UP Diliman Extension Programs in Pampanga and Olongapo

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., whose courage and sacrifice paved the way for the restoration of democracy in the Philippines. His unwavering belief that "the Filipino is worth dying for" continues to inspire generations to uphold freedom, justice, and truth.

Let us remember Ninoy Aquino Day not only as a holiday, but as a call to live with conviction and serve with integrity.

In line with Memorandum Circular No. 131 issued by the Malacañang, face-to-face classes and office work in the University of the Philippines Diliman Extension Programs in Pampanga and Olongapo will remain suspended on Thursday, August 20, 2026 due to continuous heavy rainfall associated with the enhanced Southwest Monsoon.

Classes will remain using remote modalities to ensure learning continuity, while office work will proceed under alternative work arrangements. Administrative staff and faculty administrators may work from home. Those without alternative work arrangement may come to the office safely. Vital services (security, maintenance, and health) will work onsite.

Students are advised to monitor class announcement from their respective instructors through Class Messages in CRS or through email.

Thank you for your cooperation.

In line with Memorandum Circular No. 129 issued by the Malacañang, face-to-face classes and office work in the University of the Philippines Diliman Extension Programs in Pampanga and Olongapo are suspended anew on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 due to continuous heavy rainfall associated with the Southwest Monsoon.

Classes will again shift to remote modalities to ensure learning continuity, while office work will proceed under alternative work arrangements. Administrative staff and faculty administrators may work from home. Those without alternative work arrangement may come to the office safely. Vital services (security, maintenance, and health) will work onsite. The Director will be onsite to supervise operations.

Students are advised to monitor class announcement from their respective instructors through Class Messages in CRS or through email.

Stay safe everyone.

In line with Memorandum Circular No. 128 issued by the Malacañang, face-to-face classes and office work in the University of the Philippines Diliman Extension Programs in Pampanga and Olongapo are suspended on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 due to continuous heavy rainfall associated with the Southwest Monsoon.

Classes will shift to remote modalities to ensure learning continuity, while office work will proceed under alternative work arrangements. Office personnel who do not have an alternative way of doing their tasks may report onsite as long as they can come to school and return home safely.

Students are advised to monitor class announcement from their respective instructors through Class Messages in CRS or through email.

Stay safe everyone.

Two UPDEPPO Faculty Celebrate 25 Years of Service

The University of the Philippines Diliman Extension Programs in Pampanga and Olongapo (UPDEPPO) community extends heartfelt congratulations to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rhayan G. Melendres and Asst. Prof. Cynthia Grace S. Sanguyu on their 25th anniversary of dedicated service to the University of the Philippines.

A simple pinning ceremony was held last August 13, 2026, where UPDEPPO Director Dr. Patrick C. De Leon personally pinned the anniversary pins to them, a meaningful gesture of recognition for their years of commitment and excellence.

UPDEPPO Freshman Convocation Highlights Academic and Student Life Orientations

The University of the Philippines Diliman Extension Programs in Pampanga and Olongapo (UPDEPPO) held the second day of its 2026 Freshman Convocation and Orientation on August 13, 2026. The event was attended by the administration, faculty, and staff, with Director Dr. Patrick C. De Leon delivering the opening remarks to welcome the new students.

As part of the convocation, Dr. De Leon introduced the faculty members, while Deputy Director Asst. Prof. Maria Eunice Felix presented the administrative staff. The new students were also given an overview of the unit's history and student services. Program Secretary Asst. Prof. Ethelbert Galang provided an orientation on academic policies for undergraduate programs, giving students a clear overview of the rules and standards that guide their studies.

In the mid-morning sessions, students from the Applied Psychology, Business Economics, and Business Management programs attended program-specific orientations led by their respective coordinators. These discussions outlined the curriculum, expectations, and career opportunities available in each discipline.

Later in the day, the freshmen were introduced to the various student organizations active at UPDEPPO. The orientation highlighted the role of student groups in campus life and encouraged participation in activities that promote leadership, service, and community engagement.

The convocation provided the new Iskolar ng Bayan with essential knowledge about academic policies, program structures, and student involvement, marking the start of their university journey at UPDEPPO.

Special thanks to Prof. Tony Villasor for select photos in this post.

UPDEPPO Opens Freshman Orientation with Gender Sensitivity Session

The University of the Philippines Diliman Extension Program in Pampanga and Olongapo (UPDEPPO) began its 2026 Freshman Convocation and Orientation on August 12, 2026 with a Gender Sensitivity Orientation. The activity was attended by incoming first-year students, as well as shiftees and transferees, together with representatives of student organizations.

The orientation featured Mr. Cid Ryan Manalo of the UP Diliman Gender Office and Ms. Janet De Leon of the UP Diliman Office of Anti-Sexual Harassment as resource speakers. Both discussed key concepts on gender, the different forms of sexual harassment, and laws that protect individual rights, including Republic Act 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act.

Organizers highlighted the importance of the session in promoting respect, equality, and inclusivity within the university. The program underscored the unit's commitment to maintaining a safe environment where the dignity and rights of all members are upheld.

Photos courtesy of UP Diliman Extension Program in Pampanga - Gender Office.

UPDEPPO Joins Central Luzon HEIs in LGC RevAmP by DILG Region 3

The University of the Philippines Diliman Extension Programs in Pampanga and Olongapo (UPDEPPO), represented by its Director Dr. Patrick C. De Leon and Chief Information Officer Asst. Prof. Arnulf Roan M. Pita, joined fellow higher education institutions (HEIs) in Central Luzon for the Local Government Code Review and Amendment Program (LGC RevAmP) Batch 2, held last August 12, 2026 at Quest Hotel, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga

Organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 3), the workshop gathered academic partners to provide evidence-based insights, institutional research, and policy recommendations aimed at strengthening the RA 7160 also known as the Local Government Code of 1991. The participation of HEIs highlighted their crucial role in bridging the gap between policy and implementation through research-driven perspectives and foresight.

The workshop was structured into four thematic areas: Financial/Fiscal for LGUs, Service Delivery of LGUs, Local Autonomy, and Administrative/Operational. These focus areas guided discussions and collaborative exchanges, enabling participants to identify challenges and propose reforms that would enhance the responsiveness and efficiency of local governance.

The event underscored the vital role of academia–government collaboration in shaping inclusive and sustainable public policies. UPDEPPO reaffirmed its strong commitment to advancing institutional reforms that strengthen local governance and promote responsive, evidence-based policy development.

In line with the official announcement of the Mabalacat City LGU, face-to-face classes in UPDEPPO are suspended today, August 14, 2026. All classes will shift to remote learning modalities. Students are advised to wait for instructions and/or announcements from their instructors through class messages in CRS or through email.

Please be guided accordingly.

The University of the Philippines Diliman Extension Programs in Pampanga and Olongapo (UPDEPPO) announces the schedule of activities for the 2026 Convocation and Orientation of first year students:

🗓 Wednesday, August 12, 2026 (Room 111–115)

📌 8:30 am – 10:45 am: Gender Sensitivity Orientation
📌 ️10:45 am – 12:00 pm: Anti-Sexual Harassment Orientation
📌 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Orientation on Student Code

🗓 Thursday, August 13, 2026

📌8:00 am – 10:00 am (Rooms 111–115): Introduction of faculty, lecturers, and administrative personnel, and orientation on UP academic policies and rules
📌 10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Program Orientations
• BAAP – Library
• BABE – Rooms 114–115
• BSBM – Rooms 111–112
📌 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm (Rooms 111–115): Orientation to UPDEPPO Student Organizations

These activities will formally welcome the new batch of Iskolar ng Bayan to UPDEPPO and provide essential knowledge on university policies, academic programs, and student life.