UPLB General Education Program

22/05/2026

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 || 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗚𝗘 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘂𝗺

The UPLB GE Program Council rejects the proposed Reframed General Education (GE) presented by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) last May 5, 2026. This proposal violates democratic protocols in public policy-making, constitutes an attack on legislative provisions on academic freedom and job security, and submits higher education to the narrow instrumentalism of the market.

While the CHED has suspended the proposal’s pilot implementation, the Reframed GE was drafted in violation of the principles of democratic deliberation and transparency, and therefore should be discarded. Educational policy-making is a matter of public trust, and this should never be undermined by non-disclosure agreements and spurious consultations that systematically undermine the principles of transparency and accountability.

We also take the stand that the proposal constitutes a violation of academic freedom, enshrined in the Higher Education Act of 1994, which limits CHED’s role to setting the minimum standards for academic programs. We also raise alarm over the possibility of massive labor displacement among existing GE faculty that the proposal entails, violating the Constitutionally guaranteed provision on labor security.

Ultimately, the Reframed GE Curriculum continues a series of attacks against GE, most recently enacted through CHED Memorandum No. 20, series of 2013, that have gradually diminished the number of GE courses across the country. This trajectory stems from a narrow, instrumentalist view adopted by CHED that treats higher education merely as a pipeline for labor market integration, rather than a space for intellectual growth.

Higher education aims for the holistic development of graduates capable of critical and creative thinking, and imbued with a strong sense of socio-historical and nationalist consciousness. This is only achievable through a strong GE program in the tertiary level, where engagement with the humanities and social sciences, as well as mathematics and related scientific fields is continuously deepened and sharpened in the spirit of interdisciplinarity, building on foundational learning in the basic education level.

We take the stand that curricular revisions, while necessary, do not adequately address the real issues besetting higher education institutions (HEIs) and the education sector in general – the need for teacher training and capacity strengthening, labor insecurity within the academic sector, lack of resources to ensure a conducive learning environment, the need for inclusive access to education for the most marginalized sectors of Philippine society, and the broader problem of systemic corruption.

In this light, we acknowledge the need for UPLB, and UP in general, to strengthen its public engagement with other HEIs, particularly state universities and colleges, to advance educational policies that put a premium on national development and social justice.

A stronger, meaningful GE can only be crafted through collective, inclusive, and transparent policy-making—guided by the enduring values of justice, nationalism, and democracy.

06/05/2026

Look: the skies over UPLB Freedom Park were filled with color and creativity last May 4 during “Saranggola: Layag ng Pag-asa.”

Featuring handcrafted kites made by ARTS 1 students, the activity organized by the UPLB Visual and Performing Arts Division and UPLB General Education Program celebrated art, expression, and hope through kite flying. 🪁

22/04/2026

Another meaningful exchange of insights unfolded today, 22 April 2026, as we welcomed a new set of visitors from the UPLB Higher Education Leadership Mentoring Fellowship Program (HELMP).

The session was graced by distinguished leaders from various institutions, including Dr. Jasmen S. Pasia, Dean of the School of Medical Laboratory Science and Public Health, San Pedro College; Dr. Genaro F. Alderite, Jr., Dean of the School of Business Management, Education, Arts and Sciences, San Pedro College; Dr. Marilou D. Junsay, Program Chairperson of the PhD in Educational Management Program, Davao del Norte State College; Dr. Rodney T. Cajimat, Director of Instruction and Curriculum Development, Nueva Vizcaya State University; Dr. Jovelyn G. Delosa, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Northern Bukidnon State College; Dr. Nancy Joy M. Mangansat, Director of Curriculum Development and Evaluation, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology; Dr. Marx P. Catalan, Associate Dean of the School of Medical Laboratory Science and Public Health, San Pedro College; Ms. Sheryl Caroline B. Fontanilla, Director of Quality Assurance and Accreditation, Nueva Vizcaya State University; Engr. Alvin G. Quizon, Director of the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Office, Bulacan Agricultural State College; Mr. Anthony D. Dela Cruz, Academic Affairs Coordinator, Bayambang Polytechnic College; and Dr. Renato E. Salcedo, Acting Vice President for Local and International Affairs, Pangasinan State University.

This engagement emphasized what lies ahead in General Education Program, preparing institutions to better align learning experiences with the evolving needs of students. At its core were the principles that defined an institution—showing how values are not only upheld but deeply woven into GE courses.

It marks another step forward in strengthening shared perspectives and advancing transformative education.

22/04/2026

Hindi kailanman namamatay ang kuwento—ito’y patuloy na isinasalaysay. 🌿

Noong ika-21 ng Abril 2026, sa ARTS 1 GE Conversation: “Weaving Legends: Folklore Across Art Forms,” hindi lamang tayo nakinig—tayo’y nakipagtagpo sa mga alaala. Sa loob ng NCAS Auditorium, muling umagos ang mga salaysay na minsang ibinulong ng ating mga ninuno—mga kuwentong hinabi ng lupa, ilog, at gunita.

Kasama ang mga miyembro ng Folklore Pilipinas na sina Etchok Catchuela, Lea Zoraina Sindao Lim, Michael Villanueva, at Doris Rodriguez—ating nasaksihan kung paanong ang mga kuwentong-bayan ay hindi nananatili sa nakaraan. Ang mga ito’y patuloy na isinasalin, isinasabuhay, at muling nililikha sa bawat salinlahi. Sa tanghalan, sa tinig, at sa iba’t ibang anyo ng sining, ang mga alamat ay muling nagkaroon ng buhay at tibok.

Sapagkat ang kuwentong-bayan ay hindi lamang kuwento—ito’y daluyan ng alaala, ugat ng pagkakakilanlan, at sisidlan ng ating sama-samang diwa bilang Pilipino.

Nasa atin ang pagpapatuloy—ang maging tagapagdala, tagapag-ingat, at tagapaglikha ng mga kuwentong hindi kailanman maglalaho.

📸: UPLB General Education Program

16/04/2026

Step into a rich tapestry of myths, traditions, and oral histories at the ARTS 1 GE Conversation, “Weaving Legends: Folklore Across Art Forms” on April 21, 2026, 1:00 PM at the NCAS Auditorium.

Journey with our guest speakers from Folklore Pilipinas as they share their expert knowledge and artistic practices: Etchok Catchuela, “From Oral Tradition to Stage: Reimagining Folklore Through Performance Art”; Lea Zoraina Sindao Lim, “Patutudtul a Pulangi : The Storyteller is the River”; Michael Villanueva, “Folklore Pilipinas : For the Love of Inherited Philippine Stories and Culture”; and Doris Rodriguez, “Unearth "MAYARI" Philippine Folklore, Storytelling, and Performance Art"

Folklore Pilipinas is a collective of artists, cultural workers, designers, musicians, writers, and academics dedicated to preserving and reimagining Filipino myths, traditions, and oral histories. Through exhibitions, workshops, talks, and animation projects, they transform ancestral narratives into contemporary art forms that invite reflection on identity, memory, resilience, and cultural heritage. By bridging folklore with modern creative practice, their work highlights how inherited stories remain relevant, evolving, and deeply connected to the shaping of Filipino culture today.

This event is presented by the Visual and Performing Arts Division of the UPLB CAS Department of Humanities.

14/04/2026

Wika at sostenibleng pag-unlad ang naging pokus ng WIKA 1 GE Conversation na ginanap noong Marso 30, 2026 sa UPLB DL Umali Auditorium.

Sa pangunguna ng Dibisyon ng Wika ng UPLB Department of Humanities, kasama ang mga pangunahing tagapagsalita na sina Atty. Maria Kristina Conti at Assoc. Prof. Wennielyn F. Fajilan, PhD, napalalim ang talakayan patungkol sa mahalagang papel ng wika sa pagsusulong ng hustisya, pagpapatibay ng mga institusyon, at paghubog ng inklusibo at sustenableng lipunan.

Patuloy nating kilalanin ang wika bilang mahalagang kasangkapan sa paglikha ng mas makatarungan at maunlad na kinabukasan.

📸: UPLB General Education Program

26/03/2026

The UPLB General Education (GE) Program, led by Dir. April Hope T. Castro, discussed the UPLB GE framework with fellows of the UPLB Higher Education Leadership Mentoring Fellowship Program (HELMFP) today, 26 March 2026.

The session was attended by academic leaders including Dr. Regina G. Almonte (Vice President for Research, Extension, Planning and Quality Assurance, City College of Calamba); Dr. Cecilia S. Santiago (Vice President for Academic Affairs, Bulacan Agricultural State College); and Dr. Maila N. Lucero (Vice President for Academic Affairs, Palawan State University).

During the discussion, Dir. Castro detailed the GE framework as a transformative model designed to move beyond basic skills and deepen the understanding of complex theories through its core curriculum. The orientation highlighted UPLB’s mission to develop "thoughtful men and women" characterized by honor, excellence, and a commitment to public service.

This collaboration, organized by the UPLB Office for Institutional Development in Higher Education (OIDHE), strengthens leadership capacity and shared goals across the higher education sector.

25/03/2026

Inaanyayahan ang lahat ng mga mag-aaral ng Wika 1, mga g**o, kawani, at ang buong publiko na makiisa sa malayang talakayang ito:

📅 Marso 30, 2026 (Lunes)
🕐 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 DL Umali Auditorium, UP Los Baños

Kitakits!!

𝙋𝙖𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙖𝙮𝙖!

Matapos ang matagumpay na talakayan noong nakaraang taon hinggil sa Interdisiplinaryong Pananaliksik sa Filipino; Ngayong taon ay itinatampok ng Dibisyon ng Wika ang taunang 𝗪𝗜𝗞𝗔 𝟭 𝗚𝗘 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 na may temang, “𝐖𝐢𝐤𝐚 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐠-𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐚𝐝.”

Ngayong taon, ang talakayan ay iikot sa mahalagang papel ng wikang Filipino at mga wika sa Pilipinas sa sostenibleng pag-unlad. Makikita rin ito bilang oportunidad upang mahikayat ang mga mag-aaral, akademiko, at kawani ng Unibersidad na siyasatin ang pagbuo ng kani-kanilang pananaliksik, publikasyon, produkto, at iba pang serbisyo publiko sa lente ng wika at disiplinang Filipino, at mga layunin ng sostenibleng pag-unlad. Dagdag pa, bilang Pambansang Unibersidad, mahalagang mapaigting pa ang potensiyal ng wikang Filipino, hindi lamang bilang midyum sa pagsulat ng pananaliksik at matatalinong diskurso, bagkus, bilang instrumentong sa sostenibleng kaunlaran.

Ikinararangal naming ipinakikilala ang dalawang eksperto na magbabahagi ng kanilang talino at karanasan sa kani-kanilang larangan: 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝘆. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗞𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶, Human Rights Lawyer at Secretary-General ng NUPL-NCR, na tatalakay sa 𝐖𝐢𝐤𝐚, 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐬, 𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐩𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐬 𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐠𝐚 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐬𝐲𝐨𝐧 (𝐒𝐃𝐆 𝟏𝟔); at si 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳. 𝗪𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗹𝘆𝗻 𝗙. 𝗙𝗮𝗷𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻, 𝗣𝗵𝗗, Tagapangulo ng UST Sentro sa Salin at Araling Salin para naman sa 𝐈𝐧𝐤𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐲𝐨𝐧, 𝐖𝐢𝐤𝐚, 𝐚𝐭 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐤𝐚𝐬𝐲𝐨𝐧 (𝐒𝐃𝐆 𝟒 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐃𝐆 𝟏𝟎).

Inaanyayahan ang lahat ng mga mag-aaral ng Wika 1, mga g**o, kawani, at ang buong publiko na makiisa sa malayang talakayang ito:

📅 Marso 30, 2026 (Lunes)
🕐 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 DL Umali Auditorium, UP Los Baños

Kitakits!!

10/03/2026

The University Council (UC) held its 160th meeting at the Charles Fuller Baker Memorial Hall on March 2.

In the afternoon, the General Education (GE) Program hosted a Book Talk at the SEARCA Umali Auditorium.

07/03/2026

UPLB strengthened strategic academic and institutional partnerships on February 27.

The University, through the Office for Institutional Development in Higher Education (OIDHE) formalized a new partnership with the University of Makati (UMak), expanding UPLB’s network of higher education institution (HEI) partners.

UPLB also entered into a cooperation and partnership agreement with the Philippine Foundation for Science and Technology, Inc. (PFST).

04/03/2026

The UPLB General Education Program proudly joins the 2026 National Women’s Month Celebration, reaffirming its commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Anchored in the theme “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”, we honor the legacy of women leaders who shaped communities with wisdom, courage, and care.

Let us continue to learn, empower, and lead with purpose.