Atty. Angelo Jimenez has taken the helm as the University of the Philippines (UP) President on Friday, February 10 at a turnover ceremony in Diliman, Quezon City. He succeeded Danilo Concepcion, UP’s 21st President.
Jimenez will serve for six years until February 2029.
“Our country has just weathered a pandemic that has triggered massive disruptions in business, technology, labor, and education. These have upended conventional thinking and compelled humankind to hurriedly adapt to and accept new realities,” Jimenez said in his acceptance speech.
“In this day and age, higher education institutions cannot be parochial and self-absorbed. We need to acquire a global consciousness in carrying our mandates,” he continued.
UP’s new chief said he envisions the University “to be at the forefront of transformative scientific, cultural, and artistic pedagogy, research, and public service in local and global communities” in the next six years.
Jimenez vowed to focus on prioritizing research, enhancing graduate and post-graduate programs, strengthening academic linkages with government and industry, democratizing access to the University, embracing digital transformation, implementing an open data policy, and defending academic freedom during his presidency.
“Our UP Naming Mahal will continue to ensure diversity, inclusivity, and respect as driving forces towards honor, excellence, kindness, and compassion… Our community deserves no less. The Filipino people deserve no less.”
In his valedictory address, Concepcion enumerated his administration’s accomplishments from innovations in UP’s academic offerings to additional faculty and staff items, infrastructure improvements, and additional support to UP’s culture and arts programs.
“I am now retiring from my post with deep pride and gratitude for this opportunity of a lifetime and I would like to thank my team,” Concepcion said.
The immediate past president welcomed his successor “with high hopes and expectations.”
“[I trust] he will sustain our progressive initiatives, defend our academic freedom as a prerequisite to excellence, and bring our beloved [UP] to new heights of glory and service to our people.”