UPVI BOG Pays a Courtesy Call to UP President Atty. Angelo A Jimenez
03 July 2023, 1400H: Members of the UPVI Board of Governors paid a courtesy call to newly installed UP President Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez at his office in Quezon Hall, UP Diliman. Led by the National Commander Vgd Luis Juan Oreta ’77, members present were Vice National Commander MGen Peale Jon Bondoc ’85, Vgd Anthony Avelino Reyes ’84, Vgd Delfin Maximo Fonacier ’86, Vgd Marcelino Jr Navera Lizaso ’91, and Vgd Khristian Alvaera ’02. Also present were Vgd Benjamin de Leon ’57, Vgd Benjamin Vallejo Jr ’88, and Executive Director Vgd Robert Coscolluela ’92.
The 22nd President of our beloved UP shared pleasantries with the BOG reminiscing fond memories of his time as a Cadet, articulating how ROTC has contributed to his life in the university, particularly as a student leader himself, being Chair of the UP Student Council. He recounted several instances in his training with the Vanguards as well as distinctive personalities such as Vgd Hermie Dumlao ’58 and MGen Jose Magno ’52 whom he had the privilege to meet in the course of his service to the nation.
As the President laid out his vision for the University in brief, he also sought the support of the Vanguards to help him deliver them in full fruition. Taking lessons from the 2nd President of UP, Guy Potter Benton, he found it paradoxical that UP remains wanting in its mission to quell society’s inequalities despite its 100 years of existence. That there is a disconnect between reality and self concept as the premier university of the nation. He believes that more should be done by the university as a moral force, both locally and as a member of the global community.
Despite his stand for ROTC in UP to remain voluntary, the UP President made clear that he is in support of the Vanguards’ initiative to develop UP DMST as a degree-granting institution recognizing its distinct advantage in harnessing the best of both military and civilian expertise. As to what shape and form this will evolve would have to be further articulated by the Technical Working Group led by Vgd Herman Kraft ’84 and Vgd Jun Vallejo ’88. Further he commented that the initiative may fit well under the NCPAG umbrella and that the focus should be on post-graduate degrees.
The National Commander updated Atty Jimenez on the ongoing construction of the UP Vanguard Building and he was very happy to know that additional funding was being secured through the support of UP alumni in Congress. Vgd Oreta ’77 presented the UP President with The Chosen Few centennial book to thank him for graciously hosting the UPVI BOG and supporting the UP Vanguards.
MNL91
