Happy anniversary to everyone in UP Mindanao!

UP Mindanao is closest to my heart because I am from Mindanao. I grew up in Mindanao, and identify with Mindanao. I have committed resources for the development of this region as with the nation. Mindanao has seen so much change since the first time I served on the Board of Regents as a student representative. Being a member of the Board of Regents as a young scholar has exposed me to some of our people's most persistent problems, especially at the University of the Philippines Mindanao.

 I was again privileged to be part of the Board of Regents from 2016 to 2021, wherein the administration of former UP president Danilo Concepcion initiated high-impact innovations in the academic, administrative, infrastructure, social, and cultural dimensions of the university. It paved the way for us to continue the way for the university's transformation into our envisioned world-class university. Attuned to 21st-century teaching, learning research, and public service to the nation and the world. We are fortunate to inherit such a university, and I am grateful to be part of a team of policymakers and administrators who will build on these foundations and make an even better university. 

UP Mindanao’s anniversary theme of convergence for partnerships resonates with me. I fully support the chancellor's strategy for transformative education. I also thank everyone at the University of the Philippines Mindanao for their service, especially during the pandemic's peak. Through your work, the university continues to live up to its mission and tradition of serving, and now, the creation of a new world and a better world. 

Senior high school students who are graduating in 2024 may now apply online for the University of the Philippines College Admission Test for Academic Year 2024 (UPCAT 2024). 

Applicants are encouraged to apply online in March-April as the manual application will only be available in selected regional areas. Filipino applicants may apply free of charge.

Applicants should visit the website (https://upcatonline.up.edu.ph/) for the list of UP campuses, courses, detailed information, and instructions. 

Applicants shall electronically accomplish Form 1 (Personal Data Sheet) in March-April 2023. High School administrators shall likewise be requested to log on to the School Profile link in March-April 2023 to accomplish Form 2A (High School Profile). 

Applicants and administrators shall submit all UPCAT forms online (except for certain regional areas). 

The UP Office of Admissions will administer UPCAT 2024 face-to-face on June 3 & 4, 2023, in Testing Centers nationwide. UP Mindanao (UPMin) is the Davao City Testing Center. 

Applicants who qualify for admission to UP will be entitled to free tuition. Stipends are also available to qualified students. 

UP has eight constituent universities nationwide. UPMin in Davao City is the only UP constituent university in Mindanao. It is mandated to provide quality education to diverse, marginalized, and deserving sectors. UPMin has undergraduate programs in Agribusiness Economics, Anthropology, Architecture, Biology, Communication and Media Arts, English, Food Technology, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, and  Sports Science.

(Photo by Kenneth Senarillos)