Text by: Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by: Sarah Hazel Moces S. Pulumbarit

The University of the Philippines Manila formally welcomed Dr. Sheriah Laine de Paz-Silava as the new head of the Research Grant Administration Office (RGAO) and Dr. Emerito Jose A. Faraon as the new Director of the Research Management and Translation Office (RMTO), following his tenure as RGAO head, during a flag-raising ceremony at UP Manila Joaquin Gonzales Compound on Feb. 16, 2026. 

Chancellor Michael Tee lauded the accomplishments of the Research Grant Administration Office (RGAO) under the leadership of Dr. Faraon. He underscored how these efforts strengthened the research endeavors of the University of the Philippines Manila.

He highlighted the significant progress made by RGAO in addressing long-standing liquidation backlogs, noting that the outstanding deficiencies had been substantially reduced, with a portion of the remaining amount attributed to ongoing projects. The improvement, he said, reflected more efficient and disciplined financial management within the office.

Beyond fiscal reforms, Chancellor Tee pointed out that RGAO managed around 350 grants from various funding agencies and handled nearly 300 international publication awards from January to November 2025.

He also cited the University’s continued distinction in the field of intellectual property, noting that UP Manila is now recognized by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHIL) as a double platinum and palladium awardee.

Meanwhile, Dr. Faraon framed research as an act grounded in love and translated into impact.

“We have done and published many research, but what is the impact? Ano po yung napapala ng ating mga kababayan?” said Dr. Faraon as he challenged the community to examine the real-world value of their work.

He framed research as an act grounded in love and translated into impact. “The core of research is love because we are looking for answers to problems that we have,” Dr. Faraon said. “It’s an act of love, and it’s a commitment to discover, improve systems, and translate very complex science into tangible products, services,” he added.

Infrastructure Development and Alumni Support 

During the event, Chancellor Tee also announced the opening of the refurbished Clinic for Therapy Services (CTS) at the College of Allied Medical Professions (CAMP), UP Manila.  The CTS provides occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology services for patients of all ages. The clinic is also a venue for clinical training and patient exposure to undergraduate and graduate students of CAMP. The refurbished clinic is now ready to serve both patients and student clinicians in a professional, supportive environment.

The ceremony also recognized support from the UP Alumni Association (UPAA). A donation of ₱52,000 was turned over to support 10 scholars of UP Manila. The Chancellor also shared that UPAA previously extended ₱40 million in support to UP Manila, benefiting various colleges through laboratory equipment, a community rehabilitation van, and meal assistance initiatives.

For meal assistance, while other campuses serve only lunch, UP Manila provides extended options, allowing students to choose between breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner based on their needs.

With Dr. de Paz-Silava as the new head of RGAO, UP Manila reaffirms its commitment to research excellence in the service of the Filipino people. “It is our duty to make sure that we discover new knowledge and create innovations that can be translated to actual patient care or health policies that will benefit the Filipino,” she said. 

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