UPPI at 60: From counting people to making people count
Clockwise: CSSP Dean Ruth Lusterio-Rico, UPD Chancellor Edgardo L. Vistan, UPPI Director Elma P. Laguna, Dr. Nimfa B. Ogena, Dr. Maria Midea M. Kabamalan, Dr. Grace T. Cruz, and Dr. Josefina N. Natividad.
The University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI) celebrated six decades of pioneering research in demography and population studies in the Philippines on 8 November 2024, at the Atencio-Libunao Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman. With the theme “From counting people to making people count,” the event commemorated the milestones of the Institute and honored individuals instrumental in its growth. As a prelude to the celebration, a holy mass was held at the nearby Parish of the Holy Sacrifice (UP Chapel).
The main anniversary celebration was formally opened by Dr. Ruth Lusterio-Rico, Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy. Following this, Dr. Josefina N. Natividad, Professor Emeritus, introduced the keynote speaker, UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II. In his address, Chancellor Vistan expressed appreciation for the contributions of the Institute to the university and its role in advancing the field of demography in the country.
Afterward, Dr. Elma P. Laguna, UPPI Director, delivered a situation report on the state of Philippine demography. She highlighted the emerging demographic challenges faced by the country and emphasized the importance of adopting innovative research methodologies, strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations, and investing in human capital—particularly in education, health, and job creation—to prepare for the anticipated growth in the labor force in the coming years.
Heartfelt messages were shared by individuals who have contributed to UPPI’s legacy over the past 60 years, including Dr. Maruja M.B. Asis, Director of the Scalabrini Migration Center; Dr. Charl Andrew Bautista, Project Coordinator at the United Nations Population Fund; Dr. Chona Patricia R. Echavez, Director of the Research Institute for Mindanao Culture at Xavier University; Mr. Sanny D. Afable, UPPI alumnus and doctoral student at University of St Andrews; Ms. Klarriness P. Tanalgo, UPPI alumna and University Researcher; and Ms. Daezelle C. Pernia, UPPI Administrative Officer.
UPPI partners, alumni, students, and staff who delivered heartfelt messages for the UPPI Anniversary.
At the heart of the program was the recognition and gratitude shown to the pioneers who shaped the Institute. Honored individuals included Dr. Mercedes B. Concepcion, Dr. Corazon M. Raymundo (now Pasig City Councilor), the late Dr. Josefina V. Cabigon and Dr. Aurora Perez, former Professors Dr. Zelda C. Zablan, Eliseo A. de Guzman, Imelda Zosa-Feranil, Ms. Zenaida Quiray, Ms. Josefa Zafra, Ms. Felicitas Nebres, Ms. Celeste Obligacion, Ms. Rita Gunabe, and Ms. Imelda R. Reyes.
Dr. Maria Midea M. Kabamalan also expressed gratitude to UPPI's donors and research collaborators for their unwavering support. The Cabigon Family, who established the Josefina V. Cabigon (JVC) Memorial Scholarship, also graced the occasion with their presence.
As the event finale, Dr. Juan Antonio Perez led a toast, celebrating the Institute's humble beginnings and looking ahead to a promising future. To close, Dr. Nimfa B. Ogena extended her gratitude to all past and present contributors and encouraged everyone to continue supporting its endeavors in the years to come.
The Institute would like to thank Mr. Jefferson Villacruz of the UP Diliman Information Office for the photo documentation.
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