Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by Sarah Hazel Moces S. Pulumbarit
Chancellor Michael Tee underscored the spirit of service, innovation, and accountability in his address during the 2025 Gawad Chancellor and Foundation Day Celebration. Addressing faculty, staff, students, alumni, and distinguished guests, Tee emphasized the collective contributions that have positioned the university as a leading institution in the Philippines.
He noted that the Gawad Chancellor serves as a way to honor members of the university who have made outstanding contributions within and beyond the institution. “Ngayong Gawad Chancellor, isa rin hong paraan ‘yan upang kilalanin natin ang mga nagsipagsibol sa ating pamantasan — mga nakagawa ng mga kakaiba at napakaimportanteng bagay, hindi lang dito sa ating komunidad kundi sa pangkalahatan, sa ating bansa, at ang iba ay international pa,” he said.
The Chancellor shared the progress made under his administration, covering November 2024 to the present, marking the second year of his leadership. He recalled that when he first assumed office in November 2023, his team anchored their vision on the guiding framework of IDEA, which stands for Innovations for Lifelong Learning, Discovery and Research Environment that Nurtures the Mind and the Spirit, and an Accessible Leadership.
Advancing Student Welfare
Chancellor Tee highlighted initiatives supporting students, including the Aruga at Kalinga, Alay ng Pamantasan (AKAP) Program. “Nagkaroon po tayo ng AKAP Program kung saan nakapagbigay tayo ng 3,872 libreng tanghalian o almusal. Nagkaroon din po tayo ng 36 grantees kung saan sila’y tumanggap ng ₱200 araw-araw bilang pangkain,” he said.
He added that in September, financially disadvantaged students received ₱7,000 each for their uniforms through private donors, alumni, and friends of the university: “Nakatanggap na po ng dalawang milyon, dalawang daang libong piso ang AKAP Program galing sa mga donors — private donors, mga alumni, at kaibigan ng pamantasan.”
The Chancellor also noted expansions in student mobility and mentorship, including the introduction of two service vans from Mu Sigma Phi 1979, and the Intelligent Student Mentoring Assisted by Remote Technology (ISMART) Program in the Colleges of Pharmacy, Medicine, Public Health, and Dentistry.
Supporting Faculty and Academic Excellence
Chancellor Tee reported significant strides in faculty development and recruitment, noting that 52 new lecturers had been hired to help ease the workload of existing faculty across colleges. In addition, 236 faculty members received promotions, 67 of whom attained the rank of full professor. He also underscored the administration’s continued investment in teaching resources through the “One is to One Laptop” Program, which provides every faculty member with a laptop of their choice to enhance their teaching efficiency and support academic excellence.
He emphasized fairness and meritocracy: “Pinapanindigan natin ang sinimulan kong sabihing ‘Merit, hindi kapit.’” He also reported achievements in HR management, including improved faculty workload arrangements, the REPS Manual, and equal employment opportunity guidelines.
Innovation and Infrastructure
Highlighting technological and infrastructure improvements, Chancellor Tee shared, “Kamakailan ay binisita namin ang Nursing Simulation Laboratory, at katulad na rin po siya ng nauna nating simulation laboratory dito sa College of Medicine sa 6th floor. Mayroon na ho tayong Carl Zeiss dental microscope at mga iba pang bagong dental chairs sa College of Dentistry.”
He also reported the completion of renovations for Dela Paz Hall and the new Faculty and Student Center, along with the long-awaited land title for the UP Manila School of Health Sciences: “Sa UP Manila School of Health Sciences, nakuha na po natin, finally, after fifteen years, ang titulo ng lupa. Kaya tayo ngayon ay makapagbubuhos na ng dagdag na pondo para palawakin at pagandahin pa ang ating serbisyo sa Mindanao.”
Fiscal Responsibility and Community Health
Chancellor Tee highlighted effective fiscal management: “Ang unliquidated natin na ₱1.5 billion noong November 2024 ay bumaba na po sa ₱126 million — about 84% ang ating achievement in terms of liquidation. Madam Secretary, puwede na ho talagang masabing maganda ang fiscal management dahil kami’y naniniwala rin naman sa open government policy.”
He also addressed employee healthcare access through the eHOPE program.
Future Plans and National Initiatives
Chancellor Tee outlined upcoming projects and programs, including new degree offerings and national initiatives: “Mayroon po tayong ilang degree programs katulad ng Master of Science in Data Science, Master of Clinical Sciences in Psychiatry, at Master in Forensic Medicine. Sa susunod na mga buwan, nais nating ma-approve ang Doctor of Optometry at ang BSRadTech na pinuna mismo ng ating Pangulo.”
He added that the university is contributing to national healthcare and research through the Vaccine Institute of the Philippines, the National Forensic Institute, and strategic roadmaps for medical and pharmacy advancement.
Concluding his address, Chancellor Tee expressed his appreciation to the entire university community: “‘Yan po ang kayang igawad ng inyong mga administrador sa ating lahat, at ako’y nagpapasalamat sa inyong tulong. Lahat po ng aking ipinakita ay dahil nandiyan kayo—kayo ay hindi nag-atubiling tumulong at handang, buong husay at dangal, na maglingkod sa ating mga kababayan.
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