Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by Sarah Hazel Moces S. Pulumbarit
The University of the Philippines (UP) Manila has called on its community to uphold honor, excellence, and integrity in public service, with university officials emphasizing the importance of principled leadership and ethical decision-making in the face of contemporary societal challenges.
The call was made during the University’s flag-raising ceremony on July 21, 2026, hosted by the Office of the University Registrar (OUR) and the Center for Gender and Women’s Studies (CGWS). Carrying the theme “Dangal at Husay para sa Matapat na Paglilingkod,” the program highlighted UP Manila’s commitment to fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and service to the Filipino people.
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Bernadette Heizel Reyes echoed the theme by sharing excerpts from a letter written by the late Sen. Jose W. Diokno to his son, Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno. The letter reflected on the difficult choices people face and the importance of remaining faithful to one’s principles even when it is easier to compromise.
The letter read, “Why be honest when it pays to be dishonest? Why be fair to others when they are unfair to you? Why fight for others when they won’t fight for you—or even for themselves? Why think for yourself when it is easier to let others think for you? Why lead when it is less troublesome to obey? Why have principles when others don’t—and they often get away with it? Why be good when it seems so much more pleasant to be bad?”
Drawing from Diokno’s message, Reyes reminded the UP Manila community that true success is measured not by wealth, influence, or personal gain, but by choosing respect over fame, what is right over power, and peace of mind over convenience. She encouraged employees and students alike to let these values guide their decisions and actions in their respective roles within the University.
“Subukan natin palaging piliin yung tama. At kesa sabihin natin, ‘Wala akong magagawa diyan,’ isipin natin lahat, ‘Ano ang magagawa ko sa pagkakataong ito?'” Reyes said.
CGWS Director Prof. Mary Dorothy Jose emphasized that dangal (honor) and husay (excellence) are values that should guide every member of the University in carrying out their responsibilities. She urged the UP Manila community to remain steadfast in these principles despite the challenges facing the country, stressing that public service must always be rooted in integrity, competence, and commitment to the common good.
Chancellor Michael Tee likewise emphasized that honor and excellence must be reflected not only in individual actions but also in the University’s institutional decisions. Addressing concerns over the implementation of revised contracts for job order (JO) and contract of service (COS) personnel, Tee explained that the administration has a responsibility to uphold government regulations and ensure accountability in the use of public funds. While acknowledging the difficulties the changes may bring, he said the University cannot demand compliance from others while exempting itself from the same standards. He assured employees that the administration had consulted unit heads, explored ways to lessen the impact of the new policies, and remained open to addressing concerns through dialogue. “It is difficult,” Tee said, “but we have to follow what is given to us by agencies duly designated by the government to ensure that what we are doing is correct,” stressing that integrity in public service requires making principled decisions even when they are challenging.
The program also highlighted the University’s continuing efforts to improve frontline services. University Registrar Prof. Jean Flor Casauay acknowledged the Institute of Management Systems (IMS) for developing the Office of the University Registrar’s new queuing system, which is designed to streamline service delivery for students and other clients. She also expressed her appreciation to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development (OVCPD) for immediately responding to the OUR’s request for assistance, as well as to the Campus Planning, Development and Maintenance Office (CPDMO), for facilitating the installation of a television monitor that enhances information dissemination within the registrar’s office.
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