As the UP Open University celebrates its 30th anniversary, it enters a new chapter with the Chancellorship turnover rites held on 28 February 2025 at the International Convention Center, UPOU Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna.
Following UP tradition, outgoing Chancellor Melinda Bandalaria handed over the University mace to incoming Chancellor Joane Serrano, symbolizing the transfer of the duties and responsibilities to the newly appointed academic leader of the University.
The turnover rights started with the oath taking of Dr. Serrano, administered by UP President Atty. Angelo Jimenez. This was followed by President Jimenez and Chancellor Serrano formally signing the appointment papers.
President Jimenez and Chancellor Serrano formally signing the appointment papers.
In her farewell speech, Dr. Bandalaria reflected on the three terms she served as Chancellor, highlighting the key insights that have guided her leadership: commitment to honor, excellence, and service; striking a balance between people and deliverables; empowerment through trust; listening and feeling the pulse of the constituencies; and having a clear vision for the university. She expressed her gratitude to those who became part of and supported her administration.
Dr. Bandalaria delivers her farewell speech.
A symbolic turn over of the University mace followed with Dr. Primo Garcia, outgoing Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (VCAA), retrieving the mace from its stand and handing it over to Dr. Bandalaria, who then passed it to Dr. Serrano. Incoming VCAA Dr. Aurora Lacoste then carried back the mace to its stand.
Chancellor Serrano receives the mace from Dr. Bandalaria.
In her acceptance speech, Chancellor Serrano thanked and recognized her predecessors and emphasized UPOU’s shared vision: to become a transformative university of the future.
Chancellor Serrano delivers her acceptance speech.
“This vision,” she said, “embodies UPOU’s commitment to becoming a sustainable and resilient university, an entrepreneurial university, a healthy university, and a learning university where every student, faculty member, staff, alumnus, and partner is empowered to thrive, innovate, and make a positive impact on society.”
She invited faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners—to embark on this new journey together. “The challenges ahead are great, but so is our collective capacity,” she affirmed.
Before ending her message, Chancellor Serrano also announced the members of the new administration.
Written by Primo G. Garcia ♦ Photos by Anna Mhari Duria, Marinela Hernandez and Dianne Cosinas
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