President Jimenez at the CARIM building complex

University President Angelo Jimenez led the ribbon-cutting to open the Kalimuhagan Knowledge Fair Exhibit during his recent visit to the new Center for the Advancement of Research in Mindanao (CARIM). The exhibit showcased the work of various researchers and research groups within the university with the theme "UPMin Research: Transforming Insights into Impacts." 

Research Director May Anne Mata, in her welcome remarks, said kalimuhagan is translated as "light" or "knowledge on how to use something." Therefore, "Let there be kalimuhagan," she declared.

President Jimenez, in his message, said, "The pioneering spirit is the engine behind the establishment of UP Mindanao. This spirit is hardwired into your UP Mindanao DNA. As the first university president from Mindanao, I have committed myself to supporting that vision of the university as a shining symbol for Mindanao."

Architect's conception of the initial KIST Park building

The University of the Philippines Mindanao's (UPMin) Knowledge, Innovation, Science, and Technology (KIST) Park project is moving forward with the due diligence process to obtain anticipated funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) through the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) PRISTINE Project.

PRISTINE, or "Promoting Research and Innovation to Strengthen Transformation of Industries and Enterprises," is a proposed USD 400 million Philippine government loan from the ADB, with the DTI as the executing agency. The PRISTINE program aims to improve the national innovation ecosystem by establishing more applied research and development and innovation infrastructure in line with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

The press conference

the town hall meeting

University President Angelo Jimenez rolled out the UP Strategic Plan to UP Mindanao constituents and the public in a visit on May 7, 2024. President Jimenez started with a press conference, alongside UPMin chancellor Lyre Anni Murao, to share the UP strategic plan with the media. He announced UP Mindanao's upcoming medical program, to be offered in cooperation with the UP College of Medicine, and a civil engineering program in cooperation with the UP College of Engineering. Chancellor Murao added that UPMin units would offer a Master of Science (MS) in Quantitative Methods and Modeling, an MS in Biology, and an Associate in Arts in Entrepreneurship in the next academic year. These are part of UPMin's R2-5K, or "The Road to 5,000 Students," which aims to increase enrollment from the current 1,400 students to 5,000 by 2029.

MinDA Chairperson Secretary Mabel Acosta and UP President Angelo Jimenez present the signed Memorandum of Understanding

The University of the Philippines (UP) and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on a wide range of programs towards sustaining socio-economic development in Mindanao. UP President Angelo Jimenez and MinDA Chairperson Secretary Maria Belen Acosta signed the MOU on May 8, 2024, at the MinDA conference room in Davao City. The memorandum stated that the parties should collaborate on research focusing on governance, conflict mitigation, the environment, and outreach projects for socio-economic development. UP and MinDA will jointly conduct capacity-building activities, exchange information, and plan for these purposes.