, and professional staff (REPS). Research grants, professorial chairs, and other incentives are given those who have published scholarly works. These are of course not unique to UPOU. What makes them different, especially in the area of scholarship, is that administrative staff members are included.   Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Jean Saludadez (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   “We give both the academic and non-academic sectors the opportunity to undertake research. We don’t believe that scholarship can only come from faculty or research staff,” says Saludadez. In fact, some administrative staff members have traveled abroad to present their papers in conferences.   Family Day By 2015, when UPOU marked its second decade of existence, the Service Awards had evolved into “Family Day.” Lagaya and Saludadez recall that the idea came up in one of their meetings for the celebration. “It’s not just a label or a title. It’s the result of our reflection on UPOU’s 20 years. Our anniversary really is a celebration of our UPOU family—our teamwork, the work challenges we overcome together, the personal struggles we help each other through,” says Saludadez. Just like family gatherings, the UPOU Family Day celebrates the accomplishments of its family members such as receiving awards, winning competitions, and earning degrees. This year, the event had a surprise award called “UPOU Face of the Year.” It was given to employees who best promoted institutional visibility and showcased UPOU’s “face” to the world, through social media and other online platforms, and even through UPOU souvenir items. Family Day is like a well-attended reunion, says Saludadez. “Our staff members from the learning centers all over the country fly out to attend Family Day. It’s that important to them.” How important is Family Day to the administration?   Human Resources Development Office chief Michael Lagaya (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   “It’s a must. Even if we are swamped with organizing other anniversary activities like conferences, exhibits, and competitions, we don’t skip Family Day,” Lagaya says.   Beyond the anniversary In UPOU, the employees aren’t just family members for a day. Because of the size of its workforce, each is aware and often involved in another’s work. Like any family, there are shared responsibilities in which all are equally recognized for doing their part. Saludadez puts it this way: “If you’re part of the work, you’re part of the reward.” Cooperation is encouraged in UPOU because it cultivates understanding of, and appreciation for, each other’s work. “This is our way of making each and everyone realize that we all contribute to the University, that our work interconnects and unites us. When you strengthen connections that are work-related, personal relationships are enhanced as well,” she adds.   UPOU’s bike enthusiasts often go on rides together. (Photo from UPOU Information Office)   Lagaya relates that these bonds are manifest in the leisure activities their colleagues participate in, from shared interests like dancing and singing to hobbies like bicycling and sports. “Especially during times of personal difficulty, you realize how much UPOU employees care about each other. They will help without being asked. They will organize activities that will benefit their co-workers who are in need.”   Bonding with colleagues includes playing volleyball. (Photo from UPOU Information Office)   The UPOU headquarters is also being developed as a home away from home for its employees. Everyone is looking forward to the completion of the Academic Residences, where there are spaces for both the long-term use and short visits by faculty, staff, and students from across the country and abroad. “Even those in our headquarters are allotted rooms where they can rest because of overtime work when we have big events like conferences and the graduation,” Saludadez says. UPOU actively takes care of its own, supplementing monetary benefits with psychic income. It does what it can with the resources available to harness the capabilities of its employees and provide them with opportunities for growth. “Whatever form of support the University can give, we give to UPOU employees. As long as we can, we help. We try our best to make our people happy,” Saludadez concludes.
https://up.edu.ph/spanish-university-firms-up-ties-with-up-for-law-education/
Spanish university firms up ties with UP for law education – University of the Philippines
Spanish university firms up ties with UP for law education Spanish university firms up ties with UP for law education June 6, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office   A delegation from the University of Málaga and the University of Deusto visited UP on June 4, 2018 to strengthen a graduate academic exchange project in Law for the former and to explore ties for the latter. The delegation met with UP President Danilo Concepcion and UP College of Law representatives.   UP College of Law Dean Fides Cordero-Tan (center) and UP and Ateneo de Manila University law professor, Ruben Balane (third from right), welcoming some of the University of Málaga (UM) and University of Deusto (UD) delegates led by UM School of Law Dean Juan Jose Hinojosa Torralvo (fourth from left) and UD School of Law Dean Gema Tomas Martinez (second from right). (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO)   Concepcion signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the University of Málaga, represented by its School of Law Dean Juan Jose Hinojosa Torralvo, to supplement the academic exchange project with provisions for a Master of Law student exchange. The University of Deusto was represented by its School of Law Dean Gema Tomas Martinez.   University of Málaga School of Law Dean Juan Jose Hinojosa Torralvo, University of Deusto School of Law Dean Gema Tomas Martinez, and UP President and former College of Law Dean Danilo Concepcion express enthusiasm over establishing relations among their schools. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO)   UP College of Law Dean Fides Cordero-Tan welcomed the delegates, while UP legal educators Ruben Balane, Solomon Lumba, and Ryan Oliva attended the informal meeting and witnessed the MOA signing. Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) School of Law Dean Sedfrey Candelaria was also present. ADMU is the other Philippine member university of the academic exchange project, which is under the Erasmus Programme.   UP President Danilo Concepcion signs the memorandum of agreement for student exchange, witnessed by University of Málaga School of Law Dean Juan Jose Hinojosa Torralvo, UP College of Law and Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) School of Law faculty member Ruben Balane, and ADMU School of Law Dean Sedfrey Candelaria. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO)   Concepcion said the UP College of Law will offer next year a Master of Law course at the UP Professional Schools-Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, which the delegates also visited. “I’m looking forward to stronger relationships of our schools, and hopefully, with the University of Deusto, and some more Spanish schools,” Concepcion said. (Jo. Lontoc, UP MPRO)      
https://up.edu.ph/upou-launches-edu-hack-podcast-series-2/
UPOU launches “Edu-Hack” podcast series – University of the Philippines
UPOU launches “Edu-Hack” podcast series UPOU launches “Edu-Hack” podcast series May 5, 2020 | Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo Image from the UPOU website   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. The discussion centered on answering the question, “How are Philippine Universities Responding to Disruptions in Education Brought About by COVID-19 Pandemic?”   Dr. Alexander Flor, Dean of the UPOU Faculty of Information and Communication Studies, moderating the first of UPOU’s podcast series, “Edu-Hack: Navigating through a Turbulent Educational Landscape”. Screenshot from the replay of the podcast   The panelists were UPOU Chancellor Melinda Bandalaria, University of Batangas (UB) Vice President for Academic Affairs Abegayle Chua, and De La Salle University (DLSU) Association of Faculty and Educators President Antonio Contreras. This year saw Southern Luzon and Metro Manila being hit with back-to-back crises, with the phreatomagmatic eruption of Taal Volcano in January and the COVID-19 pandemic in March. For the education sector, it meant multiple weeks-long class suspensions. While the institutions to which the panelists belonged had online learning systems in place, Chua said it best: “No one was prepared for this kind of lockdown.”   UPOU Chancellor Melinda Bandalaria. Screenshot from the replay of the podcast   UPOU started shifting to online classes in 2001 and its classes were fully online by 2007, so Bandalaria said that the University initially assumed things would be business as usual. But she admitted the quarantine brought up issues beyond the usual open and distance e-learning operations. Anxiety, stress, accessibility, work-school scheduling, and health risks were some of the concerns raised by faculty, staff, and students alike. Chua described the class and work suspensions due to Taal Volcano activity as the “dry run” for the COVID-19 quarantine. While web presence and blended learning were already in place at UB, the pandemic forced the institution to shift everything online. Chua, being an otorhinolaryngology (ear, nose, throat or ENT) surgeon, knew “we could not go back to school” because of the health risks.   University of Batangas (UB) Vice President for Academic Affairs Abegayle Chua. Screenshot from the replay of the podcast   Sixteen years ago, DLSU already started adopting a learner-centered, outcomes-based approach and online platforms eventually replaced face-to-face sessions when classes were suspended. COVID-19 changed things drastically, but Contreras said, “We hit the ground running.” “We anchored our response to this crisis on flexibility and compassion,” explained Bandalaria. “Now is not the time to be rigid,” according to Contreras. As for Chua, “Everything now is fluid [and] leniency is key at this time.” The panelists were in agreement that higher education institutions need to monitor and adjust its actions according to changes in the COVID-19 situation—from government decisions to emerging concerns from their academic and surrounding communities. UB has prepared scenarios for different end-of-quarantine periods and has anticipated its next term to be fully online. Chua said they have also studied the possibility of limited physical attendance for necessary laboratory work and preparations for those who will be taking licensure examinations.   De La Salle University (DLSU) Association of Faculty and Educators President Antonio Contreras. Screenshot from the replay of the podcast   DLSU has been providing internet connectivity support for its students and faculty, and has refunded the fees it collected for the use of its facilities. Contreras revealed that DLSU is working under the assumption that classes will resume on July 1, but fully online. Like UB, has started to look into managing courses with key activities that require physical presence. The private university has also foreseen a possible decrease in enrollment following the COVID-19 pandemic. UPOU, because of its nature as an open and distance e-learning institution and its fully online classes, has thus far been exempted from class suspensions and other decisions on the academic year. To cater to the needs of its students, UPOU has made revisions to its academic calendar, adjusting academic year terms, registration schedules, and admission applications periods. The changes will be announced once approved. As it is primarily a graduate institution, UPOU has also anticipated a decrease in enrollment at the graduate level. This episode of “Edu-Hack” may be viewed here. For announcements on succeeding episodes of the podcast series, follow the UPOU Facebook account at https://web.facebook.com/UPOpenUniversity/.
https://up.edu.ph/pdlc-reaffirms-ups-support-for-community-pantries/
PDLC reaffirms UP’s support for community pantries – University of the Philippines
PDLC reaffirms UP’s support for community pantries PDLC reaffirms UP’s support for community pantries April 23, 2021 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office University of the Philippines (UP) President Danilo L. Concepcion reaffirms his administration’s and the University’s support for the community pantries, which are now emerging within UP’s campuses and communities as a spontaneous response of University employees and community residents to the food and other basic needs of ordinary citizens. “My wife Gaby and I have been personally involved in helping out these pantries and I would like to assure the University community that we find this initiative laudable, timely, and worthy of everyone’s support,” President Concepcion said. “These pantries address a real need, and do not carry any political colors except the red, white, and blue of Filipinos at their patriotic best. Helping the needy should be something to unite all Filipinos, especially the UP community.” At the same time, President Concepcion reminded the organizers, supporters, and beneficiaries of community pantries to observe the necessary safety protocols, in light of the recent surge in COVID-19 cases. “We must take note of the legitimate concerns of our health authorities and local residents in terms of these protocols,” he added. “But with precautions, these pantries can bring out the best in us, and remind us of our sense of community despite the worst that this pandemic has wrought.”  
https://up.edu.ph/statement-on-house-resolution-no-2075/
Statement on House Resolution No. 2075 – University of the Philippines
Statement on House Resolution No. 2075 Statement on House Resolution No. 2075 August 6, 2021 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office   UP is a large community of scholars, researchers, and experts in multiple fields. By and large, members of the UP community are free and encouraged to conduct research and harness their expertise in the service of the Filipino people in any way they deem appropriate. However, there is a difference between the endeavors of individual UP researchers and the projects and programs of official UP academic and research units, with the latter bearing the University’s name, symbol, and approval. Initiatives involving particular UP faculty and research staff members, such as the OCTA Research Team’s polling, research, and consultation activities, have no connection to UP and are not sponsored, endorsed, or organized by the University. The University is currently taking steps to enhance protocols to protect its name, symbols, colors, and brand in public. Should questions about the UP credentials of individuals and groups arise, UP authorities are ready to verify such credentials should it be necessary.
https://up.edu.ph/up-to-hold-necrological-tribute-to-former-up-president-jose-v-abueva/
UP to hold necrological tribute to former UP President Jose V. Abueva – University of the Philippines
UP to hold necrological tribute to former UP President Jose V. Abueva UP to hold necrological tribute to former UP President Jose V. Abueva August 25, 2021 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office The University of the Philippines (UP) will hold a necrological tribute to its former President, Dr. Jose V. Abueva, tomorrow, August 26, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. Members of the UP community who worked with Dr. Abueva over the years will be sharing their stories about Dr. Abueva. Speakers include UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, former UP President and Professor Emeritus of Political Science Francisco Nemenzo, Department of Education Secretary and Professor Emeritus of Public Administration Leonor M. Briones, Professor Emeritus of Economics and former NEDA Secretary-General Ernesto M. Pernia, University Professor Emeritus of English Dr. Gémino H. Abad, University of the East President and former Commission on Higher Education Chair Ester Albano Garcia, and former UP Regent Angelo Jimenez. After the speakers, the Abueva family will give their response. Dr. Abueva, Professor Emeritus of Public Administration and Political Science, served as the 16th President of the University of the Philippines from 1987 to 1993 and concurrently as chancellor of UP Diliman from 1990 to 1991. He was a prolific author, political science, and public administration scholar who advocated for constitutional reform to establish a Federal-Parliamentary Democracy. He was also a peace activist who campaigned for a non-killing society. Dr. Abueva passed away on August 18 at the age of 93. Join the rest of the UP community in honoring UP President Abueva via Zoom. Please click the link to join: https://up-edu.zoom.us/j/89040170782?pwd=Y040aGpFNU9yQU9qMWVWekRBT1Vtdz09 Webinar ID: 890 4017 0782 Passcode: JVAbueva Aside from the University’s tribute, President Abueva’s family has also created an online memorial for him where his family call upon the public to join them in prayers for his eternal repose. Those interested may use the links below: Zoom link: https://up-edu.zoom.us/j/82511751563?pwd=ZDI0QWFKRFRBZmF4VnBLQ082b0h1dz09 Meeting ID: 825 1175 1563 Passcode: JVAbueva The family will be holding daily prayers for him, every 7:00 PM, from August 26 until his 40th day on September 26.  
https://up.edu.ph/up-to-continue-providing-teaching-enhancement-and-academic-support-grants/
UP to continue providing teaching enhancement and academic support grants – University of the Philippines
UP to continue providing teaching enhancement and academic support grants UP to continue providing teaching enhancement and academic support grants October 26, 2021 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta The University of the Philippines (UP) administration will continue providing teaching enhancement and academic support grants for UP faculty, REPS (research, extension, and professional staff), administrative employees, and one-time device support for the first semester of AY 2021-2022. This continuing grant of teaching enhancement and academic support was announced in a memo, Memorandum No. PDLC 21-19, released on October 22. According to the memo, courses will continue to be delivered remotely in the first semester of the academic year, just as they have been during the previous academic year. Alternative work arrangements for administrative staff and REPS will remain in effect for the same period, in light of the continuing community quarantine and the logistical constraints to mass vaccination and the achievement of herd immunity in the country against the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its variants. The University, however, is preparing to transition to blended teaching and learning by the second semester of AY 2021-2022 and to new forms of alternative work arrangements in the next normal of living and working with the pandemic and other disruptions.   The guidelines for the grant of teaching enhancement and academic support and one-time device support are as follows: For UP Faculty * Teaching enhancement grant of Php1,500/month * One-time Device Support of Php6,000 Conditions for eligibility: * faculty member (permanent, temporary, UP contractual, substitute, including the newly hired) must have a teaching load at the time of grant * in addition, for the one-time device support, the faculty member has not been officially issued any appropriate device, such as a laptop or desktop computer Effectivity date: July 2021-June 2022   For REPS and Administrative Employees: * Academic support of Php1500/month maximum–subject to the conditions for the Academic Support Rates for Administrative staff Conditions for eligibility: * The number of administrative staff to be listed as eligible and subsequently granted academic support must not exceed 60% of the total number of administrative employees per CU/UPSA (excluding UP PGH) * REPS include those of permanent, temporary, UP contractual, casual, and substitute status * Administrative employees likewise include those of permanent, temporary, UP contractual, casual, and substitute status Effectivity date: June 2021-May 2022 For more details on the release of the Academic Support grant for administrative staff, click here to read the memo in full. [Memorandum No. PDLC 21-19]
https://up.edu.ph/up-experts-to-answer-questions-on-covid-19-mutations-and-variants/
UP experts to answer questions on COVID-19 mutations and variants – University of the Philippines
UP experts to answer questions on COVID-19 mutations and variants UP experts to answer questions on COVID-19 mutations and variants January 13, 2021 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc   Leading public health experts from the University of the Philippines will be answering questions about the latest COVID-19 threat in the webinar, “Are You Afraid of the COVID-19 Mutations and Variants: A Public Health Perspective”, to be streamed on January 15, 2021 at 12 noon. Infectious disease expert Dr. Marissa M. Alejandria and public health expert Dr. Evalyn A. Roxas, with reactors Doctor to the Barrio Dr. Juan Javier F. Garchitorena and Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations President Maria Fatima Garcia-Lorenzo, will address such questions as: Will the recently available vaccines work against the new variants? Can more mutations be expected? And what is the impact of these on public health measures? The webinar will tackle the new variant strain of SARS-CoV-2 (B.1.1.7 lineage) emerging in the United Kingdom, which has an unusually large number of mutations. The variant has since been detected in numerous countries. Health experts observe that the variant seems to be more contagious, but does not appear to cause a disease that is more severe. The webinar is the 36th of the Stop COVID Deaths webinar series for health professionals presented by UP in partnership with the UP Manila National Institutes of Health-Telehealth Center. It is a special edition organized in cooperation with the UP Manila College of Public Health and the UP Philippine General Hospital. Those who wish to participate may register at bit.ly/StopCOVIDDeathsWebinar36
https://up.edu.ph/from-giant-shipworms-to-biofuels/
From giant shipworms to biofuels – University of the Philippines
From giant shipworms to biofuels From giant shipworms to biofuels July 28, 2017 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc This giant which lived inside long crusty tubes under the sea had eluded scientists for a very long time, earning the title of “Loch Ness Monster of mollusks” in a New Yorker scientific feature. Little was known of the shipworm with the scientific name Kuphus polythalamia. All modern-day scientists had were the empty skeletal pipes turning up in different parts of the world, and pre-War specimens that had turned into mush. Early scientists had established that it was descended from the wood-burrowing and wood-consuming shipworms that locals called tamilok, which live in mangrove wood and whose bodies are much softer and nowhere near the giant shipworm’s size which recorded a length of five feet. It was only when a local show known to feature strange cuisine, Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho, broke the news in 2010 of people eating a strange creature for its meaty flesh and alleged curative powers that scientists got wind of where to look.A researcher in the Marine Natural Products Laboratory (MNPL) of the UP Marine Science Institute (MSI), Jem Lapitan, saw the video on TV and reported it to Dr. Gisela Concepcion, her supervisor, head of the MNPL and UP lead person in the project studying the tamilok and their symbiont bacteria, or bacteria in symbiotic relationship with them. A preserved giant shipworm, a bivalve as indicated by the two valves before its mouth. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) After confirming the existence of giant tamiloks in the area with research collaborators in Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU), the UP researchers acted quickly. They braved the long flight to Sultan Kudarat, met their counterparts from SKSU led by Prof. Julie Albano, and endured a dangerous ride through risk areas to a coastal area where the giant tamilok were said to live. Leading the team on the ground, Marvin Altamia, a research associate at the UP-MSI, already knew a lot about mollusks, especially tamilok. He conducts research for the Philippine Mollusk Symbiont International Cooperative Biodiversity Group (PMS-ICBG), which is led by marine microbiologist Margo Haygood of the University of Utah, and dr. Concepcion in UPMSI, in association with top scientists in marine microbiology, natural products chemistry, biochemistry, and evolutionary biology from the University of Utah, Drexel University’s Academy of Natural Sciences-Philadelphia, and Northeastern Eastern University’s Ocean Genome Legacy (OGL). Shipworms fall under these experts’ study. A shipworm belongs to the family of bivalve mollusks. Its two shells have been reduced to two raspy teeth just before its mouth, used to gnaw at wood and burrow in it. Its body is host to several bacteria in symbiotic relationship with it. Bacteria are responsible for producing enzymes necessary to break down wood for ingestion by the shipworm. Cellulose which constitutes wood and other plant materials is quite indigestible without enzymes from bacteria. Because of their symbiont bacteria, shipworms were the bane of ship hulls which were made of wood in the old days. They earned the reputation of being the termites of the sea. Arriving at the marine lagoon in Sultan Kudarat, the researchers found it full of decaying matter, mostly forest debris from land. The sediment reeked of rotten eggs, the usual smell of hydrogen sulfide. They found the giant shipworms not growing in wood but buried in thick pitch-black muck three meters from the surface of the lagoon. It was easy to see how scientists had missed it. A giant shipworm was brought to Gisela’s laboratory, where Dan Distel of OGL and Gisela’s research staff chipped at the bigger but closed end of the calcareous tube, creating an opening to slide off the creature from the tube onto the table. The animal easily fell into notoriety as a science fiction horror creature feature. The black slimy body resembles that of a worm from hell. Its “head” is all mouth with two “beaks” for lips and its tail ends with a pair of siphons and stalk-looking “pallets”. But the researchers found that the “monster” was really immobile and could not possibly swallow creatures whole. It could hardly eat, its mouth being located awkwardly at the closed bottom of the pipe. Knowing how shipworms and clams in general thrive on symbiosis with bacteria in their bodies, Marvin knew that a lot of questions about the newly found creature would be answered by looking at its symbiont bacteria. After having seen the strange habitat of the giant shipworm and its distance from solid wood, he knew they were off to discover a new set of bacteria. Guided and assisted by Gisela and foreign collaborators, particularly Margo and Dan, who are the world’s experts on shipworms, Marvin and the MSI research team proceeded with experiments. The team took out flesh from the gills and other organs and cultured microorganisms found in the specimen. Knowing the giant shipworm’s rotten-egg-smelling home, the team used a dish with a sulfuric medium, and was able to isolate sulfur-processing bacteria. They found this to be dominant in the shipworm’s gills. The team’s hunch about the giant shipworm’s “chemoautotrophy” (or more specifically, what is known as “sulfur- or thio-autotrophy”) was spot on. The Marine Natural Products Laboratory crew of the UP Marine Science Institute headed by Dr. Gisela Concepcion (seated, middle). Shown are: (left to right, standing) MJ Cleofas, Meljune Chicote, Victor Chua, Jose Miguel Robes, Iris Bea Ramiro, Marvin Altamia, Jortan Tun, Jessa Laude, Albebson Lim, Miguel Azcuna, Noel Lacerna, Renheart De Leon, Oliver Belleza, and Melfeb Chicote; and (left to right, seated) Emma Handy, Neda Barghi, Carrissa Shipman, Dr. Concepcion, Dr. Lilibeth Salvador-Reyes, Myra Ruth Picart, Malem Flores, Irene Pamisan, and Eliza Belen. Through complicated and high-technology processes, they characterized the bacteria, and found its enzyme to be indeed a catalyst in hydrogen sulfide oxidation. The team looked at the bacteria’s genome, and amplified the genes associated with the sulfur-processing enzyme. The team had of course suspected sulfur-processing symbiont bacteria all along. And they knew that in hydrothermal vents under the sea, tubeworms and mussels are host to bacteria that utilize hydrogen sulfide being spewed from under the earth. In processing the sulfide using its enzymes, the bacteria produce energy which the host animals use to fix carbon into organic compounds, which in turn nourish the host animals. Hydrogen sulfide is the same compound produced by decaying organic matters in the sea. “It often results from the microbial breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen gas, such as in swamps and sewers,” Gisela explains. “The lagoon was oxygen-less. Why? Trees, wood, and leaves fell to the lagoon and were broken down by microbes. Microbes consume oxygen as they break up organic matter.” The muck in the lagoon contains broken-down, decaying pieces of wood. In later tests, the team found bacteria from the shipworm and the hydrothermal mussels arranging themselves into a cluster, a behavior exhibited only by bacteria of the same family. This confirmed his suspicions relating the creatures at the coast to those in the ocean trenches. With the findings, the PMS-ICBG proved that somehow during its evolution, the shipworm emerged from wood, and favored bacteria that process sulfur, which is abundant in the sea. Having discovered new symbionts to aid in its nourishment, the shipworm thrived in the harsh, oxygen-lacking environment of seabeds, not needing to devour food, but only growing a calcareous tube to protect its fragile body. Growing into a gigantic size, it was able to harbor more bacteria particularly in its overgrown gills, while its digestive system shrank to insignificance. This family of bacteria was harnessed by the mussels and tubeworms (which are real worms) so that they could survive in and populate the deeper part of the sea, near boiling hydrothermal vents, where no living creature was expected to survive. This discovery thus contributes to the study of evolution and to learning how life forms spread and survive between land and the deep blue sea, extending the “wooden-steps” theory. The details have been published by the prestigious Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in a paper by Dan Distel et al. (www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1620470114). But the study of the giant shipworm is also significant for the study of biofuels, which is a major component of the PMS-ICBG project. Enzymes used by cellulose-processing bacteria to break down wood to something digestible by animals for their energy needs, are prime candidates for producing biofuels out of abundant organic matter, e.g., waste materials from major crops, mostly constituted by cellulose. Could enzymes from the symbiont bacteria of giant shipworms, thriving on rotting matter, also be used to derive fuels? A meter-long fresh specimen removed from its calcareous tube with a valve (v), siphon (s), and pallet (p) indicated. Photo from “Discovery of chemoautotrophic symbiosis in the giant shipworm Kuphus polythalamia (Bivalvia: Teredinidae) extends wooden-steps theory” by Dan Distel et al., published online at Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on April 17, 2017 (www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1620470114) Scientists also say symbiosis with bacteria entails a balance-maintaining mechanism, which defends itself against diseases and harmful infections that may disrupt the symbiosis. Scientists are now testing bacterial isolates from marine organisms against important microbial pathogens, including drug-resistant strains, in the country to produce antibiotics. Dr. Concepcion said they have had the most “hits” or anti-infective extracts from the bacterial isolates from shipworms. Wherever the scientific investigations lead, some general conclusions stand out: bacteria are members of the ecosystem more significant than people think. Also, there are more and more ways of life being discovered from which we can learn to not only harness energy from the environment but also survive in harsh environments. The alien-looking creatures with their posse of bacteria find their way in the strangest nooks of the earth like nobody else. And a “missing link” has just been found by scientists in the Philippines.                      
https://up.edu.ph/resilience-begins-at-home/
Resilience begins at home – University of the Philippines
Resilience begins at home Resilience begins at home January 10, 2018 | Written by Fred Dabu Mandated to advance national development and also to help save people’s lives, the University of the Philippines established the UP Resilience Institute (RI) in July 2016, followed by its adoption of the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) Center in March 2017 as its core component. By harnessing the expertise of academics and professionals in the fields of science and technology as well as the arts and humanities, these UP hubs are at the forefront of scientific research and extension work on natural hazards, climate change actions, disaster risk reduction (DRR), and the promotion of disaster resilience in the Philippines and the Pacific Rim. The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone nations in the world, and minding its many tantrums is the unenviable but vital job of UP’s top disaster scientist, Dr. Alfredo Mahar Francisco A. Lagmay. A faculty member of the UP National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS), Lagmay also concurrently heads the RI and the NOAH Center. Dr. Lagmay obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UP and holds a PhD degree in Earth Sciences from the University of Cambridge. He is also an Academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST).   UP RI Executive Director Alfredo Mahar Lagmay speaks to Mayors, Municipal Planners, and Disaster Risk Reduction Officers during the National Rollout and Training-Workshop on the Formulation of the Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP). (Photo courtesy of the UP Resilience Institute.)   Our own backyard One of the first projects of the RI and the NOAH Center aims to make all UP campuses and communities around the country resilient to climate change and geared for long-term development. Lagmay explains that UP “must first do it in our own backyard, if we are to get all municipalities to prepare and plan ahead. We can’t preach what we don’t practice. The first step is to do the resilient campuses project so that it can be a model for campuses in the Philippines.” He says that the project uses climate change projections prescribed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a scientific and intergovernmental body under the United Nations. “We have to translate the projections of climate change into hazard maps that can be used by the UP campuses to plan ahead and to develop. Before we do it for the entire Philippines, we must do it in our backyard first. I’m not saying the campuses are not planned. I’m saying that campuses need to be more resilient and adaptive to the climate change impacts, building resilience, which is relatively a new concept,” Lagmay says.   On October 20, 2017, the UP Padayon Office hosted the UP RI and NOAH Center’s teleconference with representatives from UP Diliman, UP Manila, UP Baguio, UPLB, UP Mindanao, UP Iloilo and UP Open University. (Photo courtesy of the UP Resilience Institute.)   Probabilistic hazard maps According to Lagmay, the RI and NOAH have many projects lined up, aside from the resilient UP campuses project. Among these are the completion of climate flood maps for the entire Philippines for the years 2049-2079, and the landslide maps for 2049-2079, based on the representative concentration pathways 4.5 and 8.5 as prescribed by the IPCC. “We also are producing storm surge hazard maps with climate change projections. Basically, these are multi-scenario, multi-hazard maps. Collectively, they’re called probabilistic hazard maps that get us to understand better the risks involved in planning against hazard impacts. We also have a project on detecting CO2 using low-cost UV cameras, and another on solid waste management,” Lagmay adds. “We are also proposing to study the interaction of the seas, land, and atmosphere. Because here in the Philippines and in other tropical areas, as well as areas near the equator, it’s very hard to predict weather, and largely that may be due to unknown factors related to the interaction of the sea, ocean, land and atmosphere. That needs to be understood,” he emphasizes. Dr. Lagmay says that Senator Loren Lagarda wanted the UP Resilience Institute “to lead all the state universities and colleges in helping the Climate Change Commission get the local government units to complete their local climate change action plans.”   OpenStreetMap volunteers at the OpenStreetMap and Grab’s Mapping Party held at the Grab Headquarters in Makati on November 25, 2017. They helped in mapping the building footprints of the UP campuses around the country to aid in the UP Resilient Campuses Project of the UP RI. (Photo courtesy of the UP Resilience Institute.)   He looks forward to completing the abovementioned tasks. “It’s a huge task. But with all the previous projects that we have been engaged in over the past several years—like the 30 mainstreaming climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in 34 municipalities of Leyte and Samar, and the rebuild projects in Iloilo and Cagayan—we have learned a lot. And with the proper budget, we can cascade this knowledge through the different UP campuses to the state universities and colleges, so each state university and college can be an information and training hub for their locality.” This setup will also leverage “the technical expertise of the different faculty members of all of these universities across different sectors: health, infrastructure, energy, environment, biodiversity, tourism, and many other sectors,” Lagmay explains. Open and shared data “Disaster risk is an unresolved problem of development. If the communities plan well, if they are smart in developing, putting the structures, the evacuation centers, critical facilities out of harm’s way, or if it’s in harm’s way, knowing what to do to address the problem, you are actually reducing disaster risk. So by reducing disaster risk you are becoming more adaptive and resilient through development planning,” he adds. This will enable the development of communities nationwide, spurring economic growth and meeting the goals of sustainable development. But this kind of whole-of-government approach will require open and shared data. “To be able to do all of those things, you need to open up data. You need everybody to have access. And all over the world, that’s where disaster prevention and mitigation are leading. We share to generate more knowledge that’s more powerful to address our problems. If you don’t share the data, if data is kept under control in certain offices, you may compromise opportunity, and that opportunity could be a chance to save lives.”   The Philippines’ South South collaboration on Climate Information and Services between the Climate Change Commission (CCC), Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), UP RI, and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) was launched on November 23, 2017 at the Sofitel Hotel during the Climate Change Consciousness week. In Photo: Assistant Secretary Evelyn Cruzada, Office of the Cabinet Secretary; Mayor Ronaldo Golez of Dumangas, Iloilo; CCC Secretary Emmanuel de Guzman; Mr. Oscar Lizardo, NOAH Center Information Chief; Ms. Rosalina De Guzman, Chief of the Climate Data section of PAGASA; and Dr. Bjoern Surborg of GIZ. (Photo courtesy of the UP Resilience Institute.)   According to Lagmay, NOAH data can be downloaded via the Internet “preferably by bulk download,” without any preconditions. “If it’s publicly funded, the people should be able to access and take advantage of that information. In time, with the work of NOAH and the UP Resilience Institute, with better education, we can learn to be able to share valuable data that saves people’s lives. That is one of the main goals of UP RI and NOAH,” he said. He also urges the use of transdiciplinary tools to promote disaster and risk awareness. “Use music, use poetry, use the arts to raise awareness about disasters. Science must be embraced by the people. Because if it gets embraced, its value grows. There’s direct application. Benefits are seen. And for the field of disaster risk reduction, it will mean saving lives and getting communities to develop better, unhampered by natural hazard impacts,” Lagmay concludes.    
https://up.edu.ph/up-mobilizes-in-response-to-mayon-volcano-eruption/
UP mobilizes in response to Mayon Volcano eruption – University of the Philippines
UP mobilizes in response to Mayon Volcano eruption UP mobilizes in response to Mayon Volcano eruption January 30, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office   The University of the Philippines is mobilizing its resources to respond to the destruction caused by the ongoing eruption of Mayon Volcano in Albay. Through its Resilience Institute (RI), UP sent three experts to Albay last January 24 to coordinate on-ground efforts and provide technical assistance to the Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the Local Climate Change Adaptation for Development, Inc. UP’s top disaster scientist and RI executive director Dr. Mahar Lagmay is in charge of coordinating the university’s aid efforts. RI is working with different sectors of the university including the University Student Council, UP NOAH Center, Padayon Public Service Office, UP Vanguard, UP Reserve Officer Training Corps and the Office of Regent Spocky Farolan, among others.   Resilience Institute Executive Director Mahar Lagmay and Regent Spocky Farolan lead a coordination meeting with representatives from the UP MMDA Volunteer Corps, UP Vanguard, TVUP, ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya, RAHA Volunteers, UP Diliman University Student Council, UP Diliman NSTP Office, and UP Manila PGH for the UP Mayon relief initiative. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO)   UP is now accepting donations—preferably canned sausages and corned beef, dried fish, and empty 5-gallon water containers with faucets—for affected families in Albay. These can be dropped off at Peralta Hall, Department of Military Science and Tactics (DMST) Grounds, Ylanan Street, UP Diliman, Quezon City, starting today, January 30, until Saturday, February 3, 2018. Cash donations will also be accepted at this account:   UP Foundation, Inc. Account Number: 102270018964 Unionbank Commonwealth Branch   For monitoring purposes, depositors are requested to send a photo or scanned copy of the deposit slip to padayon@up.edu.ph. Volunteers may sign-up at http://bit.ly/UPMayon and a confirmation SMS will be sent. Inquiries can be directed to the UP Resilience Institute via email at resilience.institute@up.edu.ph or via mobile at (0939) 390 4814 and (0975) 851 3046. The UP Board of Regents, during its 1332nd meeting, formally authorized President Danilo L. Concepcion to mobilize the UP System in helping the communities affected by the eruption of Mount Mayon.
https://up.edu.ph/up-launches-drrm-handbook/
UP launches DRRM handbook – University of the Philippines
UP launches DRRM handbook UP launches DRRM handbook October 31, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO)   The University of the Philippines Padayon Public Service Office and the UP Resilience Institute (RI), together with the College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD), launched the first Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) handbook for academic institutions on October 24, 2018 at the Bulwagang Tandang Sora, CSWCD, UP Diliman, Quezon City. Titled “Sakunang Darating, Saklolo’y Tayo Rin”, the book was written and edited by UP’s DRRM experts from various academic disciplines, departments, and campuses.   Former UP President Alfredo Pascual (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO)   Featuring the latest DRRM interventions and lessons gained by members of the University, the book will be useful not only to UP constituents but also to various academic institutions, government offices, organizations, and individuals, according to Professor and former UP President Alfredo Pascual.   Professor Ferdinand Llanes (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO)   Prof. Ferdinand Llanes, editor of the book and founding director of the Padayon Public Service Office, said the multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and evidence-based book presents valuable information and lessons based on the authors’ experiences; and that it aims to enhance the preparedness, resiliency, and capabilities of communities during an emergency or disaster situation.   Professor Alfredo Mahar Lagmay (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO)   Prof. Alfredo Mahar Lagmay, executive director of the UP RI, said the book serves as “a guide in building a better, climate resilient, and disaster-free Philippines, with an empowered citizenry working towards genuine development”.   Professor Benito Pacheco (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO)   In closing, Prof. Benito Pacheco, College of Engineering professor and former UPD Vice Chancellor for Research and Development, said DRRM should be taught holistically, more creatively, with a historical perspective, and to more people, not only in UP but to everyone.  (Fred Dabu, UP MPRO)   UP Executive Vice President Teodoro Herbosa (center) and the co-editors and authors of the book, “Sakunang Darating, Saklolo’y Tayo Rin”, witness the unveiling ceremony led by Professors Ferdinand Llanes and Alfredo Pascual. (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO)   Co-editors and authors of the book, “Sakunang Darating, Saklolo’y Tayo Rin” (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO)
https://up.edu.ph/up-joins-nationwide-simultaneous-earthquake-drill-on-february-21/
UP joins Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill on February 21 – University of the Philippines
UP joins Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill on February 21 UP joins Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill on February 21 February 15, 2019 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office On February 21 (Thursday), the University of the Philippines System will participate in the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) to test the University’s evacuation procedures, communication protocol with the Emergency Operations Center, and the capacity to carry out its first response operations among its faculty, staff, and students as it has done in the past three years. The drill will simulate a large magnitude earthquake and all constituent universities are encouraged to conduct related activities such as the sounding of an alarm, “duck, cover, and hold” exercise, evacuation and assembly in designated areas, reporting via Incident Command System, and other similar simulations. All units are requested to document their NSED activities and submit to the UP Resilience Institute as the office tasked by the Office of the UP President to coordinate the NSED. Join the drill on February 21 and use the hashtag #UPShakeDrill to document your NSED activities. UP Shake Drill Checklists, Guides and Other Reference Materials
https://up.edu.ph/up-holds-summit-on-student-volunteering-and-social-responsibility/
UP holds summit on student volunteering and social responsibility – University of the Philippines
UP holds summit on student volunteering and social responsibility UP holds summit on student volunteering and social responsibility November 24, 2021 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office For the University of the Philippines (UP), volunteerism is crucial in nurturing civic engagement and strengthening community spirit among UP students and their partners. With COVID-19, students may now organize meaningful volunteering projects with safety and program concerns in place. The UP Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Office of Student Financial Assistance, and Ugnayan ng Pahinungod organized the One for All: Summit on Student Volunteering and Social Responsibility on 25 October 2021. The summit determined policies, practices, and other actions that can support the meaningful and safe conduct of volunteering by UP students. The different CU offices in charge of Student Affairs and Activities participated in the online event with the National Service Training Program (NSTP), National Service Reserve Corps (NSRC), and Ugnayan ng Pahinungod offices across eight CUs. The summit took stock of procedures, protocols, and practices that the CU offices implemented to encourage volunteering and assist student volunteers. Discussions highlighted areas where Student Affairs, Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, NSTP, and NSRC units can work together to nurture volunteerism among UP students even during COVID-19. With many offices supporting student volunteers, the summit presented an opportunity for future joint activities and conversations on student volunteerism and the vocation to serve.
https://up.edu.ph/e-ayvp-philippines-2021-asean-youth-volunteers-pursue-online-training-during-pandemic/
E-AYVP Philippines 2021: ASEAN youth volunteers pursue online training during pandemic – University of the Philippines
E-AYVP Philippines 2021: ASEAN youth volunteers pursue online training during pandemic E-AYVP Philippines 2021: ASEAN youth volunteers pursue online training during pandemic August 25, 2021 | Written by Fred Dabu The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the schooling of more than 1.6 billion students around the world. Schools remain closed and the youth in more than 33 countries are mandated to stay at home. Almost all learning activities involving the youth have shifted online. In this light, the ASEAN Youth Volunteer Programme (AYVP) Secretariat at the University of the Philippines (UP), through the Ugnayan ng Pahinungód / Oblation Corps, the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (The National University of Malaysia) through the University Community Transformation Centre (UCTC), and the ASEAN University Network University Social Responsibility & Sustainability (AUN USR&S), in partnership with the ASEAN Secretariat and Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia, have decided to pursue online trainings in hosting the E-AYVP Philippines 2021 from August 30 to September 17. This year, AYVP features ASEAN-focused webinars and masterclasses that aim to develop youth volunteers to become future leaders of ASEAN. With the theme of “Strengthening the ASEAN Education Delivery Systems in Challenging Times”, this three-week programme will involve 100 or more youth, ages 18-30 and selected from ASEAN member countries plus three more: China, Japan, and Korea. The volunteers will be trained in skills related to addressing complex challenges faced by the education sector during the pandemic. E-AYVP Philippines 2021 likewise focuses on volunteerism as the youth’s means of engaging their own communities. The AYVP, now in its ninth year of implementation, features over seven ASEAN-focused online webinars, six project management workshops and 22 masterclasses. Previous programmes were conducted physically in Malaysia (2013 & 2014, 2018 & 2019), Cambodia (2015), the Philippines (2016), and Indonesia (2017) and Malaysia. E-AYVP Philippines 2021 will support innovative education-based community engagement in providing education services and empowering local communities, by working with government agencies, non-governmental agencies, private companies, social enterprises, and other organizations in the surrounding area. Expert resource persons include representatives from government and international organizations, faculty, and university officials. Topics include: best practices and lessons in addressing gender inequalities; empowering youth on the application of ICTs; enhancing social integration; and, many others related to promoting understanding and awareness of ASEAN identity and ‘unity in diversity’ among the youth. This year’s e-AYVP Philippines will be using Zoom as the video conferencing application, and the University of the Philippines Open University’s MoDEL (https://model.upou.edu.ph/) Learning Management System (LMS) as the conference platform. Through the platform, the participants will have access to: e-AYVP Philippines 2021 announcements; information about the sessions; assignment and related readings, if any; evaluation forms for every session; copies of the session recordings; and, forums where they can interact with other participants outside of the Zoom session. Creating an account in the platform will also enable them to receive email reminders and other announcements.   Resource persons from the Philippines, including members of the UP community, slated to speak during the e-AYVP 2021. Screenshots from the e-AYVP 2021 information video.   For more information, visit the AYVP website. To register, visit the E-AYVP Online Registration website.  
https://up.edu.ph/call-for-papers-asean-university-network-2nd-international-health-promotion-conference/
CALL FOR PAPERS: ASEAN University Network 2nd International Health Promotion Conference – University of the Philippines
CALL FOR PAPERS: ASEAN University Network 2nd International Health Promotion Conference CALL FOR PAPERS: ASEAN University Network 2nd International Health Promotion Conference February 19, 2019 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office ASEAN University Network 2nd International Health Promotion Conference Moving Towards Healthy Universities in Asia August 19-21, 2019 Manila, Philippines The University of the Philippines hosts the 2nd International ASEAN University Network – Health Promotion Conference this Aug. 20-21, 2019 in Manila. The conference, with its theme of “Moving Towards Healthy Universities in Asia,” aims to highlight the roles of universities in promoting healthy lifestyles and environments with the end-goal of empowering communities to embark on activities and programs that promote health. Success stories and challenges will be presented and strategies discussed in the context of local communities and universities. The conference is open to participants both in the ASEAN region and all over the world. Everyone is invited to join this conference and become active in health promotion in their own communities! Visit: https://aunhpnmnl2019.wixsite.com/conference For abstract submission: https://aunhpnmnl2019.wixsite.com/conference/abstract-submission For registration: https://aunhpnmnl2019.wixsite.com/conference/registration Note: Registration fee and payment procedures are still being finalized. You may visit the website for updates.
https://up.edu.ph/u-p-to-host-thailands-angthong-college-of-dramatic-arts-performance-on-january-22/
U.P. to host Thailand’s Angthong College of Dramatic Arts performance on January 22 – University of the Philippines
U.P. to host Thailand’s Angthong College of Dramatic Arts performance on January 22 U.P. to host Thailand’s Angthong College of Dramatic Arts performance on January 22 January 18, 2019 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office   The University of the Philippines will host a free show by Thailand’s Angthong College of Dramatic Arts on Tuesday, January 22, 2019, at the Abelardo Hall Auditorium, College of Music, U.P. Diliman, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. as part of the ongoing celebrations on the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Thailand and the Philippines. There will be three short performances by thirty five Thai dancers: The Pursuit of Supanna Matcha the first number, is an episode from the Khon Thai Masked Dance Drama, in Ramakien or The Thai Ramayana. The second number, Natnaree Sri Ayothaya is a tribute to the beauty of Thai women and the delicate style of Thai dancing. Rum Wong, the troupe’s final number, is a slow round dance continuously moving in a circular manner. It incorporates graceful hand movements and simple footwork, and involves the participation of male and female dancers.     The cultural exchange has been made possible with the cooperation of the University of the Philippines Office of the Vice President for Public Affairs, U.P. Diliman Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts (UP-OICA), U.P. College of Arts and Letters (CAL), U.P. College of Mass Communication (UPCMC), U.P. College of Music, and the Royal Thai Embassy, Manila.
https://up.edu.ph/up-to-unveil-restored-oblation-plaza-postponed/
[POSTPONED] UP to unveil restored Oblation Plaza – University of the Philippines
[POSTPONED] UP to unveil restored Oblation Plaza [POSTPONED] UP to unveil restored Oblation Plaza February 20, 2019 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office We regret to inform the public that, due to unforeseen circumstances, the unveiling of the newly-restored Oblation Plaza slated for Saturday, 23 February 2019, at 5:00 PM, has been postponed. The new schedule will be announced soon.
https://up.edu.ph/laurel-family-presents-gift-of-appreciation-to-up/
Laurel family presents gift of appreciation to UP – University of the Philippines
Laurel family presents gift of appreciation to UP Laurel family presents gift of appreciation to UP July 5, 2019 | Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO   The family of former Philippine President Jose P. Laurel, through G.A. Yupangco & Co., Inc., donated a digital grand piano to the University in appreciation of the contribution of its scholars and experts to the making of the biographical film, Laurel. The piano has been placed at the lobby of the Plaridel Hall of the UP Diliman College of Mass Communication (UP CMC). Faculty and staff from the different departments of UP CMC collaborated in the writing, production, and release of the film. The former president’s only living child, Potenciana Laurel-Yupangco, spearheaded the donation. Her late husband, Graciano Araullo Yupangco, established G.A. Yupangco & Co., Inc., which is now headed by their son, Philip.
https://up.edu.ph/call-for-nominations-university-of-the-philippines-school-of-statistics-deanship/
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: University of the Philippines School of Statistics Deanship – University of the Philippines
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: University of the Philippines School of Statistics Deanship CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: University of the Philippines School of Statistics Deanship August 2, 2019 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office The Search Committee for the UP School of Statistics Deanship shall receive nominations from August 1-7, 2019. Please submit the following documents both in printed form with original signatures and, when appropriate, as soft copies in USB drive: Nominator/s’ signed nomination letter containing the justification for the nomination. The current contact details of the primary nominator should be included. Nominee’s summarized curriculum vitae in a maximum of three (3) pages. Nominee’s signed letter of acceptance of the nomination, stating willingness to serve as Dean of the UP School of Statistics Nominee’s vision and plans for the School All letters/nominations shall be addressed to: Dr. Michael L. Tan Chancellor, University of the Philippines Diliman Nomination- Deanship of the UP School of Statistics through Dr. Grace T. Cruz Chair, Search Committee for UP School of Statistics Deanship Room 236, West Wing, Palma Hall, Roxas Ave. corner Roces St., UP Diliman   Who May Nominate: UP School of Statistics faculty, REPS, administrative staff, students and alumni; others from outside the institution, interested candidates   Who May be Nominated: The nominee must possess the following basic qualifications: Filipino citizenship Commitment to academic freedom and the values and ideals of the university Distinction or outstanding academic credentials in the nominee’s chosen field of expertise which should be along the lines of the School’s disciplines or fields Leadership qualities and administrative or managerial capability Willingness to serve Recognition of resource generation as pivotal role in the job The nominee need not be a faculty at the time of her/his nomination. Should she/he be appointed, she/he must have a faculty appointment.
https://up.edu.ph/upoild-sees-upcis-ferris-university-agreement-as-model-for-other-up-units/
UPOILD sees UPCIS-Ferris University agreement as model for other UP units – University of the Philippines
UPOILD sees UPCIS-Ferris University agreement as model for other UP units UPOILD sees UPCIS-Ferris University agreement as model for other UP units September 6, 2019 | Written by Wystan de la Peña The cooperation agreement between the UP Center for International Studies (UPCIS) and Yokohama’s Ferris University is a model for future schemes with other foreign educational institutions.   UPCIS Welcomes Ferris University guests on 20 August 2019, from left to right: Prof. Sarah Raymundo, Nikki Rae Rallos (UP Diliman), Koto Ransho (Ferris University), Jesse Leigh Morales (UP Diliman), Prof. Chiho Ogaya, Miho Sasaki, Moe Arai (Ferris University), and Prof. Amparo Adelina Umali, III (UP Diliman).   Prof. Imee Su Martinez, PhD, director of UP Diliman’s Office for International Linkages-Diliman (UPOILD), led UPOILD staff members Aura Carbonilla, International Programs Officer for Student Mobility, and Noelle Rivera, International Programs Officer for Administrative and Legal Matters, in making the observation during a courtesy call-cum-meeting with her counterparts from Ferris University. Martinez met with Prof. Chiho Ogaya of the Department of Communication Studies, Miho Sasaki, Manager of International Office, and Moe Arai, Chief of International Office, to discuss ways to further strengthen cooperation between the two universities. Among other things, the meeting discussed the possibility of UP identifying select courses offered in English and a beginner Filipino language course that Japanese students can take in Diliman. They also explored the need to insert a clause for automatic renewal in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the two universities. The MOA, signed in 2017, is up for renewal in 2021. The MOA, which provides for students of both universities to visit or study for a year in the partner institution, has allowed select students from the UPCIS-offered GS 197 Special Topics class on Japanese Traditional Performance Practice and members of two Japanese traditional performance groups based at the UPCIS, the UPCIS Noh Ensemble and the UPCIS Bunraku Ensemble, to come to Ferris University every November. Ferris University students come to UP Diliman in February.   UPCIS Welcomes Ferris University guests at the Center by faculty and staff with UP Diliman students and office staff who have formerly participated in the Short-Stay Visit exchange program in Japan, standing, from left to right: Moe Arai (Ferris University), Leo Niel Jasper Sese, Nikki Rae Rallos, Prof. Sarah Raymundo, Prof. Amparo Adelina Umali, III, (UP Diliman) and Maria Fe Lafuente; seated, from left to right: Prof. Chiho Ogaya, Miho Sasaki, Koto Ransho (Ferris University), Jesse Leigh Morales and Prof. Wystan de la Pena (UP Diliman).   Grants from Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) and UP’s Mobility for Vigor and Excellence (MOVE-UP) provide UP students with the financial subsidy for their visits to Ferris University. During those visits, the two groups of students tour each other around their campuses, host meals for their visiting counterparts, and discuss contemporary problems confronting their countries and deliberate on possible solutions. An important highlight of the UP students’ visit to Ferris University is a performance of an excerpt from a Noh play and a Bunraku dance performance before their counterparts, many of whom have yet to watch these two Japanese theater traditions. In previous visits, Ferris University students expressed admiration for their UP counterparts’ desire to learn about Japanese theater traditions. Noh is an ancient elite theater tradition in Japan that developed in the 14th century and Bunraku is the traditional puppet theater that began in the 17th century. UP students receive Noh and Bunraku training from Japanese masters and culture-bearers, respectively, and from a group of Filipino teachers personally taught by these Japanese. During their visits to Japan, students devote part of their time in training sessions with the masters – those in Noh train in Tokyo, while those in Bunraku train on the island of Naoshima. Ogaya and Umali initiated the idea of short-stay visits in 2009 when Ogaya was still teaching at the Yokohama National University (YNU). They continued the project in Ferris University when Ogaya transferred there. UPCIS has maintained its short-stay visit agreement with YNU.   Ferris University guests stand in front of the Oblation and Quezon hall, from left to right: Moe Arai, Miho Sasaki, and Prof. Chiho Ogaya.   This academic year, both universities are hosting their first exchange student from the partner institution. Jesse Leigh Morales (BA Comparative Literature) is set to leave in end-August for a year’s study at Ferris University. Koto Ransho (BA Global and Intercultural Studies) is currently enrolled in UPD as an exchange student. Accompanying the visitors from Ferris University during their meeting with Martinez were Assistant Professor Sarah Raymundo, UPCIS Director, Amparo Adelina C. Umali III, UPCIS coordinator for East and Southeast Asia Studies, and the two exchange students.   Meeting at the UPOILD. From left to right (background): Prof. Sarah Raymundo, Aura Carbonilla, Noelle Rivera, Prof. Imee Martinez (UPOILD); (foreground): Moe Arai and Miho Sasaki (Ferris University).   Prior to the meeting with Martinez, the Ferris University guests, accompanied by UPCIS Director Prof. Raymundo, made a courtesy call on UPD Chancellor Michael Tan.   UPCIS pays a courtesy call to the UP Diliman Chancellor with Ferris University guests. From left to right: Chancellor Michael L. Tan (UP Diliman), Moe Arai, Miho Sasaki (Ferris University), and Prof. Sarah Raymundo (UP Diliman).   Earlier, Raymundo, Umali, and faculty affiliate Prof. Wystan de la Peña led representatives from different batches of UP students who participated in the short-visit program in hosting the three visiting Japanese in a Filipino lunch.   UPCIS hosts take their guests out for lunch, from left to right (foreground): Koto Ransho (Ferris University), Jesse Leigh Morales, Prof. Sarah Raymundo, Prof. Wystan de la Pena (UP Diliman); (background): Prof. Chiho Ogaya, Miho Sasaki, Moe Arai (Ferris University), and Prof. Amparo Adelina Umali, III (UP Diliman).
https://up.edu.ph/call-for-entries-1st-lockton-philippines-legacy-awards-nationwide-action-research-competition/
CALL FOR ENTRIES: 1st Lockton Philippines Legacy Awards Nationwide Action Research Competition – University of the Philippines
CALL FOR ENTRIES: 1st Lockton Philippines Legacy Awards Nationwide Action Research Competition CALL FOR ENTRIES: 1st Lockton Philippines Legacy Awards Nationwide Action Research Competition September 18, 2019 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office In celebration of its 25th Anniversary, Lockton Philippines is proud to launch the 1st Legacy Awards to recognize research initiatives that aim to protect the environment. As one of the leading employee benefits, insurance, and risk management service providers in the country, Lockton Philippines remains committed to supporting initiatives that advance civic consciousness, sustainable practices, and environmental stewardship. The Legacy Awards aims to gather young, innovative change agents to develop action research proposals that promote the responsible and efficient use of resources and the collaboration among key stakeholders and communities. Aside from cash prizes, Lockton Philippines’ 1st Legacy Awards provides participating student teams the opportunity to see their research proposals come to life, if chosen to be adopted by one of Lockton’s Corporate Partners, thus, truly creating a positive impact on the environment. University of the Philippines undergraduate students are invited to submit their action research proposals and become active contributors in the promotion of environmental risk management in the country. See poster for more details:   For downloads: Application Form Entry Kit Terms and Conditions
https://up.edu.ph/fidel-nemenzo-formally-invested-with-up-diliman-chancellorship/
Fidel Nemenzo formally invested with UP Diliman chancellorship – University of the Philippines
Fidel Nemenzo formally invested with UP Diliman chancellorship Fidel Nemenzo formally invested with UP Diliman chancellorship June 18, 2021 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc Dr. Fidel Nemenzo, along with the rest of the executive staff of the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, was formally invested with leadership of the UP constituent university on June 7, 2021, after they took the reins from the administration of Dr. Michael Tan in March last year. UP President and UP Board of Regents Co-Chair Danilo Concepcion led the investiture ceremonies, titled “Pagpapanday sa Panata at Pagsinta (Forging Vow and Love)”, that turned over symbols of office and authority, the University medallion and mace, to Nemenzo who was elected 11th chancellor of UP Diliman.   UP President Concepcion leads the investiture ceremonies for UP Diliman Chancellor Nemenzo, titled “Pagpapanday sa Panata at Pagsinta (Forging Vow and Love)”. Photo by Jonathan Madrid, UPMPRO.   After his acceptance, Nemenzo formally swore in his executive staff composed of: Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Maria Theresa Payongayong; Vice Chancellor for Administration Adeline Pacia; Vice Chancellor for Research and Development Gonzalo Campoamor; Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Louise Jashil Sonido; Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs Aleli Bawagan; and, Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development Raquel Florendo. Accompanying Nemenzo and serving as witnesses to his investiture were members of his family, Dr. Maria Victoria Raquiza and Julio Anton Mulawin Nemenzo. In his investiture speech, he spoke of the anchor of his governance, his administration’s response to the pandemic, and his administration’s thrusts of academic excellence, operational efficiency, and the community’s health and well-being. Having been nurtured by UP Diliman from his childhood to the present, he accepted the call to serve it as “pag-aalay” to the institution. “Everything that we have done in the past year and everything that we plan to do for the rest of my term are anchored on my vision for UP Diliman as a vibrant and diverse academic community, a partner in nation-building, and one which plays a role of social critic through evidence-based scholarship and moral courage,” Nemenzo said.   UPD Chancellor Nemenzo officially swears in his executive staff. Photo by Jonathan Madrid, UPMPRO.   Pandemic response Barely two weeks into his term, however, he was confronted by the COVID-19 lockdowns. One of his first responses was the formation of a multidisciplinary task force which meets once a week to plan, implement, and update the University’s pandemic response. The administration provided accommodation to its frontliners, strengthened the University Health Service, and provided free testing and facilities for quarantine, testing, and vaccination. “Today I am proud to say that we have put into practice what I had envisioned for UP in the context of the pandemic: to make our University an academic center of excellence providing an interdisciplinary hub that works with government, industry, and civil society in protecting the UP Diliman community and our people’s health,” Nemenzo said. With the sudden shift to remote learning, UP Diliman strengthened its University Virtual Learning Environment, crafted guidelines, and conducted webinars to help the students and faculty cope. “We saw this as an opportunity to reimagine our classrooms and learning spaces as social laboratories to innovate and test new ideas mindful of the principles of inclusivity and compassion. . . . This remains an ongoing challenge,” Nemenzo pointed   UP Diliman Chancellor Nemenzo delivers his investiture speech. Photo by Jonathan Madrid, UPMPRO.   Academic excellence Beyond the pandemic, a major thrust of the UP Diliman administration is the strengthening of the General Education Program. It aims “to equip students with imaginative and critical faculties that will enable them to deal with complexity and change and provide them the cultural and ethical moorings in this fast-changing world”. Nemenzo spoke of launching a tri-college PhD program for Data Science and Analytics; and of establishing a Data Commons, which is a computing hub, data repository, and archives to serve the entire UP System. He also envisioned greater collaboration with other state universities and colleges in developing disciplines such as space engineering.   UP President Concepcion join UPD Chancellor Nemenzo and his executive team onstage. Photo by Jonathan Madrid, UPMPRO   Operational efficiency “Key to our efforts toward operational efficiency is the development and integration of various data management systems,” Nemenzo said. He announced the recent launch of a human resources information system called PUSO or Personnel Unified System Outlook and a similar system for finance offices. He reported the launch of at least two online platforms for consultations between the administration and individual constituents. To encourage research, creative work, and publications, his administration was working on easing the procurement process, and providing additional support staff, mechanisms, and incentives, he said. “We have been training our staff to improve processes and procedures,” Nemenzo added.   UP officials sing the “UP Naming Mahal” at the close of the investiture ceremonies. Photo by Jonathan Madrid, UPMPRO.   Health, environment, nation Another major thrust of his administration is the health and wellbeing of the community. “I have created a task force that will integrate our University health and wellbeing services and programs from medical services to psychosocial support, from prevention to treatment, whether for the sick, the vulnerable, or for the well,” Nemenzo said. “One of my priority programs for UP Diliman is to turn the campus into a safe, smart, resilient, sustainable campus,” he said. On environmental sustainability, Nemenzo spoke of the transformation of the campus into an incubator of environment-friendly practices. For nation-building, he formed a multidisciplinary team “to hold policy dialogues and bring UP expertise to bear on the key policy areas that will shape the national conversation leading up to the 2022 national elections”. He also reaffirmed his administration’s defense of academic freedom, an essential element, he said, for UP’s dual role of knowledge producer and social critic. Prior to chancellorship, Nemenzo, a professor of Mathematics specializing in Number Theory, served as UP Diliman Vice Chancellor for Research and Development. He was a student of UP Diliman from pre-school to college. Nemenzo is also known for having been a musician, an activist and a runner.   Chancellor Nemenzo and his family, UP NCPAG Associate Professor Marivic Raquiza, Ph.D., and UP School of Economics alumnus Anton Nemenzo. Photo by the UP Diliman Information Office.  
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UP, Taiwan HEIs continue exploring collaborations – University of the Philippines
UP, Taiwan HEIs continue exploring collaborations UP, Taiwan HEIs continue exploring collaborations February 13, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office In continuing exploration of possible collaborations between southern Taiwan universities and the University of the Philippines, a Taiwanese delegation composed of university, government, and industry representatives met with top UP officials on February 4, 2018 at the Board of Regents Room, Quezon Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City. Southern Taiwan universities and the UP System began actively pursuing system-wide linkages in April 2016, under the administration of President Alfredo Pascual; and the most recent meeting signified a seamless continuation of the efforts into the administration of President Danilo Concepcion. The Taiwanese delegation, led by Edu-Connect Southeast Asia Association Executive Director Eing-Ming Wu, chair professor of Shu-Te University, met with UP Executive Vice President Teodoro Herbosa, who represented Concepcion, Vice President for Academic Affairs Cynthia Rose Bautista, and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs for Internationalization Gil Jacinto.   UP Vice President for Academic Affairs Cynthia Rose Bautista and Executive Vice President Teodoro Herbosa answer most of the delegation’s inquiries. (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO)   The delegates included representatives from Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Education, the Edu-Connect Southeast Asia Association, Chang Jung Christian University, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung Medical University, National Chung Hsing University, National Kaohsiung Normal University, National Kaohsiung University of Applied Sciences, National Taitung University, Shiu Chien University, Shu-Te University, St. John’s University, Tamkang University, Tungfang Design University, Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages, Center for Jewelry Company, the Formosa Social Development Institute, Hamastar Technology Co. Ltd, and Pretty Lady Co. Ltd. Bautista highlighted the resurgence of academic exchange under mutual thrusts to internationalize and uplift regional human capital; and now, with industry expressing interest and efforts to directly impact on the economy through partnerships among universities, cities, and industry. The efforts will involve the Philippine National Economic and Development Authority, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) through the Edu-Connect Southeast Asia Association program. Visits to these Philippine agencies were next in the delegates’ itinerary. In the short time since formal partnerships began in May 2016, 13 active memorandums of agreement have been forged between UP and southern Taiwan universities. Eight UP faculty members are now taking graduate studies in Taiwan. In UP Cebu, a Masters course is jointly delivered with Shu-Te University. In November 2017, academic cooperation between UP and the Taiwan Strategic Alliance for Colleges of Education and Humanity/National Taiwan University System was formalized.   The Taiwanese delegates, economic and cultural officials, and UP officials give the thumbs up sign for UP at the Oblation Plaza, UP Diliman, Quezon City. (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO)   Among the proposals forwarded at the last meeting was the establishment of a one-stop shop to facilitate a more targeted matching of academic offerings and demands between Philippine and Taiwan universities; and pursuit of more twin, joint, dual-degree, or sandwich academic programs. Immediately, UP, CHED, and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Offices in both countries can sit down for strategic planning to catalyze more and affordable academic exchange. Academic exchange could also include Philippine undergraduate students, who may have the budget for studies abroad in the wake of the legislated free tuition. A Taiwanese industry representative cited the suitability of UP as a technology demonstration site. (Jo Lontoc, UP MPRO)
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UP’s call for the midyear–“Isko, Iska, Break Muna Tayo!” – University of the Philippines
UP’s call for the midyear–“Isko, Iska, Break Muna Tayo!” UP’s call for the midyear–“Isko, Iska, Break Muna Tayo!” August 12, 2021 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta After a long, tiring academic year of remote learning and none of the fun college life on campus they had before the pandemic, students across the University of the Philippines (UP) System deserve a break. But then, who says UP’s online events and activities can’t be fun and creative? UP students may now be able to cross the distance between the campuses and meet their peers. For this mid-year break 2021, UP has launched the “Isko, Iska, Break Muna Tayo: Midyear Competitions and Workshops for UP Students”.  Through this initiative, students across all UP constituent universities and campuses sustain their creative and critical thinking skills and get to know one another during the midyear break, despite the pandemic.   Screenshot of the launch by UPMPRO.   The official virtual launch of the midyear-long event was held on August 11, and can be viewed on TVUP’s YouTube channel. Intended for the engagement and participation of students in all UP constituent units, the “Isko, Iska, Break Muna Tayo” midyear event will feature online and interactive games and contests, online musical and artistic performances, speech competitions, digital video competitions, training webinars on wellness and mindfulness—for UP students, and by UP students. “Kahit na nasa gitna tayo ng isang pandaigdigang krisis, ipagpapatuloy pa rin natin ang paglikha ng mga bagong karanasan habang pinananatili nating ligtas ang ating mga sarili at kapaligiran mula sa pandemyang ito [Even if we are in the middle of a global crisis, we will continue creating new experiences while keeping ourselves and our environment safe in this pandemic],” UP President Danilo Concepcion said during the launch. “Ikinagagalak kong anyayahan kayo na maging bahagi ng kauna-unahang UP System-wide na proyektong inaasahan nating magbubuklod sa mga miyembro ng ating klase, organisasyon, komunidad, kampus, at sa buong sangka-UP-han [It is my pleasure to invite you to be part of the first UP System-wide project that we hope will draw together the members of our classes, organizations, communities, campuses, and the entire UP community].” UP Vice President for Public Affairs Elena E. Pemia, in her welcome remarks, expressed her hope that the “Isko, Iska, Break Muna Tayo: Midyear Competitions and Workshops for UP Students” would be the start of a new UP System-wide tradition. The launching ceremony also featured the head organizers from four major competitions within the “Isko, Iska, Break Muna Tayo” midyear event: Prof. Raul Navarro of the UP College of Music, who invited choirs across the UP System to participate in the 3rd Gawad Pangulo Choral Competition; Prof. Jocelyn Pinzon of the UP Cebu College of Communication, who invited UP students to cosplay as their favorite Philippine historical and folkloric characters and join the competition held as part of the quincentennial commemoration of the Philippine part in the first circumnavigation of the world and the 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan; Prof. Mary Katherine Cabral of the UP College of Music, who plugged the Unibersipop Songwriting Competition 2021, which is open to all current UP students at any level; and, Sheila Samoza of the UP Kalipunan ng Mag-aaral sa Kasaysayan, Hinz Benedict Caaya of UPV Kamaragtas, and Carlos Joaquin R. Tabalon of UP Lipunang Pangkasaysayan unan ng Mag-aaral sa Kasaysayan for Sabat it Katutubo: Makabagong Sining sa Makasaysayang Kaganapan, a digital poster-making competition open to all students, faculty and staff across the UP System, based on concepts emerging from the celebration of the quincentennial anniversary.   The student-representatives of UP Kalipunan ng Mag-aaral sa Kasaysayan, UPV Kamaragtas, and UP Lipunang Pangkasaysayan unan ng Mag-aaral sa Kasaysayan announcing the Sabat it Katutubo: Makabagong Sining sa Makasaysayang Kaganapan digital poster-making contest. Screenshot of the launch by UPMPRO.   Finally, UP Special Assistant to the Vice President for Public Affairs Jonalou Labor and UP Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Richard Philip Gonzalo reiterated the invitation to all UP students to participate in the University’s newest midyear event. The “Isko, Iska, Break Muna Tayo” launch was capped by a stirring rendition of the “UP Naming Mahal” by the ConChords. UP student organizations can submit proposals for their own ideas for events and competitions. All participants are UP students of all levels, from the high schools to the graduate level. Proposals can be submitted here. UP students are also invited to keep informed on the contests, workshops, and events under the “Isko, Iska, Break Muna Tayo: Midyear Competitions and Workshops for UP Students”.   The ConChords do the “Unibersidad ng Pilipinas” cheer. Screenshot by UPMPRO.  
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UP joins nationwide earthquake drill – University of the Philippines
UP joins nationwide earthquake drill UP joins nationwide earthquake drill February 26, 2019 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc Occupants of Palma Hall Pavilions and nearby buildings simulate converging at the designated evacuation area on the site of the old Faculty Center. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO   In all the campuses of UP in the country, designated open spaces were filled with people rushing out of buildings in a “duck, cover, and hold” scenario shortly after alarms sounded at 2:15 PM, February 21, 2019. A large magnitude earthquake had supposedly just struck. In UP Diliman, a communications center was organized under a tent on the basketball court of the UP Diliman Police headquarters. Two tables, chairs, and a white board were immediately set up; while a group of officers posted themselves on site with two-way radios. Soon, they were receiving radio reports from more than 250 deployed SSB (Special Services Brigade) operatives, security guards, and other police officers, whose jobs required them to be equipped with the communications device. On the white board, the receiving officers tallied reports on the number of “evacuees” and “casualties” in what is called a command post exercise for communications. On that day, it reported around 11,000 drill participants from more than 70 buildings on the Diliman campus.   Police and security operatives at the Emergency Communications Center in the UP Diliman Police headquarters receive and tally radio reports from the different campus buildings. Photo by Jo. Lontoc, UP MPRO   A task force member keeps tallies at the Emergency Communications Center in the UP Diliman Police headquarters for the campus-wide earthquake drill. Photo by Jo. Lontoc, UP MPRO   In the UP Vanguard headquarters on the same campus, a contingent from the Campus Maintenance Office simulated a road blockage scenario. Several buildings simulated medical emergency response situations. Personnel from the UP Diliman Health Service responded in Melchor Hall. Similar drills were performed in the rest of the UP System.   Emergency Response in cooperation with UP Los Baños University Police Force and Los Baños Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. Photo courtesy of UP Los Baños Office of Public Relations.   Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill at UP Visayas New Administration Building Miagao Campus. Photo courtesy of UP Visayas Information and Publications Office   UP thus joined the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill led by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). In UP Diliman, the drill was led by Chief Security Office (CSO) John Baroña. Preparedness was reinforced by checklists, guides, and other reference materials provided to each participant unit by the UP Resilience Institute led by Dr. Mahar Lagmay. Using these materials, the institute coordinated the NSEDs in the UP System and would assess the preparedness of the UP System for disaster scenarios based on reports from the constituent universities.   Dr. Mahar Lagmay of the UP Resilience Institute briefs members of the UP Medical Alumni Society in America on evacuating the Board of Regents Room on top of Quezon Hall, UP Diliman. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO   Earlier, the Office of the UP President, represented by Executive Vice President Teodoro Herbosa, enjoined all constituent universities and the Philippine General Hospital to conduct the drill to simulate response to a large-magnitude earthquake. They were encouraged to conduct activities such as the sounding of an alarm, “duck, cover, and hold” exercises, evacuation and assembly in designated areas, reporting via Incident Command System, and other similar simulations.   Vice President for Public Affairs Elena Pernia and Atty. Gabriela Roldan-Concepcion practice “duck, cover, and hold” while attending an event in the Board of Regents Room, Quezon Hall, UP Diliman. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO   Alumni attending an event in the UP Board of Regents Room, UP Diliman evacuate the premises during the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO   More photos: Occupants of Palma Hall, UP Diliman simulate evacuation to a designated area at the AS Parking Lot. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO   Students and faculty members take a break from their classes to simulate evacuation during a large magnitude earthquake. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO   UP Los Baños constituents participate in the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill. Photo courtesy of Mark Jayson E. Gloria, UP Los Baños Office of Public Relations
https://up.edu.ph/call-for-donations-personal-protective-equipment-for-pgh/
Call for Donations: Personal Protective Equipment for PGH – University of the Philippines
Call for Donations: Personal Protective Equipment for PGH Call for Donations: Personal Protective Equipment for PGH March 15, 2020 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office
https://up.edu.ph/upmasa-to-assist-uplb-infirmary-pgh-diliman/
UPMASA to assist UPLB Infirmary, PGH Diliman – University of the Philippines
UPMASA to assist UPLB Infirmary, PGH Diliman UPMASA to assist UPLB Infirmary, PGH Diliman May 21, 2019 | Written by Fred Dabu Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO   When a delegation from the University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Society in America (UPMASA) visited President Danilo L. Concepcion on February 21 at the Board of Regents Room in Quezon Hall, UP Diliman, proposals of assistance for the improvement of facilities in the UP Los Baños Health Service or Infirmary, and support for the planned establishment of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in UP Diliman were discussed. Concepcion expressed his desire to strengthen the UPLB Infirmary since it is the nearest government health facility in that part of Laguna that caters to thousands of patients, where minor surgical operations are also performed, especially for caesarean section (CS) births and other emergency cases. He lamented the worn out facilities for surgery, lack of equipment such as for CT scans, and limited accommodation for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients.  The doctors from UPMASA offered to help upgrade UPLB’s operating room. Donation of an operating microscope was also mentioned. Concepcion updated the delegation on the planned establishment of a PGH-Diliman which has already been started, with the Php 50 million feasibility study to be done by the end of July this year. This is projected to be a Php 6 billion project, a 1,400-bed hospital, comparable with the country’s most modernized hospitals. Two more UP hospitals are also to be built, one in Clark, Pampanga and one in Los Baños, Laguna.   Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO.   Concepcion pledged to support and expand the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, the volunteer office of UP, to help students in provinces receive UP-quality education and for more people in marginalized areas to receive educational and medical services. Dr. Eric S.M. Talens, director of the UP Manila Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, affirmed this by saying the office conducts at least one major mission every month, through a network of dedicated volunteers.   Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO   UPMASA members also discussed with Concepcion how UP can resolve the challenges they face in the process of sending donations from the US to UP. Concepcion said he will look into the issues involving these. Concepcion was with Executive Vice President Teodoro J. Herbosa, Vice-President for Public Affairs Elena E. Pernia, and Atty. Gabriela Roldan-Concepcion. Talens was with fellow UPMASA members, namely: Val Dolorico, Gela Dolorico, Dulce Bautista Mangaser, Anacleto “Jun” Mangaser, Filo Dalope, Manny Dalope, Jean Dy, Manning Dy, Alex Faves, Anita Faves, Solita Canard, Mody Rivera, Manny Rivera, Ave Pino, Zeny Lat, Iman Lat, and Zacharias Asuncion.   Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO   UPMASA is comprised of graduates from the UP College of Medicine (UPCM) who have trained or worked in North America. It is one of the most outstanding organizations of UP alumni known for supporting UP Manila through scholarships, endowments, expertise, and conducting medical missions to marginalized communities in the Philippines. Recently, it supported the modernization of 500 beds and the needs of indigent patients of PGH, and raised funds for the construction of the new building and dormitory of UPCM in Manila.
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UP CMC honors its best graduates in 2018 Glory Awards – University of the Philippines
UP CMC honors its best graduates in 2018 Glory Awards UP CMC honors its best graduates in 2018 Glory Awards October 9, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The 2018 Glory Awardees pose for a photograph. (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO)   The lives and careers of twelve distinguished alumni of the UP College of Mass Communication (UP CMC) were honored with the 2018 Glory Awards on October 6, 2018 at the Ang Bahay ng Alumni. The recipients of the awards are chosen from alumni of the College who have made significant contributions in its four core disciplines: broadcasting, communication research, film, and journalism; or in allied communication fields. The Glory Awards are named after the College’s first dean, Gloria D. Feliciano, who shepherded the program from 1965 to her retirement in 1985. Awardees are chosen by a panel of jurors composed of leading figures in the communication industry and are judged for their contributions to and impact on the domains of knowledge, leadership and social responsibility within their specializations. The 2018 Awardees are, in no order: Pedro “Boo” Chanco, III of the Philippine Star; Dolores F. Cheng, founder of the Center for Possibilities Foundation; Cecilia Victoria “Ces” Drilon of the ABS-CBN Lifestyle Ecosystem Group; ABS-CBN Chief of Staff Florida “Linggit” Tan-Marasigan; Jose Ramon D. Olives, former Strategy and Business Development head of ABS-CBN; GMA Network Entertainment Group Senior Vice President Lilybeth G. Rasonable; GMA First Vice President for News Mary Grace Dela Peña-Reyes; Luz Rimban of the Asian Center for Journalism and VERA Files; Film Director and Producer Chito S. Roño; ABS-CBN Middle East Correspondent Michelle Fe “Maxxy” Santiago; ABS-CBN News Deputy Editor for Multimedia Fernando G. Sepe, Jr.; and, digital media and measurement expert, Beth Uyenco.   GMA 7’s Lilybeth Rasonable (in black) receives her award from the UP CMC Alumni Association’s Malou Choa-Fagar, UP CMC Dean Elena Pernia, UP Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs Jose Wendell Capili. (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO)   Many of the awardees credited their alma mater for empowering them to become capable professionals. Lilybeth Rasonable, for instance, who is behind TV hits like My Husband’s Lover, said the University taught her to excel and “rise above the noise”. She said that it has been fulfilling to subsequently open the minds and hearts of GMA’s viewers, while also educating them through the LGBT-centered themes of the aforementioned show, and through historical or women-empowering soaps like Encantadia and Amaya. This sentiment was echoed by Luz Rimban of VERA Files, who noted how her education, family and friends had helped her through tough times as a journalist. “Every day you live with bad news,” she said. “From crimes to catastrophes and corrupt politicians who, even when straight-faced, lie. And you know that they’re lying”.   Luz Rimban of VERA Files talks about the pleasures and challenges of being a journalist. (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO)   “So why are we here, why do we do this? “, Rimban asked. “In this day and age, in these dark moments, we are the eyes and the ears of the people. We are the voice of the powerless and the silenced. Let us be a light in these dark times”. The Glory Awards also served as a tribute to the life of the late Maryo J. delos Reyes, a two-time CMC Alumni Association president. Some of the film and TV director’s favorite songs were performed by singer-actress Isabelle de Leon, actor Ruru Madrid, balladeer Steven Paysu and recording artist Raymond Lauchengco. (Andre Encarnacion, UP MPRO)
https://up.edu.ph/pernia-sworn-in-as-vp-for-public-affairs/
Pernia sworn in as VP for Public Affairs – University of the Philippines
Pernia sworn in as VP for Public Affairs Pernia sworn in as VP for Public Affairs January 25, 2019 | Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo UP President Danilo Concepcion swears in Dr. Elena Pernia as VP for Public Affairs. Joining her are her husband (rightmost), Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia, their daughter-in-law Jonah de Lumen-Pernia, and their grandchildren Juan Lorenzo and Alexa Luna. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UP Diliman College of Mass Communication Dean Elena “Neny” Pernia took her oath as VP for Public Affairs on January 25 at the office of UP President Danilo Concepcion. She succeeds Dr. Jose Dalisay Jr., who retired on January 15. Pernia’s appointment as VP was effective January 16.   The new VP and her family pose for photos with the UP President after the oathtaking. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   Pernia signs her oath of office. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   From left to right: Secretary of the University and of the Board of Regents Roberto Lara, Executive VP Teodoro Herbosa, President Danilo Concepcion, VP for Public Affairs Elena Pernia, NEDA Secretary Ernesto Pernia, VP for Planning and Finance Joselito Florendo, VP for Development Elvira Zamora, and VP for Administration Nestor Yunque. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   Pernia’s CMC colleagues join her after she took her oath of office. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   Pernia is a member of the Department of Communication Research with a rank of Professor 12. She has over 20 years of experience in communication/media education, research, planning and evaluation. Her highly distinguished academic career focuses on capacity-building of students, local governments, health professionals, and civil society organizations to design, implement, and evaluate their own communication programs. She has authored several books, including Communication Research in the Philippines: Issues and Methods, which has become a standard textbook in research classes in several universities. Her research efforts cross various fields, including effectiveness of educational television programs, science communication, and news diversity. Pernia was a board member of the Social Science Division of the National Research Council of the Philippines and the International Communication Association. She was also part of the editorial board of the Communications Review of the University for Asia and the Pacific. From June 2012 to June 2016, she was the Readers’ Advocate at the Philippine Daily Inquirer. In 2015, Pernia received the Communication Excellence in Organization Award.   After the seriousness of an oathtaking ceremony, Pernia gamely smiles for the camera with her daughter-in-law Jonah and granddaughter Luna. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   Pernia surrounded by well-wishers. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)
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https://up.edu.ph/upso-weaves-music-through-a-childrens-story-in-an-upcoming-concert-kathang-likas/
UPSO weaves music through a children’s story in an upcoming concert, “Kathang Likas” – University of the Philippines
UPSO weaves music through a children’s story in an upcoming concert, “Kathang Likas” UPSO weaves music through a children’s story in an upcoming concert, “Kathang Likas” October 19, 2021 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office This October, the University of the Philippines (UP) Symphony Orchestra reaches out to the young and the young at heart with a 45-minute animated production, “Kathang Likas.” Featuring an original children’s story written by Charley Magalit, “Kathang Likas” takes us on an adventure with Lupa the Carabao, Dagat the Turtle, and Langit the Eagle. Charming illustrations by Nina Martinez, expertly animated by Neal Andrew Lim and set to music, tell the sad tale of the deteriorating habitats of Philippine endangered species. The lasting effects of this destruction will not only be felt by the animals but by our children and us. But hope is not all lost as the concert ends on a high note, sharing the things we can do to help reverse this situation. Magalit, the production’s writer, director, and narrator is a versatile singer-actress, comfortably moving between musical theatre and opera. She received her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of the Philippines College of Music in Diliman, where she majored in vocal performance and pedagogy. She worked for the Walt Disney Company Cruise Line and as a lead vocalist in Hong Kong Disneyland. While in Hong Kong, she also performed with the Hong Kong Opera Society as one of their soloists. She took her Masters in Music Theatre at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama under the University of London and graduated with distinction. Shortly after graduation, she made her debut during the national tour of “Cat in The Hat,” where she captivated different generations in the audience all over the United Kingdom. She was last seen on stage for the UK tour of “Amélie the Musical,” where she was the cover for the title role. Skillfully performed by the UP Symphony Orchestra, the production’s wide range of featured music includes Peter Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite, Camille Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals, Francis Poulenc’s The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant, Joey Ayala’s Manong Pawikan, Jose Estella’s Ang Maya, and Sergei Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. Each piece, virtually led by conductor Prof. Josefino Chino Toledo, was deftly woven into the storyline, creating a unique blend and flow of music. “Kathang Likas” premieres on the orchestra’s YouTube channel, and Facebook page on Friday, October 29 at 7 pm, and will be available for viewing until November 6. While waiting, all kids (and kids at heart) are encouraged to color the Kathang Likas Coloring Pages and upload pictures of themselves on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #kathanglikas for a chance to be featured on the orchestra’s social media platforms! The orchestra also accepts all types of video questions from kids about music or the orchestra, more details of which can be found here. Tagged as the orchestra for the people or Orkestra ng Bayan, the UP Symphony Orchestra was approved by the University of the Philippines Board of Regents during its 1337th meeting on August 30, 2018. The orchestra embodies the University’s commitment to excellence and is the brainchild of UP President Danilo L. Concepcion. Its main functions are to be a repertory orchestra for musicians, a laboratory orchestra for Filipino composers, and a training orchestra for young conductors. You may contact them at any of their social media platforms or at info.upsymphonyorchestra@up.edu.ph.    
https://up.edu.ph/ups-ode-to-joy-the-up-symphony-orchestra-performs-beethovens-ninth-symphony-for-the-up-community/
UP’s ode to joy: The UP Symphony Orchestra performs Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony for the UP Community – University of the Philippines
UP’s ode to joy: The UP Symphony Orchestra performs Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony for the UP Community UP’s ode to joy: The UP Symphony Orchestra performs Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony for the UP Community December 12, 2019 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta The UP Symphony Orchestra perform Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 on December 7 at the Abelardo Hall in honor of the great composer’s 250th birth anniversary. A second performance—free for the UP Community—will be held on December 12 at the UP Amphitheater. Photo by the UP Symphony Orchestra from the UPSO’s Facebook page   In 1770, Ludwig van Beethoven was born and baptized in Bonn, in the Holy Roman Empire. He would grow up to become one of the greatest composers of all time. In 2020, the world will celebrate the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth. In anticipation of this, the UP Symphony Orchestra (UPSO), under the musical direction of Prof. Josefino “Chino” Toledo, the chairperson of the Department of Composition and Theory, UP College of Music, held its run-up to Beethoven’s birth anniversary with “Canticles of Joy: Proclaiming the Joy of the Season with the Complete Monumental Beethoven Symphony No. 9 and the Works of Prokofiev and Alcala”, which was held on December 7, 2019 at the Abelardo Hall Auditorium.   The UPSO performing in “Canticles of Joy” in the Abelardo Hall Auditorium. Photo by the UP Symphony Orchestra from the UPSO’s Facebook page   “Canticles of Joy” was a massive production organized by the UPSO, the UP College of Music and the UP Office of the President. It is a fitting tribute to the composer who created the iconic symphony, also known as “Ode to Joy” after the poetic fourth and final movement. Aside from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, the UPSO also performed “Troika” from Sergei Prokofiev’s Lieutenant Kije Suite, and the Magi’s Journey (Composer’s Notes) by Nilo Alcala, then led the audience in singing four traditional Christmas carols after the performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. With members of the UPSO hailing from various UP constituent units, the production was a UP System-wide collaboration. Aside from the UPSO, the performers included four vocal soloists: soprano Angeli Benipayo, mezzo-soprano Michelle Mariposa, tenor Malvin Macasaet, and baritone Jeconiah Retulla; as well as four UP choirs in the chorus: the UP Madrigal Singers, led by conductor Prof. Mark Anthony Carpio; the UP Concert Chorus, led by Prof. Janet Sabas-Aracama; the UP Singing Ambassadors, headed by Dr. Ed Manguiat; and the UP Staff Choral Society, headed by Mr. Chris M. Reyes. Joining the chorus were UP College of Music students from the chorus classes of Prof. Aracama, Prof. Carpio and Prof. Beverly Shangkuan-Cheng.   With the chorus in the back, the soloists perform for the fourth movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 [from left to right]: Jec Retulla, baritone; Malvin Macasaet, tenor ; Michelle Mariposa, mezzo-soprano; and Angeli Benipayo, soprano. Photo by the UP Symphony Orchestra from the UPSO’s Facebook page   And while “Canticles of Joy” had limited seating due to its venue, this performance of what could be considered Beethoven’s grandest opus will be offered for free to the UP community and the greater public in an open-air concert dubbed “Liwanag ng Pasko sa [Ka]Diliman: Musikang Handog ng Orkestra ng Bayan”. This free concert, organized by the UP Office of the President, the UP Diliman Office of the Chancellor and the UP College of Music, will be held on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019, 6:00 p.m., at the University Amphitheater. It will feature Jourdann Petalver as pianist and Lara Maigue as singer. In addition, the performing choirs, which will include the UP Cherubim and Seraphim, will serenade the audience with their own spot musical numbers.   Photo from the UPSO Facebook page   Ang Orkestra ng Bayan The performance of this classical opus marks the UPSO’s second Christmas offering to the UP Community. Tagged as the Orkestra ng Bayan, the UPSO was established by the UP Board of Regents as the official UP System-wide orchestra in its 1337th meeting on August 30, 2018. “For us, the UPSO, this is going to be our first complete symphony performed,” Prof. Toledo said in an interview during rehearsals at Abelardo Hall for the “Canticles of Joy”. “The UPSO was started only a year ago, so it’s a rather young orchestra. In spite of that, we’re trying to do a big piece of work ,” he added. Of course, being a young orchestra does not mean the UPSO is short of talent, brilliance, and experience in handing complex musical works. “Challenge-wise, we’ve played more difficult pieces; so we’re used to performing complex musical works. But it’s always different. We’re going to perform a longer piece of work, so it’s a little harder in terms of the clean-up of lines, in terms of narrative. But in terms of complexity, we’ve performed many, more complex pieces before.”   The UPSO during rehearsals for “Canticles of Joy.” Photo by Celeste Llaneta, UP MPRO.   For Prof. Toledo, the UPSO’s function is three-fold: “One is to promote Filipino music, especially composition that’s written by UP composers. And this is going to be a laboratory orchestra of young conductors, and a repertory orchestra of the musicians. The problem is, when musicians go to bigger orchestras, even here and abroad, they need to have a certain amount of training and repertoire familiarity, so I think we can provide that kind of solution to that very big gap.” The UPSO maintains a roster of 65 members exclusively from within the UP Community, including alumni, students, faculty and staff from all UP campuses. Aside from providing the training ground for both composers and musicians, the UPSO serves as a representative not only of the University, but also of the country on the worldwide stage. The UPSO aims to mount at least six major concerts in every season. Ode to Joy Since it was first performed on May 7, 1824, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony has been considered one of the best known works in common practice music, one of the greatest achievements in western music history, and one of the most often performed and recognizable symphonies in the world. “This is something that we don’t get to perform often,” said Prof. Mark Carpio. “It’s also a rest from the annual performance of  Handel’s Messiah, so this is something new to the ears. And we believe it’s something that everybody should listen to at least once in their lives,” Carpio added.   The chorus waiting for their turn to sing during rehearsals for “Canticles of Joy.” Photo by Celeste Llaneta, UP MPRO.   Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is also significant in other ways. It is longer and more complex than any symphony to date, and requires a larger orchestra. It is also the first “choral symphony”, and Beethoven the first major composer to incorporate voices in the final movement, with four vocal soloists and a chorus singing the words of Friedrich Schiller’s poem “Ode to Joy”. “It’s always challenging to make several choirs sing together, because when several choirs join together, it becomes a totally new choir,” said Carpio. “We have more than a hundred singers and we are only given a few rehearsals with the orchestra.” Prof. Janet Sabas-Aracama also considers the piece itself challenging. “It’s really so wide, and while we are all talented here in UP, we also have many young singers in the choirs, so their vocal ranges are being somewhat stretched. But they are very diligent in studying the pieces, so I think we will overcome,” she added with a smile. UP College of Music Dean La Verne C. de la Peña notes that the musical performance is a labor of love for the musicians and production crew involved. “We are self-funded. Of course, the UP Symphony Orchestra is receiving funding from the UP System, but that’s only good for the musicians’ allowances.” Not included are the meals for the musicians, chorus members and production crew for every rehearsal, which Dean de la Peña considers the biggest challenge. Another challenge? “Looking for time to rehearse, because rehearsals and the performance also coincide with Hell Week, the Music students’ recitals and all that. So you can imagine how challenging it is for many of our students.” And because the Symphony also includes people from other campuses, some coming from UP Manila or as far away as UP Los Baños,  attending rehearsals means braving the horrendous Metro Manila traffic, going home late, then having to wake up early the next day to go to work or to class. “This is the life of a musician in our Community,” de la Peña remarked.   UP College of Music Dean Verne de la Peña giving a few words during “Canticles of Joy.” Photo by the UP Symphony Orchestra from the UPSO’s Facebook page   A joyful offering for Christmas But for the performers and audience members alike, these sacrifices are well worth it the instant the majestic strains of Beethoven’s opus fill the air. As Carpio put it: “This work has a nickname, which is ‘Ode to Joy’, and it is about finding joy in everything that we do, and especially in uniting everyone.” This December musical concert “is an annual offering that we do at the College of Music,” said Dean La de la Peña. “We used to present Handel’s Messiah, but now we’re trying a new thing because for one, it’s Beethoven’s 250th birth anniversary. The nice thing about Beethoven is, unlike the Messiah, which is really more sectarian, the message of ‘Ode to Joy’ is more inclusive, more universal.”   Photo from the UPSO Facebook page   “Canticles of Joy” is also the UP College of Music’s final offering for the Abelardo Hall Concert Series, or the AHA Concert Series, for 2019. “I think we had about six offerings for the first semester of 2019, and about six as well from January; so this closes the season,” Dean De la Peña said. “Also, the UPSO is celebrating its one-year anniversary. Their very first concert was also last year around this time; so we’re very excited about how the UPSO has developed, and it’s really attracting a lot of audiences. All of the UPSO’s performances are always sold out, just like this concert is sold out.” He invites everyone to come to the free, open-air concert, “Liwanang ng Pasko sa [Ka]Diliman”, on December 12, to be held the day before the UP Lantern Parade. “We did this last year, too. This is the new tradition we are establishing for the UP community: An open-air concert for the entire UP. We’re very excited about that as well.” He also announced more productions from the Abelardo Hall Concert Series and from the UPSO in the coming year. “The UPSO has a lot of plans for next year. They have standing invitations to China and to the Middle East, and of course, we are going to the different UP campuses, to UP Mindanao in February and probably UP Baguio sometime after,” he said. As for the AHA Concert Series, Dean De la Peña said that the UP College of Music can still do around six concerts for the second semester, from January to May 2020, before the much-needed renovations on the Abelardo Hall Auditorium begin in earnest. “So look forward to that,” he finished with a smile.   Maestro Chino Toledo rehearsing with the UP Symphony Orchestra for the December 12 performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, dubbed “Liwanag ng Pasko sa [Ka]Diliman: Musikang Handog ng Orkestra ng Bayan.” Photo by Celeste Llaneta, UP MPRO.
https://up.edu.ph/upso-and-the-up-madz-to-honor-those-who-have-passed-on-in-remembrances/
UPSO and the UP Madz to honor those who have passed on in “Remembrances” – University of the Philippines
UPSO and the UP Madz to honor those who have passed on in “Remembrances” UPSO and the UP Madz to honor those who have passed on in “Remembrances” November 19, 2021 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office Christmas is nearly upon us, but before we dive into the festivities of the season, we look back and remember the lives of those who have gone ahead, celebrating them whom we hold in our hearts. To honor those who have passed on, especially during this pandemic, the University of the Philippines (UP) Symphony Orchestra and the UP Madrigal Singers come together on November 26, 2021, to perform the Philippine premiere of the monumental Camille Saint-Saëns’ Messe de Requiem, Op. 54. Soprano Bianca Lopez-Aguila, mezzo-soprano Jacqueline Jimenez, tenor Ervin Lumauag, and bass-baritone Enrico Lagasca will join them in offering this mass for the dead. Saint-Saëns composed the Requiem in 1878 in memory of his dear friend and patron, Albert Libon. This performance of the UP Symphony Orchestra and the UP Madrigal Singers is relevant not only for being the first performance of this composition in the Philippines but also for marking the centennial death anniversary of the composer this year. The UP Madrigal Singers Recognized by the UNESCO as Artists for Peace for “putting their fame and influence to promote cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and a culture of peace,” the University of the Philippines Madrigal Singers is one of the most awarded choral groups in the world, having won all the top prizes in most of the world’s prestigious choral competitions, including the Grand Prix in the 2016 Concurso Internazionale di Guido d’ Arezzo in Arezzo, Italy. They are the first choir in the world to win the prestigious European Grand Prix for Choral Singing twice (1997 and 2007) and the first Asian choir to be accorded the BrandLaureate Premiere Award by the Asia Pacific Brands Foundation (2012). Founded in 1963 by National Artist for Music, Professor Andrea O. Veneracion, the UP Madrigal Singers, now under designated successor Mark Anthony Carpio, demonstrate that choral music can be socially relevant and transformational every day. They have continued to touch the hearts and souls of those who come to their performances and have carried on various programs to nurture and develop future generations of conductors and choral singers worldwide. The soloists for the evening (left to right): Jacqueline Jimenez, Enrico Lagasca, Bianca Lopez-Aguila, Ervin Lumauag. Soloists Lopez-Aguila, Jimenez, Lumauag, and Lagasca once shared a seat in the semi-circle the Madz is known for. As alumni of the choir, they continue sharing their soulful voices as soloists despite their successful individual careers within and outside the Philippines. At its 1337th meeting on August 30, 2018, the University of the Philippines Board of Regents approved the foundation of the UP Symphony Orchestra. Tagged as the orchestra for the people or Orkestra ng Bayan, the orchestra embodies the University’s commitment to excellence and is the brainchild of UP President Danilo L. Concepcion. Its main functions are to be a repertory orchestra for musicians, a laboratory orchestra for Filipino composers, and a training orchestra for young conductors. Ang Orkestra ng Bayan, the UP Symphony Orchestra. “Remembrances” premieres on November 26, 2021 at 7pm on the orchestra Facebook page and YouTube channel and will be available until December 5, 2021. You may contact the UP Symphony Orchestra at any of their social media platforms or via email: info.upsymphonyorchestra@up.edu.ph, and the UP Madrigal Singers thru their website PhilippineMadrigalSingers.com.
https://up.edu.ph/chopin-before-and-beyond-ends-abelardo-hall-concert-series-season-1/
“CHOPIN: BEFORE and BEYOND” ends Abelardo Hall Concert Series Season 1 – University of the Philippines
“CHOPIN: BEFORE and BEYOND” ends Abelardo Hall Concert Series Season 1 “CHOPIN: BEFORE and BEYOND” ends Abelardo Hall Concert Series Season 1 June 7, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office   For Abelardo Hall Concert Series 2018 Season 1 finale, the U.P. College of Music proudly presents “CHOPIN: BEFORE and BEYOND” A Solo Concert Featuring Albert Tiu. Described by American Record Guide as “an artist of uncommon abilities”, the Filipino pianist is also known for his innovative programming and eclectic repertoire. His recitals, billed “The Classical Elements” (Earth, Air, Water and Fire), “Chopin without Chopin” (music by Godowsky, Busoni and Rachmaninov influenced by Chopin), and “Bee Flat” (the two Sonatas in B-flat by Beethoven) are just a few examples of his inventive recital programs. His 2010 recording “Nocturnal Fantasies”, featuring Chopin and Skyrabin was hailed by Gramophone for “performances where heart and mind unite in a deeply affecting union”. Catch the highly acclaimed classical pianist on June 29, 2018 (7PM) at the Abelardo Hall Auditorium. Admission tickets are priced at P500 and P250 with special discounts for students (50%), the elderly (20%), and people with disabilities (20%). For ticket reservations, please contact Faye Manuzon at 926 0026 or 981 8500 loc. 2629 or via email at abelardohall.music@gmail.com.
https://up.edu.ph/college-of-music-offers-sessions-with-the-up-dance-company-on-march-23-24/
College of Music offers “Sessions with the UP Dance Company” on March 23-24 – University of the Philippines
College of Music offers “Sessions with the UP Dance Company” on March 23-24 College of Music offers “Sessions with the UP Dance Company” on March 23-24 March 16, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office   For its second offering in the Abelardo Hall Concert Series, Season 1, the UP College of Music presents SESSIONS WITH THE UP DANCE COMPANY with guests Kelly Peralejo, soprano; Patrick Roxas, guitar; and independent artist Bullet Dumas. Featuring the works of Elena Laniog, Herbert Alvarez, Flordeliza Punzalan, Sarah Samaniego, Que and Basilio March 23, 7pm March 24, 3 pm & 7 pm UP Abelardo Hall Auditorium Tickets at Php 500 and 250 50% discount for students, 20% discount for senior citizens *Bullet Dumas appears on March 24, 3 pm and 7 pm only. For ticket reservations and inquiries, please call Ms. Faye at 981 8500 loc 2629 or at 926 0026    
https://up.edu.ph/abelardo-hall-concert-series-opens-2nd-season-with-mr-c/
Abelardo Hall Concert Series opens 2nd season with Mr. C – University of the Philippines
Abelardo Hall Concert Series opens 2nd season with Mr. C Abelardo Hall Concert Series opens 2nd season with Mr. C August 23, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office   The public is invited to the Abelardo Hall Concert Series’ second season that showcases a diversity of talents from the UP College of Music. In its opening salvo, the UP College of Music and the UP College of Music Alumni Association proudly present: “Back Home with Mr. C and Friends” featuring Tony Maigue (flute), Kit Viguilla Navarro (soprano), Jonathan Badon (tenor), Giancarlo Gonzales (cello) and Ryan Cayabyab (music director and host) on September 1, 2018, at 7:00 PM. Admission tickets are priced at P500 and P250 with special discounts for students (50%), the elderly (20%), and people with disabilities (20%). For ticket reservations, please contact Faye Manuzon at 926 0026 or 981 8500 loc. 2629 or via email at abelardohall.music@gmail.com.
https://up.edu.ph/abelardo-hall-launches-2019-concert-series-with-up-symphony-orchestra-up-madz/
Abelardo Hall launches 2019 concert series with UP Symphony Orchestra, UP Madz – University of the Philippines
Abelardo Hall launches 2019 concert series with UP Symphony Orchestra, UP Madz Abelardo Hall launches 2019 concert series with UP Symphony Orchestra, UP Madz February 20, 2019 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office   First concert features pianist Pia Dino-Balasico, playwright-singer Rody Vera                                          “Resist!—Anthems of Struggle and Triumph” will be the fiery opening salvo of the 2019 Abelardo Hall Concert Series. The four-month-old University of the Philippines Symphony Orchestra (UPSO) will make its Abelardo Hall debut on February 23 at 7:00 PM, together with the UP Madrigal Singers, pianist Pia Dino-Balasico, and playwright-singer Rody Vera. They will perform under the baton of UPSO musical director Prof. Josefino Chino Toledo. The concert repertoire will sweep through works inspired by historic protests, revelry and rejoicing—from the aftermath of the French Revolution to 18th and 19th century independence movements. A highlight will be Filipino protest music remembering the 49th anniversary of defiant student mass actions known as the First Quarter Storm (FQS), which were ignited in the UP Diliman campus before spreading nationwide from January to March 1970. The featured composers include Ludwig Van Beethhoven, Johannes Brahms, Giuseppe Verdi, Jan Sibelius, Ramon Santos, Juan Hernandez, and Chino Toledo. UPSO is composed of 65 accomplished musicians recruited from the UP community. With funding from the University of the Philippines System, the orchestra will have several performances every year as the newest pillar of a vibrant cultural scene in the university. The Abelardo Hall Concert Series, launched in 2018 by the UP College of Music under dean Verne de la Peña, has been enlivening the community north of Metro Manila through year-round, high-caliber productions held in 54-year-old Abelardo Hall Auditorium (AHA), a 500-seat venue known for its outstanding acoustic environment. For the first of its two concert seasons in 2019, AHA will feature UPSO again in “Faith, Hope and Devotion: Lenten Reflections in Music” on April 11. Also lined up are “Viva La Diva,” a special tribute to Maestra Fides Cuyugan-Asencio on March 23; and “Abelardo Rocks,” showcasing young indie bands nurtured in the UP College of Music. Tickets to any of the concerts are available at P500 and P250, with a 50% discount for students and 20% discount for senior citizens.
https://up.edu.ph/abelardo-hall-concert-series-season-2-offers-ripieno-ensemble-in-kundiman-redux/
Abelardo Hall Concert Series Season 2 offers Ripieno Ensemble in “Kundiman Redux” – University of the Philippines
Abelardo Hall Concert Series Season 2 offers Ripieno Ensemble in “Kundiman Redux” Abelardo Hall Concert Series Season 2 offers Ripieno Ensemble in “Kundiman Redux” September 25, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office   The Abelardo Hall Concert Series, now on its 2nd season, comprises of monthly concerts that showcase the diversity of talents that are or have been part of the UP College of Music. The line up is a mix of genres and styles that is truly the mark of UP. For season 2’s second offering, the UP College of Music and the UP College of Music Alumni Association, in cooperation with the Office of the Chancellor thru the Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts, proudly present: Ripieno Ensemble in “Kundiman Redux” on September 28, 2018, 7PM, featuring Joseph Emmanuel Hernandez (cello), Danelle May S.A. Dionisio (clarinet), John Owen Castro (flute), Sara T. Matsuura (piano), Pauline Arejola (soprano), Stefanie D. Quintin (soprano), Patricia Poblador (violin) and Alexander John L. Villanueva (conductor and artistic director). Bianca Bonifacio, a teacher who writes hope hidden in metaphors, and Sofia Paderes, a Fine Arts student who likes painting with words, will be performing with the group. On this rare occasion, Ripieno Ensemble will showcase an all-Filipino repertoire highlighted by kundiman art songs played on Nicanor Abelardo’s very own upright piano. Admission tickets are priced at P500 and P250 with special discounts for students (50%), the elderly (20%), and people with disabilities (20%). For ticket reservations, please contact Faye Manuzon at 926 0026 or 981 8500 loc. 2629 or via email at abelardohall.music@gmail.com.
https://up.edu.ph/up-singing-ambassadors-to-celebrate-successful-european-tour-with-back-to-back-concerts/
UP Singing Ambassadors to celebrate successful European tour with back to back concerts – University of the Philippines
UP Singing Ambassadors to celebrate successful European tour with back to back concerts UP Singing Ambassadors to celebrate successful European tour with back to back concerts September 20, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office After spending three months performing and competing around Europe, the UPSA is set to come back and hold concerts on September 30 and October 1. Do not miss the chance to hear an international repertoire from varied musical periods on their educational concert titled UPSAri-Sari: Musikasaysayan II, to be held at the UP Abelardo Hall Auditorium on September 30 at 6 pm. This concert, in partnership with the UP Diliman Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts, is UPSA’s welcome gift to the new batch of Iskolar ng Bayan. The first 50 freshmen to sign-up in this through this link: tinyurl.com/UPSAri-Sari2Tickets will be given a free ticket! Regular tickets are priced at 300 pesos. Students get a 50% discount, while senior citizens and PWDs get a 20% discount. Tickets can be reserved online through tinyurl.com/UPSAri-Sari2Tickets. In remembrance of their late founding member, Mr. Rafael Isberto, who passed away in Germany during the tour, UPSA will hold a homecoming and tribute concert titled Tunay Na Ligaya in the UP Film Center on October 1 at 7 pm. The concert, titled after Isberto’s favorite song, will feature selections from UPSA’s competition repertoire and some Western and Filipino favorites. Tickets are priced at 300, 500, and 1000 pesos. Students get a 50% discount, while senior citizens and PWDs get a 20% discount. Tickets can be reserved online through tinyurl.com/TunayNaLigayaTickets. During their European tour, UPSA garnered for the University and the country 3 Grand Prizes, 13 First Prizes, and several special awards from 4 different international choral competitions. They dedicate this win to all Filipinos, and hope to be welcomed back warmly by their kababayans in their upcoming concerts.
https://up.edu.ph/faith-hope-and-devotion-lenten-reflections-in-music/
Faith, Hope and Devotion: Lenten Reflections in Music – University of the Philippines
Faith, Hope and Devotion: Lenten Reflections in Music Faith, Hope and Devotion: Lenten Reflections in Music April 1, 2019 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office   Barely five months after the establishment by the UP Board of Regents as the official orchestra of the university, the UP Symphony Orchestra has been making waves and living up to their moniker as Orkestra ng Bayan. Under the leadership of the country’s premier conductor and composer, Prof. Josefino Chino Toledo, the UPSO has featured works of classical composers alongside protest songs and contemporary Filipino compositions never tackled by any of our local orchestras. The UP College of Music and the UP College of Music Alumni Association, Inc., in cooperation with the Office of the University President and the Office of the Chancellor thru the Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts, proudly present: “Faith, Hope and Devotion: Lenten Reflections in Music”. After the highly successful launching concert last February, the UP Symphony Orchestra returns to the Abelardo Hall Auditorium stage on Thursday, 11 April 2019 at 7 pm. Also featuring the chorus classes of the UP College of Music, the concert of religious and spiritual pieces will spotlight the works of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Maria Christine Muyco, George Frideric Handel and Johann Sebastian Bach, an apt prelude for the observance of Holy Week for the entire family. Admission tickets are priced at P500 and P250 with special discounts for students (50%), the elderly (20%), and people with disabilities (20%). For ticket reservations, please reserve at https://forms.gle/dWvLya8E1hxPwAik6 or contact Ms. Faye Manuzon at 926 0026 or 981 8500 loc. 2629.
https://up.edu.ph/up-symphony-orchestra-plays-music-for-lenten-reflections/
UP Symphony Orchestra plays music for Lenten reflections – University of the Philippines
UP Symphony Orchestra plays music for Lenten reflections UP Symphony Orchestra plays music for Lenten reflections April 16, 2019 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc Video by the UP Media and Public Relations Office   The UP Symphony Orchestra (UPSO), together with UP chorus classes and vocal groups Auit and UP Madrigal Singers, breathed life to spiritually inspired compositions for its second concert offering in 2019, “Faith, Hope & Devotion: Lenten Reflections in Music,” held on April 11, 2019 in the Abelardo Hall Auditorium of the UP Diliman College of Music. The set was composed of the reflective “Jesus Christus, Gottes Sohn” of Johann Sebastian Bach and choruses from “Messiah Part Two” of George Frideric Handel, the introspective “Passage to Kublo” by UP professor Maria Christine Muyco, the cathartic and show-stopping “Francesca da Rimini” of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and the  “Russian Easter Overture” by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, before it tapered off to an encore of a Manoling Francisco, SJ medley.   Prof. Chino Toledo and the UP Symphony Orchestra as seen from the center aisle. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO   The well attended and well applauded performance was conducted by UPSO Music Director and UP Artist III Josefino Chino Toledo. The orchestra, which is the official orchestra of the UP System, came fresh from the success of its initial concert offering in 2019, “Resist! Anthems of Struggle and Triumph”, which it performed in UP Diliman and UP Los Baños to sold out audiences. It had its inaugural performance, “Ang Unang Pasko  ng UP Symphony Orchestra”, on December 13, 2018 at the UP Diliman Amphitheater.   In the audience were guests of honor, (from left) UP Regent Angelo Jimenez, Executive Vice President Teodoro Herbosa, President Danilo Concepcion, Atty. Ma. Gabriela Roldan-Concepcion and National Artist for Music Ramon Santos. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO   The orchestra was established on August 30, 2018 and has since been hosted by the UP Diliman College of Music. It consists of sixty-five members comprised of twenty-four alumni, thirty-four students, six faculty members, and one staff member. The UPSO aims to mount at least six major concerts in a year. Photo Gallery The concert begins with a cantata from the Baroque period. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO   Prof. Chino Toledo turns to the violin section. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO   Prof. Chino Toledo gestures to the brass section. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO   The pianist during a piano highlight of Tchaikovsky’s “Francesa da Rimini”. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO   The violinists in front. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO   The male section of the choral ensemble and the orchestra’s double bassists, performing a “Messiah” chorus. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO   Prof. Chino Toledo returns to the violin section. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO
https://up.edu.ph/abelardo-hall-closes-season-with-rock-concert/
Abelardo Hall closes season with rock concert – University of the Philippines
Abelardo Hall closes season with rock concert Abelardo Hall closes season with rock concert May 27, 2019 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office In its 55 years, the Abelardo Hall Auditorium has become the premier training ground for countless Filipino musicians, many of whom went on to reap honors for the country.  Today, the auditorium continues to provide a convenient venue for recitals, concerts, and theater and dance presentations performed by students, faculty, alumni of the college, as well as visiting artists of national and international stature. It has also provided a perfect setting for numerous symposia, workshops, masterclasses, and seminars handled by acknowledged experts in the field, the field of music and dance. The Abelardo Hall Concert Series, now on its second year, envisions the Abelardo Hall Auditorium as a center of culture not just for the university, but for the larger community. The Season comprises of monthly concerts that showcase the diversity of talents that are or have been part of the UP College of Music. The intended lineup is a mix of genres and styles that is truly the mark of UP. For this Season’s grand finale, the UP College of Music and the UP College of Music Alumni Association, in cooperation with the Office of the Chancellor thru the Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts, proudly present: “Abelardo Rocks” featuring DJ Chynna Salazar, DJ Marla Añonuevo and the homegrown bands of the UP College of Music. In what promises to be another unique and intense production on May 31, 2019, at 7:00 PM, Abelardo literally Rocks with performances from ConChords (Champion, A Capella Championship 2018 for both International and Over All Categories), Debonair District (a unique jazz quintet that adapts various Filipino and foreign repertoire to the jazz idiom), PinkMen (a psychedelic folk rock group that plays anything and everything in between from sad to funny stories), Sound Architects (a post-rock outfit that primarily make instrumental atmospheric music through intense dynamic contrasts and heavily layered textures of sound), and  Yomi no Kuni (a post-metal / progressive metal quartet with the desire to create and share music and the vision of breaking free from norms established by society). Admission tickets are priced at P200 with special discounts for the elderly (20%), and people with disabilities (20%). For ticket reservations, please reserve here or contact Ms. Faye Manuzon at 926 0026 or 981 8500 loc. 2629.
https://up.edu.ph/up-law-moot-court-team-continues-a-tradition/
UP Law Moot Court Team continues a tradition – University of the Philippines
UP Law Moot Court Team continues a tradition UP Law Moot Court Team continues a tradition August 13, 2019 | Written by University of the Philippines College of Law The UP College of Law holds a laudable record in moot court competitions in international law that it regularly joins around the world. It won yet another competition, this time held 6-7 August 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. The UP Law Moot Court team was declared Overall Champion of the Asia Cup 2019 International Law Moot Court Competition. It also bagged 3rd place for Best Memorial. The problem argued was a “Case Concerning the Maritime Operation “Sheer Cliff” and Certain Criminal Proceedings: Kingdom of Amphit (Applicant) vs. Republic of Rhea (Respondent). Leslie Diane D. Torres won as Best Speaker for the Applicant while Marianne Angeli B. Estioco and Abelardo G. Henandez were declared 2nd and 3rd Best Speaker for the Respondent, respectively. Team members were Marianne Angeli B. Estioco (IV-D), Anton Miguel Sison (IV-E), Abelardo G. Hernandez (IV-E), Leslie Diane D. Torres (IV-D), with Professor Rommel J. Casis as Coach. Team captain, Marianne Angeli B. Estioco messaged, “We are extremely glad to bring home the championship for the country and the University. This victory is a product of long hours of research and training, and we are truly grateful for the College’s support in our endeavors. We hope to continue to uphold UP’s long history of excellence in oral and written advocacy.” Asia Cup 2019 competition had the widest participation since its inception, with seventy-two (72) teams participating from seventeen (17) jurisdictions. Of these, sixteen (16) teams qualified for the international rounds, and the UP College of Law was the Philippines’ sole representative in the competition. The team faced and emerged the winners over teams from South Korea, Malaysia, and Russia. Since 2013, Asia Cup Competition for future international lawyers in Asia has been co-organized by the Japanese Society of International Law and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA). The Competition is open to students from Asian countries with the aim to disseminate understanding of international law, in the Asian region. It also intends to make a substantial contribution towards building a network among students in this academic field, from Asian countries. This story was first published on the UP College of Law Facebook page under UP Law Moot Court Team continues a tradition.
https://up.edu.ph/look-to-history-for-inspiration-concepcion-to-up-baguio-grads/
‘Look to history for inspiration’ – Concepcion to UP Baguio grads – University of the Philippines
‘Look to history for inspiration’ – Concepcion to UP Baguio grads ‘Look to history for inspiration’ – Concepcion to UP Baguio grads July 2, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office UP President Danilo L. Concepcion addresses the graduating class. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO   In his address to the UP Baguio graduating class of 2018, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion urged the graduates to look to Philippine history’s heroic figures as models in creating a better future. Concepcion’s address marked the climax of UP Baguio’s graduation ceremonies, which were held at the CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center, Camp John Hay, Baguio City on June 21, 2018. The graduates came from UP Baguio’s three major colleges: the College of Science, the College of Arts and Communication, and the College of Social Science. They took to the stage to receive their diplomas and took an oath to their alma mater and the country before their families, friends, and mentors.   UP Baguio graduates engage in the solemn ‘Ritwal ng Pagtatanglaw’. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO   Concepcion’s message reconciled the negative impressions on the youth held by previous generations with their potential to solve the country’s problems through noble service. According to Concepcion, the tendency of older generations to view the youth as selfish and ungrateful (but not without reason) has been echoed across time, as with, for example Jose Rizal’s observations of how his many student compatriots in Madrid led idle and dissolute lives. The President, however, added that he believed the overly skeptical dismissal of younger generations to be  lacking in merit. He gave the example of distinguished Filipinos throughout history, such as Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, as well as the Kalinga hero of the Martial Law period, Macli-ing Dulag, as individuals who, when they were young, managed to view their individual lives from within the context of broader societal struggles despite peril to themselves and to their loved ones.   Members of the UP Baguio Class of 2018 pose for a photograph. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO   Just as history produced and molded the individuals who would eventually change society in the past, Concepcion believed that the current UP Baguio graduating class also included individuals who would work towards creating a better world. In this effort, they would be aided by their UP education, which had shaped their minds to be inquisitive and critical (mapagtanong at mapanuri), both inside and outside the classroom. Taking full advantage of this gift, however, required a deep and penetrating understanding of history. “Ang pagiging mulat sa kasaysayan at kaganapang panlipunan ang magtitiyak sa malalim na pagsusuri sa alinmang trending na kaisipan at mga usaping umiiral sa ating panahon.” (An understanding of history and society ensures a deeper analysis of any ‘trending’ idea or conversation in our times.) This understanding, he said, served as a foundation for our convictions, as well as a tool to remedy society’s ills.   UP President Danilo Concepcion (3rd from left) joins Chancellor Raymundo Rovillos and officials from UP Baguio in singing UP Naming Mahal. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO   Concepcion concluded his address by inspiring students to live out the essence of being a true iskolar ng bayan. “Sa halip na mabuhay nang makasarili, gamitin sana ninyo ang nag-iisang buhay na ito upang magmalasakit, at mabuhay nang makatuwiran at may katuwiran.” (Instead of living selfishly, may you become models of compassion, and live your lives justly and meaningfully.) (Andre DP Encarnacion, UP MPRO)
https://up.edu.ph/leonen-to-upb-grads-do-we-still-have-the-passion-and-courage-to-do-right-by-our-people/
Leonen to UPB grads: ‘Do we still have the passion and courage to do right by our people?’ – University of the Philippines
Leonen to UPB grads: ‘Do we still have the passion and courage to do right by our people?’ Leonen to UPB grads: ‘Do we still have the passion and courage to do right by our people?’ July 8, 2019 | Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo The Ritwal ng Pagtatanglaw, a UP Baguio graduation tradition symbolizing the pursuit and sharing of knowledge. The flame of a single candle is used to light other candles, and that light is passed on until all the candles held by the members of the graduating class have been lit. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   Supreme Court of the Philippines Associate Justice Marvic Mario Victor Leonen, commencement speaker of Pagtatapos 2019, contextualized his question by telling the UP Baguio (UPB) graduating class that, in the course of their careers, many professionals “lose appreciation of the social value of their profession.” He explained that “somewhere along the way, convenience takes the form of pragmatic silence. Expediency overwhelms conscience.”   Supreme Court of the Philippines Associate Justice Marvic Mario Victor Leonen (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   Leonen urged the 423-strong UPB Class of 2019, “Be better than us. Make your existence more meaningful. Do not allow yourselves to be silenced. Do not be silent in the face of injustice. Do not succumb to the temptation of having more than just enough. Do not trade kindness with the false badges of success. When you come into power, discharge it for the public trust that it is. Do not temper principle with pragmatism. Do not hide behind comfortable acquiescence. Do not seek comfort at critical times. This will just disguise your complicity. Do not further enable and empower the status quo. Do not enrich yourself at the cost of others.”   UP Baguio Chancellor Raymundo Rovillos introduces Justice Marvic Leonen as the commencement speaker. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   To empower themselves and their communities “against the machinations of the powerful,” he asked the graduates to: read, analyze, understand, and be critical; engage others through conversation, not through digital media but face-to-face discussions; act on their beliefs; not look for and depend on heroes and heroines; and, have the courage to speak up.   Summa cum laude graduate, Kenworth Bryle Bal-iyang, speaks on behalf of the graduating class (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   The lone summa cum laude graduate, Kenworth Bryle Bal-iyang, earlier delivered a message on behalf of the graduating class. In his address, he shared his reflections on what makes the Iskolar ng Bayan excellent: critical thinking and grit. And as they were about to go from being students to alumni, Bal-iyang told his fellow graduates that if fellow alumni “do not live up to [our] values of honor and excellence, it is up to us to remind them of their obligations to the nation.”   Magna cum laude graduate, Lil Abner Aquino, delivers a message during the Ritwal ng Pagtatanglaw. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   Lil Abner Aquino, magna cum laude graduate of BA Language and Literature, spoke during the Ritwal ng Pagtatanglaw, a UP Baguio graduation tradition symbolizing the pursuit and sharing of knowledge. The flame of a single candle is used to light other candles, which in turn light up more candles, until all the candles held by the members of the graduating class have been lit. Tanglaw is a Filipino word for torch or source of light or illumination. Aquino emphasized that he and his fellow graduates will fight for a better society and for the Filipino nation’s progress. Selfless service, sacrifice, the offering of oneself to the country—those are what it means to genuinely be a source of light in society, he said. Pagtatapos 2019 was held on June 24 at the CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center, Camp John Hay. Of the 423 graduates, 413 earned undergraduate degrees and 10 were conferred master’s degrees. Joining Bal-iyang in the honor roll were five magna cum laude graduates and 54 cum laude graduates. The breakdown of graduates per college was as follows: 124 from the College of Arts and Communication; 161 from the College of Science; and, 138 from the College of Social Sciences. Here are other photos of Pagtatapos 2019.   Members of the graduating class assemble at the covered court behind the CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   Justice Leonen asks the graduates to stand and applaud the people who have supported them. (Photo by Arlyn VCD P. Romualdo, UP MPRO)   Members of the UP Baguio Class of 2019 get ready to shift their UP Sablay from the right shoulder to the left as the University, through Executive Vice President Teodoro Herbosa, confers upon them their degrees and titles. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   The jubilation after the symbolic shifting of the UP Sablay. (Photo by Arlyn VCD P. Romualdo, UP MPRO)   The graduates get their diplomas. (Photos by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   The performance of Paggawisan Tako Am-in, a student organization of indigenous peoples in UP Baguio (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   The UP Baguio Class of 2019 takes the Oath of Loyalty to the University. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   The graduates of UP Baguio mount a lightning rally at the end of the ceremony, with the singing of the University Hymn, “UP Naming Mahal.”   Happy chaos ensues after the graduation ceremony. (Photo by Arlyn VCD P. Romualdo, UP MPRO)   The UP Baguio graduates gamely pose for photos amid the flurry of activity around them. (Top photo by Arlyn VCD P. Romualdo, UP MPRO, bottom photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)
https://up.edu.ph/up-receives-two-new-professorial-chairs-in-engineering/
UP receives two new professorial chairs in Engineering – University of the Philippines
UP receives two new professorial chairs in Engineering UP receives two new professorial chairs in Engineering January 25, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The donors of two professorial chairs in Engineering received a warm welcome at the University of the Philippines Board of Regents Room in Quezon Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City on January 18, 2018. They also received Sundial Plaques as tokens of appreciation for their commitment and generous support to the University. Representatives of the benefactor families, Dr. Antonio Tanchuling, Jr. for the Antonio and Lourdes Tanchuling Mining Engineering Centennial Professorial Chair; and Mrs. Rosario Halili-Quintos for the Juan, Jr. and Rosario Halili-Quintos Professorial Chair in Engineering; and Secretary Fortunato de la Peña of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), delivered inspiring messages as they expressed their reasons for supporting UP.   Dr. Antonio Tanchuling, Jr. (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO)   UP President Danilo L. Concepcion thanked the alumni for their endowments. He also recognized the officials of the UP College of Engineering (UP CoE) and the UP Engineering Research and Development Foundation, Inc. (UPERDFI) for getting more support for UP’s education, research and development initiatives. UP Executive Vice President Teodoro J. Herbosa; Executive Director Alfonso Aliga, Jr. of UPERDFI; Chairman Pedro H. Maniego, Jr. of UPERDFI; Dr. Aura C. Matias, treasurer of UPERDFI and former dean of the UP CoE; and Dr. Menandro S. Berana, associate dean for Instruction and Research of the UP CoE also expressed gratitude to the donors. Berana said the number of CoE faculty with Masters and PhD degrees are increasing, and that 126 professorial chairs were awarded to faculty who applied last year. He assured everybody that the College would continue to produce research beneficial to Filipinos and that the faculty would continue to inculcate a culture of research among their students to produce new generations of researchers and scientists. De la Peña said the DOST aims to strengthen the transfer and utilization of technologies developed through research and development, through the joint efforts of UP, UPERDFI, alumni, and the private sector. He also announced the contribution to a new incentive for students and faculty who are able to obtain an intellectual property approval or patent, the incentive initially pegged at P50,000 each year, for the next 10 years. Tanchuling said his family decided to sponsor a professorial chair in honor of their parents, Antonio (BS Mining Engineering, 1952) and Lourdes (BS Pharmacy, 1952), who believed that education was a tool to combat poverty and to promote genuine concern for others, especially for the rank and file, the laborers and their families. They wanted their parents’ vision which included giving back to the community, sustainable mining, preservation of the environment, optimal use of natural resources, and love for country passed on to students, through the faculty, who contribute to the making of a just and better world. Halili-Quintos said her family, through their company, Rosehall Management Consultants, aimed to help the College produce innovative research that would improve the people’s quality of life.   Mrs. Rosario Halili-Quintos (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO)   Concepcion said professorial chairs encourage UP faculty to further excel in teaching, research work, and public service. Last year, UP received the following professorial chairs in Engineering: the Vicente T. Paterno Mechanical Engineering Centennial Professorial Chair; the RASA Surveying and Realty Corporation Professorial Chair in Geodetic Engineering; the Hermenegildo B. Reyes Mechanical Engineering Centennial Professorial Chair; and, the Meneleo G. Carlos, Sr. Electrical Engineering Centennial Professorial Chair. (Fred Dabu, UP MPRO)
https://up.edu.ph/up-civil-engineering-students-environmentally-friendly-concrete-wins-championship-in-international-competition-in-quebec-canada/
UP civil engineering students’ environmentally friendly concrete wins championship in international competition in Quebec, Canada – University of the Philippines
UP civil engineering students’ environmentally friendly concrete wins championship in international competition in Quebec, Canada UP civil engineering students’ environmentally friendly concrete wins championship in international competition in Quebec, Canada April 4, 2019 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office UP Civil Engineering students raised the Philippine flag high as they were awarded first place in the Eco-Concrete Competition. L-R: Engr. Froilan Martillano (ACI Philippines director); Engr. Justin Seranilla (coach); student winners, Angelica Anne Munar, Alexis Declaro, Ryan Ramelo and Paulo Santos; Engr. Christian Orozco (coach and ACI Philippines vice president); Engr. Ramon Allado (ACI Philippines president)   Students from the Institute of Civil Engineering, University of the Philippines Diliman won the championship in the Eco-concrete Competition at the American Concrete Institute (ACI) Spring 2019 Convention in Quebec, Canada. The students used locally abundant Diliman tuff as partial replacement to cement and waste glass in making an environmentally friendly concrete. The students won over schools from North and South America, Europe and Asia. The students were: Angelica Anne Munar, Ryan Ramelo, Paulo Santos and Alexis Declaro. They were advised by Asst. Prof. Justin Jesse Limbo Seranilla and Asst. Prof. Christian Orozco. The delegation to Canada was led by ACI Philippines Chapter President Ramon Allado joined by ACIP Director Froilan R. Martillano. About the competition: The eco-concrete competition aims to promote the idea of environmental performance in concrete mix design as an important aspect of sustainability. Teams thus have the mission to develop an innovative concrete mixture, which will have the lowest possible environmental impacts while maintaining optimal mechanical and durability performances. About ACI: the American Concrete Institute is a leading authority and resource worldwide for the development, dissemination, and adoption of its consensus-based standards, technical resources, educational & training programs, certification programs, and proven expertise for individuals and organizations involved in concrete design, construction, and materials. These share a commitment to pursuing the best use of concrete.   UP Diliman’s environmentally friendly concrete   About the Concrete Invention from UP Diliman: Rapid global urbanization boosts the demand for concrete at an unprecedented rate. This means that the environmental footprint of concrete production can no longer be ignored. The conventional concrete mix, which consists only of cement, gravel, sand, and water, must be revisited to achieve environmental sustainability in the decision-making process. This study compares a base-case scenario (BCS) concrete mixture consisting of gravel, sand, water, and Portland cement, with an alternative-case scenario (ACS) concrete mixture composed of recycled, co-product, and locally sourced raw materials that replaced conventional concrete materials. An average improvement of 23.9% was observed in the environmental performance of concrete using five parameters, namely, global warming, carcinogenic impact, ozone depletion, ecotoxicity, and fossil fuel depletion. Concrete testing after 14 days of curing showed a compressive strength equal to 41.30 and 32.40 MPa for the BCS, and ACS, respectively. The BCS and ACS, after 14 days of curing, had a resistivity of 3.52 and 18.41 kΩ-cm. This study shows that an environmentally friendly, yet strong and durable concrete can be produced.
https://up.edu.ph/up-chapel-celebrates-milestones-at-the-turn-of-the-new-year/
UP Chapel celebrates milestones at the turn of the New Year – University of the Philippines
UP Chapel celebrates milestones at the turn of the New Year UP Chapel celebrates milestones at the turn of the New Year January 5, 2021 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta The repainted exterior dome of the UP Chapel showing its original color. Photo from DMCI Homes.   The Parish Church of the Holy Sacrifice, the circular structure with the unique dome within the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman campus, celebrated milestones in 2020. The first milestone was the commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the completion and blessing of the Parish Church, more popularly known as the UP Chapel. It was blessed by the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila, Rufino Cardinal Santos, on December 20, 1955 after the completion of its construction. To celebrate this event, a special Thanksgiving Mass was held on December 20, with Most Rev. Honesto F. Ongtioco, Bishop of Cubao, presiding over the celebration and Very Rev. Primitivo Viray Jr., SJ, Provincial of the Society of Jesus, co-presiding. As this was also the 6th day of Simbang Gabi,  the Mass was livestreamed on the UP Parish of the Holy Sacrifice’s Facebook page.   Rehabilitation of the UP Chapel Restored walls of the UP Chapel. Photo from DMCI Homes.   The second milestone was the completion of the repair, restoration and repainting of the UP Chapel by DMCI Homes, the real estate arm of DMCI Holdings through its wholly owned subsidiary DMCI Project Developers, Inc. (PDI). DMCI Homes worked on rehabilitating the 65-year old national historical landmark and cultural treasure by repairing its old and worn-out parts and repainting its interior and its exterior facade. Work started in July 2020 and was completed in December. For the chapel’s rehabilitation, DMCI Homes did a series of consultations with UP officials and UP Parish to address the immediate needs of the chapel and to ensure that its original state of beauty and elegance was maintained when the repairs were executed. The restoration of the UP Chapel was supposed to start in early 2020 but due to the pandemic, the restoration plan was pushed back to the latter part of the year.   Close-up of repainted roof and dome of the UP Chapel. Photo from DMCI Homes.   DMCI Homes led a team that facilitated the repair of masonry cracks, de-clogging of downspouts and drains, and the installation of new electrical fixtures. Repainting work was performed on the chapel’s iconic dome and roof, as well as on its walls, columns, eaves, under slabs, ceilings, and railings. The murals depicting the Stations of the Cross, the marble altar, the floor mural, and the cross at the center of the chapel were left untouched during the rehabilitation. In 2021, DMCI Homes will restore next the chapel’s ceiling or the underside of the dome as this was rescheduled to give way to the church activities during the 2020 Christmas season.   Railings along the UP Chapel were also repainted. Photo from DMCI Homes.   National Historical Landmark and Cultural Treasure The UP Chapel had its beginnings in 1954 when Fr. John Patrick Delaney, S.J., who was the UP chaplain during the transfer of the University’s campus from Manila to Diliman in 1949, saw the need for a more permanent structure to replace the sawali-bamboo building that until then had been serving as the house of worship for the Catholics in the UP community. Fr. Delaney came up with the concept for the UP Church and commissioned young, up-and-coming UP artists, engineers and an architect to build the structure. Architect Leandro Locsin designed the church according to Fr. Delaney’s vision of a Church centered on the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, with the priest close to his parishioners in a spirit of oneness and communion—a Church whose doors would always be open to anyone seeking to talk to God. Engr. Alfredo Juinio, who served as the structural engineer for the project, and Engr. David Consunji, founder of the DMCI Group of Companies, constructed it as the country’s first circular, concentrically arranged chapel with the altar at its center. It is also the first to have a thin shell concrete dome, supported by pillars located at the sides of the church; so there are no supports to block the space inside. The thin shell-dome was made possible through Engr. Consunji’s innovation in the mixing and delivery of concrete. Inside the chapel, artist Arturo Luz designed the floor mural, titled the “River of Life”, executed in terazzo and radiating from the altar; while Napoleon Abueva created the giant wooden double-sided crucifix and the altar base. Finally, Vicente Manansala and Ang Kiukok painted the 15 murals of the Stations of the Cross. In time, these five men—Locsin, Luz, Abueva, Manansala and Kiukok—would be named National Artists of the Philippines, making the UP Chapel the only structure in the country to feature the works of five National Artists. With its unique and timeless architectural design, the UP Chapel has been recognized as a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, and a Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines. With the newly completed restoration, DMCI Homes hopes to preserve the architectural, engineering, cultural, and religious significance of the UP Chapel for more people in the coming decades.  
https://up.edu.ph/alumni-push-for-scientific-research-agri-devt/
Alumni push for scientific research, agri dev’t – University of the Philippines
Alumni push for scientific research, agri dev’t Alumni push for scientific research, agri dev’t August 31, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The UP Alumni Council, the advisory body of the UP Alumni Association (UPAA), passed resolutions on the pursuit of scientific research and the development of the agriculture sector in its meeting on August 17 at Ang Bahay ng Alumni, UP Diliman. The Council meets each year on the day before the general homecoming.   UP Alumni Association President and Alumni Regent Ramon Maronilla welcomes the members of the Alumni Council and calls the meeting to order. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   On scientific research and development, the Council agreed that the UPAA will do the following: urge the UP administration to prioritize scientific research and development in the curriculum; and, “exhort UP alumni in congress and the executive branch to legislate and implement laws that encourage and enhance scientific research and development in the country”. To develop the agriculture sector, the Council resolved that the Association will encourage and help create non-government organizations (NGOs) that will promote agricultural management and productivity based on the Coalition for Agricultural Modernization in the Philippines, Inc. (CAMP) model. It will aim to “raise awareness on the plight of the agricultural sector and to create public discourse on finding solutions to the problems through public symposia”. These solutions will then be endorsed to concerned government agencies for action. The UPAA will also urge the legislative and executive branches of government to “prioritize the development of the agricultural sector to reduce poverty and attain food security” in order to satisfy the requirements of the country’s growing population. These resolutions were based on the earlier presentations of the meeting’s main speakers, 2018 UPAA Lifetime Achievement Awardee, Engr. Filemon Berba Jr., and 2018 UPAA Most Distinguished Alumnus, Dr. Ruben Villareal.   Engr. Filemon Berba Jr., 2018 UPAA Lifetime Achievement Awardee (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   Dr. Ruben Villareal, 2018 UPAA Most Distinguished Alumnus (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   Berba’s “Science and Technology: Addressing Long-Term Inclusive Growth” highlighted the role of S&T in economic development. The former UP regent lamented the fact that the Department of Science and Technology had one of the lowest budget allocations and he advocated for better technology-based vocational courses. Berba is a staunch advocate of S&T and is the president of the Philippine Foundation for S&T, a non-stock, non-profit private organization. He cited the Foundation’s Philippine Science Centrum and its travelling exhibit as great examples of ways of sparking interest in S&T among Filipinos. Villareal, on the other hand, talked about CAMP, a non-stock, non-profit NGO where he serves as a board member. The former UP Los Baños chancellor said that the organization was a think tank that provided services such as policy recommendations and technical advice to improve the capabilities of the agriculture sector. One of its initiatives is the promotion of farming viable produce apart from rice, such as fruits and vegetables, which helps address food security and contributes to economic gains. (Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo, UP MPRO)   UP President Danilo Concepcion shared news on infrastructure development in the University at the Alumni Council Meeting. Read the full story here: PDLC updates Alumni Council on infra projects
https://up.edu.ph/up-alumni-in-america-to-hold-grand-reunion-and-convention/
UP alumni in America to hold grand reunion and convention – University of the Philippines
UP alumni in America to hold grand reunion and convention UP alumni in America to hold grand reunion and convention August 14, 2019 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office   The UP Alumni Association in America (UPAAA) will hold its grand reunion and convention on August 30-September 2, 2019 at the Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport. The UPAAA Grand Reunion and Convention is a biennial event designed to bring together UP alumni in North America to work towards the common goal of supporting our beloved Alma Mater pursue its mission in providing excellent and affordable public education to the best and the brightest minds in the Philippines. It is also an occasion for UP alumni to honor their achievers and loyal members, recapture memories of campus life at UP, renew old friendships and forge new ones. As such, the UPAAA exists to explore possibilities of strengthening the relationship between US-based alumni and UP in their mutual quest for academic excellence and national development. To register, please visit: https://www.upaaagrandreunion.com/ For updates, follow UPAAA on Facebook at @OfficialUPAAA
https://up.edu.ph/in-photos-the-2019-upaa-awardees/
IN PHOTOS: the 2019 UPAA awardees – University of the Philippines
IN PHOTOS: the 2019 UPAA awardees IN PHOTOS: the 2019 UPAA awardees September 4, 2019 | Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo The UP Alumni Association handed out its awards during “Pandayan ng Bayan,” the General Alumni Homecoming on August 24 at Ang Bahay ng Alumni, UP Diliman. The recipients were 33 individuals, 13 families, and an alumni chapter. The individual honorees consisted of the Most Distinguished Alumnus, four Lifetime Distinguished Achievement awardees, and 28 Distinguished Alumni in 25 fields. On August 20, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion hosted “Salute to the 2019 UPAA Awardees” at SEAMEO INNOTECH. Here are this year’s UPAA awardees.   Most Distinguished Alumnus: Ambassador Edgardo B. Espiritu The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   2019 UPAA Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Award: Department of Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato T. Dela Peña The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   2019 UPAA Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Award: Dr. Amelia Mangay-Maglacas The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   2019 UPAA Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Award: Former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Mabini F. Pablo The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   2019 UPAA Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Award: Dr. Martesio C. Perez The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Agriculture and Rural Development): Emelinda Revestir-de la Cruz The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Agriculture Technology Development and Entrepreneurship): Dr. Catalino I. Flores The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Community Empowerment): Junel Ann P. Divinagracia The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Corporate Governance): Ferdinand K. Constantino The awardee (middle) with UP President Danilo L. Concepcion (left) and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (right) (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Corporate Social Responsibility): Dr. Eugenio P. Mende The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Culture and the Arts): Dr. Diadem Gonzales-Esmero The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Democratization and Governance): Dr. Temario C. Rivera The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Entrepreneurship and Employment Creation): Ronald Daniel R. Mascariñas The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Enterprise Development in Renewable Energy): Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Environmental Conservation and Advocacy): Dr. Elsa Palao-Manarpaac The awardee (middle) with UP President Danilo L. Concepcion (left) and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (right) (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Environmental Rehabilitation and Management): Dr. Resurreccion B. Sadaba The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Environmental Rehabilitation and Management): Prof. Benjamin M. Vallejo Jr. The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Food Science): Dr. Veronica C. Sabularse The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Health Sciences): Dr. Maria Antonia Esteban-Habana The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Law and Judiciary): Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen A file photo of the awardee during Pagtatapos 2019, the UP Baguio graduation rites, where he was commencement speaker (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Legal Services): Atty. Hector M. De Leon Jr. The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Marine Science): Dr. Mudjekeewis D. Santos The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Poverty Alleviation and Human Development): Nestor M. Pestelos The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Public Health): Dr. Maria Paz Matimtiman S. Carlos The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Public Service and Good Governance): Dr. Felixberto U. Bustos Jr. The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Public Service and Good Governance): Dr. Joselito R. Chavez The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Public Service and Good Governance): Atty. Edgar E. Tarriela The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Renal Health and Transplantation): Dr. Rose Marie Rosete-Liquete The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Research in Agriculture): Dr. Nelly Siababa-Aggangan The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Socialized Housing Development): Engr. Marcelino C. Mendoza The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Surgical Innovation): Dr. Ian S. Soriano The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Urban Development): Engr. Dante M. Abando The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Distinguished Alumni Awards (Women’s Rights and Social Justice): Ana Maria Ronquillo-Nemenzo The awardee (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Most Distinguished Service Award for an Alumni Chapter: UPAA Edmonton UPAA Edmonton Secretary Kehrl Reyes (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Multi-Generation UP Alumni Family Awards (Four Generations): Abello-Banzon Family (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Multi-Generation UP Alumni Family Awards (Four Generations): Barrion-Alip Family (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Multi-Generation UP Alumni Family Awards (Four Generations): De Leon-Cinco Family (Note: The family nor its representative was unable to attend “Salute to the 2019 UPAA Awardees” and the UP General Alumni Homecoming.)   UPAA Multi-Generation UP Alumni Family Awards (Four Generations): Miñoza-Gatchalian Family (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Multi-Generation UP Alumni Family Awards (Three Generations): Angeles Family (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Multi-Generation UP Alumni Family Awards (Three Generations): Capucion Family (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Multi-Generation UP Alumni Family Awards (Three Generations): De Guzman Family (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Multi-Generation UP Alumni Family Awards (Three Generations): Labadan-Cruz Family (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Multi-Generation UP Alumni Family Awards (Three Generations): Lit-Sanchez Family (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Multi-Generation UP Alumni Family Awards (Three Generations): Mariano Family (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Multi-Generation UP Alumni Family Awards (Three Generations): Peralta Family (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Multi-Generation UP Alumni Family Awards (Three Generations): Tayag-McTavish Family (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   UPAA Multi-Generation UP Alumni Family Awards (Three Generations): Tucay Family (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)
https://up.edu.ph/back-to-back-events-as-alumni-come-home-to-up/
Back-to-back events as alumni come home to UP – University of the Philippines
Back-to-back events as alumni come home to UP Back-to-back events as alumni come home to UP September 4, 2019 | Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo The jam-packed Ang Bahay ng Alumni during this year’s Homecoming (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   “Pandayan ng Bayan” (The Country’s Forge)—this is the theme for this year’s alumni events. The annual Alumni Council Meeting (ACM) was held on August 23 at Ang Bahay ng Alumni, UP Diliman, and, as traditionally practiced, UP graduates gathered in the annual General Alumni Homecoming in the same venue on August 24. Both events were organized by the UP Alumni Association (UPAA). The ACM features resource speakers from the roster of UPAA awardees. Their presentations provide the bases for the Council resolutions that help guide UPAA initiatives. This year, the speakers were Ambassador Edgardo B. Espiritu, Most Distinguished Alumnus, and Department of Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato T. Dela Peña, a recipient of the Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Award. Espiritu talked about fighting corruption while Dela Peña discussed the country’s initiatives toward scientific development.   Department of Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato T. Dela Peña at the Alumni Council Meeting (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   As he did last year, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion took the opportunity during the ACM to provide a few updates on the numerous development projects of the University. These include: the soon to be finished Student Union Building; the completed restoration of the Oblation Plaza; the construction of Philippine General Hospital Diliman; the completion and utilization of the Epsilon Chi Wellness Center; the construction of the Shopping Center; faculty and staff housing plans; the renovation of dormitories; plans for a bigger Balay Atleta; the renovation and upgrading of infirmaries; and, the new UP ID, which he said may be made available to alumni in the future.   A perspective of the Student Union Building, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year (Screen grab from Upward, Onward, Forward: the UP President’s Report to the Alumni 2019 by TVUP)   Concepcion also shared the good news of UP’s climb in the London-based Times Higher Education list of top universities in Asia for 2019. UP went up 61 notches, breaking into the top 100 for the first time at 95th place from last year’s 156th, which also made it the fourth best university in Southeast Asia. He also said something that elicited the loudest cheer from the Council. Concepcion reminded them of what he said last year: that the UP men’s basketball team would become UAAP champions during his term. The next day’s homecoming was a more relaxed, less serious gathering. It was divided into four parts. First was the opening, where the Alumni Council resolutions were presented and speeches were delivered by Concepcion and UPAA President and Alumni Regent Reynaldo C. Laserna.   In the left photo, UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna welcomes everyone to the Homecoming and in the right photo, UPAA Legal Counsel Raul R. Reyes present the Council resolutions to the alumni. (Photos by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   “Huwag nating biguin ang sa atin ay umaasa ng lingap. Sana ay isama natin ang mga kapos-palad sa ating magandang kapalaran.” (Let us not fail those who have placed their faith in us, in hopes that we may uplift their lives. In our success, let us not leave our underprivileged fellowmen behind.)—UP President Danilo L. Concepcion to the alumni (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   The second part of the Homecoming program was the Alumni Awards ceremony and the third part was dinner.   The 2019 distinguished alumni and alumni chapter take the stage. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   Soprano Myramae Meneses serenades the UPAA awardees. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   “A UP education is a great gift and privilege. . . .The University gave us the skills, the knowledge, and wisdom that we needed to face our future; honed our talents towards achieving our dreams; and most importantly, provided us the values that we hold dear and that also formed our character: love of country, service to our countrymen, professionalism and pursuit of excellence, integrity, and a sense of justice and fairness.”—Ambassador Edgardo B. Espiritu, UPAA Most Distinguished Alumnus for 2019, in his response on behalf of the alumni awardees (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   The fourth and final portion of the program was the alumni’s time to let loose with performances by Baihana, and the diamond, golden, ruby, and silver jubilarians.   Baihana’s “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” with the UP Dance Company (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   The Diamond Jubilarians (Photos by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   The Golden Jubilarians (Photos by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   The Ruby Jubilarians (Photos by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   The Silver Jubilarians (Top photo by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo and bottom photo by Misael Bacani, both of UP MPRO)   The singing and dancing begin with “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” In the left photo, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion serenades and dances with Atty. Gabriela Roldan Concepcion. In the middle photo, UP Executive Vice President Teodoro J. Herbosa dances with a fellow Ruby Jubilarian. In the right photo, it is former UP Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs and Office of Institutional (now International) Linkages Director Antoinette Bass-Hernandez and her husband, Leo, who is a Ruby Jubilarian. (Left photo by Misael Bacani and middle and right photos by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo, both of UP MPRO)
https://up.edu.ph/up-international-nursing-and-healthcare-forum-to-tackle-the-consequences-of-social-inequities-in-the-time-of-pandemic/
UP International Nursing and Healthcare Forum to tackle the consequences of social inequities in the time of pandemic – University of the Philippines
UP International Nursing and Healthcare Forum to tackle the consequences of social inequities in the time of pandemic UP International Nursing and Healthcare Forum to tackle the consequences of social inequities in the time of pandemic August 20, 2020 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta Image from the UPINHF, Inc.’s Facebook page   The COVID-19 pandemic has not only brought the world to a stand-still, but also served to throw in stark relief the existing inequalities plaguing society, starting with healthcare. In its upcoming 2020 Summer Webinar on the “Consequences of Social Inequities in the COVID-19 Pandemic”, the UP International Nursing and Healthcare Forum (UPINHF) will tackle how the global pandemic has impacted aspects of our daily lives, from social inequalities and health disparities, to its effects on data protection and the use of personal data, especially in healthcare. The 2020 UPINHF Summer Webinar will be conducted via Zoom: on Friday, August 21, at 6:00 p.m. PT and 9:00 p.m. ET, for the US and Canada; and on Saturday, August 22, at 9:00 a.m. for the Philippines. The first speaker in the webinar is Ms. Dula F. Pacquiao, EdD, RN, CTN-A, TNS, a consultant with the Transcultural Nursing Education, Research and Practice, Professor Emerita of Rutgers University, and Transcultural Nursing Scholar Fellow of the NY Academy of Medicine. Her presentation aims to analyze how social inequities and health disparities interact in the COVID-19 pandemic. Patterns of morbidity and mortality are linked with social and structural inequity. Approaches for mitigating the impact of social inequities will be presented. The second speaker is Philippine National Privacy Commission Chairman and the Philippines’ first Privacy Commissioner Raymund Enriquez Liboro. He is also the current chair of the Global Privacy Assembly COVID19 Task Force, leading 134 data privacy authorities worldwide in responding to COVID 19. His presentation will focus on how the pandemic has intensified the use of personal data, especially in healthcare. The presentation will provide pragmatic steps on how to practice individual and organizational accountability in addressing the pandemic and to navigate the new normal with data protection and privacy in mind. The UPINHF, Inc. is a health-centered international non-profit corporation whose mission is to transform healthcare by fostering inter-professional and multi-sectoral dialogue and collaboration in the advancement of professional practices, services, education and research. As a UP alumni organization, the UPINHF Inc. aims to advance the interest of UP alumni by providing opportunities to build bonds of camaraderie and unity and for its members to develop professionally. As a healthcare organization, it seeks to foster multi-sectoral exchanges among healthcare professionals and maintain the highest standards in healthcare practice. And as a charitable organization, the UPINHF, Inc. aims to develop and establish health and nursing missions, including immediate responses to epidemics or medical crises in the US and elsewhere, among others. The UPINHF Committee on Awards, Citations, and Scholarships will also present the International Nurse Award during the event. UP College of Nursing Dean Sheila Bonito is this year’s award recipient. The 2020 UPINHF, Inc. Summer Webinar has been designated to receive a maximum of 1.5 Contact Hours. Register here: https://www.upinhf.org/summer-webinar.
https://up.edu.ph/call-for-submissions-gemino-h-abad-awards-for-poetry-and-literary-criticism/
Call for Submissions: Gemino H. Abad Awards for Poetry and Literary Criticism – University of the Philippines
Call for Submissions: Gemino H. Abad Awards for Poetry and Literary Criticism Call for Submissions: Gemino H. Abad Awards for Poetry and Literary Criticism February 14, 2019 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office   The period of submission is open for the Gemino H. Abad Awards for Poetry and for Literary Criticism. The competition is open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students officially registered in any of the eight constituent universities of the UP System. The Awards are managed by the UP Diliman Department of English and Comparative Literature for and on behalf of the UP Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The guidelines and entry form may be downloaded from this page: http://ovpaa.up.edu.ph/abad-awards.
https://up.edu.ph/ovpaa-memorandum-no-2020-139-16-21-november-recovery-period-in-the-aftermath-of-typhoon-ulysses/
OVPAA Memorandum No. 2020-139: 16-21 November Recovery Period in the Aftermath of Typhoon Ulysses – University of the Philippines
OVPAA Memorandum No. 2020-139: 16-21 November Recovery Period in the Aftermath of Typhoon Ulysses OVPAA Memorandum No. 2020-139: 16-21 November Recovery Period in the Aftermath of Typhoon Ulysses November 16, 2020 | Posted by UP Media and Public Affairs Office You may read the full memorandum here.  
https://up.edu.ph/up-stop-covid-deaths-virtual-grand-rounds-webinar-takes-on-the-dark-road-of-covid-19-and-mental-health/
UP “STOP COVID DEATHS: VIRTUAL GRAND ROUNDS” webinar takes on the dark road of COVID-19 and mental health – University of the Philippines
UP “STOP COVID DEATHS: VIRTUAL GRAND ROUNDS” webinar takes on the dark road of COVID-19 and mental health UP “STOP COVID DEATHS: VIRTUAL GRAND ROUNDS” webinar takes on the dark road of COVID-19 and mental health September 15, 2020 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta   The COVID-19 pandemic has had a serious impact on the mental and psychosocial health and well-being of individuals, families and communities. The quarantines have caused and exacerbated feelings of loneliness, isolation, anxiety, fear, uncertainty and loss; and these all take their toll, creating a national health crisis on top of the COVID-19 crisis. The 22nd installment of the UP webinar series,“STOP COVID DEATHS: VIRTUAL GRAND ROUNDS”, will present the case of a woman who survived COVID-19 in a community isolation facility, but misinterpreted the results of a rapid test and thought she had been re-infected. Missing her family and contemplating the prospect of another two weeks of isolation, she fell into a deep depression and attempted to take her life. Her story will be presented in the webinar,“Hindi Ko na Kayang Magka-COVID Ulit!: COVID-19 and Suicide”, which will be held on Friday, September 18, at 12:00 nn. Mental health authorities have reported a dramatic increase in the average daily calls for help related to suicide since the start of the pandemic. Pandemic-related anxiety can be overwhelming. Suicide reports due to depression are manifestations of the serious negative mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases has called on church- and faith-based groups to reach out to individuals who are desperate and are losing hope.  Spirituality is an important component of the management of COVID-19. Dr. Angelique Gelvezon, a resident physician at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences of the UP Philippine General Hospital (UP PGH), will present the case; while Dr. Doris A. Mendoza, founding Dean of the Adventist University of the Philippines’ College of Medicine, will be guest speaker. Dr. Anselmo Tronco, Chair of the UP PGH Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, will be the discussant; while reactors will be Dr. Antonio Miguel L. Dans, a clinical epidemiologist at the UP College of Medicine, and Fr. Rolando Agustin, the parish priest of the St. James The Great parish in Ayala, Alabang. Grand rounds are an integral part of traditional medical education and inpatient care wherein doctors, pharmacist, residents and medical students gather to discuss the particular medical problems and the treatment of a particular patient. The webinar series,“STOP COVID DEATHS: VIRTUAL GRAND ROUNDS”,is the very first online medicine grand rounds in the Philippines. The series is organized by the University of the Philippines in partnership with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the UP Manila NIH National Telehealth Center, in cooperation with the UP Manila College of Medicine and the UP PGH. Register now at bit.ly/StopCOVIDDeathsWebinar22. Watch the livestream on youtube.com/c/TVUPph.
https://up.edu.ph/covid-19-intubation-and-the-risks-to-healthcare-workers-subject-of-upcoming-up-webinar/
COVID-19, intubation and the risks to healthcare workers, subject of upcoming UP webinar – University of the Philippines
COVID-19, intubation and the risks to healthcare workers, subject of upcoming UP webinar COVID-19, intubation and the risks to healthcare workers, subject of upcoming UP webinar September 22, 2020 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta   Anesthesiologists play a critical role in the hospital treatment and care of patients with severe COVID-19. One of their tasks is to perform endotracheal intubation (EI), a procedure done to help people who have difficulty breathing, which is one of the symptoms of COVID-19. However, performing EI on COVID-positive patients who are suffering from a difficult airway, a clinical situation in which an anesthesiologist experiences difficulty with upper airway ventilation, EI or both, poses unique risks for the healthcare workers. For COVID-19 patients, current guidelines recommend that medical workers perform EI in difficult airway scenarios while the patient is awake, which puts them at risk of getting infected themselves when the patient coughs or expels aerosol particles during the process. The case of two young, male COVID-positive patients who were rushed to the hospital due to difficulty in breathing and who needed awake EI performed on them, and how the anesthesiologist teams handled the risks, will be the subject of the 23rd installment of the University of the Philippines (UP) webinar series, “STOP COVID DEATHS: VIRTUAL GRAND ROUNDS”, the very first online medical grand rounds in the Philippines. The webinar, “Merging Fear with Difficulty: Taking Charge of the Airway”, will be held on September 25, 2020 (Friday) 12:00 nn. Dr. Marie Christelle S. Endencia, Chief Resident of the Department of Anesthesiology, UP Philippine General Hospital (UP PGH), will be the main presenter; while Dr. Ricardo L. Gallaga, Jr., Dean of the University of Saint La Salle College of Medicine in Bacolod City, will be guest speaker. Dr. Loreto A. Fellizar, a Professor and a former Chair of the UP PGH Department of Anesthesiology will be the discussant. Dr. Albert B. Albay, Jr., a consultant with the Division of Pulmonary Medicine of the UP-PGH Department of Medicine, and Mr. Peter M. Jimenez, a COVID-19 survivor, will be the reactors. The UP webinar series, “STOP COVID DEATHS: VIRTUAL GRAND ROUNDS”, was organized by UP in partnership with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the UP Manila NIH National Telehealth Center, in cooperation with the UP Manila College of Medicine and the UP-PGH. Register now at: bit.ly/StopCOVIDDeathsWebinar23.
https://up.edu.ph/up-online-medical-grand-rounds-to-focus-on-the-management-of-trauma-cases-during-a-pandemic/
UP online medical grand rounds to focus on the management of trauma cases during a pandemic – University of the Philippines
UP online medical grand rounds to focus on the management of trauma cases during a pandemic UP online medical grand rounds to focus on the management of trauma cases during a pandemic September 30, 2020 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office   The University of the Philippines, in partnership with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and UP Manila NIH National Telehealth Center, and in cooperation with the UP Manila College of Medicine and UP Philippine General Hospital, would like to invite you to join the fight against COVID-19. The webinar series “STOP COVID DEATHS: VIRTUAL GRAND ROUNDS”—the very first online Medical Grand Rounds in the Philippines—is scheduled every Friday from 12:00 to 2:00 PM (Manila Time). Registration slots are limited, so sign up now: bit.ly/StopCOVIDDeathsWebinar24   About the Webinar  Bullet or Bug: Ilizarov Reconstruction in the COVID Era” Presentor: Dr. Harjoland Lim Obenieta Resident, Department of Orthopedics UP Philippine General Hospital October 2, 2020 (Friday) 12nn Guest Speaker: Dr. Ricardo L. Gallaga, Jr. Dean, College of Medicine University of Saint La Salle Bacolod City Discussant: Dr. Cielo Balce Consultant, Division of Pediatric Orthopedics Department of Orthopedics UP Philippine General Hospital Reactors: Dr. Michael Shaun Ritualo Dr. Christopher Constantino   Case Capsule An 18 year-old is admitted for a swollen left knee and upper thigh, most likely from a stray bullet. Emergency intervention is needed, but with the COVID pandemic, additional precautions are required to perform a complex orthopedic surgical procedure to save the patient’s leg. Injuries are the fourth leading cause of death for all ages in the Philippines. Recent reviews of intentional injuries resulting in trauma cases and death at the Philippine General Hospital show that 25% are due to gunshot wounds. While cases of crime have reportedly declined during the community quarantine, incidents still do occur posing new risks for trauma management. Management of trauma cases during a pandemic requires a thorough adaptation of protocols during pre-hospital, in-hospital and post-hospital care to ensure protection against COVID-19. Patients who suffer from traumatic injury with orthopedic interventions may be immobilized for long periods of time. This case illustrates the challenges and innovations in care for trauma patients. Register now at bit.ly/StopCOVIDDeathsWebinar24 Watch the livestream via TVUP’s YouTube Channel.
https://up.edu.ph/up-online-medical-grand-rounds-to-focus-on-the-management-of-cancer-during-a-pandemic/
UP online medical grand rounds to focus on the management of cancer during a pandemic – University of the Philippines
UP online medical grand rounds to focus on the management of cancer during a pandemic UP online medical grand rounds to focus on the management of cancer during a pandemic October 15, 2020 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office   The University of the Philippines in partnership with Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and UP Manila NIH National Telehealth Center in cooperation with UP Manila College of Medicine and UP Philippine General Hospital would like to invite you to join the Fight Against COVID-19! The Webinar Series “STOP COVID DEATHS: VIRTUAL GRAND ROUNDS”–the very first Online Medical Grand Rounds in the Philippines–is scheduled every Friday from 12:00 to 2:00 PM (Manila Time). Registration slots are limited, so sign up NOW: bit.ly/StopCOVIDDeathsWebinar26. Webinar #26: “Cancer na, COVID pa!” October 16, 2020 (Friday) 12nn Dr. Juan Carlos R. Abon Fellow in Training, Hepatobiliary Surgery Philippine General Hospital Guest Speaker: Dr. Manuel Francisco Roxas Director, Philippine College of Surgeons Cancer Commission Board of Regents, Philippine College of Surgeons Discussant: Dr. Marc Paul J. Lopez Clinical Associate Professor, UP College of Medicine Training Officer, Division of Colorectal Surgery Philippine General Hospital Reactors: Dr. Maria Sonia Salamat Medical Specialist III, Division of Infectious Diseases, Philippine General Hospital Clinical Associate Professor, UP College of Medicine Mrs. Carmen Auste Mother of a Cancer Survivor Vice President, Cancer Coalition This is a case of a 61-year old widow, who was diagnosed with colon cancer and due to worsening of symptoms sought medical and surgical care in the midst of the lockdown. Through her course of treatment, she develops COVID-19. Cancer of the colon is considered one of the top 5 types of cancer in the Philippines. Despite its frequency, there is good prognosis if the disease is diagnosed early. Early diagnosis can be achieved through colonoscopy, or occult fecal blood tests – particularly for those with a strong family history of this type of cancer. For those cases discovered at Stage 1, the 5-year survival rate can be as high as 92%. COVID-19 pushed many patients with cancer into severe hardship. For those with a diagnosis, like the patient in this case study – it meant delay in follow-up, scheduling of surgery and chemotherapy. On the other hand, it also caused fear, anxiety and frustration about the risks of seeking care in hospitals. Multiple burdens are foisted upon the patient: fear, anxiety, pain, progression of cancer, financial constraints.
https://up.edu.ph/up-webinar-takes-on-the-challenges-of-kidney-disease-and-dialysis-in-a-time-of-covid/
UP webinar takes on the challenges of kidney disease and dialysis in a time of COVID – University of the Philippines
UP webinar takes on the challenges of kidney disease and dialysis in a time of COVID UP webinar takes on the challenges of kidney disease and dialysis in a time of COVID December 1, 2020 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office   One Filipino dies from kidney failure every hour. There are close to 35,000 Filipinos who are undergoing dialysis and treatment for kidney disease in the country. Over the past decade, the number of new cases has increased by about 15% every year; and with uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension as risk factors for kidney disease that could end up requiring a kidney transplant, dialysis is a temporizing measure. However, the COVID-19 pandemic threw free-standing hemodialysis centers into a tailspin. Many dialysis centers had to shut down due to COVID-19 infections of patients and staff. Many hospital-based dialysis centers also started taking in fewer patients. The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) became the only place to go to for hundreds of patients who could not avail of dialysis, and it soon found itself overflowing with patients who needed dialysis but had no other place to go. The 33rd installment of the University of the Philippines’ (UP) “STOP COVID DEATHS” webinar series is a special edition, focusing on “Dialysis and COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities”, and on how the NKTI, the government’s premiere renal and transplant hospital, found short- and long-term solutions for the unique challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The webinar will also discuss how hospitals can best prepare themselves adequately for the next emerging infectious disease that may cause a global pandemic, and how a “whole of government approach” in addressing a dialysis population can effectively be implemented. The webinar will be held on December 4, Friday, at 12:00 nn. Dr. Romina Danguilan, Deputy Executive Director for Education of Training, and Research Services and Head of the Hemodialysis Unit of the NKTI is the presenter, while Dr. Rose Marie Rosete-Liquete, NKTI Executive Director, will give the opening remarks. Finally, Dr. Elizabeth Montemayor, Professor of the UP College of Medicine and President of the Philippine Society of Nephrology, will be the reactor. Registration slots are limited, so sign up NOW: bit.ly/StopCOVIDDeathsWebinar33
https://up.edu.ph/call-for-entries-pag-aalay-webxhibition-festival/
CALL FOR ENTRIES: PAG-AALAY webXHIBITION & FESTIVAL – University of the Philippines
CALL FOR ENTRIES: PAG-AALAY webXHIBITION & FESTIVAL CALL FOR ENTRIES: PAG-AALAY webXHIBITION & FESTIVAL July 8, 2020 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office   CALL FOR ENTRIES: PAG-AALAY webXHIBITION & FESTIVAL Short videos to feature stories in the time of COVID-19 The University of the Philippines (UP) has issued an open call for entries to the PAG-AALAY webXHIBITION & FESTIVAL, an online video festival that will showcase stories of everyday Filipino heroes. The festival welcomes entries from all, amateur or professional, Filipino filmmakers, multimedia creators, and artists whose works capture stories of resilience, inner strength, and humanity of Filipinos. The theme for this year’s festival is “Pag-aalay sa Panahon ng Pandemya”. The Festival will accept video entries that honor, remember, and immortalize Filipinos whose stories of selfless acts amid the COVID-19 pandemic reflect our values of heroism (bayanihan) and selfless offering or oblation (pag-aalay). As UP President Danilo L. Concepcion put it, the pandemic is a civilization-shifting event that has affected global political, economic, social and cultural systems. “There is no better time for the university to lead a movement that will reaffirm our common humanity and redefine Filipino heroism, beginning with the short video transcending geographical boundaries through the online networks for cultural dialogue,” he said. Throughout the Philippines and all over the world, especially during this time of COVID-19, there are everyday heroes whose selfless acts of courage and kindness show what kind of Filipinos we are, said Elena “Neny’ E. Pernia, UP professor and vice president for public affairs. “These heroes whose acts of pag-aalay are inspirations to all as we face difficult challenges brought about by the pandemic. If you or someone you know is that kind of hero, we invite you to share your story, in video format,” she added. Participants may submit entries to any of the six categories: narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, virtual/augmented reality, and music video. Entries can be submitted to the TVUP, the university’s webcast network, via email at television@up.edu.ph starting on 1 July until 15 October 2020. Entries must have a total running time of 30 to 90 seconds, in a video format that can be easily uploaded to different social media platforms. “Video entries must capture stories of everyday life and experiences that inspire hope and showcase Filipino fortitude,” said TVUP Director Dr. Grace “Gigi” Javier Alfonso, an internationally-acclaimed multimedia artist and UP professor emeritus for film. “The videos do not need to focus on UP or on the university system, but may feature health care workers,  entrepreneurs, provincial life, overseas Filipino workers, local government workers and volunteers, grocery workers, and even families,” she added. All shortlisted videos will be featured on TVUP and streamed via TVUP’s Facebook page. The winners will be announced during the virtual Video Festival Awards Night on 30 November 2020 (Bonifacio Day). They will receive specially handcrafted “Pag-aalay” trophies by UP artist Dr. Alfonso, along with a modest token. Participants are reminded to observe all government-ordered health and safety requirements, quarantine regulations, and other community restrictions in the production of their videos.
https://up.edu.ph/up-visayas-to-hold-webinar-on-the-boon-and-bane-of-social-media/
UP Visayas to hold webinar on “The Boon and Bane of Social Media” – University of the Philippines
UP Visayas to hold webinar on “The Boon and Bane of Social Media” UP Visayas to hold webinar on “The Boon and Bane of Social Media” July 28, 2020 | Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo   Social media usage has no doubt increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has become a sanctuary of sorts for those with internet connectivity, especially in the Philippines, where many areas are still in various forms of quarantine. And there is perhaps no better time than the present to reacquaint ourselves with the pros and cons of social media use. Those interested may participate in “The Boon and Bane of Social Media: A Webinar,” on August 5 at 8:30 AM. It is organized by the UP Visayas (UPV) Information and Publications Office. Speakers and their presentations are College of Management Professor John Lorenz Belano, “Responsible Use of Social Media;” UPV Legal Counsel Nellie Jo Regalado, “Legal Implications in the Use of Social Media;” and College of Arts and Sciences Professor Jude Vincent Parcon, “Be a Positive Influencer in Social Media.” To receive the meeting ID and password for the webinar, please pre-register using this form: https://forms.gle/4Audaxn9JGsnXDXX7.
https://up.edu.ph/up-visayas-holds-first-ever-virtual-alumni-homecoming/
UP Visayas holds first ever virtual alumni homecoming – University of the Philippines
UP Visayas holds first ever virtual alumni homecoming UP Visayas holds first ever virtual alumni homecoming October 6, 2020 | Written by GC T. Castro, UP Visayas OAR Screenshots from the UP Visayas “Alumni Zoomcoming Day” held on August 28.   The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) held its first virtual alumni homecoming from August 19 to 31, 2020. The “2020 UPV Alumni Zoomcoming” was a series of online activities, live streaming events, and virtual reunions organized by the UPV Office of Alumni Relations (OAR) in cooperation with various alumni associations, colleges, and offices. The activities were participated in, attended, and viewed online by thousands of UP alumni throughout the world via Zoom and Facebook Live.   Photo from the UPV Office of Alumni Relations Facebook page.   The “Alumni Zoomcoming Day” was formally opened on the morning of August 28 with a mass sponsored by the UPV Scintilla Juris Fraternity and the Stella Juris Sorority, followed by the opening program. These were streamed live from the UPV Little Theater. This allowed alumni to attend the Thanksgiving Mass and opening program from the safety of their homes. Presidents of the various alumni association (AA) chapters gave their messages in the opening program. Among them were: Mr. Artemio P. Pama, Jr of iAmUPHi Alumni Association; Mr. Allan Angelo L. Quimpo of UPAA Aklan Chapter; Mr. Nicolasito S. Calawag, UPAA Antique Chapter; Ms. Harriette Ong-Banzon, representing Mr. Victor A. Tanco, Sr. of UPAA Capiz Chapter; Dr. Gil Joseph F. Octaviano II, representing UPAA Negros Chapter; Judge Ateneones S. Bacale of UPV Tacloban College Alumni Association; and, Atty. Dennis J. Guevara of UPAA Iloilo Chapter. The officers commended the hard work of volunteer alumni during the pandemic and called for continued unity among the alumni and further service to the community. UPV officials who gave messages along with a video “look-back” at the UPV campuses and colleges were: Prof. Martin G. Genodepa, Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development; Dr. Ramer P. Bautista, Dean of the School of Technology; Prof. Arthur P. Barrido, Jr., Dean of the College of Management; and, Prof. Severa Fe S. Katalbas, Dean of the College of Science and Technology. The event highlighting the activities, “UPV Alumni Zoomcoming Virtual Reunion and Online Socials,” was held in the evening. Alumni were able to see each other by logging on to the virtual gathering, while others opted to watch the program’s live stream instead. The online reunion allowed alumni in attendance a fun, albeit short, kamustahan or catching up. Even those viewing the live stream sent greetings to their former classmates. Alumni from various UPV performing groups provided additional entertainment. Among them were: the UPV Choristers Alumni; UP Khoryu Alumni; Ms. Abigail Leguera, a UPV Performa alumna; Mr. Malik Mariano, a UPV Rhapsody alumnus; and, Ms. Kate Fesalboni, a UP Teatro Amakan alumna. The celebrating jubilarian UP High School in Iloilo (UPHSI) Batch 80 also gave an audio-visual presentation.   Screenshot from the UP Visayas “Alumni Zoomcoming Day” held on August 28.   UPV Chancellor, Dr. Ricardo P. Babaran, welcomed the guests, saying, “We hope that this first Zoomcoming reunion will still allow us all to relive memories of our years in UPV and sustain our longing to reconnect with old friends.” He reported on some of the latest changes, new additions, and improvements to UPV. This included the Oblation’s relocation to the front of the UPV Main Building in the city campus which faces the new Oblation Avenue towards the Delgado St. entrance, which, he said, makes the campus “more welcoming”. He mentioned the new UPHS building, an alumni project, and new infrastructure in the Miagao campus. He thanked the alumni for their continued support to the University.   AVP for Public Affairs and UP System OAR Director Ma. Angelica Abad. Screenshot from the UP Visayas “Alumni Zoomcoming Day” held on August 28.   Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs and UP System Office of Alumni Relations Director Maria Angelica D. Abad greeted the alumni, especially the jubilarians, who were able to attend the “landmark” event. She called on the alumni, whom she considered “drivers in nation building, the pioneers in cutting-edge research, the trail blazers in arts and culture,” to continue to look back to the University and support the scholars especially with the upcoming transition to remote learning.   UP President Danilo L. Concepcion. Screenshot from the UP Visayas “Alumni Zoomcoming Day” held on August 28.   UP President Danilo L. Concepcion also welcomed the alumni to the “first-ever virtual reunion to be held in UP”. He commended UPV and its alumni’s various initiatives at this time of pandemic. “I am filled with gratitude, humility, and optimism because throughout this period I have seen the UP Visayas community, that includes you, our alumni, rise to your very best,” he said.   Screenshot from the UP Visayas “Alumni Zoomcoming Day” held on August 28.   Justice Francis H. Jardeleza, retired Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, delivered the keynote address. He paid tribute to the alumni, from the early pioneers to the “movers and shakers”, who were instrumental in the improvements in UPV, from the restoration of the Main Building, to the renovation of the Little Theater and the construction of the Cinematheque and the Graduate and Continuing Education Building. He also lauded “regular” and anonymous donors, who remain supportive of activities that benefit scholars, among others. Justice Jardeleza ended by announcing the donation of his class, the UPV High School Class of 1965, in the amount of P300,000, for the establishment of the Historical Preservation Initiative, which aims to help in the preservation of the Old High School Building and the Woman’s Club Building. The event included the UPAA Iloilo Chapter’s recognition and appreciation of the COVID-19 initiatives done by various alumni and alumni groups in the region. These were individuals and organizations that have made a big impact on the pandemic response efforts. Alumni jubilarians from the classes of 1965, 1980, 1990, 2000, and other alumni, including Senator Franklin Drilon, Chancellor Emeritus Dr. Ida Siason, officers of various UPAA Visayas chapters, UPV officials and personnel, among others, were also in attendance.   UPV OAR Director Prof. Benmar B. Panaguiton. Screenshot from the UP Visayas “Alumni Zoomcoming Day” held on August 28.   UPV OAR Director Prof. Benmar B. Panaguiton formally closed the program. He said this year’s virtual homecoming was a response to the question, “Are we not having anything for the alumni during the homecoming this year?” With the vital role the alumni have taken on to respond to COVID-19, he knew the hosting of these virtual alumni activities by the University was a fitting tribute to them. “The initial idea was just to have a Zoom meeting where everybody can meet,” which was why it was called a “Zoomcoming,” a virtual reunion. “Eventually it grew as ideas came in,” he added. In collaboration with alumni groups and associations, the colleges, and offices, more activities were added to the week-long homecoming. In closing, he expressed gratitude to everyone who participated in the week-long online activities, and the various alumni and alumni groups who remain at the forefront of community service during quarantine.   The poster for the UPV e-Tyangge by UPV Bulig Barter. Image from the UPV Office of Alumni Relations Facebook page.   Apart from the main events, various pre-event and related activities were held from August 19 to 31. The “Zoomcoming Art Sale” by UPV Office of the Initiative for Culture and Arts, which kicked off on August 19, and the “e-Tyangge” by UPV Bulig Barter, “Baligyakag Iban Pa” on August 24, delighted their participants. The e-Conversations webinar series, “Bayanihan sa Ti-on sang Pandemya”, was held on August 26 and 27. The series included the sessions: “Coping with the Black Swan Event”; “From Sports to PPEs: The Alumni Response to COVID-19”; “Surviving Quarantine”; and, “Into the Barricades: Hopes and Fears in the Frontlines”. Alumni from relevant fields were the speakers. Regular homecoming day food festivals were revised to become compliant with health protocols. On August 28, the “VArrio Fiesta Alumni Brunch”, sponsored by UPV Validus Amicitia Brotherhood, turned into a “limited edition” event. Only the UPV security force and campus maintenance personnel became this year’s guests. The “Golden Lunch” for retired UPV personnel, sponsored by UPV Silak Brotherhood & Silak Sisterhood, went “On Wheels”, with members personally delivering food items to the retirees. Both events were much appreciated by their intended recipients. In the afternoon, the UPV School of Technology continued their Alumni Bingo online. Players purchased cards via electronic means, and played in their own homes.   UPVTC’s Alumni Azoombly. Photo by Mr. Benmar Panaguiton from the UPV Tacloban College Facebook page.   Simultaneously, the UPV Tacloban College held the online “UP Tacloban Alumni Azoombly”. This was attended by a large number of alumni from Eastern Visayas. On August 29, UPHSI alumni followed with the “GOLD: Goldies On Line Day”, organized by the iAmUPHi Alumni Association. Among the attendees were UPHSI officials, the iAmUPHi Board of Trustees, Gov. Arthur Defensor, Jr., and Cong. Sharon Garin. Aside from entertainment and greetings, past and future projects for the UPHSI were also presented. One of their newly completed projects was the UPSHI Learning Resource Center of Excellence building. The activities in the 2020 UPV Alumni Zoomcoming is the University’s simple offering to its alumni who were and still are unable to physically go back to their alma mater. More screenshots from the UP Visayas “Alumni Zoomcoming Day”:  
https://up.edu.ph/ups-genome-center-holds-international-workshop-on-epidemiology-of-infectious-diseases-03-07-july-2017/
UP’s genome center holds international workshop on epidemiology of infectious diseases, 03-07 July 2017 – University of the Philippines
UP’s genome center holds international workshop on epidemiology of infectious diseases, 03-07 July 2017 UP’s genome center holds international workshop on epidemiology of infectious diseases, 03-07 July 2017 June 30, 2017 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Locally-based and UK-based scientists and researchers will share research studies, best practices in understanding epidemiology of infectious diseases, and how advanced tools like Next Generation sequencing and bioinformatics can aid in the detection, prevention and control of the diseases. The Philippine Genome Center (PGC) of the University of the Philippines System in partnership with London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), United Kingdom is holding an international workshop on genomic epidemiology of infectious diseases.   It begins on Monday, July 3 at the Institute of Biology Auditorium in UP Diliman. Bringing together resource speakers from the country’s Department of Health, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, and the University of the Philippines; as well as from UK’s London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of Cambridge, and University of St. Andrews, this day will be filled with lectures and discussions on genomic epidemiology of infectious diseases, relating the role of genomics to the prevention and control of infectious diseases, particularly those relevant to the Philippines. The other days, which will be held at the Computational Science Research Center, will focus on genomic analyses with hands-on exercises. By the end of the Workshop, participants will be able to: (a) process raw sequence data into a set of informative variants, through mapping to a reference genome or using de novo or reference-free assembly approaches, (b) conduct transcriptomic and proteomic analysis in an integrated systems biology approach, and (c) perform downstream population genetic and association analysis. The 5-day workshop ends on Friday, July 7 with lectures and discussions at the Institute of Biology Auditorium. Institute of Biology UP Diliman location map GEID Philippines 2017 was designed for PhD and MSc graduates or students (early career researchers) from the UK and the Philippines to promote collaborations that will enhance the use of tools in bioinformatics, population genetics and statistics in infectious diseases. This entire event was made possible through British Council’s Newton Fund Researcher Links Programme, co-funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (UK) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). BACKGROUND  Infectious diseases, such as HIV-AIDS, malaria, pneumonia and tuberculosis, account for 25% of global mortality and more than half of all deaths in children under the age of five years. The genetic epidemiology of these diseases can be complex, especially as they may involve several genomes, including the host, pathogen(s) and a vector. There is also a need to look beyond the genome to consider other ‘omes, such as the transcriptome, in a more systems biology framework.High throughput genotyping and sequencing technologies are providing insights into these genomes, metabolomes, transcriptomes and proteomes, thereby revolutionizing genetic epidemiological studies and biomedical research. The use of SNP chips in large-scale genome-wide studies of association and genetic selection has revolutionized the study of human disease susceptibility. Whole genome studies of pathogens using high throughput sequencing technologies is leading to the ability to track microbial evolution over time and space, and to identify variants correlated with phenotypes such as anti-microbial resistance. Further, RNA-Seq methodologies are being used to measure transcript abundance and differential gene expression across isolates.To take full advantage of new ‘omic technologies requires the ability to analyze large amounts of data using methods from bioinformatics, population genetics and statistics – the focus of this Workshop. Specifically, the Workshop offers hands-on experience in processing sequencing data to construct genomes, identifying genomic variants, and applying downstream methods such as phylogenetics. Further, the course covers transcriptomic and proteomic analysis in human and pathogen settings. High-profile examples, including malaria, TB and MRSA, will be used to illustrate these concepts, with a strong emphasis on how to implement the methods in practice, the majority of sessions being computer-based. About the Philippine Genome Center The Philippine Genome Center is a multidisciplinary institution that combines basic and applied research for the development of health diagnostics, therapeutics, preventive products, and improved crop, aquaculture and animal varieties. The Center is a duly-created, duly-established and duly-organized genomics-focused and multi-disciplinary research unit of UP as approved by the UP Board of Regents during its 1246th Meeting held on 31 July 2009. PGC is temporarily housed at the 2/F NIMBB Building, National Science Complex, Diliman Quezon City.
https://up.edu.ph/making-resistance-futile/
Making resistance futile – University of the Philippines
Making resistance futile Making resistance futile May 8, 2018 | Written by Andre DP Encarnacion More than a century ago, a scientist named A.L. Melander wrote an article in the Journal of Economic Entomology on a disturbing turn of events in his native Washington. The year was 1914, and then, as now, farmers and entomologists were locked in combat with pests like the San Jose scale—an insect similar to the cocolisap that would nearly overwhelm the Philippine coconut industry a hundred years later. Since its introduction in the US in the 1870s, the scale had been responsible for eliminating thousands of acres of apple trees. The frontline chemical to control it back then was sulphur-lime, an insecticide made by reacting calcium hydroxide with sulphur. Melander himself described the mixture as “fast acting” in its lethal effects. After years of success, however, to his great shock, Melander found that the insects were going against script. Some of the scales just refused to die. More specifically, in samples taken from two Washington cities, he found that while insects from Wenatchee that he sprayed all died within a week, while 90% of the scales from Washington’s Clarkston Valley that he treated remained alive. Remarkably, even after Melander increased the active ingredient by ten times, 74% of the latter still survived. Melander’s recounting of this phenomenon would become the first article ever to document insecticide resistance. For many, it was an ecological alarm bell. Researchers would eventually confirm that insect pests like the scale could take advantage of the laws of natural selection to better withstand insecticides over generations through metabolic or behavioural adaptations.   Dr. Maria Anita Bautista in the laboratory. (Photo by El Bacani, UP MPRO)   Against such a fast-adapting problem, it is up to scientists and farmers to update their own toolkits. For years, UP entomologist Dr. Ma. Anita “Marianne” Bautista has worked hard to do just that. And now as the head of the Philippine Genome Center’s (PGC) Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry Program, she’s spending her time trying to help others.   Lucky charm Eventually, with complementary advances in genetics and genomics, scientists began to look into the molecular basis of insecticide resistance. While Melander went into the textbooks for his work on the San Jose scale, Bautista, too, has done considerable work on an insect pest she considers her “lucky charm”—the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostela L.). The UP Los Baños graduate of BS Agriculture, major in Entomology, first started working with the moth as part of her thesis. Even before doing the genomics work that would become her trademark, she was already deeply interested in controlling its numbers. “Because it is a pest,” she says. “Your cabbage, your kale, your pechay—it is a notorious pest of those crops.”   Diamondback moth (DBM) larvae grown on cabbage seedlings for insecticide resistance experiments. (Photo by Dr. Anita Bautista, UP-PGC)   Bautista, together with other scientists, had not only noticed that the moth and its voracious larvae were costing the world upwards of $2 billion annually, but that they had easily developed resistance to insecticides used on cruciferous crops. Her initial work on the moth as an undergraduate student led her to become a Monbukagakusho scholar, earning her PhD in Agricultural Science at Nagoya University. And it was there that she undertook her most popular research project to date. While many of her peers at the time were looking into classical management systems to try and contain the pest, she wanted to see “at the level of the genes” what mechanisms were behind the moth’s resistance.   Drop by drop The first question Bautista asked was: what genes and enzymes were responsible for the moth’s resistance? Zeroing in on resistance to the insecticide permethrin with professors Toshiharu Tanaka and Tadashi Miyata, she found a promising candidate in an enzyme called cytochrome P450. “When the moth is exposed to insecticides, the tendency of the insect is to increase the expression of these enzymes,” she says . This means that the diamondback moths produces an increasing amount of cytochrome P450, which helps detoxify them from lethal chemicals. Most of these enzymes are found in the moth’s midgut and act via hydrolysis—breaking down permethrin with water and rendering it ineffective.   Droplet-feeding double stranded RNA to diamondback moth (DBM) larvae to knockdown cytochrome P450 gene. (Photo by Dr. Anita Bautista, UP-PGC)   The next important step was to find evidence that this relationship existed. Once a set of candidate genes were determined, Marianne and her colleagues used a technique that was novel at the time—RNA interference or RNAi. This entails injecting insects with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) corresponding to the target genes to inhibit their expression. These dsRNAs are spliced, and they target their respective messenger RNAs—molecules that convey information from DNA, thus preventing them from being translated into enzymes like cytochrome P450. There was only one problem. At around 5 mm. long, diamondback moth larvae would likely not survive being injected with a typical syringe. So what Marianne did was droplet-feed them–a slow and laborious process. At that time, an unorthodox effort, this, however, would eventually pay dividends. In what became a paper published in Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bautista and her colleagues found out that knocking down cytochrome P450 transcripts did reduce the permethrin resistance of diamondback moths. Moreover, her unique droplet-feeding approach to knocking down genes started to be adopted by others dealing with smaller insects. All Bautista’s work with her favorite pest insect finally hit paydirt.   Becoming a mentor Solving such a thorny problem would open several doors for Bautista. For instance, it netted her an invitation to be a postdoctoral fellow at Ohio State University for a project to possibly make insects susceptible once more. Here, she would discover the power of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics, the two pillars of contemporary genomics research. Staying in the US, however, was out of the question. Both Bautista’s family and her willingness to pay things forward led her back to the Philippines, and to the newly established PGC in 2013.   Dr. Bautsita poses with staff from the PGC and the PCARI Shared Genomics Core Laboratory. (Photo by El Bacani, UP MPRO)   Today, she is known as the resident transcriptomics expert at both the PGC and the UP National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (UP-NIMBB). As the head of the PGC’s Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry Program, her focus now is on sharing the novel genomics techniques she learned with the country’s State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and beyond. “I will continue to empower young scientists,” Bautista said, when asked about future plans. Her formative years studying insecticide resistance appeared to have drilled into her a more fundamental truth—that the future of science depends on nurturing the creativity of young researchers. “I think that’s how science should work. It’s really important that you become a mentor.” The heart of this mission lies in Marianne’s belief that promoting genomics knowledge can help solve social, as well as scientific problems. One current project finds her studying another pest, mosquitoes like the dengue-carrying Aedes aegypti. Using lessons from the diamondback moth, she now tries to find correlations between the diversity of these insects and the viruses they carry, as well as the land use of surrounding barangays. “The study is expected to provide benchmarks on the impact of land use change in dengue disease transmission, “ she says. This is a problem where scientific expertise can immediately influence the policy debate. And that sounds like an irresistible next opportunity—even for an expert on resistance.  
https://up.edu.ph/pgc-inaugurates-building/
PGC inaugurates building – University of the Philippines
PGC inaugurates building PGC inaugurates building October 3, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The Philippine Genome Center building (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   The Philippine Genome Center (PGC) inaugurated its building on September 11, nine years after the Center was established by the UP Board of Regents in July 2009. According to UP President Danilo Concepcion, the structure is just the first phase and the second building behind it is still being completed.   CHED OIC J. Prospero de Vera III (leftmost) and former UP president, Dr. Emerlinda Roman (rightmost) lead the ribbon cutting ceremony at the entrance of the PGC building. With them are (from left) UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla, Mrs. Carmen Pascual (representing immediate past UP president, Alfredo Pascual), PGC Executive Director Cynthia Saloma, immediate past UP vice president for academic affairs Gisela Concepcion, and UP President Danilo Concepcion. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   CHED OIC J. Prospero de Vera III (left) and UP President Danilo Concepcion unveil the marker at the lobby of the PGC building. Joining them are (from left) University of the East President and Chief Academic Officer Ester Garcia, Mrs. Carmen Pascual, Dr. Gisela Concepcion, Dr. Cynthia Saloma, Dr. Carmencita Padilla, Dr. Emerlinda Roman, former DOST undersecretary Amelia Guevara, and UP Vice President for Academic Affairs Cynthia Bautista. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   Department of Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato dela Peña and Commission on Higher Education Officer-in-Charge J. Prospero de Vera III, representing the agencies that have been giving tremendous support to the PGC, celebrated the occasion with the University.   (Photos by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   Because of these partnerships, Concepcion pointed out that the PGC is the best testimonial to the spirit of “bayanihan,” the Filipino value of working as a united community to reach a goal or complete a task. The five-level building contains facilities for DNA sequencing and bioinformatics as the Center conducts research in the following areas: health; agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and forestry; biodiversity and ethnicity; and, computational genomics and systems biology.     One of the products of PGC research is Biotek-M, a dengue detection kit which won a gold medal at the Salon International des Inventions de Genève (International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva) early this year. It is accurate, rapid, and affordable. Concepcion and UP Manila (UPM) Chancellor Carmencita Padilla, who was the PGC executive director from 2011 to 2016, revealed during the program that the equipment cost more than the construction of the building.   Guests take a tour of the facilities. (Photos by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   In a tour of the facilities, PGC Executive Director Cynthia Saloma said that the equipment requires special conditions for their care and maintenance. Adhering to these requirements, in turn, ensures testing accuracy and data security. The event acknowledged the five women who made the establishment of the PGC possible: Dr. Emerlinda Roman, who was then UP president, and the committee she tasked to study the feasibility of putting it up, led by Dr. Amelia Guevara, then UP vice president for academic affairs; Dr. Gisela Concepcion of the UP Diliman (UPD) Marine Science Institute; Dr. Padilla of the UPM College of Medicine; and, Dr. Saloma of the UPD National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.   The committee that paved the way for PGC’s establishment: from left to right, Dr. Gisela Concepcion, Dr. Amelia Guevara, Dr. Cynthia Saloma, and Dr. Carmencita Padilla. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   Former UP president, Alfredo Pascual, who succeeded Roman and preceded Concepcion, recognized the impact and value of the PGC when he came in as university leader in 2011, prompting him to prioritize the initiative as part of his strategic plan. Concepcion remarked that he sees the PGC as an important partner of the soon to be established UP Cancer Research Center, a key component of UP Philippine General Hospital-Diliman, one of his administration’s flagship projects.   Former UP presidents Alfredo Pascual and Emerlinda Roman (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)   Throughout the event, it was emphasized that the PGC was created not for the University, but for the country, the reason for its name. The Center’s motto, “Genomics for a better Philippines”, is also embodied in its activities, such as sequencing services, training programs and workshops, collaborative research, and programs for senior high school students, among others. Both dela Peña and de Vera expressed their agencies’ continued support of the PGC, especially for the development of future scientists and the conduct of meaningful research to address society’s needs. (Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo, UP MPRO)
https://up.edu.ph/genomics-on-the-road/
Genomics on the Road – University of the Philippines
Genomics on the Road Genomics on the Road May 4, 2018 | Written by Andre DP Encarnacion We definitely want more people to be involved in genomics and bioinformatics,” says Dr. Maria Anita Bautista, head of the Philippine Genome Center’s (PGC) Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Program, “because there are many scientists from state universities and col­leges who want to improve their research. These scientists thought that the PGC was only for UP, but it’s not just for UP. The Department of Science and Technology shelled out funds for it so that the PGC could serve the Filipino community.” The message that the national university’s equipment and expertise have always been there for Filipino scientists to use has been one that Bautista and her colleagues have been trying to put out. This sentiment is borne out by the PGC’s goal of training the country’s future experts in genomics and bioinformatics—a task that goes far beyond the borders of UP. Getting the word out on what the PGC has to offer is no easy task. Since 2012, however, under current Execu­tive Director and former DNA Sequencing Core Facility (DSCF) chief Cynthia P. Saloma, the PGC has literally been getting their show on the road. Through a series of roadshows, PGC staff are hitting the regions and their as­sociated SUCs to share both the PGC’s high-tech tools and the knowledge to use them. Bautista herself did the rounds when she briefly became DSCF director in 2016. “During that time,” she says, “our task was to inform the Philippine scientific community that we already have these state-of-the-art tools that we can use. So if they want to get involved in genomics research, they don’t have to outsource. They can use the facility for their sequencing needs.” The PGC is mandated to provide access to its advanced sequencing and bioinformatics services to strengthen the country’s academic and research infrastructure. Its DNA sequencing services include capillary sequencing (a tech­nique originally used by the Human Genome Project in the 1990s) and medium- and high-throughput Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), along with nucleic acid extraction, quantification, and library preparation. On the bioinformatics end, the PGC also offers data processing and analytics services for NGS data, and high-computing services for those who want to do the analyses themselves.   A participant of the UP PGC 2017 Introduction on Next Generation Sequencing and Data Analysis. (Photo by the Philippine Genome Center, https://pgc.up.edu.ph/)   “I asked the staff to help me spread the word that there was a sequencing facility that they could use,” she says. “And if cost is an issue, our offer was, you could be trained. You could process your own samples and won’t be charged as high because you won’t be paying for manpower. So the goal really was to train scientists, students, and researchers. We just want to follow the PGC mandate.” What exactly happens when the PGC goes on tour? “This is how we do it,” Bautista explains. “We have a series of lectures. First, we invite people. If the workshop is on agrigenomics, we ask at least three people working on three different commodities to do lectures. So for example one would speak on crops, one on insects, and one on shrimp or forestry. And then in the afternoon, we introduce the platforms that we have at the PGC. “The first question usually is: can we use them? And we say, of course you can use them! And the next one is: may bayad po ba (is there a fee)? Yes, there is a fee, but it’s not high. Because our mandate is to let them know how to use the facility. We also have a lecturer on bioinformatics, so it’s typically a one-day workshop.” Bautista adds that the good thing about the workshop is that it doesn’t end there. “The participants come back. They write to us and ask for in-house training. So it’s a promotional campaign to let them know what we can do for them.” In order to tailor the workshop to certain SUCs, the roster of speakers is chosen to fit the region. “We first look at what commodities they focus on and then we invite people.” For example, when they go to Benguet up north, “We go to Central Luzon State University. PhilRice is there, and so is the Philippine Carabao Center. So we invite people to talk on the genomics of crops that grow in the north, like rice and corn. We will get people to talk on the genomics of the water buffalo or cows. That’s how we conduct the workshop.” After successful stops recently in Iloilo and Benguet, as well as the addition of several first-of-their kind sequencers to the PGC’s Shared Genomics Core Facility, the PGC’s roadshow will pick up steam in 2018. “We would like to encourage other researchers to link up with us,” Bautista says. “We can also help them craft research proposals spe­cifically for their areas, in collaboration with the PGC, but with the SUCs as implementing agencies. Because that’s the purpose—that we extend our services beyond UP.”
https://up.edu.ph/infectious-disease-symposium-brings-together-ph-uk-genomics-experts/
Infectious disease symposium brings together PH, UK Genomics experts – University of the Philippines
Infectious disease symposium brings together PH, UK Genomics experts Infectious disease symposium brings together PH, UK Genomics experts November 23, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Philippine Genome Center Director Cynthia Saloma (2nd from left) with the afternoon session’s presenters (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO)   Experts from across the world gathered at the UP Diliman Institute of Biology Auditorium and the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) on November 5 and 8, 2018 for the multidisciplinary symposium , “Genomic Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases 2018” (GEID 2018). The symposium brought together researchers from the Philippines and the United Kingdom to discuss how cutting-edge advances in ‘omics science can be applied by Filipinos to the study of infectious diseases and used in the service of the country. ‘Omics refers to the collective technologies used to interpret, investigate the functions and interactions of the different molecules, such as DNA and RNA, that constitute an organism’s cells. The two segments of the workshop tackled unique dimensions of ‘omics applications, with Day 1 covering the broader applications of omics in studying infectious diseases and Day 2 tackling specific ‘omics applications in viral outbreaks, like Zika, and in the sequencing of parasite genomes. The symposium was made possible through the partnership of the Philippine Genome Center with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), the British Council’s Newton Fund and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).   Dr. Stephane Hue of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine talks about HIV genomics (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO)   Sandwiched between the symposium’s two segments was a similarly themed workshop, which aimed to equip local researchers with sufficient knowledge on the relevance of ‘omics technologies in the surveillance, management and control of infectious diseases and their applications. It was attended by a mix of British and Philippine scholars and was open to the Philippine research and public health communities. In his opening remarks, Dr. Benedict Maralit of the PGC’s DNA Sequencing and Bioinformatics Core Facility (DSBF) lauded the groundbreaking nature of the symposium, it being only the second to be held in the PGC’s newly inaugurated home. He also thanked the LSHTM, who featured a contingent led by Emerging Infectious Disease expert, Martin Hibberd, for helping to create a better, more forward-looking symposium. According to Maralit, the expertise of the LSHTM has allowed the PGC to expand from its initial focus on genomics, to tackle also “transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics”. “That in itself is exciting,” he said, while noting how the PGC’s collaborations with international partners have helped it to expose even K-12 students to emerging technologies that can shape the country’s future.   Participants of GEID 2018 pose for a group photograph (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO)   Speaking on behalf of UP Vice President for Academic Affairs Cynthia Rose Bautista, UP Office for International Linkages (UP OIL) Director Gil Jacinto lauded how the symposium and workshop facilitated the exchange of values and good practices in research, especially between UP and LSHTM. “It is our privilege to have been inspired and guided by experts who are outstanding in their fields and at the same time passionate about improving lives through high quality, meaningful research,” Jacinto said. (Andre DP Encarnacion, UP MPRO)
https://up.edu.ph/up-webinar-to-talk-about-covid-19-booster-shots-what-we-know-so-far/
UP webinar to talk about COVID-19 booster shots, what we know so far – University of the Philippines
UP webinar to talk about COVID-19 booster shots, what we know so far UP webinar to talk about COVID-19 booster shots, what we know so far September 22, 2021 | Written by Deina Blancaflor The University of the Philippines (UP), in partnership with UP Manila NIH National Telehealth Center and in cooperation with UP Philippine General Hospital, invites you to join the fight against COVID-19. What do we know about “booster shots” against COVID-19 so far? Join us this Friday, September 24 at 12nn, as we discuss “Ano nga ba ang COVID-19 Booster Shots?” This webinar hopes to clarify some of the questions about this heavily talked-about topic: Are all the vaccines providing adequate protection against all variants, especially Delta? Should people be getting additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines? What’s the science and evidence so far regarding booster shots? The debate regarding if and when people should be receiving COVID-19 booster shots continues. This episode will also tackle the World Health Organization’s concerns about vaccine equity and why everyone in the world must have at least one vaccine before even considering extra doses. The panel will be led by Dr. Nina Gloriani, former dean of UP College of Public Health and currently the Chair of the Vaccine Expert Committee. Dr. Marie Carmela Lapitan, professor at the UP NIH, will follow with her presentation on epidemiology. From a logistical perspective, the FDA Director-General, Dr. Rolando Enrique Domingo, will discuss the regulatory processes for ensuring that an additional dose is safe and appropriate. Lastly, infectious disease specialist Dr. Sonia Salamat will share her views on boosters and COVID-19 variants. Dr. Charlotte Chiong, the UP College of Medicine Dean, will close the event with her synthesis and message. Register here and catch the Livestream via TVUP’s official Facebook and YouTube accounts. The “Stop COVID Deaths” webinar series is the Philippines’ first and only frontline-focused medical webinar series. It pioneered the discussion, dissemination, and adoption of knowledge on COVID-19 treatment and management. Follow our accounts and stay connected with your credible online community.    
https://up.edu.ph/up-webinar-to-tackle-spaces-hospital-design-amid-covid-19/
UP webinar to tackle spaces, hospital design amid COVID-19 – University of the Philippines
UP webinar to tackle spaces, hospital design amid COVID-19 UP webinar to tackle spaces, hospital design amid COVID-19 November 10, 2021 | Written by Deina Blancaflor The University of the Philippines (UP), in partnership with UP Manila NIH National Telehealth Center and cooperation with UP Philippine General Hospital (PGH), would like to invite you to join the fight against COVID-19. Despite ongoing vaccination rollouts, strict observation of health protocols, and implementation of lockdowns now and then, one thing is for sure: COVID-19 isn’t going away anytime soon, and we all must adapt to the constantly changing so-called ‘new normal’. While health care workers continue to sacrifice blood, sweat, and tears to provide care for COVID-19 patients, we realize that other illnesses and conditions—cancer, pregnancies, and maternal care, physical injuries, and so on—need just as much medical attention and routine follow-ups as those with the virus. The pandemic has forced us to be more creative and innovative when organizing hospital space, utilizing spare rooms and corners, and making the most out of health centers to continue serving COVID and non-COVID patients without risking the spread of infection for the latter. This Friday’s “Stop COVID Deaths” webinar series episode, titled “Hospital Design: Nakakatulong ba a Pandemya?” has invited three speakers who will be sharing their ideas, expertise, and on-the-ground experience. UP PGH Director Gerardo “Gap” Legaspi will present the One-Ward Concept implemented in the UP PGH. Meanwhile, Dr. Dennis P. Serrano, Medical Director of the St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City, will provide the perspective from a private hospital. Lastly, renowned green architect Ma. Luisa Daya-Garcia will discuss the importance of green design not only for pandemics but for long-term sustainability and resilience against the backdrop of extreme weather conditions, floods, droughts, and other effects of increasing surface temperature and climate change. The webinar, the 78th episode of the “Stop COVID Deaths” webinar series, will run from 12 pm to 2 pm. Register here and catch our weekly live tweets and streams via the UP System Twitter Account and TVUP’s YouTube and Facebook pages. Stay connected for more timely and accurate information on COVID-19.  
https://up.edu.ph/stop-covid-deaths-sets-tone-for-2022-amid-covid/
“Stop COVID Deaths” sets tone for 2022 amid COVID – University of the Philippines
“Stop COVID Deaths” sets tone for 2022 amid COVID “Stop COVID Deaths” sets tone for 2022 amid COVID December 7, 2021 | Written by Deina Blancaflor The University of the Philippines (UP), in partnership with UP Manila NIH National Telehealth Center and cooperation with UP Philippine General Hospital (PGH), would like to invite you to join the fight against COVID-19. As the year ends, we are all hoping for a better and safer ‘new normal.’ However, the looming fear of uncertainty is also due to the new Omicron variant and the ever-mutating COVID-19 virus. In this unique UP “Stop COVID Deaths” year-ender episode, we ask: “Will We Ever Control COVID-19?” “How are we preparing for the coming year?” “What have we learned both from these last two years and other pandemics in the past?” This webinar hopes to set the tone and expectations from a public health perspective in 2022. Special Envoy of the President for Global Health Initiatives and public health expert Dr. Susan Pineda Mercado will be the main speaker. She will reflect on what it will take to control COVID-19 using the lens of history—looking beyond just the biomedical solutions and injecting ecological, political, and social contexts that drive infections and inequalities in health. Dr. Annette David, an active leader in the medical community of Guam, Dr. Enrique “Ike” Ona, former Secretary of Health, and Dr. Vivien Fe F. Fadrilan-Camacho, UP Manila Associate Dean for Research, will each share their take on what to expect this 2022. In this concluding episode for the year, the entire UP “Stop COVID Deaths” webinar series team would also like to thank our audiences and participants for a year of collaboration, ideation, and compassion. Don’t forget to register for the webinar here and catch our weekly live tweets and streams via the UP System Twitter Account and TVUP’s YouTube and Facebook pages. The Stop COVID Deaths Webinar Series is the Philippines’ first and only frontline-focused medical webinar series. It pioneered the discussion, dissemination, and adoption of knowledge on COVID-19 treatment and management. Follow our accounts to stay connected with your credible online community.    
https://up.edu.ph/going-beyond-the-summit/
Going beyond the Summit – University of the Philippines
Going beyond the Summit Going beyond the Summit July 12, 2018 | Written by Stephanie Cabigao UPM members were ready to take the ascent going to the Saulay campsite in Mt. Sicapoo. (Photo by Joyce Belle Dinglasan)   “Life begins kapag hindi ka na nag-iinarte,” so the UP Mountaineers say. What could this actually mean for the longest running mountaineering organization in the country? Its forty years tell us how UP Mountaineers pioneered and sustained mountaineering as a consequential sport. More importantly, it showed how mountaineering is not just about literally reaching the summit, but going beyond it.   Mountaineering as a sport Since 1977, the UP Mountaineers have counted over a thousand professionals and students as members, as the open organization has welcomed individuals in and outside the UP community. Its strength lies in its observance of two basic rules—punctuality and participation. UP Mountaineers President Ed Magdaluyo defines mountaineering thus: “Primarily, like any other kind of sport, it requires one to be physically fit. In fact, during the application period, applicants go through a physical fitness program, which is later applied to levels of climb activities before attaining membership status. It’s also about setting the right attitude while performing those tedious physical activities,” the UP Mountaineer Batch 2013 adds.   UPM members at the base of Annapurna mountain range of central Nepal. (Photo by Dennis Lopez)   The team made it to the Everest Base Camp, situated at 5,300+ meters above sea level at the heart of the Khumbu Valley in Nepal. (Photo by Dawa Lama)   UP Mountaineer Batch 2016 Donna Padilla emphasizes attitude and mental fitness as very important qualities to possess as a mountaineer. “Like any other sport, mountaineering requires a holistic kind of preparedness, which means equipping oneself with physical strength as well as mental toughness.” “To those who are wondering, mountaineering is not an expensive sport. As long as you have a good pair of hiking shoes and proper clothing gear, you’re all set,” says Magdaluyo. “Other hiking gear is shared, especially among UP Mountaineers,” Padilla adds.   Superlative mountaineering Magdaluyo, an associate professor at the Department of Mining, Metallurgical, and Materials at the College of Engineering, says that mountaineering is a multisport. “We have developed various physical fitness trainings and programs necessary for every climb we take. In turn, this exposure to high impact physical fitness, such as running and swimming, has turned members into trail runners, rock climbers, bikers, even triathletes.” “I have been joining small groups of mountaineers in several hiking activities. But only when I signed up for the UP Mountaineers did I change how I value my every climb. It taught me to not only think about myself, but also to consider the surroundings, to become responsible in general,” College of Home Economics Food Technology major Padilla shares. Of course, Romy Garduce’s Mt. Everest climb is one of the many shining moments of the UP Mountaineers, according to Magdaluyo. Besides that, the organization also takes pride in its unrivaled expertise in opening up new and emerging trails.   Green is Good: Mt. Apo reforestation effort of UP Mountaineers. (Photo by Romi Garduce)   Always practice the Leave No Trace Principle   Padilla and Magdaluyo also mention the mountaineering training programs that the organization has developed over years of hiking experience, from basic mountaineering courses to outdoor life support, and crisis and rescue response. The recent success of the Akyat Convention held last May 18-19 with over 300 participants in attendance was a gratifying moment for these members. Magdaluyo describes this year’s convention theme—transformative learning beyond mountaineering—as a platform that provided discussions on pressing issues in four identified areas such as biodiversity, the digital age, ecotourism policies, and practices from various mountain terrains. While the UP Mountaineers have achieved these milestones, there are also moments in its history that remind them of constant struggle, even the inevitability of death. “It is a challenge to encourage students to join because they think that this endeavor is expensive and difficult to integrate with their studies. But as I have always said, UP Mountaineers is all about sharing and responsibility too,” Padilla explains. “Every year, we have a special climb dedicated to the fallen members of the UP Mountaineers. Our memorial climb commemorates the lives of our fellows whom we have lost along the way. We usually conduct this at the same time as the induction climb of our new members,” says Magdaluyo.   Going beyond the sport So, what does it mean, when the UP Mountaineers say, “Life begins kapag hindi ka na nag-iinarte?” “Every climb yields a different view which you can never see in the lowlands. Of course, there’s the sea of clouds, but that’s temporary. It is more about your vulnerability and keeping yourself open to the enchantments of nature, the mountains. It is a different kind of fulfillment to reach the summit from a long, hard struggle in the trails, and rewarding yourself with good food at the top,” Magdaluyo explains. Padilla adds that “every time I reach the summit, it is always a humbling experience for me as I see myself as just a part of the whole vastness of nature.”   Aside from hiking, UP Mountaineers members also venture into rock climbing for a different kind of thrill. (Photo from Bram Barrameda)   The statement also means to look past the self and go beyond the sport, according to Magdaluyo. As the current UP Mountaineers president, he is looking forward to numerous ongoing and new projects such as trail explorations, ecotourism training projects, and geotagging research. He emphasizes the need for these training projects and collaborations with local government units to properly educate local guides as well as provide guidelines in implementing trail entry policies and security and environmental issues common to all hiking areas such as waste pollution and forest degradation. Padilla, for her part, emphasizes the continuing education of the members as well as non-members of UP Mountaineers on responsible mountaineering. “If we are able to raise their awareness through education about responsible mountaineering, they will be able to have that drive to take care of nature. We desire to educate people to be mountaineers.”   Read the online UP Forum April-June 2018 Vol. 19 No. 2 issue in full here.
https://up.edu.ph/meet-the-giant-clam-fam/
Meet the giant clam fam – University of the Philippines
Meet the giant clam fam Meet the giant clam fam June 22, 2018 | Written by Stephanie Cabigao It is impossible to miss those electric colors—shifting from olive green to brown or dark green to violet; those shining in brilliant shades of blue and green; or the ones freckling in mixed colors of yellow, green, and brown; and especially those looking regal in mottled patterns of yellow-brown, green or gray—when passing through the waters of Silaqui Island in Bolinao, Pangasinan. Their luminescence is matched by their gigantic size, which make them the darling giants of the North. There are nine extant species of giant clams. Seven of these are found in the Philippines, four of which are home to University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute-Bolinao Marine Laboratory (BML). These giant clams are being cultured both at its onshore hatchery and ocean nursery.   A peek through UP Marine Science Institute-Bolinao Marine Laboratory’s ocean nursery at Silaqui Island in Bolinao, Pangasinan (Video by Rubie Esmolo, UP MSI-BML and Stephanie Cabigao, UP MPRO)   Giant clam fam The bands of olive green to brown or dark-green to violet clams are the Tridacna gigas, more commonly known as the true giant clams, because adults have such immense shells. In the Philippines, they’re called taklobo, a term which applies to most giant clam species, according to administrative aide Julio Curiano Jr. Particularly, these species of T. gigas are locally called bukà, with reference to the clam’s gaping habit, Curiano adds. Hagdan-hagdan, the Filipino name for Tridacna squamosa, is the type of giant clam in mottled patterns of mixed yellow, green, and brown. Those in brilliant shades of blue and green in linear patterns are called Tridacna derasas. Another member of the BML’s clam fam is the Hippopus hippopus, locally called kukong-kabayo, in mottled patterns of yellow-brown, green, or gray. The magnificent colors that these species produce are part of a process of symbiosis. Curiano explains that giant clams are symbiotic with zooxanthellae, particularly Symbiodinium microadriaticum. “Zooxanthellae are dinoflagellates that live within the clam’s mantle, where they are able to photosynthesize, reproduce, and grow in large numbers,” Curiano says. He adds that the presence of giant clams makes the ocean conducive for various fish species to reproduce, making it rich and abundant.   UP MSI-BML giant clams administrative aide Julio Curiano Jr. holds a Tridacna derasa straight out of the ocean nursery. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO)   Giant clams are protandrous, meaning, they begin life as males. Curiano describes how these species are male from zero to seven years old. Thereafter, they are able to release both sperm and egg. He theorizes that since giant clams are sessile creatures—or fixed in one place—they have adapted to become hermaphrodites for their survival. The highest egg production recorded by the Marine Science Institute was 105 million eggs from a 61-cm clam. However, giant clams are cultured at the BML in a different way from their natural spawning. Curiano says that his team takes 20 giant clams from various cohorts during the spawning phase. “We do away with inbreeding because it has a lesser chance of survival,” he adds.   The oldest and the largest Curiano is a fisheries graduate from Samar. It was only through a job advertisement in a daily newspaper that he learned about giant clams when the BML opened its research aide post. He immediately applied for the post, and soon after, he was seeing these huge clams for the first time in 2006. He recalls that it was in 1983 when Dr. Edgardo Gomez, in collaboration with Dr. Angel Alcala, surveyed the waters off Bolinao, and eventually discovered the depletion of the giant clams there. That same year, they acquired three juvenile giant clams all the way from the Solomon Islands. Since 1985, the BML has been able to increase the number of giant clams, as well as to distribute them to as far as the United Kingdom and Germany. Two of the three giant clam pioneers from the Solomon Islands are still alive today, with a massive size of 98.3 centimeters, the largest giant clams recorded in the country. BML also holds the biggest kukong-kabayo (Hippopus hippopus) at 90.3 centimeters, with T. derasa growing as large as 93.6 centimeters; and hagdan-hagdan at 87.6 centimeters. These gentle giants have a lifespan of 50 to 60 years, according to Curiano.   Passing through Site 3 of UP MSI-BML ocean nursery where adult and juvenile giant clams are cultured. (Video by Rubie Esmolo, UP MSI-BML and Stephanie Cabigao, UP MPRO)   The parent giant clams are 35 years old today. Currently, the BML watches over a total of 35,687 adult giant clams at its ocean nursery, and about 62,000 juveniles at the hatchery. Curiano explains that they grow these juveniles to about 3 centimeters at the onshore hatchery before they are released into the wild.   A giant clam marine reserve On board the giant clam program are Rubie Esmolo and Vanessa Joy Diamante. Both are research assistants like Julio Curiano. They are also in charge of the BML’s research and extension programs. “A marine reserve is set to be established soon in collaboration with BML and the local government unit of Bolinao,” Diamante says excitedly. “What the BML and the LGU of Bolinao want is to make this part of Bolinao a protected and ecotourism area. We got word from the LGU that the bill has already been passed calling Bolinao the giant clam capital of the Philippines. So, we are moving forward to our next goal, making the marine reserve happen.”   UP MSI-BML giant clams research assistant and extension programs coordinator Vanessa Joy Diamante (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO)   She adds, “The ordinance for establishing the marine reserve is on its way. As we await its public hearing, we are now working with the residents of Silaqui Island on forming a people’s organization that will prepare them as primary point persons of the marine reserve. This will be significant to the lives of the residents of the island as well as to BML, because it will provide us with the financial resources to sustain the training and maintenance of the giant clam nursery.” Aside from maintaining the giant clam facility, Rubie Esmolo is focused on the upcoming extension activities of the BML. She points out the success of its public information seminar in March with law Prof. Jay Batongbacal on the protection and conservation of Philippine marine biodiversity, particularly at Benham Rise and the West Philippine Sea. Another activity was an open-house exhibit and the launch of the Adopt-a-Clam project in April.   UP MSI-BML giant clams research assistant and extension programs coordinator Rubie Esmolo (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO)   The team takes pride with its successful participation in the 4th Asia Pacific Coral Reef Symposium in June, as well as with its several trainings, outreach and environmental programs showcasing the BML’s research initiatives. Esmolo, along with the rest of the team, is looking forward to a bigger and busier year ahead. The BML aims to promote the giant clam program more than ever to heighten the awareness of the public, as well as to strengthen its sustainability so people can enjoy their company for many more generations to come.  
https://up.edu.ph/in-systems-and-in-health/
In systems and in health – University of the Philippines
In systems and in health In systems and in health July 25, 2018 | Written by Stephanie Cabigao “Health is a very difficult agenda. In local politics today, no one will believe you when you define health as a campaign issue by giving out ‘free’ PhilHealth. That era is over. There are a lot of health issues that can be solved without doctors and just by governance,” says Del Carmen’s man of action, Mayor Alfredo M. Coro II. What drove this UP Los Baños Computer Science alumnus, with a graduate degree in Technology Management from UP Diliman and years of ThinkPad technologies experience, to turn the sleepy town of Del Carmen on the island of Siargao in Surigao Del Norte into a dynamic municipality that leads the country in health management?   Mayor Alfredo M. Coro II talks about the Seal of Health Governance (SOHG) at Del Carmen’s police station after his team had successfully seized an illegal commercial fishing vessel in Surigao (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO)   For Coro, being a native of Del Carmen and at the same time an Isko immersed in public service was always a reason to come back. It was in 2009 when he was called to run for public office. It was an opportunity for him to apply his IT systems background to good governance, especially for something as abstract as health.   Health as a framework for governance Del Carmen consists of four island barangays, nine coastal barangays, an upland barangay, and six inland barangays. It is the largest town on Siargao Island, with a population of about 20,000, mostly farmers, fisherfolk, senior citizens, government employees, and students. “We have the airport, the sea port and the state college. I have a city problem in a 5th class community,” Mayor Coro points out. He looks at the town’s pressing issues as a matter of health. “By focusing on health, we are also able to address other issues in food security, environment, poverty, social and economic activities,” Coro says.   A part of Del Carmen’s sea port with a view of its lush mangrove forest (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO)   “At first, we had no data. There was nothing until we started documenting things from one barangay to another,” he recounts. “The concept is for you to understand the complexity of health systems and develop a complex solution to the complex problem. And then, I heard about a health governance program conducted by Zuellig. I persevered and insisted and that our town be included in its two-year program in bridging leadership,” he continues. He confesses that he had no idea what exactly to do until he took the second phase of the module where he was able to see the uniqueness of Del Carmen’s geography and its situation. The challenge was how to cascade a health system to a municipality that had varied concerns, needs, and physical and cultural characteristics for every barangay. “That’s when we started looking into a health program with problems that even the LGU is part of. I myself had this idea that health was the doctor’s concern. But then we realized that there are so many health issues that are matters of governance,” he emphasizes.   The SOHG experience The mayor, together with the MHO and RHU staff, developed a health governance program to list all the Department of Health (DOH) programs and local initiatives needed to address the priority health targets. “We have a barangay that has a high incidence of teenage pregnancy, others have zero. We have barangays that has Schistosomiasis, while others don’t. Given the varied situations, we cannot use a generic approach. We can address the health issue by finding a solution unique to every barangay,” he says. Mayor Coro also stresses, “You can never be there for everyone. So, you have to capacitate the barangay leaders in identifying their concerns and how to develop their own innovations in addressing their concerns.”   The ‘Shore it up, clean up’ drive participated by residents of Del Carmen (Photo courtesy of the Rural Health Unit of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte)   The Seal of Health Governance (SOHG) is simply a monitoring tool. It has a systems-thinking application to governance in the barangay level. There may be unique and individual health concerns in every barangay; however, there is still a common metric being monitored as non-negotiables, such as maternal deaths, immunization, and infant mortalities, formulated by the collective efforts of the LGU, midwives of BHWs, nurses, and barangay captains. “As a barangay leader, you must be able to quantify how ‘healthy’ your barangay is, and this is expressed through this tool. After being able to establish this tool, we rolled out rewards and incentives. We launched the first set of awards in 2013 during the town’s fiesta. Out of 20 barangays, only 10 participated. The successful outcomes and reports from 2013 have encouraged a 100 percent participation in 2014,” Mayor Coro proudly says.   Toilet bowls being produced by residents of Barangay Antipolo in Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte (Photo courtesy of the Rural Health Unit of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte)   The lack of toilet bowls in Barangay Antipolo led the community to innovate its own locally made urinals. Another barangay zoomed in on clean and green. Meanwhile, one barangay was the first to set up a community-based drug rehabilitation program. “This is not yet in the books,” Mayor Coro says. “As soon as President Duterte declared the war on drugs, we immediately declared drugs a health issue. We asked the help of the UP Manila Community Medicine in teaching us, the LGU and the barangays in solving drug-related problems without anyone dying or getting into jail. We were able to prove it in just three months. No tokhang. We saw that it was possible, so we set it up in other barangays,” he continues.   Health wonders Since health management is continuously improving in this side of the country, community health workers now have the opportunity to visit bedridden patients in their homes. They are also implementing the “white uniform visibility,” which means nurses are set to go to barangays on a daily basis. “We have senior citizens who only got to see a doctor for the first time. The behavior of the people of Del Carmen has greatly changed towards health,” Mayor Coro says.   Del Carmen’s purok evaluation (Photo courtesy of the Rural Health Unit of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte)   Now that all barangays are actively and competitively participating in the SOHG, Del Carmen LGU faces a good problem in terms of providing incentives. The race to being a healthy barangay is not by being the best, but by improving on its own performance.   Twelve barangays of Del Carmen were awarded by the Department of Health-Caraga Region as Certified Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) during the 2018 Sanitation Forum in Butuan City. (Photo courtesy of the Rural Health Unit of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte)   The LGU is expecting the release of the Seal of Health Code soon. It is a collection of ordinances and resolutions related to health. Rex Paitan, head of the Committee on Health, says that the vision is to achieve an efficient health system that will be a preventive and protective tool for the community by 2020. Also on its way is the Siargao Cuban health system which is patterned after the polyclinics of Cuba. One of its pilot areas will include Siargao, particularly in Del Carmen as one of its inter-local health zones. This is expected to take shape in the next three months.   The Seal of Health Governance (SOHG) was recently awarded the “Outstanding Social Innovation in Health.” The award recognizes the program as an excellent model of social innovation in health that enables the delivery of a more inclusive, effective and affordable health service in the community. (Photo courtesy of the Rural Health Unit of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte)   “We are also addressing education, a health system for people with disabilities, mental management, and finally food security. I believe that food security is more complex than health,” Mayor Coro underscores. “If whatever we’re doing is not felt by the community, then whatever we have done is useless. That’s our measure of governance. That’s the bottom line,” he concludes.    
https://up.edu.ph/a-haven-for-everyone/
A Haven for Everyone – University of the Philippines
A Haven for Everyone A Haven for Everyone November 13, 2018 | Written by Stephanie Cabigao A look inside the UP Baguio campus. (Photo taken from UP Baguio Campus Masterplan, February 2018)   The University of the Philippines is the country’s national university—the home of thinkers who help shape the nation. It is also a compassionate and nurturing University committed to honor and excellence. The University environment has always been a welcoming place, a place to turn to for refuge, healing, and enrichment. Here is a look at the University as a haven, a sanctuary of and for the people.   UP Baguio: Quads, commons, hubs The UP Baguio Campus Masterplan (February, 2018) is based on three major principles: 1) respect for nature and society; 2) ensuring long-term sustainable campus development; and 3) linking education to a “living laboratory” for sustainability. The future quads, commons as well as cultural and learning hubs within its forest reserves are spaces that encourage movement, interaction, and productivity. “These address the issue of pedestrian and vehicular conflicts. The recreation particularly of the main quad from a parking lot into a central open space will provide a new circulation and gathering space for students on campus,” says the proposed campus plan.   UP Diliman: Peace sanctuary UP Diliman is home to various academic and public activities. It also provides a public space for its local constituents as well as a peace sanctuary. In 2017, UP Diliman and the Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Inc. (MISFI) entered into an agreement in “developing curricula in the University and MISFI recognizing the vital contributions of indigenous communities, the Moro and peoples of Mindanao to national development and nationhood, forming advocacy campaigns on defense of the rights of indigenous communities, the Moro and peoples of Mindanao among others,” according to Rius Valle, spokesperson of Save Our Schools (SOS) Network-Mindanao.   Lumad children gather during their regular flag-raising ceremony in UP Diliman. (Photo courtesy of Rius Valle)   MISFI is a network of 32 schools, offering basic and secondary education from preschool to junior high school in Regions 10, 11, 12 and 13, with the majority of its students coming from long-neglected lumad and Moro communities. “The Save Our Schools (SOS) UP Diliman has launched a campaign of geotagging communities, schools, institutions, groups and individuals that have been named or have declared themselves as Peace Sanctuaries for the children of the lumad or the indigenous peoples in Mindanao. Geotagging means adding geographical information to digital image, data and social media applications. The campaign works by encouraging individuals, organizations, schools, colleges, units and institutions to declare spaces and communities as a refuge or sanctuaries for lumad children who are displaced or threatened by the ongoing martial law in Mindanao,” UPD Professor and spokesperson of Save Our Schools (SOS) Network-Diliman Sharon Briones explained.   UP Manila-PGH: Haven of hope and healing The UP Manila-PGH Department of Pediatrics is a hub for collaborative and interdisciplinary research in health research. It has launched infrastructure projects prioritizing the delivery of quality patient care as well as providing an environment for recovery and healing. Among these projects is the Teddy Rey Healing Garden, which is an outdoor facility for pediatric patients as well as those with chronic illnesses and their caregivers. Right in the middle of the garden is the Dr. Artemio Jongco Gazebo, where patient-students of Silahis ng Kalusugan and their relatives gather after classes.   Children find enjoyment in their classes at Silahis ng Kalusugan (Photo courtesy of Cynthia Villamor, UP Manila-IPPAO)   The Silahis ng Kalusugan is a school for the chronically ill. “The school was founded by Dr. Perla Santos Ocampo on September 23, 1996 and remains the only one of its kind in the Philippines. She was then the chair of the Department of Pediatrics when she convinced a special education teacher from the Division of City Schools, Manila, Estelita Samson, to hold classes for admitted patients,” Emma Alesna-Llanto wrote in a recent article.   UP Los Baños: Premium on life The College of Human Ecology (CHE) puts a premium on life and the whole cycle of human development. As an institution, CHE addresses the family and community concerns in terms of age and psychosocial conditions. A report by Mary Franhet Esperidion, Daisy V. Pelegrina, and Mark Jayson E. Gloria notes that “CHE has helped children and the elderly. Indeed, human development is business that concerns everybody and should be everybody’s concern as well. And CHE, with its commitment to understand all its complexities, is helping the helpless through their vulnerabilities.”   Neurobics, or brain exercise highlights UPLB’s Elderly Program (EDP) of the 6th Senior Citizens Summit in September 2017. (Photo by Vandolph R. Maningas/UPLB OPR)   The Child Development Laboratory (CDL) teaches children to socialize through play. The Playshop promotes learning and friendships, and facilitates conscious parenting through play. CHE is also the first institution in the country to draw its attention to the elderly with the UPLB Elderly Development Program (UPLB EDP) by providing health and wellness services to senior citizens in nearby communities.   UP Visayas: A safe campus “The UP Visayas Miag-ao campus has always been a safe place for its students, faculty and staff since it opened its doors to the public in 1989. One can still sleep with one’s doors unlocked at night although this is not encouraged,” Chair of the UPV Healthy Lifestyle and Wellness Committee Mary Lyncen M. Fernandez says. Meditation rooms in dormitories and a counseling office courtesy of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA); improvement of library spaces and services; establishment of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Office in Miag-ao and Iloilo campuses; the College Union building and building lobbies; and the 24-hour roving guards are just some of the ways through which the University has made UPV a campus that is truly a haven for its community.   Finding solace at UP Visayas’ reflection room (Photo courtesy of Lyncen Marañon, UP Visayas)   UP Mindanao: An atrium for all Jo-An Garcia, an administrative staff member at UP Mindanao, considers the Atrium Administration building a safe and nurturing space on campus. “As a UP employee for the past 13 years, I consider the Atrium as the center of University life.” “The Atrium is where University activities, such as the University Convocation and Commencement Exercise, are being held. Our Monday flag ceremony is held in this area, and every First Monday of the Month we hold a Kapihan where personnel and faculty administrators partake of small refreshments after attending the flag ceremony to allow both sectors time to interact on various concerns. “It is also the venue of many fellowship activities organized by various sectors. Student organizations also hold regular activities such as quiz bees, debate competitions, sports fests, in this area. The UP Mindanao Alumni Homecoming called Panagtagbo is also held here. The wide space of the area can accommodate around 1000 seats. The Atrium has for its backdrop lush green trees and various plants giving the area a serene and peaceful ambiance. The cream-colored walls and the Bagobo-inspired tiles give it a homey look. It is also well lighted due to its skylight roof,” Garcia pointed out.   The UP Mindanao Atrium as the center of university life (Photo courtesy of Rene Estremera, UP Mindanao Public Relations Officer)   The stable Internet connection, water fountain, and comfort rooms have made the Atrium a place-to-be for most students, staff and faculty. Aside from the Atrium, UP Mindanao has the EBL Student Dormitory, Human Kinetics Center, University Library and the Kalimudan Student Center are also considered safe and nurturing spaces on campus. The spatial and structural designs that make for a nurturing and safe University are based on the principles of freedom, openness, sensitivity, protection and enhancement, as the UP Development and Design Guidelines (2014) state.   The author would like to acknowledge and thank Jennifer Diaz-Guimpol (UP Baguio),Cynthia Villamor (UP Manila), Josephine Bo (UP Los Baños), Lyncen Fernandez (UP Visayas), Jo-an Garcia (UP Mindanao) and Rene Estremera (UP Mindanao) for their inputs and assistance.
https://up.edu.ph/film-scores-music-to-your-eyes/
Film Scores Music to Your Eyes – University of the Philippines
Film Scores Music to Your Eyes Film Scores Music to Your Eyes January 14, 2019 | Written by Stephanie Cabigao How did Shake, Rattle and Roll ever become a hit in 1984, and eventually one of Philippine cinema’s great movie franchises? How did its trilogy—Spirit-of-the-Glass, Frigidaire, and the Manananggal—define the Filipino’s collective memory of horror? How did scenes in the film Heneral Luna rekindle our patriotic and nationalistic sensibilities? Or how did a line in the song “Bituing Walang Ningning” draw the Filipino audience to that showdown moment between Dorina and Lavinia in the movie of the same title? Most moviegoers probably don’t know it, but it’s the music that gives depth to cinematic storytelling. It is essential to keeping the imaginative work afloat and to transforming dialogue and words into a field of image and sound. Musical scoring may be underrated compared to directing, acting, and scriptwriting. But two of UP’s talents are at it in today’s Philippine cinema, and are paving the way for the bright future of musical scoring in the country.   TOFARM’s Best Musical Score for the film Tanabata’s Wife (2018)   Composing for the screen UP Fine Arts alumni May-I Guia Padilla and Diwa de Leon have become staple names in the music scoring industry. It may be a puzzle how they wound up as music composers, given their visual arts backgrounds. But Padilla and de Leon both attribute their success to passion and a combination of talent and networking. Both admit to initially hardly knowing anyone in the film industry. They started out small. Their first clients were film students who were also composing for radio and television, but whose works sometimes didn’t get to air. With 30 original compositions, May-I Guia Padilla started composing at the young age of six. This year marks his breakthrough in the industry. “My major break in musical scoring is winning TOFARM’s Best Musical Score for the film Tanabata’s Wife. The goal was to compose a theme that moviegoers would leave the cinema singing, along with the film’s theme song. I feel that we have succeeded. This is our first win, and hopefully not the last.” “We were also able to create a theme for every character in the film, which is not common in mainstream cinema. No offense, but theme songs are still seldom composed in mainstream movies today,” Padilla adds. For Diwa de Leon, it was when he first saw Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, and heard John Williams’ wonderful score in Betamax format as a child in the 1980s that implanted in him the idea of someday becoming a film composer.   Diwa de Leon sees the boom in the independent film festivals, such as those of Cinemalaya and Cinema One, as auguring well for film music composers. (Photo from Diwa de Leon)   “It was an easier journey for me because of my family’s musical background. National Artist Felipe Padilla de Leon is my grandfather, and everyone, from my uncles and aunts to my cousins, has some musical inclination. But I’m the only one in my family’s generation who decided to make music a full-time career.” A Makiling band member, de Leon made it through from his first big break with Survivor Philippines, to scoring his first full-length composition Kolorete during the Cinema One 2008 Digital Film Festival. “I was asked to compose in the style of Filipino sarswela, a style I know so well, thanks to my family’s roots in traditional music. It won me my first ever film scoring award, the Cinema One 2008 Best Original Score Award.”   Setting the mood Just how important is music scoring? De Leon says that “Music sets the mood and atmosphere in films. It represents its emotional and the internal state. A scene in a film that has no dialogue can still be made to tell a coherent story through music.” “Music is also the only aspect of films that can transcend a film’s life. There’s a reason why some film soundtracks become big on their own. It is because music has an enduring quality. I cannot say the same for cinematography, production design or even directing.” Padilla points out the need to have more venues and platforms for, and forums on scoring. He believes that there are many brilliant Filipino musicians. “We are aware of that artist’s dilemma of having to choose between practicality and passion. I was at that crossroads long ago, but here we are talking about my breakthrough, eighteen years later. So, I encourage film music enthusiasts to strive and trust their art. There’s the thriving support for Filipino artists and the indie scene. I can see growth and confidence in this field.”   May-i Guia Padilla takes pride of his first major break winning TOFARM’s Best Musical Score for the film Tanabata’s Wife. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO)   De Leon sees the boom in the independent film festivals, such as those of Cinemalaya and Cinema One, as auguring well for film music composers. “My advice to aspiring film composers is for them to focus on the story. Film is a director’s vision. It is not the time and place to compose your next masterpiece. Your music exists to serve the vision of the script and the director. If you are okay with that, and have the ambition and the drive to succeed, then by all means, pursue a career in film music. It is a great opportunity to grow as a composer, to be versatile, and simply, to have fun,” concludes de Leon. Listen to Diwa de Leon’s musical scores here: https://www.diwadeleon.com/
https://up.edu.ph/mwss-commissions-up-to-conduct-its-customer-satisfaction-survey/
MWSS commissions UP to conduct its customer satisfaction survey – University of the Philippines
MWSS commissions UP to conduct its customer satisfaction survey MWSS commissions UP to conduct its customer satisfaction survey August 14, 2019 | Written by Stephanie Cabigao University of the Philippines (UP) and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) Regulatory Office penned a memorandum of agreement on August 6 expressing UP’s willingness to assist the MWSS Regulatory Office in its 2019 and 2020 customer satisfaction survey. As stated in the agreement: “The MWSS Regulatory Office is required by the Governance Commission for Government Owned and Controlled Corporation (GCG) to conduct a third party bi-annual Customer Satisfaction Survey (CSS) that will serve as basis for the GCG in measuring performance of the MWSS RO relating to customer satisfaction under the 2019 Performance Evaluation System.”   UP President Danilo L. Concepcion and MWSS Chief Regulator Atty. Patrick Lester N. Ty during the MOA signing (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO)   The agreement’s Terms of Reference further stipulates:  The technical assistance rendered by UP will be through the UP-Centre International de Formation des Autorites et Leaders (UP CIFAL) which “will focus on the assessment of the customers’ level of satisfaction on the service directly rendered by the concessionaires to their respective customers on the premise that satisfied customers reflect good regulation.” In carrying out MWSS RO’s 2nd semester 2019 and 1st semester of 2020 Customer Satisfaction Survey, the main objective of the CSS is to determine the perception of its stakeholders, namely: Maynilad, Manila Water, and its customers with regard to its dealing with MWSS RO. “The conduct of the CSS aims to gather information on customers’ needs, expectations, and issues; and, to identify potential problems and challenges concerning these matters for the formulation of new, as well as the improvement/enhancement of existing policies and standards, so as to ensure that customers receive the highest quality service,” as explained in the Terms of Reference.   From left to right: UP CIFAL Project Director Edna E. A. Co, Ph.D., UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, MWSS Chief Regulator Atty. Patrick Lester N. Ty, and MWSS Department Manager for Customer Service and Monitoring Division Rosendo Alegre. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO).   Present during the signing of the agreement were: UP President Danilo L. Concepcion; UP CIFAL Project Director Edna E. A. Co, Ph.D.; MWSS Chief Regulator Atty. Patrick Lester N. Ty; and MWSS Department Manager for Customer Service and Monitoring Division Rosendo Alegre.