Over 30 members of the diplomatic corps and other distinguished guests were feted by UP Diliman (UPD) at this year’s Chancellor’s International Reception (CIR) on May 7 at the Varsity Training Center.
Organized by the Office of International Linkages Diliman (OIL-D), CIR is UPD’s way of honoring the remarkable contributions of the University embassy partners and international academic partners whose collaborations strengthen and enrich UPD’s academic environment.
The venue, well-lit and bedecked with hanging plants and flowers, created a comfortable and relaxed ambiance for the attendees.
Among those who attended were dignitaries and special envoys from Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, China, European Union delegation to the Philippines, Finland, France, Great Britain, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Türkiye, the USA, and Vietnam.
Joining University officials and UPD international students were UP President Angelo A. Jimenez; Roland Oliquino, executive assistant at the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration; Kochakorn Khattapan-Acidre, centre deputy director of SEAMEO-INNOTECH; and Tetta Tirona, external affairs officer of the Quezon City Government.
In his message, UPD Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II gave the members of the diplomatic corps and other guests a brief background of the University—from its founding in 1908, its transfer to the Diliman campus in 1949, to UPD gaining autonomy in the 1980s.
Despite numerous changes over the years, the University, according to Vistan, remained true to its values and goals, and continues to “serve the needs and aspirations of the people; expand and deepen research directions; strive to improve teaching and pedagogy; and enhance and broaden extension service.”
Vistan also announced the formation of the UP International Faculty Alliance (UPIFA), an organization formed by UPD’s international faculty members. UPIFA’s goal is to support the long-term well-being and career advancement of international faculty in an academic environment that is based on equality, tolerance, and integration.
Meanwhile, Austrian Ambassador Johann Breiger, Bangladeshi Ambassador Mohammad Sarwar Mahmood, Belgian Ambassador Michel Parys, Finnish Ambassador Saija Nurminen, Malaysian Ambassador Melvin Castelino, Spanish Ambassador Miguel Utray, Swedish Ambassador Anna Ferry, Türkiye Ambassador Niyazi Evren Akyol, Vietnam Ambassador Lai Thai Binh, Jimenez, and Vistan, led the traditional ceremonial toast.
UPD presented the members of the diplomatic corps and other guests with plates that featured two iconic UPD landmarks: the Oblation and the Carillon. The photo of the Oblation was taken by College of Engineering Associate Dean Eric Tingatinga, while the Carillon photo was from the UP Diliman Information Office. The plates, according to OIL-D, are made of recycled acacia wood, symbolizing UPD’s resilience, standing strong and adapting through the years.
The evening celebration was capped with the musical performance of Uncle Bob’s Funky Seven Club’s upbeat and funky music.
The CIR 2025 is part of the annual UPD Lingo ng Parangal, a weeklong series of events honoring exemplary members of the UPD community, including students, staff, researchers, and faculty members.