Population Institute

UPPI faculty and staff and DRDF staff posed for a group photo with the incoming cohort after the student orientation

Welcome to UPPI, new MADEM and MPOPS students!

The University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI) warmly welcomed its newest batch of graduate students for Academic Year 2026–2027 during a student orientation held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at PH 1309, Palma Hall, UP Diliman.

UPPI, DRDF, and PPA were introduced to the new batch of UPPI graduate students. From left: UPPI Director Maria Paz N. Marquez, Academic Program Coordinator C Joy Cruz, DRDF Executive Director Ma. Cristina Barrios, and PPA Board Member Maria Midea Kabamalan

UPPI Director Dr. Maria Paz N. Marquez delivered the welcoming remarks and introduced the UPPI faculty and staff at the start of the program. Academic Program Coordinator Dr. C Joy Cruz then presented important university policies and guidelines to help the incoming students settle into their graduate studies at the Institute.

Representatives from UPPI’s partner professional and research organizations also welcomed the new students. Ma. Cristina Barrios, the Executive Director of the Demographic Research and Development Foundation (DRDF) introduced the foundation, while Dr. Maria Midea Kabamalan, Board Member of the Philippine Population Association (PPA) gave an overview of the association.

Recent graduate and continuing students generously shared their UPPI academic journeys with the incoming cohort. From left. Jenniel Barcayan (MADEM graduate), Maria Fe Abalos (MPOPS graduate), Regie Lemana (MADEM student), and Rio Fe Del Valle (MPOPS student)

The incoming students also heard from recent graduates and continuing students, who generously shared their experiences and insights on graduate life at the UPPI. Two of UPPI’s 2026 graduates, Jeanniel Barcayan (MADEM) and Maria Fe Abalos (MPOPS), shared heartfelt video messages reflecting on their academic journeys at the Institute. Continuing students Regie Lemana (MADEM) and Rio Fe Del Valle (MPOPS) also offered words of encouragement and practical tips on navigating graduate studies.

The orientation also provided an opportunity to recognize the UPPI Academic Excellence Awardees for Academic Year 2025–2026: Kasherette Amandac, First Semester awardee, and. Herbie Balicot, Second Semester awardee. The award, established through the generosity of two UPPI alumni, recognizes the top-performing UPPI graduate students with a certificate and cash prize.

UPPI Academic Excellence Awardee Herbie Balicot poses with UPPI faculty and DRDF Executive Director Ma. Cristina Barrios following the awarding ceremony.