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At the 2025 Australian Alumni Excellence Awards

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Bumped into Kuya Redgie Alejandrino, who retired last year after serving the UP College of Arts and Letters as a security guard for almost three decades. Maraming salamat po sa pagdalaw at sa walang humpay na paglilingkod sa CAL at sa ating unibersidad🙏

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Last week, I was fortunate to discuss "Harnessing the Potential of Research for Informed Policymaking in the Arts and Humanities" at the DOST National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) Legislative Capacity for Research in Evidence-Informed Policymaking" (C-REIP).

I proposed that incorporating out-of-the-box but relevant archival and fieldwork data into the policymaking framework, investing in legislative capacity for research among individuals engaged in the creative industries, and acknowledging the critical importance of the arts and humanities in the policymaking process are fundamental to effective governance.

By considering the alternative perspectives offered by creatives, legislators may enhance the probability of success in yielding more effective policies that address pressing issues such as clinical depression, poverty, and trade deficits.

Policymakers must recognize the value of incorporating creatives and creativity methodologies into their decision-making processes to formulate policies that may effect even more meaningful change.

Maraming Salamat po sa mga dumalo mula sa Senate of the Philippines, House of Representatives of the Philippines, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), The BCDA Group-Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, at sa DOST Department Legislative Liaison Office, sa aming napakabuting convenor, Retired UP Department of Political Science Professor and former Chair Malou Rebullida at sa buong DOST-NRCP Secretariat for organizing C-REIP successfully the past 2 years.

📷 Val Zabala, DOST-NRCP

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Backstage, at the 40th USTETIKA Awards for Literature, with Rev. Fr. Nicanor Pier Giorgio Austriaco, O.P., PhD, SThD, from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Department of Biological Sciences and the Faculty of Sacred Theology. Months back, he received the 2024 DOST National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) Gabay Awardee for his innovative 2SIR-VD Model, which facilitated vaccine distribution in the Philippines during the initial year of the vaccine rollout.

Fr. Austriaco completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in 1989. He subsequently obtained a PhD in biology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1996, during which he served as a pre-doctoral fellow at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute under the mentorship of Professor Leonard Guarente. His doctoral research was pioneering in its identification of the first aging genes in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Following the completion of his doctorate, he pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at the Ludwig Institute of Cancer Research at University College London.

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With UP College of Arts and Letters faculty members D.M. Reyes and Patrick Flores. DM is this year's Silliman University National Writers Workshop Director. After he retired from Ateneo de Manila University, he now teaches Literature at the UPD Department of English and Comparative Literature and the UP Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas. Patrick is on special detail from the UP Department of Art Studies. He is the deputy director of curatorial and research at the National Gallery Singapore (NGS). He was the artistic director of the 2019 Singapore Biennale and is currently the Curator of Oculus at Heidelberger Kunstverein (Germany). This exhibition brings together moving images, research, and installations to reflect on what it means to “see things.” The exhibition heightens anticipation for the Philippines as Guest of Honour at the Frankfurter Buchmesse 2025 later this year. Oculus runs in Heidelberg from 15 March to 18 May. DM, Patrick, and I were mentored in Comparative Literature by the late Professor Priscelina Patajo-Legasto, UP CAL's first and only Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Teacher Awardee (1998) https://philippinesfrankfurt2025.com/events/

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After delivering our respective policy-related presentations at the DOST National Research Council of the Philippines Legislative Capacity for Research in Evidence-Informed Policymaking (C-REAP) Program. With (L) NRCP Executive Director Aido Sepeda); National Scientist and UP Marine Science Institute Professor Emerita, and former NRCP President Lourdes J Cruz; Retired UP Department of Political Science Professor, NRCP Social Sciences Division Regular Member and Development Academy of the Philippines Academic Council Distinguished Member Malou Rebullida; National College of Public Administration and Governance Professor and University Scientist Ebinezer Florano; NRCP Agriculture and Forestry Chair and UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources Professor and University Scientist Dixon Gevaña; and NRCP Chief Administrative Officer Gerry S. Petilla. Delegates from the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Mindanao Development Authority, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, both houses of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, and the DOST-Department Legislative Liaison Office attended the program. 📷 Dr. Ebinezer Florano https://lnkd.in/gH9UEc-5

https://lnkd.in/gH9UEc-

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#UPDiliman Sunken Garden

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#UPDiliman : AS Parking Lot, Main Library, Sunken Garden

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The 2025 DOST National Research Council of the Philippines Annual Scientific Conference & 92nd General Membership Assembly on March 13, 2025, last Thursday, was the last official event of the current Governing Board under President Aimee Lynn Barrion-Dupo. A new set of officials will be elected by the Governing Board soon. Although my term ends next year and I have no intentions of seeking any post other than my completing the second half of my current term as Member-at-Large, I wish to thank the current board, Executive Director Aido Sepeda, Research and Development Management Division (RDMD) Chief Science Research Specialist Bevs Dela Cruz, Research Information and Dissemination Division (RIDD) Chief Science Research Specialist Joselito A. Carteciano, Finance and Administrative Division (FAD) Chief Administrative Officer Gerry S. Petilla, and their respective staff members for their hard work, support and dedication.

The NRCP was established on December 8, 1933, by Republic Act 4120. It aims to promote science, technology, and humanities research, foster collaboration and advice on national issues, foster research culture, and enhance cooperation with local and international research organizations to advance knowledge and national development. It has a membership of over 7,000 researchers, artists, scientists, engineers, and technologists across disciplines, including the social sciences, arts, and humanities.

Although I have been a regular member since 2001 and an associate member several years before, I had not planned to become part of the current board. Someone I did not even know from the Social Sciences had nominated me. I accepted the nomination because I was grateful to the council for the level of engagement and opportunities it has given me. But I did not exert any effort to campaign because, coming from the Arts and Humanities, I knew my chance of winning was practically nil. I was also on sabbatical and working on several book projects. But when the results came out and I was voted in, I committed myself to the council despite my full load as a teacher. During the past year, I have witnessed how the NRCP has provided its members with an avenue for development and collaboration with fellow researchers and how their efforts have become increasingly accessible to a larger demographic. Hopefully, our next set of officers and current members will build on the accomplishments of the current board and continue to impact the institutions and communities they serve. Maraming salamat pong muli for the opportunity to serve 🙏

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Maraming Salamat po, British Council, for publishing “What my UK experience meant to me” in 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐊 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐧𝐢 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚: 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 (British Council, 2025: 71), launched in last week's British Council East Asia Education Week at The University of Hong Kong, in Pokfulam.

The publication is a compilation of exemplary practices in alumni engagement from UK universities and alumni chapters in-country. It serves as both a celebration of these initiatives and a resource for institutions seeking to enhance UK alumni relations.

From South China Morning Post: https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/news/hong-kong/article/3302434/british-council-event-highlights-opportunities-challenges-students-asia-uk?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR04Gqz4Sht70Uxl5q80a9ElZ3mz2y5csC8poj3uNZU2rEqNAEyKkdKgS6I_aem_ndZN2LnCacZ4abzQNlzpIQ

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Very sad to hear that Retired UP Manila Professor of Political Science Lourdes E. Abadingo passed away at 74. To many, she is widely remembered as UP Faculty Regent (2012-2014) and Secretary of the University and the Board of Regents (2005-2011).

I met her first in 2000 when we were appointed as members of the UP System Bids and Awards Committee. Upon returning from my Ph.D. studies in Australia, we crossed paths again, as I began wprking with her under UP President Emerlinda Roman (2005-2011). At that time, I was appointed Assistant Vice President to the Vice President for Public Affairs, Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo, and Director of the UP System Information Office (renamed the UP Media and Public Relations Office in 2018). The proximity of my office on the mezzanine floor of Quezon Hall, situated directly above Secretary Lou's office, allowed us to interact almost daily. It also helped that her Deputy, Dr. Carlene Pilar Arceo, Professor of Mathematics, is a dear friend.

In addition, Secretary Lou, Cayen, and I were fortunate to receive mentorship in university administration from the late Martin V. Gregorio, who served as UP Vice President for Administration, Secretary of the University, and Professor of Spanish. During her final months as Vice President, Dr. Hidalgo was frequently occupied with her husband Tony's medical emergencies at the Philippine Heart Center. I had numerous opportunities to collaborate with Secretary Lou as Vice President Hidalgo's representative during commencement exercises, search committees, board meetings, and other university events.

Secretary Lou was known for her cheerful disposition, diligence, and kindness toward everyone, regardless of their social standing. Her fellow university officials, professors, and staff members cherished her presence, while drivers, security personnel, and utility staff deeply respected her. I do not recall her raising her voice, even in times of crisis. She demonstrated respect for the differing views of sectoral regents, students, and faculty members during rallies and meetings, actively listening to their appeals and ensuring that their concerns were brought to the attention of university officials. Her successful election as Faculty Regent can be attributed to her accessibility to all sectors within the UP System. As Regent, she regularly convened constituents across various campuses, with those held in Diliman at the Claro M. Recto Hall of the UP College of Arts and Letters (CAL) Faculty Center (FC).

Despite her demanding schedule, she continued to teach political science and mentored students who later became successful in their respective fields. Not surprisingly, many of her students became notable figures, like her, including UP College of Social Sciences and Philosophy Associate Dean Jan Robert R Go, former Faculty Regent Carl Marc Ramota, and former Student Regent Cleve V. Arguelles. She often regaled me with stories about UP Manila during the 1970s and shared photographs that captured that tumultuous era. I fondly recall her pictures with young UP Manila faculty members, two of whom became UP Diliman CAL Deans: Rose Torres Yu (2000-2003) and Elena Mirano (2009-2012; 2012-2015). As a university administrator, I accumulated numerous photographs with her during various UP events. Regrettably, I lost copies of these photographs during the Faculty Center fire in 2016.

I will cherish my memories of Dr. Lou Abadingo. She was an accomplished professor, university administrator, and, more importantly, a good person. Her exemplary sense of ethics is a standard that many within the university community should aspire to embrace to serve the public more effectively.

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From the Asian Institute of Management: Launch--Bridging Leadership by Example (Asian Institute of Management, 2025). Direction by Rico Atanacio M. Mortel. https://m.youtube.com/clip/Ugkx1fIkWcbxBhj5pljlEX6hVbfN6iuqpf42?si=iUc9Mv2CAttO1uWS&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3yYelxDrph0yIcPuIeaXQwI9HQPWyYK_ezVT7TycrVes9Mzwt-0Qgtoas_aem_bludBYs-Le3WF0BFw7yCDA

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Reunion and homecoming for UP College of Arts and Letters-UP Department of Speech Communication and Theatre Arts alumnus and UP CHK former faculty member Jeffrey Rm Garcia—he has been Hong Kong Disneyland’s Creative (Show) Director and Choreographer for the past 18 years. Previously he was part of many UP Filipiniana Dance Group, UP Varsity Pep Squad and Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (DUP) performances and productions, where he was known for his spins, jumps and splits. We also celebrated the birthday of the School of Media Studies, Mapúa University Dean David R Corpuz, who received awards and nominations for his films The Ordinary Things We Do (2014), Kusina (2016), and Kuya Wes (2018). Last year, he won a Carlos Palanca Memorial Award for his essay “Autoetnograpiya ng Luksa.” He is also a member of the Commission on Higher Education(CHED) Technical Panel for Multimedia Studies. David is a UP College of Media and Communication and DLSU College of Liberal Arts alumnus.

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From UP MPRO: Dr. Jose Wendell Capili, master of ceremonies at the UP Intelligent Systems Center Research Grant Awarding Ceremony on Feb. 24 at Atencio-Libunao Hall, UP Diliman.

Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO https://www.facebook.com/share/15EGQQLJ7i/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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From the Asian Institute of Management: Early this year, the Asian Institute of Management TeaM Energy Center for Bridging Leadership (AIMTEC-BL) honored outstanding fellows, launched a legacy book, and reinforced the enduring impact of bridging leadership in creating positive change across communities.

The ceremony featured the book launch of “Bridging Leadership by Example,” affirming the Center’s timeless contribution. Authored by Jose Wendell Capili, PhD, Timothy James Dimacali, and Manuel De Vera, PhD, the legacy book is a comprehensive publication that chronicles the AIMTEC-BL journey and captures the essence of its core: the Bridging Leadership Framework (BLF).

Drawing from its 17 years of experience teaching leadership across various sectors, it serves as a valuable resource for educators, practitioners, and aspiring leaders. It offers unique perspectives and real-world examples of how to apply BLF to champion equity and inclusivity.

Read the full story of the AIMTEC-BL 20-year legacy of bridging societal divides and cultivating transformative leaders: https://go.aim.edu/1it

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DpbSZcchZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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At the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Presscon, with DOST National Research Council of the Philippines Executive Director Aido Sepeda—we represented NRCP President Aimee Lynn Barrion-Dupo, Ph.D. and the NRCP Governing Board to promote the 2025 NRCP Annual Scientific Conference (ASC) and 92nd General Membership Assembly at the PICC Reception Hall on Thursday, March 13, 2025.

The NRCP was established on December 8, 1933, by Act 4120 of the Ninth Philippine Legislature. It is an advisory body to the Philippine government attached to the Department of Science and Technology. The NRCP promotes and supports interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary research, fosters cooperation with other research organizations, and provides advice on national issues.

📷 Carlo Cañares, Philippine Information Agency Learn more: https://nrcp.dost.gov.ph/membership/

Apply now: https://skms.nrcp.dost.gov.ph/ https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18zuHpybiy/?mibextid=wwXIfr