To our first year UP Manila students,

Together with our Vice Chancellors, Deans, Unit Directors, faculty, and administrative staff, I warmly welcome you to the University of the Philippines Manila, the national health sciences campus of our country. We are happy to have all 1,150 of you join our community of scholars, where honor and excellence in education, research, and service are deeply valued.

You are now beginning to live your dreams as Iskolar ng Bayan. You have joined a distinguished institution with a long history of producing leaders, innovators, and changemakers in health sciences and beyond. As you begin this new chapter of your academic life, I am confident that you are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Your time here will be filled with rigorous study, discovery, and growth, all of which will shape you into the professionals and citizens our nation needs.
Spending time at UP is not just about acquiring knowledge—it’s an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in an environment filled with the brightest minds. While UP Manila may be one of the smaller UP campuses, it offers some of the greatest opportunities to learn. As you rotate through the Philippine General Hospital, where we serve more than 600,000 patients a year, and engage with our partner institutions in government and industry, you will realize that the potential for learning and growth is limitless. Additionally, you will interact with the best faculty members, each an expert in his own field, and your own peers who will challenge your perspectives, inspire your ambitions, and push you to strive for excellence. These interactions will form your own vibrant community of shared learning and growth, where ideas flourish, and innovations are born.

By engaging with both like-minded and diverse individuals who are equally passionate and driven, you will enhance your intellectual and personal development, preparing yourself to become a leader in your chosen field.

I still remember my own academic mentor, the great Dr. Ronald Roll Matias  with whom I spent countless sleepless nights at the Albert Hall in UP Diliman, trying to perfect the process of our molecular biology experiments for my thesis. It was in 1992.  We were working on the production of chimeric monoclonal antibodies then. 

Now, as a rheumatologist, I am using monoclonal antibodies as targeted therapy for lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.  And these are just few of the many applications of this science – a mere basic science experiment 30 years ago.     I am sure that you too will find your own mentors who will display the same dedication to ensuring you get the lesson, and guide you to be at the cutting edge of natural sciences, social sciences and  humanities.

But there will be challenges ahead. 

And it is during these inevitable times when it becomes quite more difficult than usual that I want you to remember that we—your faculty, staff, and administration—are fully committed to supporting you every step of the way. Whether you need academic guidance, health support, or just someone to talk to, we are here for you. You can always approach your faculty adviser, the Office of Student Affairs, our student leaders in the University and College Councils, and if things become particularly unbearable, come to my office, and I will personally assist you. Our doors are always open, and we are ready to help you achieve your goals.

While you focus on your studies, also take time to explore your passions and join accredited organizations. The road ahead may be demanding, but it is also incredibly rewarding. With dedication, the support of your family, and your new UP family, there is no limit to what you can accomplish.

Once again, welcome to UP Manila. I look forward to witnessing your growth and success in the years to come.

Mabuhay and Padayon!