SAN DIEGO, June 24, 2025 – The University of the Philippines (UP) was represented at the 29th Annual Presidents’ Meeting (APM) of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), held from June 22 to 24 at the University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego). The UP delegation was led by Executive Vice President (EVP) Leo DP Cubillan and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs (Internationalization) (AVPAA) Dolores Cecilia T. Madrid.
Wide-Ranging Participation, Focus on Longevity
The gathering convened 28 university presidents, 98 academic leaders, and experts from 47 institutions across 15 economies of the Pacific Rim. Across the three-day meeting, participants examined the future of human longevity through the lenses of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, public health, and socio-economic policy.
Program Highlights and Engagement
The meeting featured a beachfront format that included a welcome reception, Triton Talks, and a gala dinner. A Presidents’ Dinner was held on June 22 at the UC San Diego Chancellor’s residence, followed by a presidents-only session on June 23 that addressed geopolitical restrictions, international student policies, and cross-border research collaborations.
Triton Talks offered brief, impactful presentations—from exploring the microbiome’s role in age-related diseases to sports science and human performance in later life. A student panel titled “The Future of Longevity Research: Engaging the Next Generation of Scholars” spotlighted emerging interdisciplinary talent across the APRU network.
UP’s Role and Next Steps
UP’s presence at APM 2025 was significant. EVP Cubillan and AVPAA Madrid represented the university in discussions addressing regional demographic trends, innovation in health and aging research, and the university’s international partnerships. The delegation’s participation underscored UP’s active engagement within the APRU framework. At the closing session, the University of the Philippines was formally invited to host the 2026 Annual Presidents’ Meeting.
