Text by Jennifer Manongdo
Photo by Chancellor Michael Tee
University of the Philippines (UP) Manila Chancellor Michael Tee was honored by the City Government of Manila with the “Natatanging Manileño sa Larangan ng Mataas na Edukasyon” in a ceremony held on June 20, 2025 at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.
Known for his visionary style of leadership, Chancellor Tee was commended for his excellent contributions in teaching and research.
A Professor at the College of Medicine, Chancellor Tee pioneered the establishment and training on the use of simulation-based education in the health sciences curriculum. This approach allowed medical students to enhance their skills in a controlled and safe environment with the help of modern technology.
He is also internationally recognized for his valuable contributions to lupus research that cover the epidemiology, clinical management, and treatment protocols of the disease. His advocacy and research in this field are meant to improve care for patients with chronic illnesses, reflecting his philosophy of compassionate care and excellence in healthcare delivery.
A more recent achievement, resulting from Chancellor Tee’s relentless dedication to advancing education and medical practice, is the groundbreaking of the National Forensics Institute.
Before receiving the Gawad Manileño award, Chancellor Tee was also conferred the title Doctor Honoris Causa by Romania’s Vasile Goldiș Western University of Arad for his leadership in health sciences education, public service, and international cooperation.
Chancellor Tee has delivered on his commitments upon assuming the chancellorship in 2023, guided by a vision to maintain UP Manila’s position as the premier institution in health sciences. This, he pursues through his IDEA framework: Innovation for lifelong learning dedicated to service, Discovery and Research, Environment that nurtures our mind and body, and Accessible Leadership. His IDEA projects center on the Academe, Government, Industries in Health Sciences, and Leadership Excellence (AGILE).
Before becoming UP Manila’s 10th chancellor, Dr. Tee served as vice chancellor for Planning and Development (VCPD), director of the UP Manila Information, Publication, and Public Affairs Office (IPPAO) in 2011 and from 2014 to 2015, the editor-in-chief of the UP Manila Journal for the 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2014 issues, and assistant to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Director for Public Affairs and PGH spokesperson from 2004 to 2010.
Gawad Manileño is held annually to honor outstanding individuals and businesses who have significantly contributed to the growth of the nation’s capital.#
#FP1 #FP8 #InnovationsForLifelongLearningDedicatedToService #DiscoveryAndResearch #EnvironmentThatNurturesOurMindAndBody #AccessibleUPLeadership