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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Ateneo Board of Trustees starts search for next university president

Ateneo Board of Trustees starts search for next university president

Published Aug 5, 2026 03:51 pm

At A Glance

  • As Fr. Yap completes his extended term until May 31, 2027, the board said it has resolved to constitute a Search Committee that will oversee the selection of Ateneo's next university president.
Ateneo de Manila University President Fr. Roberto “Bobby” C. Yap (AdMU photo)
Ateneo de Manila University President Fr. Roberto “Bobby” C. Yap (AdMU photo)
The Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Board of Trustees has extended the term of University President Fr. Roberto “Bobby” C. Yap until May 31, 2027, to allow for an orderly leadership transition as it searches for the next university president.
In a statement on Tuesday, Aug. 5, Board Chairperson Bernadine T. Siy said the decision was reached during the board's Aug. 1 meeting “to provide stability and continuity” for Academic Year 2026-2027.
The board said Fr. Yap's extended term would allow the university “to address the concerns arising from the events of June 8, begin urgent reforms, and provide sufficient time for an orderly leadership transition.”
It added that the extension would also strengthen succession planning by ensuring leadership and trustee appointments are decided well before officials assume office, allowing for proper turnover and the completion of priority initiatives.
The leadership transition comes after the deaths of student-athletes Divine Adili and Rene “Bobet” Baterbonia, who drowned during a team activity on June 8, prompting the university to review the incident and its response.
As Fr. Yap completes his extended term, the board said it has resolved to constitute a Search Committee that will oversee the selection of Ateneo's next university president.
“This decision was reached after prayerful discernment, careful consideration, and having listened to voices from across the University community,” the board said.
It added that further details on the Search Committee and the selection process would be announced later.
The board also paid tribute to Fr. Yap's six years of leadership, citing his role in steering Ateneo through the Covid-19 pandemic, leading the university-wide AMDG 2030 process, advancing the Magis aspirations, integrating higher education and coeducation, establishing the Gokongwei Brothers School of Education and Learning Design, securing transformational gifts including support for the future Cavite campus, and strengthening the university's financial stewardship and governance.
It also acknowledged his handling of the controversy that unfolded on June 8.
“The Board also recognizes Fr. Bobby's readiness to accept leadership responsibility for recent events and the University's response to them. We appreciate his willingness, in the true Jesuit spirit of mission, to accept reassignment and a new ministry should this best serve the University and the Society of Jesus,” the statement read.
Addressing the university community, the board said it recognized the impact of the past few months.
“The Board recognizes the pain and difficulty of recent months. In its discernment, it has sought to ensure accountability and continuity, renewal and care for persons, guided by Ateneo's Jesuit mission and by the concerns, hopes, and aspirations expressed by members of the community,” it said.
The board also disclosed that it has completed its review of information related to the June 8 incident and will release its report and statement on the matter “shortly.”
“The Board will continue to exercise its governance and oversight responsibilities throughout the transition,” it added.

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