UP promotes over 8,000 educators, personnel

MANILA, Philippines — The University of the Philippines on Friday approved the promotion of 8,078 faculty members and personnel setting the record for the highest number and widest coverage of employee promotion.

Prospero de Vera III, Vice President for Public Affairs, said the Board of Regents' move benefits 2,228 out of 3,974 or 56 percent of faculty members and 5,850 of the 6,560 or 74 percent of administrative personnel in the university system.

De Vera said the state university earmarked P205 million to fund the "big" promotion of employees.

UP President Alfredo Pascual said that the promotion process started in July across all of the university campuses.

"I am happy that the promise I made during my investiture in 2011–to reward meritocracy and excellent performance–has finally been fulfilled," Pascual said in a statement.

Hundreds of faculty members moved upward in the academic ladder, with instructors becoming assistant professors, as the number of associate professors also increased.

There was also a significant increase in the number of faculty members occupying the highest academic rank of full professor.

Employees who have reached the last step increment, meanwhile, will receive compensation instead of merit promotion.

"This is the University administration and [the Board of Regents'] way of recognizing the hard work and achievements of the faculty and staff in the producing of cutting-edge research, creation of new knowledge products, innovative and meaningful teaching, and effective public service," Pascual said.