Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Double Victory: PUP DFM teams clinch top awards in MARTxCFAP Cup 2025

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:49:00 GMT

Cedrix Leppago, News, PUP Campus Journalists

Two teams from the Department of Financial Management (DFM) of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) secured major awards in the 2025 MARTxCFAP Cup: Inter-Collegiate Bonds Trading Competition Season 4. The awarding ceremony was held on May 23, 2025, at the Palacio del Gobernador Convention Hall in Intramuros, Manila.

The PUP delegates—CHADE Traders and YIELD Masters—competed against 37 teams from universities nationwide, showcasing their skills and strategies in a two-month challenge focused on fixed income securities.

CHADE Traders, composed of Christian Mapacpac (team leader), Hanna Victorino, Ezekiel Aguinaldo, Airome Ashley Manansala, and Haron Paul Joaquin, emerged as the grand champions. They also took home the Alpha Team, Most Diversified Portfolio, and Most Astute Traders awards.

Meanwhile, YIELD Masters, led by Angelo Hufancia and composed of Bernadette Trinidad, April Joy Cabaya, Rica Mae Cruz, and Joshua Yu, placed second overall in the BPI Game, and won the Most Defensive Portfolio and Auction Star awards.

This marks the second consecutive year that a PUP DFM team has reached the competition’s final round.

Mastering the market
Organized by the Money Market Association of the Philippines (MART) and the Chartered Financial Analyst Society of the Philippines (CFAP), the competition aimed to expose students to the realities of capital markets and trading, especially fixed income securities—an area often overlooked in favor of stocks or cryptocurrencies.

To prepare, the PUP competitors underwent intensive training in fixed income trading, market terms, and negotiation strategies. They also used platforms like PDEX, Bloomberg, and Trading Economics to analyze real-time data—such as interest and inflation rates—that shaped their bond yield decisions during the competition.

“We reviewed market trends, practiced mock trades, analyzed past data, and assigned roles based on each member’s strengths,” Hufancia said, emphasizing their team’s strategy.

“That’s also our motivation and our main driver, not only to win in this competition, but to really learn a lot so that we could use the skills and the knowledge that we understood all throughout the competition to use in our future careers,” Mapacpac added.

Triumph through grit
Fresh off their win, team leaders of CHADE Traders and YIELD Masters shared the emotional and professional impact of their success.

For Hufancia, the victory of YIELD Masters was a “defining moment” that went far beyond rankings and recognition, symbolizing the countless hours they spent on research, strategy discussions, discipline, and learning throughout the competition.

Mapacpac echoed this sentiment, noting how physically and mentally demanding the two-month competition was for the team. Balancing their academic responsibilities with daily market analyses, risk assessments, and economic monitoring needed tremendous effort and sacrifice.

Strength in support
The teams attributed their accomplishments to the strong support system of PUP and their coaches.

As told by Hufancia, their coach provided regular consultations to build their technical skills, and fellow PUP contestants—especially the Kung Fu Traders—offered valuable insights that helped them navigate the event.

They also gained logistical and financial support, including tuition reimbursements, food, and learning resources. The combination of academic and moral support played a crucial role in their preparation and eventual victory.

PUP pride lives on
Now entering their final academic year, most team members are shifting their focus to internships but remain open to future competitions that align with their skills and interests.

They concluded their victory with heartfelt gratitude to the Sintang Paaralan, crediting their success to the institution’s values of resilience, integrity, and excellence.

“Opportunities like this, bonus trading or fixed income trading competition, and being able to be equipped with practical skills and real-life application will surely help us in our future careers,” Mapacpac noted.

The CHADE Traders and YIELD Masters’ win in the 2025 MARTxCFAP Cup: Inter-Collegiate Bonds Trading Competition stands as a testament to PUP’s enduring commitment to academic excellence.

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Bio students bag multiple awards at MMHRDC International Conference

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:48:00 GMT

PUP Sta. Mesa, Manila, News, College of Science

BS Biology students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) received major awards at the 9th International Symposium and 16th Annual Scientific Conference of the Metro Manila Health Research and Development Consortium (MMHRDC), held on June 5–6, 2025 at the Asian Hospital & Medical Center and The Palms Country Club.

Held under the theme “Juan Health Research: Bridging Science, Technology, and Society,” the conference showcased multidisciplinary research aligned with the One Health framework, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

The team of Eunise Monserrat, Abraham Cuevas, and Kareeznah Aguilar won 1st Place and the People’s Choice Award in the infomercial category for their entry, “Safe Steps for Stronger Kids: Unhooking Hookworms One Step at a Time.”

Another group—Jayshiel Ignacio, Marielle Servigon, John Christopher Padayao, Anne Turingan, and Ariane Ramo—earned 2nd Place in the same category for their infomercial, “Environmental Loading Estimates of Soil-Transmitted Helminths: A One Health Approach.”

In the poster presentation category, Monserrat’s team was again recognized, placing in the Top 5 out of over 100 entries with their research titled “Ecological Niche Modeling of Zoonotic Hookworms Using MaxEnt.”

All teams were mentored by Assoc. Prof. Ryan V. Labana of the PUP College of Science. These accomplishments affirm the University’s active participation in international research conferences and its continued contribution to science-based public health initiatives.

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Cognizant Tech Solutions, a Fortune 500 Company, is PUP's new partner

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:46:00 GMT

Jan Vincent Lanuza, News, Communication Management Office

Committed to providing more career opportunities to the Iskolar ng Bayan, the University, through its Alumni Relations and Career Development Office (ARCDO), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Philippine branch of the Fortune 500 company Cognizant Technology Solutions.

The understanding
The two parties, in the ceremonial signing held at Cognizant’s office at Mckinley Hill Cyberpark, Taguig on June 11, aims to further the industry-academic linkage for mutual benefit, with the University receiving support in conducting Employment and Internship opportunities, Student and Faculty Development Programs, and Curriculum review.

The University, for their part, will help Cognizant in research matters, industrial consultancy engagement, help develop analytical frameworks/models, and provide representation for the Advisory Council co-constituted by the company and other academic institutions.

Cognizant: PUP, the best school to recruit
Cognizant employs 386 PUP graduates since 2023 wherein they mostly worked at the Operations, HR, and IT Departments.

Asia Pacific Delivery Head for Intuitive Operations and Automation (IOA) & Cognizant Philippines Country Head Jose Luis Marquez raved about PUP, declaring the Sintang Paaralan the “the best University in the Philippines to acquire great talent.”

Marquez also credited PUP graduates working at Cognizant as smart, tech-savvy, open to new learning, and exhibiting grit and determination—qualities that led him to make it a point to hire more from the University.

ARCDO Director and Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services Engr. Florinda H. Oquindo noted that this new collaboration will foster stronger industry relationships, enhance the University’s reputation, increase alumni engagement, and position PUP as a career-ready institution.

“The overall impact of the MOU signing between PUP and Cognizant is bridges the gap between education and employment. It promotes a proactive career mindset among students and positions the university as a career-ready institution in the eyes of industry and students.” Oquindo said.

Nurturing minds, shaping futures
Princess Ney and Jhe-Anne Karla Oraa, HR Junior Executives at Cognizant and proud PUP alumni, shared that the University’s industry-aligned curriculum and teaching style—both of which foster critical thinking and communication skills—helped them become resourceful, patient, resilient, adaptable, humble, and lifelong learners.

“Naturally, PUPians kasi are very resourceful so i-keep nila ang ganoong mindset na tatapusin kung ano ang sinimulan, tapos pagiging madiskarte kasi I’m sure madadala nila iyan at magugustuhan sila ng mga employer nila kapag naka-graduate na sila.” Ney advised when asked for her message to the Iskolar ng Bayan.

(Naturally, PUPians are very resourceful, so they should keep that mindset of finishing what they started, and being strategic, because I’m sure they’ll carry that with them and their future employers will appreciate it once they graduate.)

“Make the most of your time in the University. Embrace every opportunity for growth, whether in academics and extra-curricular activities. Build connections, seek mentorships, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone because your experiences at PUP will pave the way for a bright future.” Oraa added.

Joining Marquez and Oquindo during the MOA signing were Cognizant’s Associate Director for Recruitment Emerald Grace Chua and officials and PUP’s Alumni Relations and Career Development Office (ARCDO) representatives: Career Development and Placement Services Chief Assoc. Prof. Jane S. Pulma and Alumni Relations Services Chief Dr. Emeteria Leonila A. Perez.

Through this new partnership with a Fortune 500 company like Cognizant, the University continues to make strides in establishing industry collaborations, reinforcing its commitment to the PUP community—to provide curriculum and career development opportunities that empower both students and faculty.

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ARCDO, PNB holds career talk for PUPians

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 19:13:00 GMT

Jan Vincent Lanuza, News, Communication Management Office

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), through its Alumni Relations and Career Development Office (ARCDO), and in collaboration with the Philippine National Bank (PNB), held a Career Talk for the Iskolar ng Bayan on June 9 at the University Gymnasium.

Fourth-year students from the College of Accountancy and Finance (CAF), College of Business Administration (CBA), and Bachelor of Science in Psychology attended the event. Invited PNB representatives presented an overview of the company’s operations, core values, corporate objectives, and potential career opportunities. An open forum followed, where students actively shared their insights and raised questions to the speakers.

ARCDO Director and Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Services, Engr. Florinda H. Oquindo emphasized the significance of the initiative, enabling students to engage face-to-face with potential employers and gain insights into company culture, expectations, and hiring processes.

“This event provides students with firsthand exposure to real-world roles and industries, helping them make informed career decisions. It also inspires ambition and goal-setting by connecting them with accomplished professionals through direct, one-on-one interactions.” Oquindo said.

The ARCDO and PNB Career Talk highlights once again the University’s deep commitment to student growth and career development. Through such initiatives, the Iskolar ng Bayan are empowered with knowledge about employment possibilities, industry trends, and real-world experiences—guiding them toward informed and purposeful career paths.

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SHS celebrates 2025 graduates at 8th commencement exercises

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 19:11:00 GMT

Elaine Carie A. Andres, News, Communication Management Office

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Senior High School marked a milestone on June 11, 2025, at the Bulwagang Balagtas, University Library. 89 students took the stage at the university’s 8th Commencement Exercises, carrying the theme “Generation of Unity, Partners for the New Philippines.” The ceremony was a celebration of academic achievement and a call to service, unity, and resilience for the next generation of leaders and professionals.

Senior High School Principal Assoc. Prof. Michelle Sotto proudly presented the graduates—forty-one (41) from the Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) strand and forty-eight (48) from the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand.

Inspiration from the Frontlines
The event’s keynote speaker, Mr. Jeffrey Louis V. Din, a newly registered nurse at the Philippine Heart Center and a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Santo Tomas, delivered an address that deeply affected both students and parents. He vividly remembered his journey, shifting from ABM in high school to nursing in college. Also, he emphasized the importance of self-belief and perseverance in the face of uncertainty.

His speech was highlighted by a series of impactful quotes that struck the audience:

“To those still undecided, I see myself with you… I needed the peace and clarity of mind, as well as the discernment to know what your heart truly wants. And once you set your mind to it, I hope that you gather the courage to go out of your comfort zone to pursue it.”

He added, “The students who survive are not always the ones who get it right the first time. They are the ones who refuse to quit. So just show up with a purpose and a clear goal in mind… It is better to illuminate than merely to shine.”

Mr. Din called on graduates to recognize their privileges and extend help to others, challenging the students to be “liwanag sa dilim,” a light in the darkness by sharing knowledge and uplifting others.

“Mental health disorders are real disorders, no less significant than physical illnesses. Seeking help for your mental health is not a sign of weakness, but an act of courage.”

Beyond personal achievement, Mr. Din’s words reminded students that success is not about being the smartest person in the room but about having “grit,” the combination of passion and perseverance.

Graduates Ready to Leave Their Mark
In a heartfelt thanksgiving speech, STEM graduate Mr. Sebastian D. Padilla reminded his peers that their roles extended beyond their dreams. “Our roles in society do not end within ourselves. The struggle is oftentimes shared, never withheld, because the world is a stage, and everyone must play their part,” he reflected.

Mr. Padilla encouraged his fellow graduates and quoted writer Mr. Ricky Lee – “Magkaroon ka ng boses, ng opinyon…, mundo mo ito. Di ka parang hangin nagdaan lang, mag-iwan ka ng marka.” (“Have a voice, an opinion, this is your world. Don’t just pass by like the wind—leave your mark.”)

Looking Ahead
As the ceremony concluded with the Pledge of Loyalty and the university hymn, the message was clear: the Class of 2025 was poised not just to aspire to personal success but to become partners in building a better and more unified Philippines.

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PUP and NAMFREL join forces for clean, credible elections

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 19:06:00 GMT

Jan Vincent Lanuza, News, Communication Management Office

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines, in line with its mission of nurturing responsible and socially engaged citizens, has formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with national election watchdog National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) to promote free, fair, and credible elections. It was held on May 9 at the Silid Lakan Dayang/Pulungan of the University Library.

NAMFREL, the first citizen-led election monitoring organization, remains as the premier independent election watchdog in the Philippines since 1983.

The partnership
Through this partnership, NAMFREL will provide election-related training, such as election monitoring, civic education, or peace-building activities for the 2025 National and Local, and Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections. In return, PUP will supply student, faculty, and administrative staff volunteers, along with organizational and logistical support.

The University will also play a crucial role in establishing a NAMFREL Manila Chapter, as well as chapters in other areas where PUP campuses are located.

A shared responsibility in upholding transparency and accountability
University President Dr. Manuel M. Muhi expressed his enthusiasm in this joint effort to uphold transparency, integrity, and accountability for the Filipino people, thanking NAMFREL for choosing PUP to be its partner to this “meaningful collaboration.”

Muhi also spoke of the PUP community’s active participation in election matters, noting its reflection on nationalism and civic engagement. He stated, “Ang Unibersidad ang tagapamandila pagdating sa botohan at sa eleksyon. Makikita natin [kung] gaano ka-progresibo ang mga estudyante natin, lalung-lalo na sa pagbibigay ng proteksyon doon sa usapin ng boto.”

(The University is the standard-bearer when it comes to voting and elections. We can see how progressive our students are, especially when it comes to safeguarding the integrity of the vote.)

NAMFREL National Chairperson Angel S. Averia, Jr. noted the great duty of election monitoring, saying, “Isa itong napakalaking responsibilidad na inatang natin sa sarili natin upang magbantay sa ating halalan para siguraduhing bukas, kapani-paniwala, [at] may integridad ang ating halalan, lalo na sa ating proseso.”

(This is a tremendous responsibility that we have taken upon ourselves — to safeguard our elections and ensure that they are transparent, credible, and uphold integrity, especially in the electoral process.)

He also welcomed this new opportunity with the University as an important step in further safeguarding the sanctity of the vote.

Joining the ceremony were the Communication Management Office (CMO) Officer-in-Charge Assoc. Prof. Emy Ruth D. Gianan and Chief for External Relations Services Assoc. Prof. Jamaica Ann B. Gatan; NAMFREL Secretary General Eric O. Alvia, and Associate for Operations Jeffrey Falco.

This new association with NAMFREL underscores the University’s strong commitment to its core values in integrity, accountability, nationalism, and democracy.

_{(Grammar check and English translation was done via AI.)}

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ARCDO, P&G Career Talk 2025 shapes the next-gen CCIS IT professionals

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 04:16:00 GMT

Elaine Carie A. Andres, News, Communication Management Office

The PUP Alumni Relations and Career Development Office (ARCDO) successfully held the Career Talk 2025 with the theme, “Career Sync: Connecting Campus to Corporate,” on June 10 at the PUP Gymnasium. Gathered for an inspiring event were the third- and fourth-year students from the College of Computer Information and Sciences (CCIS), who directly learned from industry leaders and alums from P&G, sharing valuable insights on career planning, interview strategies, and the latest developments in AI technology.

ARCDO Director Engr. Florinda Oquindo emphasized the relevance of exclusive Career Talk for the students, stating, “The students have direct access to employers and can engage face to face with recruiters and representatives. So they can gain insights into company culture, expectations, and hiring processes. Also, the career clarity and inspiration so that students can have exposure to real-world roles and industries can inform our students in their career choices.”

Key sessions during the event featured Bryan Layug, IT Operations Manager at P&G, who emphasized the importance of continuous learning and professional networking; Lance Salazar, HR Manager, who introduced the CAR (Context, Action, Result) method and discussed P&G’s distinctive hiring approach; Mark Jerome San Pedro, a DOST scholar and cum laude graduate, who encouraged students to embrace upskilling and resilience; and Renz Espino, Technical Lead, who showcased ChatGPT and highlighted the transformative impact of AI through real-world applications.

University President Dr. Manuel M. Muhi graced the event with a visit to show his support and observe the proceedings. The event concluded with a group photo opportunity and a strong sense of readiness for the future.

The Career Talk 2025 has set CCIS students on a promising path toward their IT futures through giving useful tools and real-world perspectives. The overall impact is to bridge the gap between education and employment. Thus, the university will continue to promote a proactive career mindset among students and attain career-ready institution in the eyes of industry and students.

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OIA advances international partnerships

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 04:12:00 GMT

Brent Soriano, News, Communication Management Office

From January to April 2025, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) formalized Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with select institutions in Taiwan, Malaysia, India, and Sri Lanka, setting the stage for future academic collaborations. Faculty exchange programs have emerged as the most active initiative among the activities outlined in these agreements, underscoring PUP’s commitment to advancing international academic collaboration and growth.

International Activities through Partnerships
“We are establishing MOAs and MOUs with institutions from other countries to signify our collaboration on various activities, primarily driven by college-level initiatives. We ensure that these efforts are aligned with PUP’s vision of becoming the Leading Comprehensive Polytechnic University in Asia”, said Office of International Affairs (OIA) Director Felicitas Trinidad.

Most international travels by PUP faculty during this period were research-focused, centered on paper presentations and participation in global forums. These activities play a vital role in advancing the university’s commitment to internationalization and the ongoing enhancement of higher education.

Thailand and Japan stood out as the top destinations, hosting several prestigious conferences where PUP faculty actively engaged in discussions on emerging global trends, shared their research findings, and built valuable connections with scholars worldwide.

Nature of Travel of PUP Faculty Members

Trinidad also emphasized the significance of faculty mobility, describing it as “a vital component of our internationalization efforts.” She added that it “enhances the global engagement of our faculty members and elevates the reputation of our university, particularly among our high-ranking partner institutions.”

PUP continues to accelerate its internationalization efforts as it positions itself as a globally competitive academic institution. Through expanding global partnerships and dynamic international exchange programs, the Sintang Paaralan creates world-class opportunities for both students and faculty.

These initiatives underscore the university’s steadfast commitment to excellence, innovation, and global engagement. As PUP rises on the international stage, it remains dedicated to empowering Filipino scholars to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

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CHK champions Inclusivity; organized seminar empowering visually impaired youth

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 21:27:00 GMT

Angelo Acedera, News, Communication Management Office

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and accessible education by hosting the “Champions of Inclusion” International Seminar from June 4 to 6, 2025, at the PUP Gymnasium, Sta. Mesa Campus. The three-day event centered on empowering children and youth with visual impairments through adaptive educational sports camps.

Spearheaded in partnership with Parents Advocate for Visually Impaired Children (PAVIC) and the Perkins School for the Blind, the seminar aimed to foster an inclusive environment by promoting sports specifically designed to accommodate the unique needs of visually impaired individuals.

According to Prof. Antonio F. Enriquez Jr., Chairperson of the Department of Sports Science under the College of Human Kinetics (CHK), the initiative is part of the college’s sustained extension programs.

“Every year, nagkakaroon kami ng extension activity with PAVIC and Perkins, dahil yung advocacy ng PAVIC na tulungan yung mga visually impaired individuals is naka-align din sa advocacy ng PUP na ma-accomodate yung mga visually impaired students,” Prof. Enriquez explained.

(Every year, we conduct extension activities in partnership with PAVIC and Perkins because their advocacy—to support visually impaired individuals—aligns with PUP’s mission of creating an inclusive learning environment for all students)

The event brought together students from the Bachelor in Physical Education (BPE) and Bachelor in Applied Science (BAS) programs, along with international delegates from Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia, highlighting the event’s global relevance.

One of the major highlights of the seminar was a plenary session led by Dr. Lauren Lieberman, an international consultant for Perkins Educational and founder of Camp Abilities. Dr. Lieberman introduced the concept of Universal Design for Learning in Physical Education (UDLPE)—a framework for developing inclusive physical education programs that benefit not only visually impaired learners but also individuals with various other disabilities.

The event also featured hands-on training sessions in blind soccer, swimming, and track and field, giving participants and educators alike practical experience in implementing adaptive sports. These activities served as a dynamic learning opportunity for students and faculty, enhancing their skills in inclusive physical education instruction.

“Pino-promote ng ating Sintang Paaralan ang inclusivity, we have members in our community who have disabilities, may mga students tayo who have disabilities, nakakatulong yung mga ganitong event, lalo na sa mga faculty members natin sa CHK to enhance and improve their teaching strategy or to have adaptive learning strategy na even those who have students who have disabilities can still participate. Being an inclusive University, kailangan natin masiguro na no one left behind,” Prof. Enriquez added.

(Our beloved Sintang Paaralan promotes inclusivity. We have students and community members with disabilities. Events like this help our CHK faculty enhance their teaching methods and adopt adaptive strategies so students with disabilities can fully participate. As an inclusive university, we must ensure that no one is left behind)

Fittingly, the seminar took place at the PUP Sta. Mesa Campus also known as the Mabini Campus, named in honor of national hero Apolinario Mabini, the “Sublime Paralytic,” whose leadership and intellect shaped the Philippine revolution despite his physical limitations. His legacy of resilience and advocacy for equity mirrors the very values celebrated throughout the event.

Through initiatives like the “Champions of Inclusion” seminar, PUP continues to pave the way for a more inclusive educational landscape—one where every student, regardless of ability, is empowered to thrive.

_{(Note: English Translation and Grammar Check generated by AI.)}

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PUP launches StratComm with OVPRED

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 16:47:00 GMT

Sonny M. Versoza, News, Communication Management Office

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) officially kicked off the sectoral dissemination of the Strategic Communication (StratComm) Plan with the Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Development (OVPRED) sector on May 28, 2025.

Titled “Sintalastasan: Sectoral Dissemination of the PUP Strategic Communication Plan,” the inaugural session gathered office heads and staff from the OVPRED sector, led by Vice President Dr. Anna Ruby P. Gapasin and Assistant to the Vice President Dr. Angelina E. Borican. The activity marked the first in a series of seminar-workshops organized by the Communication Management Office (CMO) in line with the University’s goal to institutionalize clear, ethical, and unified messaging across all sectors.

Topics discussed included effective social media management, digital and in-person communication strategies, and media ethics, all aimed at enhancing the internal and external communication practices of university units. The session also provided updates on guidelines for branding, content creation, and other communication collaborations between CMO and OVPRED sector.

Dr. Gapasin expressed her support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of effective communication in promoting research, extension, and development work in the University.

The CMO is set to continue the sectoral dissemination with the remaining sectors in the coming weeks as part of PUP’s broader effort for responsive, inclusive, and brand-aligned communication practices across the institution.

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