Honoring and renewing its commitment to uphold the truths of history, care for the health of the people, and protect the environment for the future generations, UP Manila recently celebrated its 41st anniversary, holding numerous events during the entire month of October, 2023. The whole period also featured activities honoring the tenure and legacy of Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla, university chancellor from November 1, 2014 to October 31, 2023.

The month-long celebration kicked off on October 3, 2023, with a parade of all participating colleges and offices, which was followed by the UPM Cheerdance Competition held at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) flagpole area. Various colleges and the Central Administration Department competed in the cheerdance, which was won by the following: College of Public Health (3rd place), College of Nursing (2nd place), and the College of Dentistry (1st place).

The next major event, the UP Manila Fair, was held simultaneously at the Sports Sciences and Wellness Center (SSWC) and at the Henry Sy Sr. Hall on October 24, 2023, from the morning up to the evening. The Fair had a variety of sub-activities, such as the Pag-Imbita, Panimula, Pakulo (games), Pahinga (meditation activities), Piging (food booths), and Pasasalamat (cultural night). This was gamely participated in by the whole UP Manila and PGH community, with the following emerging as winners in the Pakulo: the College of Medicine for the Lusot Hula-Hoop, the College of Allied Medical Professions for the Takbo Lukso, and the College of Pharmacy for the Takbo Isip.

The final day of celebration, October 27, 2023 featured two major events, the first being the Recognition Program for Gawad Chancellor awardees, Service awardees, and retirees. UP Manila officials, faculty, and staff who have been with the university for 20 years and above were given service awards; those who have been chosen for the Gawad Chancellor award are as follows, per category:

• Gawad Chancellor for Outstanding Researcher – Dr. Maria Stephanie Fay S. Cagayan
• Gawad Chancellor for Outstanding Teacher – Dr. Johanna Patricia A. Cañal
• Gawad Chancellor for Outstanding Faculty in Extension Services – Dr. Raquel B. Del Rosario-Fortun
• Gawad Chancellor for Outstanding REPS – Ms. Claire D. Pastor
• Gawad Chancellor for Outstanding Artist – Dr. Melfred Hernandez
• Gawad Chancellor for Outstanding Administrative Personnel Level 1 – Loudellee Arellano
• Gawad Chancellor for Outstanding Administrative Personnel Level 2 – Karen Mae Faurillo
• Gawad Chancellor for Outstanding Student and Student Organization – UP Medical Students for Social Responsibility (MSSR)
• Gawad Chancellor for Outstanding Student – Mr. Vince Justin Tiu

The second event, UP Manila’s Got Talent, featured various performers from UPM colleges and the Central Administration Department. The winners were: Mr. Yosef Eduardo Escoto IV from the College of Allied Medical Professions (2nd runner up), Mr. Julienne Ivan Soberano from the College of Nursing (1st runner up), and Mr. Jean David Solis from the College of Dentistry (champion). 

Martin R. Racza