UP’s Jimenez unveils 10 programs to reach university’s goals

University of the Philippines (UP) President Angelo Jimenez on Tuesday revealed ten flagship programs to achieve the national university’s goals under his strategic plan from 2023 to 2029. 

Among these programs is the establishment of an Archipelagic and Oceanic Virtual University (AOVU) which aims to offer innovative post-graduate programs and research initiatives focusing on marine conservation and the “blue economy.” 

The AOVU is currently hosted in UP Diliman with satellite offices across key regions. 

Jimenez said that he will use the AOVU to create a larger framework that can be used as a basis of unity among Filipinos. 

“I don't want to define this AOVU as simply as a response to the ongoing superpower conflict right now, the geopolitical rivalry which we are caught as a little fish in between. That would be limited,” he said in a media panel discussion. 

“We are going to use this body, which we already have, to create a unique national identity for Filipinos,” he added. 

Other flagships that seek to build UP’s capacities as the country’s premier tertiary state institution include programs on faculty and curriculum development; quality management systems and quality assurance standards; the development of research and innovation hubs in each campus; and university-wide digital transformation. 

Jimenez also discussed UP’s plan to have more inclusive admissions, admitting that there is currently a wide gap among students coming from private and public high schools. He stressed that this “systematic imbalance” thus needs to be addressed. 

He noted that 44% of UP’s students come from private schools, 27% from public science high schools, and 29% from other public high schools. 

Of the 10,000 students the UP admitted, he said around 5,500 students came from the National Capital Region (NCR) alone and only 33 students came from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which is the region that has the highest incidence of poverty in the country. 

“This program of democratization will take several administrations. We have no illusions over that. We don't hold a magic wand. This has been going on for over 100 years. No single president possibly expected it to happen within his term, but we're laying the basis for that,” Jimenez said. 

“If you're going to ask me, I will be very happy if at least 50% from public high schools will be accommodated in UP. And we're starting it right now,” he continued. 

As part of this goal, Jimenez said that they will be providing full educational support to 350 students coming from the poorest families, or those in the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA). 

“We're talking about full P90,000. P35,000 for dorms, P10,000 for communications, P10,000 for transportation, and other such support. So the total between P80,000 to P150,000 a year. We have already set the money for that,” he said. 

By 2024, Jimenez said they aim to deploy at least one UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) testing center in every province, and provide financial and psycho-social support to qualifiers who need further assistance. 

The remaining programs that are primarily geared towards various aspects of public service are active collaborations and partnerships with sectors; enhancement of open distance learning platforms; and the expansion of public service offices and integration of public service into the various functions of the academe. 

Lastly, the UP President also aims to enrich the study, creation, and preservation of local arts and culture. 

The UP updated its motto last month from "Honor and Excellence” to “Honor and excellence in the service of the people.” 

Established in 1908, the University of the Philippines is the country's premier state-funded higher learning institution. — BM, GMA Integrated News