Dr. Ma. Felma Carlos-Tria

Sa gabi ng pagninilay, ang edukasyon ang patuloy na ilaw tungo sa kalayaan.

My heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Rhodora Angela F. Ferrer on being recognized as Best Educator at the Gawad Manileño Awards.

Throughout the years, our paths have converged through a shared calling to make quality education more accessible and transformative for Filipino learners. I have long admired your steadfast commitment to expanding educational opportunities through the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC), empowering countless students and strengthening educational institutions across the country.

Your achievement is a triumph not only for our shared purpose but for every Filipino learner whose dreams have been made possible through your lifelong dedication.

May this well-deserved recognition continue to inspire educators and leaders to pursue excellence with purpose, compassion, and unwavering commitment.

Congratulations once again, Dr. Ferrer. Your legacy continues to uplift the educational community and shape a brighter future for generations to come.

Building on the underscored importance of fostering transparency and accountability as we navigate an increasingly connected world, I reaffirm that trust is not only essential, but foundational.

With this as a guiding principle, I had the privilege of delivering the welcome remarks for the GAIN session on the Digital Trust Economy.

Information travels faster than verification, I emphasized that trust has become both a vital currency and a shared responsibility. We must ensure that integrity, transparency, and accountability remain at the core of our digital interactions.

I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this meaningful exchange, and I look forward to continued dialogues that advance a safer, more ethical, and more trustworthy digital future for all.

Sa pagdiriwang natin ng Araw ng Kalayaan, nawa'y magsilbi itong paalala na ang tunay na kalayaan ay may kaakibat na pananagutan.

Sa Universidad de Manila, naniniwala kaming ang edukasyon ang isa sa pinakamahalagang pamana ng kalayaan. Sa bawat mag-aaral na aming hinuhubog, pinagtitibay namin ang pag-asa para sa isang mas makatarungan, mas maunlad, at mas matatag na Pilipinas.

Patuloy nating gamitin ang ating kaalaman, kakayahan, at malasakit sa paglilingkod sa bayan.

Mula sa kalayaang ipinaglaban ng ating mga bayani, tayo naman ang tinatawag na ipaglaban ang kinabukasan sa pamamagitan ng edukasyon, pagkakaisa, at tapat na paglilingkod.

Sa Universidad de Manila, nananatili ang aming paninindigan na humubog ng mga lider at mamamayang handang gamitin ang kanilang kalayaan at kaalaman para sa ikabubuti ng ating bayan.

Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan ng Pilipinas!

32 Years of CHED: Reflecting on My Journey in Higher Ed

Celebrating the 32nd Founding Anniversary of the Commission on Higher Education(CHED) and the 6th National Higher Education Day has me reflecting on how much my own journey as a leader has evolved alongside the landscape of Philippine higher education.

Early in my career, I focused entirely on the day-to-day operations of our campus. But working closely with CHED over the years completely widened my horizon. It taught me that real leadership isn't about isolated management but rather a systemic collaboration.

It completely redefined my sphere of influence as an academician - moving me from the quiet routine of campus governance to the dynamic frontlines of national education reform.

Cheers to more tranformative years!

Ang isang matatag na unibersidad ay nagsisimula sa pangangalaga sa kapakanan ng mga bumubuo nito.

Maraming salamat sa patuloy na distribusyon ng Biyayang Bigas.

One of the most rewarding parts of university leadership is hearing directly from our students about how education has changed the way they see themselves and the communities they serve.

Today, I had the pleasure of welcoming the graduating Batch 3 students of the Associate in Barangay Governance (ABG) Program, together with our Vice President for Academic Affairs, Program Supervisor, University Registrar, and Program Coordinator. As we discussed their graduation preparations and future plans, many shared how the program helped them realize that they are not simply government employees - they are community leaders with the capacity to influence good governance at the grassroots level.

The ABG Program equips learners with practical competencies in local governance, public administration, leadership, project management, policy implementation, and community development. More importantly, it nurtures a mindset of continuous learning, encouraging graduates to pursue further studies and embrace opportunities for professional growth.

Their stories reaffirm our belief that investing in education is also an investment in stronger barangays and more responsive local governance. Congratulations to our graduating ABG students.

May you continue to lead with integrity, competence, and a genuine commitment to public service.