PAJ holds dialogue with UP Mindanao constituents and alumni

Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc

May 9

*UP President Angelo JImenez speaking to the UP Mindanao community at the Townhall Meeting held in the UP Mindanao campus, Mintal, Davao City. UP MPRO Photo.*

Constituents and alumni of the University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMin) engaged with UP President Angelo Jimenez in a townhall meeting held at the atrium of UP Mindanao Administration Building, Mintal, Davao City on May 7, 2024.

Jimenez flew to the campus to launch the UP System Strategic Plan 2023-2029 and establish a strong partnership between his administration and UP Mindanao for the growth and development of UP Mindanao.

"We have crafted a strategic vision for UP. There are so many words here, they could fill one book. But if I have to choose only two words, it would be 'public service.' Our reason for being is to serve our people," he said.

Representatives of UP Mindanao students, faculty, administrative staff, REPS (research, extension and professional staff), and alumni delivered messages on behalf of their sectors, while an open forum drew several participants from the same sectors.

The sectoral representatives—University Student Council Chair Cobbie Jan Canda, Associate Professor Rommel Rea, UPMin Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Director Mike Gatela, UPMin Land Management Officer and AUPWU UPMin Chapter vice president Joel Sagadal, and UPMin Foundation, Inc. trustee John Gaisano, Jr.—brought up issues of regularization of employment, expansion of leaves and other benefits, review of merit promotions to account for public service rendered, and the need for additional personnel and other resources to pursue activities aimed at democratizing access to UP education.

Other concerns raised by the UP Mindanao community were: securing campus land; ensuring students' mental health; processing salary fund requests; research load credits; presence of armed uniformed personnel on campus; and addressing the lack of academic spaces, dormitories, funding for athletes, and a campus doctor.

Prior to the Q&A session, UP Mindanao Chancellor Lyre Anni Murao told the constituents, "We have already harmonized our strategic plan for 2022 to 2025 with the current direction of the UP System, and we have already identified five strategic pillars and 20 high-impact programs for that purpose.

"UP Mindanao commits to be a partner for sustainable development in the region through transformative education, and we hope that the UP System will continue to support the development in Mindanao," she added.

The town hall meeting was also attended by former UP Mindanao Chancellors Sylvia Concepcion and Larry Digal, which President Jimenez said was a boost in morale.