Panaad at Kabilin: Pagtatalaga kay Kgg. Angelo A. Jimenez bilang ika-22 Pangulo ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas
[Investiture of Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez as 22nd President of the University of the Philippines]
Date: September 14, 2023
Time: 9:00 AM
Venue: UP Mindanao Atrium, Tugbok, Davao City, Davao del Sur
“The hallmark of UP in the next six years will be service to the nation. Service to the nation is constitutive of who we are and what we do. Together, we will work towards a UP that is more engaged with the nation,” Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez said in his speech on Feb. 10, when he accepted the position and authority of leading the University as its 22nd President.
Born and raised in the City of Butuan, Agusan del Norte, Jimenez is the first Mindanawan and the first Manobo, honored and named as “Datu Mankalagan” or “Great Spirit” in 2007, to become UP President. To mark the symbolic significance of his rise to become the head of UP as the national university, his formal investiture as the 22nd UP President will be held at the Atrium of UP Mindanao, in Tugbok, Davao City, on Sept. 14 at 9:00 AM.
For Jimenez, being a son of the South is integral to his UP Presidency. “It was when I got elected that people reminded me that I’m the first UP President who came from Mindanao; and I was amazed, actually surprised, maybe a little bit shocked,” he said in an interview he did for the UP Forum. “I never realized that my election would resonate in Mindanao. Finally, one of their own has become a UP President. I wanted to, in my own little way, remind UP where its ultimate loyalty belongs; and, I couldn’t imagine a more marginalized community than our IPs in the mountains where there has been an ongoing conflict and there still is right now.”
Jimenez is a labor lawyer and a respected authority on global worker migration. His work has contributed to the establishment of the country’s new Department of Migrant Workers, as well as to the labor migration regulatory framework in countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. A former Deputy Administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, he served as Labor Attache in Japan, Kuwait, and Iraq, and was awarded Presidential citations for his work in ensuring the safety of Filipino workers during the Israel-Lebanon conflict, including the rescue of a Filipino hostage held in Iraq.
With his extensive background in labor migration, Jimenez has been tapped as an expert lecturer by the UP Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders or International Training Center for Authorities and Leaders Philippines. He has also written papers for organizations such as the International Organization for Migration Philippines and the Blas Ople Policy Center He is a regular lecturer on Philippine overseas labor laws at the UP Law Center’s Mandatory Continuing Legal Education program.
Jimenez served on the UP Board of Regents twice, first as a Student Regent in 1992, when he was also elected Chair of the University Student Council of UP Diliman; and again when he was appointed Regent by former President Rodrigo R. Duterte in 2016, during which Jimenez also served concurrently as Trustee of the UP Foundation, Inc.
He obtained both his Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Sociology) degrees from UP Diliman. As a law student at UP Diliman, he was Associate Editor of the Philippine Collegian and President of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines. He went on to earn his Master in Public Management degree from the National University of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. He was also a Lee Kuan Yew Fellow at the Harvard School of Government.
Read more about his profile here
Taking inspiration from and being guided by his Mindanawan and indigenous roots, Jimenez aims to highlight the view from the margins and bring a unique perspective on how UP can further contribute to national development. Championing kindness in the University, and setting public service as a pillar of his vision and strategic initiatives for UP, his administration plans to widen access to UP and UP-quality education through various courses, modes, and platforms, as well as to strengthen partnerships with Philippine SUCs. These partnerships are intended to advance higher education in the country through shared knowledge and expertise.
UP Mindanao, which is hosting an investiture ceremony for the UP President for the first time, is the sixth constituent university under the UP System, and the only UP constituent university in Mindanao with the primary mandate to provide equitable access to quality UP education to Mindanawans. It offers academic programs in the fields of the humanities, architecture, mathematics, food, economics, social, natural, and computing sciences. As a graduate university, it offer a PhD by Research, and graduate degrees in management, food science, urban and regional planning, and sports science. Its development agenda focuses on opening additional academic programs and new Colleges in Human Kinetics, Medicine, and Engineering, to support Mindanao sports, health, technological, and bio-cultural diversity initiatives. UP Mindanao is headed by Chancellor Lyre Anni E. Murao. (For more news on UP Mindanao, visit their Facebook page)
News & Announcements
UP Ugnayan ng Pahinungód’s 30th Anniversary Painting Competition!
Join the UP Ugnayan ng Pahinungód’s 30th Anniversary Painting Competition! This is open to UP students, faculty, staff, alumni, and retirees.
View contest mechanics here: bit.ly/guidelines_maglingkod
Submit your artwork through this link: bit.ly/register_maglingkod
The Ugnayan ng Pahinungód is the volunteer service program of the University of the Philippines. Follow our new Facebook page so you can stay tuned for updates.
Source: UP System Ugnayan ng Pahinungód Facebook
UP Mindanao signs an agreement with UPAA Davao board to start the rehabilitation of the Masjid located inside the campus
UP Mindanao signed an agreement with University of the Philippines Alumni Association Davao (UPAAD) board to start the rehabilitation of the Masjid located inside the campus. This initiative aims to promote its use by members of the UP Mindanao Association of Muslim Students (UPMAMS) and other Muslim constituents.
Chancellor Lyre Anni Murao signed the agreement with UPAAD President Pedro “Bogs” Quitain III. The signing was witnessed by UPMAMS head Sittie Asia Marohom of BS Anthropology 2023 and UPAAD Vice-President Bai Ashrafia Aymee Biruar-Mitmug. UPAAD directors Dr. Khalil Guinomla, Ana Gualberto, UPAAD chairperson Napoleon Concepcion, and Assistant secretary Rene Estremera also witnessed the event. Marie Glenn Sorila, Krishna Balaga, and Brian Good attended through Zoom.
Source: UP Mindanao Facebook
Photos from Bogs Quitain Facebook
UP-AAPMAAI turns over Php200K donation to UP Visayas
UP Affirmative Action Program for Mindanao Alumni Association, Inc. (UP-AAPMAAI) turned over its Php200K donation to UP Visayas Chancellor Clement C. Camposano last August 20, 2023 at Diversion21 Hotel, the last day of this year’s Homecoming celebrations. This was in addition to their initial Php1M donation turned over December of 2020. These will be part of their Endowment Scholarship Program to support students from Mindanao.
Present during the turnover were UP-AAPMI members and officers headed by, its President, Dr. Cherry P. Añasco, Prof. Celia Parcon, and Dr. Alice Prieto-Carolino, and UPV officials including UPV Office of Alumni Relations Director, Dr. Rey Carlo T. Gonzales.
UP-AAPM is a UP System program at UPV implemented in AY 1991-1992 to support UPV students from Mindanao. It ended in AY 1996-1997 when UP Mindanao was established.
Now, its alumni wants to continue its legacy.
(with sources from UP-AAPMAAI, and Dr. Cherry P. Añasco)
Source: UPV Office of Alumni Relations Facebook
UP Alumni Association of Central California (UPAACC) Newsletter Fall 2023
UPV Homecoming in New Highs Post-Pandemic
GC Castro, UPV-OAR
The UPV alumni were treated to a series of face to face events in the 2023 UPV Homecoming. The main highlights were held from August 18 to 20, 2023 in the UPV Iloilo City Campus.
The university’s Office of Alumni Relations (OAR) partnered with the various alumni associations, organizations, batches, offices, and colleges to come up with the various activities for the alumni.
The UP Alumni Association Iloilo Chapter (UPAA-IC) organized and co-organized the bulk of events during this Homecoming season such as UPadyak bike ride, Alumni Games (which include basketball, badminton, and football), as well as the motorcade, food fair and bazaar, wellness activities, the annual election for their board of directors, and the much celebrated annual Homecoming Dinner and Awards Night.
Other partner alumni associations which organized more institutionalized and recurring events include UP Silak/UP Silab AA who conducted the Run UP! fun run, and the Golden Lunch for the university’s retired faculty and staff; UP Scintilla Jvris/UP Stella Juris AA, organized the solemn and recurring Homecoming Mass; Validus Amicitia Brotherhood AA held the yearly favorite VArrio Fiesta brunch for the alumni; and UP Hamili/UP Hamilia AA, with their signature lechon baka (roast beef) for all. OneUPV, meanwhile held an online Homecoming for alumni from different parts of the world.
Alumni association and college tandems include the School of Technology and SOTECH AA, in their regular SoTech Socials and Bingo!; iAmUPHi and UP High School in Iloilo for the colorful, whole-day event, Goldies Day.
Alumni batches also mounted events such as UPHSI Class of 1968’s Tribute to My Alma Mater, an art exhibit of works by their fellow alumnus Prof. Roman Sanares—half of the proceedings from the event are intended to go to UPHSI projects; UPVHS Class of 1983’s showing of 3 short films of renowned Prof. Kevin Piamonte; UPVHS Class of 1965’ free food kiosks, and UPVHS Class of 1981’s Dugo Kay Isko, a yearly blood donation drive.
Mini homecomings included the College of Management’s Alumni Homecoming dubbed ‘Back2Base’, and UP Hamili / Hamilia’s Homecoming held at District 21 Hotel.
Various alumni appreciation efforts were made during some of the events. During Goldies Day, high school batches who were donors to UPV’s ‘Adopt a Room’ Project were given recognition. In the Homecoming Dinner and Awards Night, held at Diversion21 Hotel, three of the remaining pioneer alumni and 12 outstanding professionals were awarded the Oblation Trophy.
UPV Chancellor Clement C. Camposano graced the various events. Other UPV officials were also present in various activities including Vice Chancellor for Administration John Lorenz R. Belanio, Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development Rhodella A. Ibabao, Vice Chancellor for Acedemic Affairs Philip Ian P. Padilla, Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Harold M. Monteclaro, and OAR Director Rey Carlo T. Gonzales.
The annual Homecoming series of events is celebrated by the university in partnership with the various alumni associations, organizations, batches, offices, and colleges.
Skin like butterfly wings: UP scientists investigate rare deadly disease
by Eunice Jean Patron, UPD-CS SciComm
As rare and deadly as it is poetically named, “Butterfly’s Disease” (scientifically known as “epidemolysis bullosa” or simply “EB”) has no known cure. But a handful of Filipino scientists are working their way towards a treatment.
EB is a very serious disease, for those afflicted as well as for their families. Sufferers have severely fragile skin that easily blisters and tears even with the slightest touch, hence the comparison to butterfly wings. EB also varies in form, with mild cases that only affect the outer skin to extreme cases that injure even internal organs—an extreme condition that can lead to severe disability or even death.
To further understand Butterfly’s Disease, scientists from the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) have focused on a genetic mutation known to cause an even rarer type of EB called Junctional EB (JEB), which affects more layers of the skin and can be fatal if it happens during early infancy.
Genetic investigators’ surprise discovery
The onset of JEB has been associated with a genetic mutation called G273D that affects how the body produces a protein called ITGA6-ITGB4 integrin (or Integrin A6B4 for short), which plays a vital role in joining together cells and tissues. The G237D mutation causes the production of malfunctioning Integrin A6B4 and decreases the presence of functional Integrin A6B4 on epithelial cell surfaces, leading to weaker cell adhesion in the skin tissue and resulting in severe skin blisters.
Molecular biologist Dr. Neil Andrew Bascos and his graduate students, Kim Ivan Abesamis and Camille Anne Bagoyo, of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (UPD-CS NIMBB) are investigating just how G237D affects the structure of Integrin A6B4.
“We weren’t looking to study EB when we started this study,” Dr. Bascos narrated. “The main goal of the research has previously been looking at the function of integrins and their roles in cancer. Interestingly though, we’ve found that integrins may be associated with many other relevant diseases. Finding its involvement in this disfiguring disease provides us a means through which our research may be able to help the afflicted people.”
In their computational study, the researchers investigated how the G237D mutation prevents Integrin A6B4 from forming, and from binding their targets properly. Some factors, such as the presence of calcium ions, were also observed to stabilize integrin interactions.
Paving the way for future research
The study sets the direction for further research into factors that can alter the effect of the G237D mutation on Integrin A6B4 function. Exploring these factors can pave the way for discovering cures for EB. “At this point, it’s very much basic research, medyo predictive pa. It would need proof of principle, but these studies give us concrete targets to test in the search for ways to alleviate the disease,” Dr. Bascos said.
Some people with EB die as infants. Others manage to survive, but suffer from chronic illnesses that stem from its effects. Although little is currently known about effective treatments and cures for Butterfly’s Disease, the UP scientists remain steadfast in their quest to gain a deeper understanding of EB, in hopes of improving the quality of life of these patients and their families.
References:
Abesamis, K. I. A., Bagoyo, C. A. S., & Bascos, N. A. D. (2021). Investigating the effect of a non-conservative mutation (G273D) on integrin alpha6-beta4 binding interactions. Biophysical Journal, 120(3). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpj.2020.11.1709
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. (n.d.). Epidermolysis Bullosa. Retrieved from https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/e/epidermolysis-bullosa
EB Research Network. (n.d.). Understanding EB & its classification. Retrieved from https://www.eb-researchnetwork.org/research/what-is-eb/
GMA Integrated News and Public Affairs. (n.d.). Butterfly Child. Brigada. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1693026984165308.
For interview requests and other media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]
Ortiz couple donates a 6-HP air conditioning unit to UP Visayas University Library
Ms. Ninfa Bandorio
Dr. Arcadio F. Ortiz, Jr., M.D., UP Class of 1957 and wife Dr. Josefina B. Pison-Ortiz, M.D., UP Class of 1961, donated a 6-HP air conditioner to UP Visayas University Library. The aircon costs more or less Php190,000.00.
Dr. Ruth Pison, niece of the donor, facilitated the purchase of the said donation as gift to UP Visayas. The aircon was installed in the University Archives section of the University Library located at the new library building in the Miagao campus.
The donation was made possible through the resourcefulness of Ms. Analiza S. Galang-Linaugo, University Librarian.
Photos from UP Visayas Facebook
Source: https://www.upv.edu.ph/index.php/news/ortiz-couple-donates-a-6-hp-air-conditioning-unit-to-up-visayas-university-library
Chan couple of Ontario, Canada donates library materials and supplies to UP Visayas University Library
Ms. Ninfa Bandorio
More photos on UP Visayas Facebook
Dr. Eliseo Chan and wife Estelita Chan donated a total of 68 volumes of books, including the 24 volumes of the World Book Encyclopedia, and supplies such as file folder boxes and plastic folder organizers to UP Visayas University Library.
They are both alumni of the University of the Philippines. Dr. Eliseo Chan obtained his Bachelor and Master degrees in Physics from the University of the Philippines. He completed his PhD in Physics at Ohio University while on a teaching assistantship. After obtaining applied experience in Buffalo, New York and a Post Doctoral Research appointment in Australia, Eliseo immigrated to Canada and married his wife Estelita, whom he met while still in the Philippines. The couple was blessed with twin sons. Eliseo has worked for Ontario Hydro since 1978 as a nuclear specialist.
Estelita, on the other hand, finished her BA in Political Science at the University of the Philippines through a scholarship grant. She obtained her Master of Education degree at Ohio University, where she joined her husband. The couple moved to Canada in pursuit of their education, careers, and an improved lifestyle. Estelita has been working for the Legislative Assembly of Ontario since 1977. (With sources from donors)
Source: https://www.upv.edu.ph/index.php/news/chan-couple-of-ontario-canada-donates-library-materials-and-supplies-to-up-visayas-university-library
UPAA Cebu chapter welcomes new Board of Trustees
On Friday, June 23, 2023, the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) Cebu Chapter marked a significant moment with the induction of its new Board of Trustees.
The evening began with Atty. Ria Lidia Espina, the outgoing President, recounting the accomplishments of the outgoing board of trustees. UP Cebu Chancellor Atty. Leo B. Malagar presented the outgoing trustees with Certificates of Appreciation for their invaluable contributions to UP Cebu.
The new board was formally sworn in by Chancellor Malagar. The newly-inducted President, Marylou “Lotlot” Labrador-Neri, graciously accepted her role, delivering an acceptance speech that inspired hope and promise for the tenure of the new board. Both Labrador-Neri, who studied Bachelor of Business Management, and Chancellor Malagar, who studied Political Science, are from the UP Cebu Class of 1991.
The alumni association plays a pivotal role in the development of UP Cebu, supporting the institution through various initiatives that aim to enrich the campus, bolster its programs, and strengthen the bond among its alumni. The new board is expected to uphold this tradition and help realize the vision-mission of UP Cebu as expressed by and under the leadership of Chancellor Leo Malagar.
Key matters such as the provision of Sablays during graduation, turnover of documents, and the status of the Alumni office were discussed during the meeting. The event was brought to a close with inspiring remarks by Dr. Bryan Albert Lim (UP Cebu BS Biology Class of 2005), Vice President of the UPAA Cebu Chapter.
With the induction of the new board, the UPAA Cebu Chapter is embarking on a new journey of contributing to the growth and development of UP Cebu.
[Photos contributed by Atty. Emi Rose S. Remoroza-Parcon, UPAAC Trustee and Secretary]
Source: University of the Philippines Cebu Facebook