Beyond Academics
The recently announced Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings listed the University of the Philippines (UP) as the Philippines’ top-performing university in the 2025 edition. UP improved its rank from 404 in the 2024 edition to 336 in this year's ranking, being the only Philippine university that ranked in the Engineering and Technology subject as well as the Life Sciences and Medicine subject. In truth, UP's societal interventions go well beyond the stellar academic achievements. A few days ago, UP joined hands with the Quezon City Government (QCG) to address the housing needs of informal settler families (ISFs). The 25-year usufruct agreement was signed by UP President Angelo A. Jimenez and QC Mayor Ma. Josefina “Joy” G. Belmonte. It will facilitate the development of two temporary relocation sites (TRS) within the UP Diliman campus.
This collaborative initiative aims to provide stable and humane living conditions for ISFs impacted by the UP Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Diliman project in Pook Arboretum, those affected by a fire incident in May 2022, and residents of Pook Marilag. This coalition was formalized in the UP Board of Regents Room, Quezon Hall, UP Diliman.
Under the terms of the agreement, the QCG is entrusted with the relocation process, the construction of a minimum of 300 housing units, and the overall management of the TRS. This includes ensuring the availability and upkeep of essential services such as water supply, electricity, and sewage systems. Conversely, UP is committed to providing the necessary land for the TRS and enforcing relevant policies as executed by the QCG. Additionally, UP retains the authority to revoke the usufruct agreement should there be justifiable reasons. We proudly present our yearly special issue dedicated to the alumni of UP.