UP Manila CAS Faculty Conference 2025 theme centers on Public Service
With a renewed focus on weaving public service into the fabric of higher education, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) of the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) held its annual Faculty Conference last June 4–6, 2025 in Nasugbu, Batangas. This year’s theme, “UPM CAS: Mula Iskolar ng Bayan tungo sa Iskolar para sa Bayan,” reflects the college’s commitment to transforming scholars of the nation into scholars for the nation through public service. The conference aided in deepening the understanding of public service and exploring ways to enhance the college’s engagement which can help improve the quality of education and further contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education.
Over 100 faculty members participated in the three-day conference, which combined insightful plenary and parallel sessions with reflective workshops, and wellness and team-building activities. The conference sought to address crucial questions related to public service: What does it truly entail? In what forms can it manifest? Is the University of the Philippines’ role as a Public Service University still relevant? What are the opportunities and challenges in integrating and implementing public service modalities within the College of Arts and Sciences? By exploring these questions, the college aim to align its efforts with SDG 4 and reinforce the shared commitment to providing quality education while making a meaningful societal impact.
Day 1: Embracing UP’s Public Service Mandate
Dr. Jasper John Obico, serving as Conference Chair and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (ADAA) delivered the overview of the conference theme and detailed the activities planned to fulfill the conference’s objectives. CAS Dean Dr. Ma. Teresa De Guzman then delivered warm welcoming remarks which centered her message on the theme of the conference. This was immediately followed by the plenary session highlighting UP’s role as a public service university. Former Faculty Regent Carl Marc Ramota led the discussion with a talk titled “University for the Public: UP and Its Public Service Mandate.” This was followed by Dr. Cherish Aileen Brillon, former Director of the Padayon UP Public Service Office, who shared insights on “The Future of Public Service in UP.”
An engaging open forum allowed faculty members to raise questions on how public service could be more deeply embedded in academic programs and departmental initiatives.
The afternoon featured a workshop facilitated by Dr. Dindo P. Cafe, Conference Co-Chair and Associate Dean for Research and Public Service (ADREPS), titled “Revisiting the Role of UP as a Public Service University.” Faculty teams assessed their department’s current readiness for public service delivery, identifying institutional strengths, gaps, and areas for growth.
To cap off the day, some participants enjoyed a calming yoga session led by the Department of Physical Education Instructor Kristine Garduque—providing a moment of reflection and relaxation.
Day 2: Exploring Modalities of Public Service
The second day introduced parallel breakout sessions, offering faculty members the opportunity to engage in topics aligned with their interests and expertise:
Room 1: Service Learning
Dr. Nemuel Fajutagana, Professor at the National Teacher Training Center for the Health Professions, UP Manila
The Power of Service Learning in University Education
Dr. Leonardo Estacio, Professor from Department of Behavioral Sciences (DBS), CAS, UP Manila
Overcoming Challenges in Service Learning Integration
Dr. Josephine Agapito, NSTP Director, UP Manila
Best Practices in Service Learning Implementation
Room 2: Faculty Volunteerism
In the afternoon, participants reconvened to share their insights and outputs for Workshop 2, which focused on identifying opportunities and addressing challenges in implementing public service modalities within CAS.
The day concluded with spirited team-building activities organized by DPE, where faculty members strengthened bonds through collaborative challenges. Later that evening, camaraderie and hidden talents took center stage during the “KASayahan Videoke Challenge.”
Day 3: Synthesis and Commitment
On the final day, Dr. Cafe presented a synthesis of the discussions and workshop outputs—highlighting key themes, takeaways, and action points for public service integration. Dr. Jay T. Dalet, Associate Dean for Planning and Development (ADPD) delivered a brief closing remark, affirming the college’s collective commitment to advancing public service as a core function of UP education.
To wrap up the event, winners of the team-building games and videoke challenge were announced, ending the conference on a celebratory note.
Through dialogue, reflection, and shared experiences, the 2025 CAS Faculty Conference reaffirmed the College’s role in shaping not just scholars of the nation, but champions of public service—true Iskolars para sa Bayan.
