UP Mindanao students and university officials engaged in a constructive and meaningful dialogue during the student-initiated Town Hall Meeting held on May 5, 2025, at the Kalimudan Student Center. The event followed Chancellor Lyre Anni Murao’s sectoral consultation with the student body on February 10, 2025, and marked a significant step toward collaborative governance on campus.
In the above photo, University Student Council (USC) Chairperson Heroine Marish Fernandez (BS Communication and Media Arts) expresses gratitude to both the administration and the student participants for coming to the dialogue.
USC Vice-Chairperson Isobel Suico (BS Anthropology) outlined key student concerns, including involvement in policy formulation and budgeting, access to basic student services, campus safety and student spaces, learning support systems, scholarship opportunities, academic processes, athlete support, and issues related to the relocation of settlers.
In response, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Stella Salazar presented the university’s strategic initiative, “R2-5K” or “Road to 5,000 Students,” which aims to address these concerns by expanding student enrollment, diversifying academic offerings, strengthening partnerships with various sectors, and maintaining excellence in instruction, research, and public service.
Budget Officer Jo-An Garcia presented the Internal Operating Budget for 2025 and the proposed budget for 2026, offering transparency into financial planning and resource allocation.
During the open forum facilitated by School of Management Student Council Chairperson John Allan Bucol (BS Agribusiness Economics), students raised follow-up questions and concerns.
Vice Chancellor for Administration Leo Estaña addressed matters concerning infrastructure, budgeting, procurement, and settler relocation. Human Kinetics Chairperson Jezreel Abarca explained the athletes’ allowance disbursement process. Director of Student Affairs Ligaya Leal responded to inquiries on health and student services. Academic concerns were addressed by Dr. Salazar and College of Science and Mathematics Dean Cleto Nañola.
Chancellor Murao welcomed the initiative and emphasized the value of continuous dialogue, expressing her eagerness to hold regular sectoral consultations. She commended the students for formulating their strategic plan and committed to integrating their proposals into broader university planning efforts.
The bottom photo shows the gathering at the end of the meeting.
See more photos here: UP Mindanao Facebook
