24/08/2026
UPV welcomes students to AY ’26-’27
The University of the Philippines Visayas opened a new chapter as it welcomed both new and returning students to the academic year (AY) 2026-2027 during the Opening Exercises held at the UPV Auditorium, Iloilo City campus, Aug. 17, 2026.
After the introduction of freshmen from various academic units, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Alice Joan Ferrer officially welcomed them to the University to mark the start of their academic journey.
Dr. Ferrer said their stay at UPV will be filled with challenges to their intellect and character: “You will encounter ideas that will change the way you see the world. You will meet people from different backgrounds and perspectives, and you will discover abilities within yourself that you may not yet know you possess. You are now in a community that expects much from you, but also believes deeply in what you can become.”
To guide this AY’s freshman batch, Mr. Romeo Marañon, Jr., Sarimonde Foods Corporation President and UPV alumnus, shared his experience and wisdom in his inspirational message. He spoke about three key attributes: aiming for excellence, building resilience, and being mindful.
Marañon has been consistent in upholding these attributes, recalling his time as an officer of the UPV University Student Council, where he was active in voicing political issues and taking leadership roles, and as a varsity member of UPV’s basketball team.
He said he has faced setbacks as a student and a professional, and acknowledges them as a repeating cycle. During his graduating year, Marañon said he received a conditional grade of 4.0 in one of his classes and admitted that it felt like it was a heavy blow to his confidence.
Marañon recalled two instances when he had to apply the aforementioned three key attributes: when he had to decide between staying or leaving an organization that offered comfort but made him question his core principles, and when he was diagnosed with a serious medical illness in the middle of a major career leap.
“Instead of viewing these moments as dead ends, I chose to see them as formative stops. They taught me three valuable lessons: first, be ready for setbacks; second, accept what you cannot control; and third, never let fear paralyze you,” Marañon said.
For his part, Chancellor Clement Camposano said he hopes their new academic journey inspires them to embrace every challenge with courage, every opportunity with determination, and every experience with an open mind.
“College is a time to broaden your horizons, build meaningful friendships, develop your talents, and prepare for the future you envision. May you approach this year with passion, resilience, and a commitment to excellence,” Chancellor Camposano said.
As part of the program, Chancellor Camposano, along with UPV’s executive officials, deans, and heads of offices and units, introduced the members of their team and each office’s mandates. Officers serving the UPV University Student Council were also introduced.
Meanwhile, BS Fisheries student Hikaru Chunai, in his message on behalf of the upperclass, said that the new students will be challenged during their stay at the University, but this will be essential for their growth. He also said all fields of study in UPV are equally important for the functioning of society, and these have significant influence on them and their future careers.
In response, BS Statistics freshman student John Lennard Divino said the students’ education is supported by public funds, including the taxes paid by the Filipinos.
“There are people we will never meet who contributed to the system that makes it possible for us to study here. Knowing that makes being here feel like more than a personal achievement, and it also gives a little more weight to the words ‘Iskolar ng Bayan’ because we aren’t simply students who happened to pass an entrance exam; we are students being educated through a public institution, and that connects us to the people this institution exists to serve,” he said.
Written by Carlson Alelis, IPO
Photos by Alven Polido, IPO
