“Shame, BOR!”
Groups demanded an explanation from the University of the Philippines (UP) Board of Regents (BOR) after it chose UP College of Law Dean Edgardo Carlo Vistan II as the 12th UP Diliman Chancellor, despite widespread support for Dr. Fidel Nemenzo.
On Holy Monday, April 3 students barricaded several doors at Quezon Hall to protest the decision, with some attempting to force open a door leading to the BOR meeting room. The door was later painted with the words “Shame, BOR!”.
The UP Diliman University Student Council joined other student organizations in calling for transparency, urging the decision-makers to publicize their votes. The protesters expressed their disappointment and frustration over what they see as a disregard for the sentiments of the University community.
In an earlier interview with DZUP Balita, Vistan shared his preparations days before the selection on Monday.
“Malalim na pag-iisip. Alam mo, kailangan ko na ring isipin iyong tungkulin ng Chancellor; pinag-iisipan na rin natin kahit papaano. Sa totoo lang, hindi naman ito masyadong malayo sa pinaghandaan natin, mga sinumite natin sa mga tanong, sa mga fora, at sa mga interviews. And, positive thinking at dasal.”
The newly appointed UP Diliman Chancellor laid out his vision for UP’s flagship constituent university, which focuses on providing a holistic education to individuals and communities. In pursuit of this goal, Vistan aims to prioritize the delivery of quality and accessible education, undertake relevant research, and engage with other organizations and sectors.