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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider UDM reelects Dr. Felma Tria as president in unanimous vote

UDM reelects Dr. Felma Tria as president in unanimous vote

Published Sep 9, 2025 08:41 am
From left: Secretary to the Board, Atty. Christian Patrick Labajoy, Alumnus Mr. Hiro Masuda, Atty. Rom-Voltaire Quizon, Mr. Renato Simbulan, Secretary to the Mayor, Mr. Manuel "Letlet" Zarcal, Atty. Pearlito Campanilla, Student Regent Shan-Yong Kao, Amba. Francis Chua, Councilor Joaquin Domagoso, President Dr. Felma Tria and Mr. Jesus Varela (Photo courtesy of UdM)
From left: Secretary to the Board, Atty. Christian Patrick Labajoy, Alumnus Mr. Hiro Masuda, Atty. Rom-Voltaire Quizon, Mr. Renato Simbulan, Secretary to the Mayor, Mr. Manuel "Letlet" Zarcal, Atty. Pearlito Campanilla, Student Regent Shan-Yong Kao, Amba. Francis Chua, Councilor Joaquin Domagoso, President Dr. Felma Tria and Mr. Jesus Varela (Photo courtesy of UdM)
The Universidad de Manila (UDM) Board of Regents has unanimously reelected Dr. Felma Carlos-Tria to a new term as university president.
She first assumed the role to complete the unexpired term of her predecessor, Malou Tiquia. With the expiration of that term, the board voted to retain her as head of the city-run institution.
In her initial four-year tenure, Dr. Tria led UDM through a period of significant institutional growth and achievement, elevating the university’s academic reputation and earning it a place among internationally recognized higher education institutions. Her leadership has been credited with positioning UDM as a strong local university with global impact.
UDM was included in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, joining over 2,300 universities worldwide.
The university posted strong performances in several key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in No Poverty, Gender Equality, Partnerships for the Goals, and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
Dr. Tria emphasized that UDM’s programs are designed not only to produce graduates but to develop ethical leaders and responsible global citizens who embody the university’s transformative mission.
Under her administration, all 18 of UDM’s undergraduate programs received Certificates of Program Compliance (COPC) from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
The university also secured Level II Accreditation from the Association of Local Colleges and Universities-Commission on Accreditation (ALCUCOA) in record time, ensuring that the institution meets both national and international academic standards.
UDM graduates have consistently surpassed national licensure examination averages. In 2025, the university posted a 92.41% percent passing rate in Criminology, 83.33% in Nursing, and a perfect 100% for Professional Teachers -- earning consecutive Academic Excellence Awards.
Dr. Tria also completed the Commission on Higher Education–Asian Institute of Management Global Academic Leadership Program for Local Universities and Colleges (GALP LUC). Her capstone project, “Place-based Postgraduate Education Case Analysis: Experiential Learning at the Workplace,” highlights her commitment to integrating real-world learning with academic instruction.
The university has expanded its international partnerships under her leadership, formalizing over 30 academic collaborations in 2025 alone with institutions in China, Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and Russia. These agreements cover joint research, curriculum development, and academic exchange programs.
UDM’s research culture continues to grow, with over 100 faculty members presenting at local and international conferences.
The NILAD Journal remains the university’s official academic publication. Recent policy reforms aim to institutionalize and sustain a vibrant research environment across the campus.
Between 2023 and 2025, UDM distributed more than P171 million in Social Amelioration Program (SAP) funds to over 20,000 students.
The university provided P3.5 million in financial assistance through the Taas Noo Manileño Graduation Gift to 1,817 graduates as they transitioned into the workforce.
The Associate in Barangay Governance (ABG) Program also trained 50 barangay officials in fiscal management, local legislation, and digital governance, further strengthening the university’s impact at the grassroots level.
UDM has continued to promote innovation and student development, from winning national competitions in entrepreneurship and taekwondo to launching the Seismic Sentinel, an award-winning earthquake detection system. Campus-wide integration of Microsoft 365 and enhanced connectivity have improved digital learning access and resilience.
In May 2024, UDM inaugurated the Amb. Francis Chua Technology Wing, a state-of-the-art learning facility funded through the generosity of Ambassador Chua.
The new wing is envisioned to become a center for technology-driven education, innovation, and research.
Dr. Tria expressed her gratitude to the Board of Regents and reaffirmed her commitment to UDM’s mission.
“From Manila to the world, UDM has shown that local universities can leave a global mark. By aligning our programs with the UN SDGs, we are not only transforming the lives of our students but also contributing to national progress and international dialogue,” she said.

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