UP Open University (UPOU) Chancellor Dr. Grace Javier Alfonso is the latest recipient of the Concepcion D. Dadufalza Award for Distinguished Achievement. Dr. Alfonso, who is also a professor at the College of Mass Communication in UP Diliman, was chosen for her remarkable contribution as an academic leader, teacher and mentor. It was under Dr. Alfonso’s leadership that the UPOU strengthened its position in the field of open and distance eLearning. She pursued institutional policies, organizational systems and infrastructure projects that allowed UPOU to be a truly open education learning institution. During her term, the Resource-based Course Package as an approach to online course […]
NIP bags 2014 NRCP Most Outstanding Institution Award

The National Institute of Physics (NIP) was recognized by the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) as 2014 Most Outstanding Institution “for its contributions to the country as the leading center for physics research and education [with] sound academic and research policies geared for excellence [and] sustained and increasing generation of new knowledge.” The award was conferred to the UP Diliman-based institute at the 82nd NRCP General Membership Assembly held last March 11, 2015 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila. Dr. Roland Sarmago, NIP director, received the award on behalf of the Institute. The NIP believes that the […]
Consensus reached on proposed revision to the GE program
A consensus was reached among 150 General Education (GE) champions, advocates, implementers and members of the GE councils of all UP constituent universities (CUs) on the proposed revision to the GE program. In the UP System-wide GE Conference held in Tagaytay City last February 5 and 6, the plenary agreed to keep the required number of GE courses within 21 to 36 units and to let the CU decide on the ratio of required and elective courses. Most CUs agreed to adopt the 11 recently developed GE courses as required or core courses. The CUs intend to test run the proposed […]
Three new officials join OVPAA

The Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA) has new administrators on board. Former UP Diliman vice chancellor for administration Mary Delia Tomacruz will be heading R&D resource management as one of the four assistant vice presidents for academic affairs. Dr. Luis Sison, vice chancellor for research and development of UP Diliman from 2006 to 2011, is now at the helm of the OVPAA-affiliated Technology Transfer and Business Development Office. Finally, Dr. Aaron Joseph Villaraza, associate professor at the Institute of Chemistry, will be providing leadership to the Office of International Linkages as its first deputy director. A […]
UP Diliman celebrates the International Year of Light with multi-disciplinary symposium IlumiNASYON
The Philippines joins hands with the rest of the world in observing the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies 2015 (IYL 2015). In UP Diliman, the National Institute of Physics (NIP) is at the forefront of the celebration with the multi-disciplinary symposium called IlumiNASYON. To be held on 9 and 16 March 2015, IlumiNASYON aims to illustrate how light has benefitted society and how it continues to capture our imagination. Speakers will give popularized versions of the basic principles of optical effects used in their studies, and the evolution and current level of their research as it relates to the present state of […]
Good practices, successful models to be discussed in system-wide Academic Leadership Conference
Given the rapidly evolving internationalized landscape coupled with the rise and infusion of technology in education, it has become imperative for the University of the Philippines (UP) to implement infrastructural and cultural changes in major aspects of academic life. Such changes, including shifts in skill requirements, attitudes and knowledge, are necessary to promote and enhance academic excellence and institutional relevance in the 21st century. The Constituent Universities (CUs) have been inspired to revisit their curricula and programs vis-à-vis their niches and UP’s role in national development as well as to examine new technology-enhanced pedagogy that would improve teaching, learning, research, […]
Academe, industry partner for an international symposium on geosciences

Local and foreign experts from different fields of the earth sciences gathered to discuss new findings and innovations in an international symposium convened by the Rushurgent-Working Group (RWG) of the University of the Philippines (UP) National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS). The symposium, titled Crust-mantle Evolution in Active Arcs, was held last February 12 and 13, 2015 at Sequoia Hotel in Quezon City. The first day highlighted new knowledge and scientific data on tectonics, igneous and sedimentary geochemistry, paleontology and geophysics, while the second day dealt with new data that has uses in industry and in geohazard assessment. The tone of the […]
Public Policy Journal relaunched after almost a decade
A new issue of Public Policy Journal (PPJ) was released again by the Center for Integrative and Development (CIDS) after eight long years. Launched last December 10, 2014 in the presence of UP President Alfredo Pascual, the 2007-2013 issue is a compilation of journal feature papers written by esteemed educators and public policy figures from the University of the Philippines: Prof. Gerardo Sicat on the reform of Philippine labor policies; National Scientist Raul Fabella on the role of the state and collective action; Prof. Ramon Pedro Paterno on universal health care financing; and UP Diliman Chancellor Michael Tan on changing identities among Chinese […]
Three UP campuses to offer innovative program in marine ecosystems management
A ceremonial handshake of partners officially signaled the launch of UP’s newest ground-breaking program last January 9, 2015. The one-and-a-half year Professional Masters in Tropical Marine Ecosystems Management (PM-TMEM) will be offered jointly by UP Diliman, UP Los Baños and UP Visayas. The brainchild of the UP Marine Science Institute, it uses a multidisciplinary, integrated systems approach to marine protected areas, and features field exposure and engagement with partners and practitioners. Present during the ceremony were UP President Alfredo Pascual, UP Vice President for Academic Affairs Gisela Concepcion, UP Visayas Chancellor Rommel Espinosa, UP Los Baños Chancellor Fernando Sanchez, and UP Diliman […]