Portraits of UPOU Chancellors over the years (L-R) Dr. Maria Cristina Padolina, Dr. Felix Libraro, Dr. Grace Javier Alfonso, Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria and Dr. Joane V. Serrano.
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) held a formal inauguration and unveiling of the Chancellors’ Portraits on 14 July 2026, in honor of the leaders who built and shaped the university. The event served as a tribute to the enduring legacy and contributions of the former chancellors to the institution.
(L-R):Chancellor Serrano and Dr. San Pablo gave a brief background on how the Chancellors’ Portraits came to be.
The initiative was spearheaded by Dr. Joane V. Serrano, fifth and current Chancellor, who recognized the importance of formally honoring the former university leaders. The project was implemented by the UPOU Committee on Culture and the Arts, chaired by Dr. Shari San Pablo.
During the short program, Dr. San Pablo explained how Chancellor Serrano envisioned the project and how they conducted an extensive search for an artist capable of capturing the essence of each leader. Following an online call for submissions that drew approximately 50 to 60 candidates, Jayson Droña, award-winning Cebuano artist and licensed mechanical engineer, was chosen for the commissioned work.
The inauguration program included messages from former chancellors, Dr. Ma. Cristina Padolina and Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria, both of whom graced the event. Dr. Padolina expressed her message of gratitude and said that these portraits are more than just visual records but also “triggers for different experiences” and symbols of the university’s progress.
Dr. Bandalaria reflected on her journey at UPOU, noting that she began as an “ordinary research assistant” before rising to the chancellorship. She emphasized that the university provides a “great platform to reach many Filipinos.”
Dr. Padolina said that the portraits symbolize the progress of the university.
Dr. Bandalaria reflects on her journey from being a research assistant
to chancellor of the university.
Joining the Chancellors who have led UPOU through decades of growth in open and distance elearning were the members of Chancellor Serrano’s cabinet: Dr. Aurora Lacaste, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Dr. Jean A. Saludadez, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration; Dr. Charisse T. Reyes, Dean, Faculty of Education; Dr. Finaflor Taylan, Dean, Faculty of Management and Development Studies; Asst. Prof. Blancaflor P. Arada, University Registrar; Asst. Prof. Roda Tajon, Director, Office of Student Affairs; Assoc. Prof. Juvy Gervacio, Director, Center for Open and Digital Teaching and Learning; Dr. Reinald Pugoy, Director, Information and Communication Technology Development Office; Assoc. Prof. Ria Mae H. Borromeo, Assistant to the Chancellor for Institutional Analytics and Insights; Ms. Yasele Irene Angela M. Yambao, Executive Assistant; Ms. Anna Cañas-Llamas, Assistant to the Director of Office of Public Affairs and Secretary to the Chancellor’s Advisory Council.
Chancellor Serrano (center) with Dr. Padolina (to her right) and Dr. Bandalaria (to her left) with the cabinet members: (L-R): Ms. Cañas-Llamas, Dr. Borromeo, Dr. Gervacio, Dr. San Pablo, Dr. Reyes, Dr. Saludadez, Dr. Lacaste, Dr. Taylan, Dr. Pugoy, aProf. Arada, aProf. Tajon and Ms. Yambao.
The portraits are now permanently installed at the Office of the Chancellor, where they are expected to serve as a “guide and inspiration” for students and staff to continue the university’s mission of public service.
Written by Anna Cañas-Llamas | Edited by Primo Garcia | Photos by Anna Mhari Duria
