Global Vision, Personal Passion: Guillian Mecate on Building UP’s Bridges to the World As Head of Program Development and Strategy at the UP System Office of International Linkages (OIL), Guillian Magbanua Mecate has made it his mission to connect the University of the Philippines to the world. Backed by a…
Category: POOF Articles
People of OIL (POOF) 2026-001: Gino Angelo M. Velasco, Dr.rer.nat
Officer-In-Charge and Deputy Director, Office of International Linkages For Dr. Gino Angelo M. Velasco, internationalization works best when it is grounded—anchored in the everyday academic life of the University and connected to the public purpose UP serves. Stepping into his role as Deputy Director of the Office of International Linkages…
POOF 2025-005: Ms. Melea P. Roxas
Since the start of 2025, when I joined OIL, my work has largely revolved around UP students who are either excitedly preparing to leave for their exchange programs or returning home with stories from abroad. HIRAYA 2025 offered the reverse experience. This time, my work revolved around international students who…
POOF 2025-004: Mr. Rajan Llaguno
They say a summer can change your life. But what if that summer didn’t just change you…It rewrote your entire story? What if it crowned you with one of the university’s most prestigious awards? UP OIL didn’t just give me the chance to study abroad. It gave me a summer…
POOF 2025-003: Ms. Bianca Angela Uy
by Ms. Bianca Angela Uy, UP OIL Student Assistant 2024-2025 When I joined the UP Office of International Linkages, I had no idea that everything—my perspective, my routine, and especially my dreams—was about to change. Who would’ve thought that I’d be walking through the halls of Harvard and NUS, two…
POOF 2025-002: Ms. Bea Patricia Devesa
As we celebrate International Women’s Month, I am drawn to reflect on my transformative academic journey at Ewha Womans University, where I earned my MA in Asian Women’s Studies. Immersed in a community that celebrated women’s voices and defied traditional paradigms, I discovered not only the power of diverse cultural…
POOF 2025-001: Asst. Prof. Dolores Cecilia T. Madrid
FACING 2025 WITH HOPE AND ASPIRATIONS As I step into this new role, I am deeply honored and excited to serve our beloved university and its vibrant community. To our UP faculty, REPS, administrative staff, and students—your dedication, creativity, and resilience are the heart of our institution. My message to…
People of OIL Feature No. 2024-004: Ms. Jana Denise Tomacruz
Hybrid Seminar on Filipino-Japanese Intercultural Communication (Hiragana and Katakana review) – Hosted by MMS 198 and CODTL Hosted against the lively backdrop of the UP Open University Sandbox in Laguna, Dr. Roberto Figueroa Jr., Associate Professor of Information Technology and Education Technology in UPOU, conducted an engaging seminar on April…
People of OIL Feature 2024-003 Dr. Noel Christian A. Moratilla
Upholding Filipino Workers’ Rights and International Education: Insights from UP’s Office of International Linkages In a world where globalization often overshadows local interests, the plight of Filipino workers in foreign lands remains a poignant reminder of the complexities of internationalization. Dr. Noel Christian A. Moratilla, Deputy Director of the UP…
People of OIL Feature 2024-002 Ms. Chynna Louise Riego
by Ivan Monasterial In a world where change and taxes are often deemed the only constants, and life is an ever-present challenge, our resident Disney Princess of the office stands unwavering, meeting each obstacle with a remarkable blend of grace and fortitude. Ms. Chynna Louise Riego, nicknamed Chynna, and Bebe…