Assistant Professor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II, who was appointed by the University of the Philippines (UP) Board of Regents as the 12th Chancellor of UP Diliman effective 3 April 2023 until April 2026, received the University Mace during the inauguration rites “Pasasalamat at Pagsalubong” held at the Quezon Hall on 5 June 2023.
This tradition symbolizes the transferring of authority over the Constituent University from the outgoing to the present officials. It was also an opportunity for the new Chancellor to introduce his administrative team to the UPD community.
UP President Angelo A. Jimenez, in his message, conveyed UP’s gratitude to immediate past Chancellor Fidel R. Nemenzo for successfully leading the UPD community navigate through the many challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jimenez welcomed the leadership of Vistan as he called for unity in standing up as one community for justice and civil rights. “We are generators of new knowledge. We are hubs of social change,” said Jimenez, as he emphasized UP’s role in society. He also encouraged everyone in the University to always embody honor, excellence, and compassion in rendering public service.
Chancellor Vistan thanked the UP community, UP System officials, and attendees of the ceremony. He pledged to use the authority turned over to him in a “democratic or participatory manner,” and to serve “always with resolve, and the best interests of the University and its stakeholders in mind.” He added that he looked forward to a productive and harmonious working relationship with the UP System administration, and the different offices and sectors of the UP community.
“I am also very thankful to my predecessor, Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo, and his administration, for shepherding UP Diliman through the pandemic, and placing us in a good position to meet the challenges in the coming years,” Vistan said.
Vistan shared his vision of cultivating “a culture of Honor and Excellence” in UPD and affirmed his commitment to democratic and participative governance. He said UPD personnel should be supported by “infrastructure, equipment, efficient work systems, nurturing work conditions, and continuous capacity building.”
He added that “UP Diliman will remain vigilant and responsive to the issues and concerns of the times.”
As of now, Vistan’s executive officials are: Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (Officer-in-Charge) Percival F. Almoro; Vice Chancellor for Administration Adeline A. Pacia; Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Louise Jashil R. Sonido; Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs Roehl L. Jamon; Vice Chancellor for Research and Development Carl Michael F. Odulio; and, Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development Raquel B. Florendo. He said they will ensure a smooth transition during the next few weeks until the new officials for OVCAA and OVCSA can be appointed.
As a closing presentation, soprano Bianca Lopez-Aguila sang The Dawn’s “Iisang Bangka Tayo”.
Before his selection and appointment as Chancellor, Vistan served as the Dean of the UP College of Law, and concurrent head of the UP Law Center and the UP Office of Legal Aid.
Vistan graduated from the Master of Laws (LL.M.) program of the Yale Law School in 2017. He earned his Bachelor of Laws from the UP College of Law in 2003, graduating cum laude and class valedictorian. He started teaching law in 2006 at the Angeles University Foundation School of Law; and in 2015, he joined the ranks of the regular faculty of UP. Prior to his law studies, Vistan obtained his Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology as an Oblation Scholar from the UPD in 1998, graduating cum laude.
More photos from the event
