Prof. Erlyn A. Sana (center) receives a Plaque of Appreciation after delivering the retirees’ response during the 2025 Gawad Chancellor and Foundation Day Celebration. With her are (from left) UP Manila Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Johanna Patricia A. Cañal, UP President Angelo A. Jimenez, and UP Manila Chancellor Michael L. Tee. Text by Charmaine A. LingdasPhotos by Sarah Hazel Moces S. Pulumbarit The University of the Philippines Manila celebrated dedication, service, and excellence during the 2025 Gawad Chancellor and Foundation Day Celebration held on Oct. 22, 2025, at the 7th floor of the UPCM Medical Science Building, Henry Sy Sr. Hall. The event marked the culmination of UP Manila’s 43rd Foundation Day and the 46th Anniversary of the Health Sciences Center Autonomy. “Ngayon ay isang araw ng pagdiriwang at isang araw upang kilalanin namin, bilang mga administrador, ang inyong mga kontribusyon kung bakit ang UP Manila ay kinikilala ngayon bilang pangunahing pamantasan sa buong Pilipinas. Kayo po ang may kagagawan nito,” Chancellor Michael L. Tee told the awardees.  He also presented a report on the accomplishments of his administration since 2024, aligning with the vision of Innovations for Lifelong Learning, Discovery and Research Environment that Nurtures the Mind and the Spirit, and an Accessible Leadership (IDEA). Highlighting the University’s commitment to supporting its teaching staff and advancing digital transformation, Chancellor Tee led the ceremonial turnover of 373 laptop units to faculty members across colleges. The initiative, part of the “One is to One Laptop Program,” reinforces the administration’s goal of empowering educators with modern tools for teaching and research. Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amena Pangandaman delivered the keynote address, commending UP Manila’s faculty and staff for their integrity and public service. “Sa paggawa natin ng parangal sa bawat mahusay na empleyado ng UP Manila, ang ibig sabihin po nito ay marami pa ang mga lingkod-bayan na nagsisilbi nang may dedikasyon at katapatan sa kanilang mga trabaho.” She shared that under the Fiscal Year 2026 National Expenditure Program, ₱1.224 trillion has been allotted for basic and higher education, meeting UNESCO’s recommended 4% of GDP for the first time. Of this, ₱25.8 billion will go to the UP System, supporting UP Manila’s research programs and the continued operation of UP Manila–PGH. A total of 112 faculty and staff were honored for their long years of service, from 20 to over 40 years. Thirty-one retirees were recognized for their invaluable contributions to the university. Representing the retirees, Dr. Erlyn A. Sana, former Director of the National Teacher Training Center for the Health Professions (NTTCHP), looked back on her 46 years in the UP System. “This is not the time for teaching anymore; it is the time for influencing,” she said, reflecting her transition from teaching to mentoring and inspiring the next generation. Dr. Erlyn A. Sana UP President Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez UP President Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez commended UP Manila’s leadership and community for embodying the university’s ideals of truth and service. “The university continues to thrive because of your collective commitment to excellence, compassion, and truth,” he said, emphasizing that innovation and empathy must guide the university’s progress. Dr. Maria Elizabeth Grageda, Dean of the NTTCHP and co-chair of the 2025 Foundation Celebration Committee, lauded the honorees and stated, “All your efforts, big or small, have made this celebration not just possible but memorable.” The 2025 Gawad Chancellor Awardees The following were recognized for their exceptional achievements in teaching, research, extension, and leadership: Outstanding Teacher: Assistant Professor Aldin Gaspar  – College of Nursing Outstanding Faculty in Extension Service:  Assistant Professor Ma. Josephine Therese Emily Teves  – Department of Social Science, College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding REPS: University Research Associate II Nina Yanilla  – NTTCHP Outstanding Administrative Employee (Level I): Jessie Garcia – UP-PGH Outstanding Administrative Employee (Level II): Administrative Assistant Marian Torres-Villanueva – UP-PGH Outstanding Researcher: Dr. Maria Esterlita Villanueva-Uy – National Institutes of Health Outstanding Student: Riona Chari M. Sison – 4th Year, BS Pharmacy Outstanding Student Organization: Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity (PKM) Outstanding Athlete: Sophia Leonor B. Genio – LU IV, College of Medicine Aside from a plaque of recognition, a cash prize worth ₱50,000 was given to the awardees in honor of their service and contributions to the UP Manila community.# #FP1 #FP6 #innovationsforlifelonglearningdedicatedtoservice