“To the man who believes that education pays … to the man who protects the resources and makes possible the idea of a national university that serves the world by serving best the Filipino people … Cheers!” University of the Philippines President and UP Board of Regents Co-Chairperson Angelo Jimenez led the toast to former Representative and Regent Mark Go at the testimonial dinner UP hosted for Go on July 16 at the Executive House, UP Diliman.
The honoree was chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Higher and Technical Education from July 2022 to June 2025, and therefore served as a member of the UP BOR — the university’s highest governing body — in the same period. He was the lone district representative of Baguio City from 2016 to 2025.
Commission on Higher Education and UP BOR Chairperson Shirley Agrupis and Jimenez presented Go with a citation as an expression of gratitude and appreciation for his contributions to UP and the nation.
As representative and regent, Go was recognized for championing legislation that prioritizes education in the national government agenda and supporting comprehensive reforms to uplift the state of Philippine education, such as measures addressing the Second Congressional Commission on Education report. Go also promoted the value and impact of the University to national development, within and beyond the halls of Congress, thereby contributing to efforts to marshal resources for various [UP] programs and projects.
As a member of the BOR Finance Committee, Go advanced fiscal prudence and accountability, resource optimization and productivity, and efficient management of the University’s assets. He was also credited for supporting the establishment of programs in emerging areas of scholarship and research, such as advanced degrees in data science, artificial intelligence, data analytics and informatics, forestry science, and other fields.
Jimenez added that Go was one of the greatest advocates of the UP budget in Congress. He observed him as the regent “most involved in university life,” and who was always present and engaged in BOR meetings. He noted that many programs and opportunities now enjoyed by the UP faculty and personnel were achieved through the efforts of Regent Go.
Agrupis, meanwhile, praised Go’s “steadfast support, visionary leadership, and sincere dedication that helped shape a more inclusive and empowered future for students and academic communities.”
In response, Go said that UP is his “first love,” elaborating on his experiences and insights about the importance of the university to the Filipino people. He also shared his learnings from his membership of the BOR and of the boards of other state universities and colleges.
Other BOR members at the testimonial dinner were Alumni Regent and UP Alumni Association President Robert Lester Aranton, Regent Raul Pagdanganan, Regent Gregorio Pastorfide, former UP President and Regent Alfredo Pascual, Faculty Regent Early Sol Gadong, Student Regent Francesca Mariae Duran, Staff Regent Marie Theresa Alambra, and Secretary of the University and of the Board of Regents Roberto Lara.
Officials of the UP System and the constituent universities also attended the event. Namely, Executive Vice President and Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs Leo Cubillan, VP for Planning and Finance Iryn Balmores, VP for Administration Augustus Resurreccion, VP for Digital Transformation Peter Sy, Chief of Staff of the Office of the President Ricky Dela Torre, Assistant VPAA (Student Affairs) Ma. Shari Niña Oliquino, TVUP Director and Professor Emeritus Grace Alfonso, UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II, UP Los Baños Chancellor Jose Camacho, Jr., UP Manila Chancellor Michael Tee, UP Baguio Chancellor Joel Addawe, UP Cebu Chancellor Leo Malagar, and UP Open University Faculty of Information and Communication Studies Dean Roberto Figueroa, Jr., who represented Chancellor Joane Serrano.
