UP Visayas Marks 77th Year in Iloilo

The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) is celebrating its 77th year in Iloilo with a series of events, beginning with a simple opening activity during the 2024 International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) on September 21 in Arevalo, alongside several volunteer organizations.

The UPV Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, a volunteer service program under the Office of the Chancellor, and its volunteers will represent UPV during the cleanup.

Chancellor Clement C. Camposano will announce the opening of the Chancellor’s Awards for Outstanding Performance during the ICC event, marking the start of the nomination period.

Awardees will be recognized in December during the Service Awards, part of UPV’s annual Christmas event, Paskua.

The Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts (OICA) is also set to open an exhibit at the UPV Iloilo City campus, highlighting UP’s presence in Iloilo over the years.

UP Iloilo College (UPIC) opened on July 1, 1947, with Dr. Tomas Fonacier as its first dean.

Sixteen faculty members were hired to teach preparatory courses, including Pre-Business, Pre-Education, Pre-Engineering, Pre-Law, and Pre-Medicine. A total of 222 students enrolled in the integrated curriculum, a pioneering offering in the Philippines at the time.

In 1967, UPIC was renamed UP in Iloilo (UPI) under the leadership of Dean Pedro Abelarde. In 1976, under Dean Dr. Dionisia A. Rola, UPI was officially changed to UP College Iloilo (UPCI).

On September 21, 1977, President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. signed Presidential Decree 1200, part of the Philippine Five-Year Development Plan (1978-1982), which designated Region 6 as the location for the University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV), with a focus on fisheries and marine sciences education.

On August 22, 2007, the UP Board of Regents renamed the institution UP Visayas during its 1223rd meeting.

UP’s presence in Iloilo and across the region continues to be strong, with its commitment to providing relevant instruction, research, and extension programs that uplift local communities.

The University collaborates with local government units on programs related to fisheries, health, food safety, and good governance. Its efforts in empowering communities through technology and knowledge transfer have made UPV a publicly engaged institution.

UP Visayas remains committed to offering exceptional public service with honor and excellence in the years to come. (GT Mabilog/IPO)