UPV Master of Education alumni hold first oath-taking

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Nearly five decades after the program’s founding, the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) Master of Education program now has its own official alumni association.

On Aug. 25, 2025, the UPV Master of Education Alumni Association (UPVMEAA) held its first oath-taking at the Graduate and Continuing Education Building, with UPV Chancellor Dr. Clement C. Camposano administering the oath and Prof. Lisa Baliao, director of the UPV Office of Alumni Affairs, serving as witness.

Ten officers and trustees formally took their oaths:

• Dr. Herman M. Lagon, president (ISUFST)
  • Dr. Alexander J. Balsomo, vice president (WVSU)
  • Dr. Myla Fe G. Pinuela, secretary (UPV)
  • Dr. Joan M. Belga, treasurer (ISUFST)
  • Mr. Obed Joy B. Gaitan, auditor (WVSU)
  • Dr. Edward E. Baña, board member (DepEd Antique)
  • Ms. Divine D. Jinon, board member (ISUFST)
  • Mr. Anthony L. Laurea, board member (Dueñas General Comprehensive High School)
  • Mr. Marmon A. Pagunsan, board member (University of Antique)
  • Dr. Joefry Q. Barcebal, board member (University of Antique–Hamtic)

“This is more than an oath-taking—it is a commitment to protect UP alumni, empower them to lead, and to continue UP’s role in nation-building,” Chancellor Camposano said.

He added that graduate education must form leaders, educators, and civic citizens, and the association will help carry that forward.

Prof. Baliao, who had long championed alumni initiatives, said, “After 44 years, our program finally has an alumni identity. This group is proof that we are stronger when we stand together. The Office of Alumni Affairs is ready to help make your plans a reality.”

Vice President Dr. Alexander Balsomo, dean of the College of Arts and Science of WVSU, said, “To be ‘Iskolar at Maroonong Guro ng Bayan’ is to bring UP’s values of honor, excellence, and service into every classroom and community.”

For adviser Dr. Jonny B. Pornel, chairperson of the UPV Division of Professional Education, the event fulfilled a long-held hope.

“This association is a dream come true. It links our identity as UP alumni to service, independence, and a collective responsibility to uplift education,” Pornel said.

Responding on behalf of the officers, President Dr. Herman M. Lagon pledged, “We are not here to build monuments but to build connections. Even small steps, done together, can make a big impact.”

After the oath-taking, all officers, Chancellor Camposano, and Prof. Baliao signed the Constitution and By-Laws, formally establishing the group’s foundation.

The morning ceremony concluded with the singing of “UP Naming Mahal.”

In the afternoon, the officers held their first face-to-face board meeting and crafted a three-year strategic plan (2025–2028) under the theme “Small Steps, Big Impact.”

Plans include building an alumni directory (Maroonong Map), launching free and low-cost webinars, setting up a mentoring program for younger educators, adopting a partner school for outreach, and publishing alumni statements or policy briefs on education and related issues.

The group also approved opening a bank account, applying for SEC registration, and rotating meetings across towns and provinces to reach more alumni.

The officers are calling on fellow UPV Master of Education graduates—estimated at about 800 since 1981—to register as members.

“This is just the beginning,” Dr. Lagon said. “We want every alum—every Iskolar at Maroonong Guro ng Bayan—to feel they have a home here. Together, we can strengthen UPV, support one another, and serve our communities.”

With its first oath-taking complete, UPVMEAA stands as a new space for reconnection and service—proof that even after graduation, UP alumni remain bound by their shared identity as Iskolar at Guro ng Bayan. (UPVMEAA)