New Board of Regents Chair meets with student councils and campus publication, recognizes recent licensure examinations topnotchers

The newly elected Chairman of the PLM Board of Regents (BOR) Atty. Edward S. Serapio invited the heads and representatives of the Supreme Student Council (SSC), College Student Councils (CSCs), and Ang Pamantasan (AP) for a lunch meeting at the Ilustrado Restaurant, Dec. 5.

Atty. Serapio initiated a dialogue with student representatives to discuss the important matters in the university.

“We meet with all the different groups in our PLM community to learn from them the challenges and issues. But I am also excited in hearing from you, the students,” the new Chairman of BOR stated.

The chairman started the meeting by extending his message to the students, faculty, and staff of PLM. He assured that together with Mayor Lacuna-Pangan, the City Council, PLM President Sonny Reyes, other esteemed members of the Board, the dedicated faculty, and the passionate staff, PLM will continue to be a breeding ground for excellence.

“I am confident that we can further elevate the Pamantasan’s status as one of the leading institutions of higher learning in the Philippines,” Atty. Serapio said.

The governing body of the Pamantasan, the BOR, will be following fundamental principles that will further guide the Board in their governance; Academic Excellence, Academic Freedom, Affirmative action to Protect the Rights of Students to Free and Quality Education, and Commitment to the promotion of the professional and economic rights of academic and non-academic personnel.

In order to pursue academic excellence in the University, the BOR will strive to create an environment that fosters intellectual growth, encourages innovation, and provides the necessary tools and resources to excel in the student’s chosen fields.

Atty. Serapio stated that he is open with dialogue, exchange of ideas, and respectful debate among the studentry to push the boundaries of knowledge and the exercise academic freedom.

“We pledge to protect and uphold the academic freedom of our students, faculty, and staff, allowing for the exploration of diverse perspectives and the pursuit of truth without fear of censorship or reprisal,” he emphasized.

The chairman also mentioned that the BOR will actively work towards creating equal opportunities for all talented individuals, regardless of socio-economic background.

Affirmative actions are being planned to protect the rights of students to free and quality education. Alternative and equitable admission process will be provided to enhance the access of poor but deserving students from Manila. Financial grants and allowances will also be given to students from indigent families. “We will include these allowances and grants in our budget, and we will zealously solicit donations from benefactors to make this possible.”

The BOR Chair believes the dedicated staff and faculty from PLM are the backbone of the institution, and their well-being and growth are crucial for its collective success. A fair compensation, professional development opportunities, and conducive work environment that fosters growth and recognizes invaluable contributions will be advocated.

At the end of his speech, Atty. Serapio mentioned that he looks forward to working closely with the students to achieve the shared vision for the Pamantasan.

“If you have any ideas, suggestions, or concerns regarding the University’s development, please do not hesitate to share them with us. Your input will be invaluable as we navigate the path towards excellence,” the Chairman highlighted.

City Administrator Bernie Ang joined the meeting to address his insights on the possible improvements that they envision for the university. “We have the best plan for PLM,” he stated.

Atty. Serapio also mentioned that the City Administrator will help the Board address all the challenges faced in the University. They will be joined hand in hand with the rest of the appointed members namely Dr. Joseph Berlin P. Juanzon, Atty. Domingo Y. Reyes, Jr., and Dr. Neri S. Pescadera.

Atty. Serapio congratulated different colleges for their excellence including the College of Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Law for their stellar performances in the recently released Licensure and Bar Exams.

The topnotchers from the recently concluded November 2023 Philippines Nurses Licensure Examination; Aristotle Castronuevo, Ian Rocky Aguirre, Aiyanah Jhen Flores, and Nia Angeli Reyes were recognized during the said meeting and received a congratulatory gift from the Chairman.

In a letter to the PLM College of Law, the Chairman extended his heartfelt congratulations to the twenty-seven PLM graduates who have successfully passed the 2023 Bar Exams. “We will collectively and continuously work for the betterment of our academic programs and support systems to ensure that all of our aspiring lawyers are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the Bar Exams and excel in their professional endeavors.”