Seated, left-right: Dean Gomez, FR Ramota, Pres. Jimenez, Chancellor Murao, VPAA Cubillan, VCAA Novero Standing: D. del Mundo, M. Rosel, R. Lapina, R. Gamot, K. Cayamanda, Dean Nanola, R. Aguinaldo, Dean Cruz, S. Placencia, D. Sumaylo

The UP System held its first Systemwide Faculty Conference since 2015, with the theme "Transformative Education in the Service of the Nation," from September 17 to 19, 2024, at the Diamond Hotel, Roxas Boulevard, Manila. The conference is considered to be one of the key moments of the current administration to shape the future of higher education in the Philippines collectively. Faculty members and key decision-makers from the UP System and its units attended. Chancellor Lyre Anni Murao led the UP Mindanao delegation with Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs Annabelle Novero and Vice-Chancellor for Administration Leo Manuel Estana. Deans Jhoanna Lynn Cruz, Cleto Nanola Jr., and Aurelia Luzviminda Gomez led their respective colleges.

clockwise: R.Aguinaldo, D.delMundo, R.Gamot, Chancellor Murao, R.Lapina, K.Olalo, J.Abarca, VC Estana, D.Sumaylo, K.Cayamanda, S.Placencia, Dean Gomez

On Day 1, VP for Academic Affairs Leo Cubillan presented the vision of transformative higher education. National University of Singapore President Tan Eng Chye discussed the role of the curriculum, UP Professor Emeritus Maria Serena Diokno spoke on faculty development, and Faculty Regent Carl Marc Ramota spoke on public service. 

On Day 2 of the conference, the "CU Showcase: Agenda and Commitment toward Transformation " featured an audiovisual presentation highlighting the best campus offerings of each UP Constituent University and autonomous college (UP Tacloban). The UP Mindanao presentation focused on new programs or programs that align with the UP Strategic Plan and its commitments toward the transformation of the University. UP Mindanao will share what it is working on to encourage other UP units to collaborate, adapt, or adopt. 

On Day 2, the participants convened in 27 workgroups to discuss the Day 1 presentations, craft their visions, and the alignment of their units' programs and projects with the university's strategic thrust.

In his synthesis, AVP for Academic Affairs Jose Antonio Clemente stated that the conference provided tentative answers to the theme. For this, he urged the participants to review their undergraduate curriculum, the minimum qualifications for merit promotions, and the documentation for what is considered public service.

President Angelo Jimenez closed the conference by saying, "I notice that everywhere I go, there is a light that follows this platform," referring to the UP presidency. "It's not my light, it is your light," he told the faculty members. "You're a shining city on top of a hill. For Filipinos looking for inspiration, [UP is] that brilliance in the dark," he said.

The UP Mindanao delegation to the Conference comprised Chancellor Prof. Lyre Anni Murao, VCAA Prof. Annabelle Novero, VC for Administration Leo Manuel Estana, Quality Assurance Office Director Assoc. Prof. Ritchie Mae Gamot, SOM Dean Assoc. Prof. Aurelia Luviminda Gomez, CHSS Dean Prof. Jhoanna Lynn Cruz, CSM Dean Prof. Cleto Nanola Jr., Registrar Prof. Karen Joyce Cayamanda, Assoc. Prof. Dennis John Sumaylo, Asst. Prof. Roxanne Aguinaldo, Asst. Prof. Shemaiah Placencia, Asst. Prof. Kristin Faye Olalo, Asst. Prof. Minerva Rosel, Instructor Rey Mart Lapina, Asst. Prof. Jezreel Abarca, and Assoc. Prof. Dann Marie del Mundo. 

The UP Mindanao audio-visual presentation may be viewed here: UP Mindanao Faculty Conference Presentation

(With inputs from Jo. Florendo Lontoc of UP Media and PR Office/Photos courtesy of Prof. Gamot/AVP from UPMin PR Unit)