The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) community paid tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Dionisia A. Rola, UPV’s first chancellor and the UP System’s first woman chancellor, in a program held at the UPV Covered Court, Miagao campus, Oct. 9, 2026.
The celebration was filled with messages from current and retired university officials, tribute performances from the UPV community, and an audio-visual presentation of Dr. Rola’s career in the academe.
Chancellor Clement Camposano said the tribute is fitting “to honor an extraordinary individual whose vision, transformative leadership, and selfless service have profoundly shaped the University of the Philippines Visayas and defined its enduring legacy.”
He emphasized that the celebration served as a formal recognition of Dr. Rola’s leadership, dedication to higher education, and her monumental contribution as one of UPV’s foundational leaders.
Dr. Rola was the catalyst of UPV’s establishment in Miagao as she envisioned an autonomous UP institution in the early 1970s. She helped secure the US$17.63-million World Bank loan and facilitated the acquisition of the Miagao site for the future UPV campus in the same decade.
She was appointed as UPV’s first chancellor in 1983 after serving in an acting capacity since UPV’s formal establishment in 1980 through Executive Order No. 628.
Ms. Carmencita Simpas, former Dean of Students of the Office of Student Personnel Services (now Office of Student Affairs), talked about the establishment of the office, which Dr. Rola supported since she understood the importance of student services. From the initial guidance and counseling services offered, the office expanded to offer residential services, scholarships and financial assistance, and student development with the support of Dr. Rola.
Meanwhile, former chancellor Dr. Minda Formacion talked about her relationship with Dr. Rola, how she taught them the value of hard work and dedication, and how she helped UPV personnel grow professionally.
Dr. Rola’s nephew, Mr. Alexey Rola Cajilig, gave a message on behalf of the Rola family, where he shared about Dr. Rola’s personal life. While she was a mentor to many at UPV, Mr. Cajilig said Dr. Rola was “Tita Dan,” who helped them speak fluently and practice good posture. She made an effort to connect with them, Mr. Cajilig recalled.
He said hearing stories shared by the UPV community gave their family a core understanding of her and how the stories leave the family with the responsibility to apply what they have learned from her and share it with others.
In her closing message, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Alice Joan Ferrer said Dr. Rola’s “life and contributions remind us that the true measure of one’s service to a university extends beyond the years spent within its halls; it is reflected in the people influenced, the work advanced, opportunities created, and the institutional values carried forward by succeeding generations.”
The Panublion Dance Troupe, composed of college and UP High School in Iloilo students, honored Dr. Rola, who was known to have loved dancing, through folk dance, ballet, and ballroom performances.
Ms. Ana Fial and Ms. Hearty Sapanza from the Central Administration sang two of Dr. Rola’s favorite songs, ”Memory” and “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal.” Central Administration performers for Pasundayag 2026 also took the stage and danced to The Dawn’s “Salamat.”
A lengthy AVP — edited by Mr. Ruperto Quitag, written by Asst. Prof. Gerthrode Charlotte Tan-Mabilog, and voiced by Ms. Reyna Fe Quilantang — was also shown to honor Dr. Rola’s contributions and milestones as an academic, administrator, mentor, and professor.
Written by Carlson Alelis, IPO
Photos by Gian Genoveza and Alven Polido, IPO
