Text by Charmaine Lingdas
Photo by Joseph Bautista
“Today, we commemorate the 116th anniversary of the establishment of the University of the Philippines, which began here in U.P. Manila on June 18, 1908, through Act 1870. The establishment of U.P. was to provide advanced instruction in literature, philosophy, the sciences, and arts, and give professional and technical training to every qualified student irrespective of age, sex, nationality, religious belief, or political affiliation,” said UP College of Dentistry Dean Michelle S. Segarra, Chair, 2024 UP Manila Foundation Celebration Committee.
The University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) joined the celebration of the 116th Founding Anniversary of the University of the Philippines on June 18, 2024, under the theme “Pagdiriwang ng Kaalaman Tungo sa Pangkalahatang Kalusugan.” The event emphasized the ongoing commitment of UP Manila to improving public health and unity against misinformation.
Reflecting on the university’s founding, UP Manila Chancellor Michael Tee highlighted the institution’s historical mission to educate and produce health workers amidst the spread of tropical diseases. Chancellor Tee expressed his concern over public health misinformation in the context of geopolitical conflict which has led to vaccine hesitancy. Highlighting the broader consequences of misinformation, Tee recounted recent outbreaks of diseases like measles and polio, attributing these to a decline in public trust in vaccinations.
He called for a concerted effort to develop a self-sufficient vaccine industry in the Philippines, stressing the importance of independence in healthcare. “Dapat talaga tayo ay magkaroon na ng sariling industriya ng paggawa ng bakuna upang hindi tayo nakaasa tayo sa mga dayuhang namumuhunan para sa ating kalusugan,” he declared.
Chancellor Tee also appealed to the U.P. community to unite against misinformation and strive for excellence in public service. “Kailangan natin ngayon magsama-sama dahil nagkaroon na tayo ng isang matinding kalaban at ang kalaban na yan ay ang misinformation. Ang importante, tayo ng mga kawani ng UP ay handang ipagtanggol ang ating mga mamamayan sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng tama at nararapat na impormasyon sa ating taong bayan at kasama noon ay kailangan rin nating tumbasan ang impormasyon na iyon ng totoong produkto na magiging kapaki-pakinabang at abot-kaya para sa lahat,” he asserted. “Kailangan nating harapin ang mga problemang ito at pagsama-samahin ang ating husay at dangal para sa ating bayan.”
From left: Dr. Carol S. Pulumbarit, CAS Dean Maria Constancia O. Carillo, CD Dean Michelle Segarra, Prof. Josefina Tuazon, and Chancellor Michael L. Tee.
Former Dean of the UP College of Nursing and Guest Speaker for the event Prof. Josefina Tuazon emphasized the significance of small actions driven by a strong sense of purpose and community. Reflecting on her long career, Tuazon candidly spoke about moments of frustration and the temptation to seek opportunities outside of UP. However, she underscored the unique opportunities and sense of purpose that come with being part of UP.
“Don’t do research and publish just because of the pressure to research and to publish,” she said. “If you can turn this and make it something that contributes to something bigger than the university, choose research or projects that would be grounded, that would have some significance, and something that’s not just in paper. It might be small scale, but something substantial.”
“Those little efforts meant a lot, that each of you can do something that can push certain things or translate into policy,” Tuazon explained, sharing practical lessons on how small efforts can lead to significant impacts.
Additionally, Tuazon encouraged the faculty, students, and staff to advocate for meaningful change. “There are many ways we can contribute through science and knowledge but also advocacy,” she emphasized.
