Photo by Bong Arboleda, UPS-MCO.
Angel Mariton Manalili, a Bachelor of Education Studies student at the University of the Philippines Open University, took her oath of office as the 43rd Student Regent and the first from UPOU during the 1411th meeting of the university’s Board of Regents, Aug. 26 at the UP Bonifacio Global City campus, Taguig.
The new SR raises to the Board student calls for the following: a higher budget for UP as a requisite for ensuring free, accessible, and quality tertiary education for all Iskolar ng Bayan; better implementation of assistance and scholarship programs for UP students; safe and adequate university spaces; the repeal of repressive policies; and the strengthening of academic freedom, among others.
Commission on Higher Education and UP BOR Chairperson Shirley Agrupis, together with UP President Angelo Jimenez, administered Manalili’s oath of office, witnessed by UP BOR members, Regent Jude Acidre, Chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education; Alumni Regent Robert Lester Aranton; Regent Raul Pagdanganan; Regent Gregorio Pastorfide; Regent Alfredo Pascual; Faculty Regent Early Sol Gadong; and Staff Regent Rey Espanto; Manalili’s parents, Antonio and Ma. Kristina; and former SR Ron Dexter Clemente.
Standing from left are Alumni Regent Robert Lester Aranton; Regent Gregorio Pastorfide; Regent Jude Acidre, Chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education; Regent Raul Pagdanganan; Manalili’s parents, Antonio and Ma. Kristina; Clemente; Faculty Regent Early Sol Gadong; Staff Regent Rey Espanto; and Regent Alfredo Pascual.
Photo by Bong Arboleda, UPS-MCO.
The General Assembly of Student Councils unanimously selected Manalili Aug. 9, following its 61st convention, Aug. 6-8 in UP Mindanao, to solely represent the student body in the university’s highest decision-making body for Academic Year 2026-2027, in accordance with the Codified Rules of Student Regent Selection.
Manalili is former chairperson of the Katipunan ng mga Mag-aaral sa UP (KASAMA sa UP) and former vice chairperson of the UPOU University Student Council. Other nominees for SR were AJ Lozano of UP Mindanao, Dylen Solomo of UP Los Baños, Athena Romulo of UP Cebu, and Adrian Algas of UP Diliman.
Photo by Bong Arboleda , UPS-MCO.
Former SR receives citation
The UP BOR awarded a special citation to 42nd SR Clemente in recognition of his distinguished service to the university. He was cited for championing concrete measures to strengthen and protect student rights and welfare; articulating concerns and issues involving health services, housing, scholarships, and harassment, among others; courageously providing assistance to the victims of the tragic Toboso incident in Negros Occidental and firmly addressing disinformation related thereto; contributing to Board deliberations and decisions that uphold and promote ethical leadership, academic excellence, and democratic governance in consonance with the University’s values of honor, excellence, and service; and demonstrating a commitment to democratic participation and the principles of public service, thereby contributing meaningfully to a more responsive, inclusive, and accountable university community. The citation was read by Atty. Roberto Lara, secretary of the university and the UP BOR.