The UP Diliman (UPD) Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Development (OVCRD) and the UPD Research, Extension, and Professional Staff (REPS) Welfare Council recently held the UPD REPS Colloquium and General Assembly with the theme SULONG REPS: Sama-samang Uunlad at Lalakas ang Organisadong REPS.

The event provided an opportunity for the University REPS to network, ask questions, and share knowledge to further strengthen their collective actions.

UPD Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II in his message said the assembly and colloquium “is a call to bring all UPD REPS to progress together towards a stronger organized sector.”

The occasion also honored the first recipients of the REPS Chair and REPS Awards. The awards are given in recognition of the REPS’ achievements in research, creative, and extension work, and professional public service, and as an encouragement for the REPS to “advance knowledge and learning in their various fields and disciplines, establish scientific and thought laboratories, and develop and implement new programs encouraging to achieve the UP’s mandate as a research university,” states the OVCRD. The REPS Chair Awards are given to the highest performing REPS with salary grade (SG) 18 and above while REPS Awards are given to the highest performing REPS below SG 18.

Ten REPS received the REPS Chair—Chito N. Angeles, Jessie Rose M. Bagunu, Sharon Ma. S. Esposo-Betan, and Rizalyn Janio from the University Library (UL); Corazon A. De Ungria, Charita S. Kwan, and Maria Pierangeli G. Vital from from the Natural Sciences Research Institute; Joanna Rose T. Laddaran and Jefferson C. Sumalabe from the Institute for Small-Scale Industries; and Maria Teresita F. Mendoza from the Office of Counseling and Guidance.

Meanwhile, 17 received the REPS Award—three from UL, two each from the Institute of Biology (IB) and Institute of Chemistry (IC), and one each from the College of Music (CMu), Asian Institute of Tourism (AIT), Department of Geography (DGeog), Department of Political Science (DPolSci), National Institute of Physics (NIP), Marine Science Institute (MSI, NSRI, Third World Studies Center (TWSC), ISSI, and Office of International Linkages Diliman (OILD).

They are Therghie I. Ablin, Eunice Ann Y. Chua, and Michelle Ann G. Manalo-Eclar from the UL; Melizar V. Duya and Mae Ashley G. Nacario from the IB; Joel I. Ballesteros and Harriet Jane R. Caleja-Ballesteros from the IC; and Josephine Cecilia L. Baradas from the CMu; Milovy Mariel R. Baduria from the AIT; Christelle B. Bautista from DGeog; Ma. Cecilia C. de la Rosa from DPolSci,; Hannah R. Bardolaza from the NIP; John Michael L. Lastimoso from MSI; Mary Ann Cielo R. San Diego from NSRI; Miguel Paolo P. Reyes from the TWSC; Jake A. Villanueva from the ISSI, and Noelle Camilla R. Rivera from OILD.

The event also featured presentations of research, public service endeavors, and professional development pursuits of five REPS Chair recipients and five REPS Development Fund grantees.

Meanwhile, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Percival F. Almoro presented the framework of the UP Collective Mentorship Program of the UP System, in support of its vision to be a world-class research university. He discussed the important role of the University REPS and how they can participate and engage in the program.

For his part, Director Arthur A. Gonzales III of the UPD Human Resources Development Office (HRDO) presented the HRDO programs for the REPS and other UPD employees.

Held on Dec. 10 at the GT-Toyota Asian Center Auditorium, UP President Angelo A. Jimenez and other UP System and UPD officials were also present in the colloquium.