University of the Philippines President Danilo L. Concepcion capped off his three-day visit to UP Visayas with a trip to Guimaras island on March 18, 2022.
President Concepcion, UPV Chancellor Clement Camposano, and other key officials were welcomed by officers and staff of the Guimaras Provincial Government and Jordan Municipal Government (represented on behalf of Mayor Engr. Ruben Corpuz), as well as their respective tourism offices.
Afterward, the group from UP paid a courtesy visit to Guimaras Rep. Ma. Lucille Nava, a UP Visayas alumna, at the Jordan Municipal Hall.
Among those discussed were potential collaborations to further improve the quality of mangoes on the island, which are regarded as the “sweetest” in the country. The President himself was able to try fresh Guimaras mangoes sold on the roadside.
President Concepcion and Chancellor Camposano also mentioned details of UPV’s undergraduate programs, limited face-to-face classes, and UP’s 75th-year presence in Iloilo, among others, to Rep. Nava.
She said she was “very honored” that the President, the Chancellor, and other key officials were able to visit Guimaras.
She added that they are open to other initiatives of UP in their province. UPV currently has a facility located in Nueva Valencia town - the Taklong Island National Marine Reserve.
During the courtesy call, UP Vice President for Administration Nestor Yunque; TVUP Executive Director Grace Alfonso; UPV Vice-Chancellors, Dr. Harold Monteclaro, Dr. Rhodella Ibabao, and Prof. John Lorenz Belanio, Atty. Gaby Concepcion, Ms. Sahlee Camposano, and a number of UPV staff were also present.
After the courtesy call, the group went to Fatima Farms, which is owned by UPV alumnus, Dr. Loel Losañes. They were served lunch and toured the said farm before heading back to Iloilo.
During his three-day visit, the President led the launching of events; visited areas in the Miagao and Iloilo City campuses with existing, under construction, and proposed facilities; and held meetings with concerned officials and staff in UPV.
