Dina C. Magnaye, PhD, a professor at the UP Diliman School of Urban and Regional Planning (SURP), formally took her oath of office as SURP’s ninth dean on April 8 at the B.V. Cariño Multi-purpose Hall.
Magnaye, who succeeded Hussein S. Lidasan, PhD, was appointed on Feb. 24 at the 1368th meeting of the UP Board of Regents.
In his message, UPD Chancellor Fidel R. Nemenzo said, “Events like this mark the start of new leadership, but it is also an occasion to affirm our common goals, affirm our commitment to the goals of the college and goals of the university, and goals of the nation as a national university.”
Nemenzo added that being a dean is a very challenging job and oftentimes, one must play a delicate balancing act in addressing the competing interests of his or her constituents. He then asked the SURP community to give their full support, trust, and understanding to Magnaye to help her fulfill her tasks.
An economic, financial, and social development specialist, Magnaye said her slogan, “SURP: Gearing UP,” bears two meanings, the first being: greening and innovating urban and regional planning for planners and future thinkers.
Magnaye explained that greening SURP is a localized context of the United Nations Environment Programme of greening universities and campuses, and transforming them into green and sustainable campuses.
“Greening SURP is envisioned to promote green principles in planning education; adhere to inclusive education; and adopt greening strategies in governance,” she said.
Managye said 2022 is the year of harmonization and innovation on key business processes, while 2023 is devoted to fortification and building on the gains resulting from the prior year’s enhancements. This leads to broader strategic alliances, with graduate students contributing to sustainable development and goals-themed scientific research. Finally, 2024 is the fruition of two years of achieving new heights, and the realization of SURP as a globally recognized urban and regional planning institution.
Her vision for SURP is to make it an “institution positioned to lead the delivery of quality-assured academic programs, research, extension service, and governance in Southeast Asia that advocates innovative and inclusive learning in the pursuit of the green and global sustainable development agenda,” Magnaye said.
She added that she takes the helm with confidence. “With the support of the faculty, REPS, and administrative staff, I can boldly pronounce that we can together face the challenge for SURP to move forward and (bring) its faculty, REPS, and staff to higher levels of well-being.” Magnaye also introduced her executive board. They are Carmelita R.E.U. Liwag (school secretary), Karen Ann B. Jago-on, PhD (director, Graduate Studies Office), Kristine F. Aspiras (director, Training and Extension Services Division), and Annlouise Genevieve M. Castro, EnP (OIC, Research and Publication Division).