President's Corner
A message from the esteemed Alumni President
Be A Member
A message from the esteemed Alumni President
While the world grapples with the possible escalation of two major wars, in this corner of the world, there is still much to be grateful for. Philippine economic growth closed at 5.6% in 2023. It fell short of the government’s target of 6% to 7% but still made us a fast growing economy in Southeast Asia. The economy is far from perfect but it’s becoming a more stable environment favorable for growth. I am blessed and grateful to have assumed this office at such an optimistic time.
OneUP is a rallying call to inspire unity and collaboration among UPAA’s many chapters and members across our archipelago and around the world.In the past 12 months, I am privileged to have visited many of our chapters in the Philippines and abroad – specifically in Taipei and key East Coast and West Coast cities in the United States. Connecting in person with fellow UP alumni in different parts of the world has affirmed what I’ve known all along: The spirit of solidarity among the Iskolar ng Bayan is alive and well.
As promising as the times may be, there are still so many exciting opportunities to help improve the learning experience for resident students and faculty alike. I urge UPAA chapters everywhere to come together under the banner / rallying cry of OneUP to give back to our University which has nurtured us and given us so much.
Robert Lester F. Aranton
Alumni Regent and UPAA President
It seems like only yesterday that you yourselves were within the halls of UP, immersed in your studies. Now, you have become professionals, experts and leaders in your chosen fields. Some of you have made names in the arts and humanities, some in the fields of medical sciences and hard sciences. And all of you, our dearest alumni, have lived up to UP’s motto of Honor and Excellence.But what is honor, what is excellence, if not in the service of the people?
We UP graduates are often regarded as the brightest. Every year, we have graduates topping licensure exams. Just recently, we have two alumnae who were among the finalists of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize. Of course, the University boasts 44 alumni out of 81 National Artists, 40 out of 43 National Scientists, and eight out of nine National Social Scientists. These and many more graduates continue to bring honor to our Alma Mater. Yet beyond these accolades earned, now, more than ever, we want to be remembered as scholars in the service of our nation.In these trying times, as our country continues to grapple with poverty and inequality, we are called to serve our people. We heed this call by sharing our knowledge and expertise in the arts and sciences. The university, through its various institutions, has gathered brilliant minds to address these pressing social issues. And we ask you, our dear alumni, to join us in this noble cause. Together, we rise as one community empowered to bring change to our nation.
Looking ahead, I am confident that you will continue to bring pride and glory not just to our Alma Mater but to the whole country. May you continue to raise the reputation of our university. Keep in our minds and hearts that everything we do is for the greater benefit of our country.
Angelo A. Jimenez
University of the Philippines President
While there are various means to gauge the success of higher education institutions, there remains no greater indicator than their graduates radiating humility, integrity, and leadership on top of academic and professional success. I am glad to note that examples of such are what the 2024 UPAA Yearbook showcases. I thus welcome its publication and join in honoring the lives that bring pride not only to the University of the Philippines, but also to the entire country.
I extend my warmest greetings to the Batches 1964 (Diamond), 1974 (Golden), 1984 (Ruby), and 1999 (Silver) who are celebrating their respective anniversaries. Years after leaving the halls of your alma mater, I can only imagine the extent of your achievements as well as the causes you have championed over the decades. I commend everyone for answering the call to be OneUP amidst it all-the call to inspire unity and collaboration no matter where your pursuits take you.
It is my hope that the passion and desire for progress, excellence, and productivity— both for yourselves and the nation-will burn ever brighter within each of you. May doors of opportunities also continue to open for your respective batches so that our collective efforts and triumphs may bring forth a Bagong Pilipinas that all Filipinos deserve.
I wish you all the best. Mabuhay kayong lahat!
Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
President, Republic Of The Philippines
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