Together We UPLIFT: A Day of Service for UP Diliman’s Priority Sectors

December 9, 2025 | David M. Consunji Theater, Institute of Civil Engineering, UP Diliman

UP Diliman held the first run of UPLIFT: The UP Diliman Caravan for Priority and Equity-Deserving Sectors, a one-day program dedicated to empowering employees who are senior citizens, solo parents, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). As an initiative grounded in the University’s commitment to inclusivity and compassionate public service, UPLIFT sought to bridge the gap between legal rights and actual access by bringing essential government services directly to the campus. With on-site help desks, ID processing, and rights education from national councils, the program translated policy into concrete support for the University’s Priority and Equity-Deserving Sectors (PEDS).

The program opened with preliminaries, followed by heartfelt opening remarks from Chancellor Edgardo Vistan II, who recognized the invaluable service of UP employees who belong to PEDS. He affirmed that despite the personal challenges they carry as senior citizens, solo parents, or persons with disabilities, their commitment to the University has never wavered. He encouraged everyone to deepen their understanding of their rights, reminding them that “Karangalan at Kahusayan sa Paglilingkod sa Bayan” includes protecting the welfare of all members of the community.

This message was echoed by Director Arthur A. Gonzales III, who emphasized that the University’s workforce is its foundation and that caring for every sector of employees must always be a priority. He noted that while similar initiatives existed in the past, this caravan gives the program a name and rightful importance. He underscored the value of clarifying rights and strengthening partnerships with national councils to ensure that services are understood and accessible.

The morning’s discussions began with Ms. Renee Alexis J. Saruelas, Planning Officer II of the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), who unpacked the provisions of RA 11350 and the various benefits of senior citizens, ranging from discounts to medical services, educational assistance, and continued access to social protection benefits. The session was filled with practical questions from participants—how to apply for IDs without birth certificates, how promotional discounts interact with senior citizen privileges, and concerns about delayed ID processing. Saruelas responded with clarity and reassurance, highlighting that all LGUs and national agencies are mandated to maintain Citizen’s Charters to ensure transparency and service standards.

This was followed by a comprehensive session on the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, led by Mr. Redd D. De Guzman, President of the National Council for Solo Parents. He discussed paid parental leave, scholarship opportunities, housing allocations, and the conditions that determine eligibility or termination of benefits. His explanations were grounded in real-life examples, addressing common misconceptions about co-parenting, dependency, and employment status. He also acknowledged ongoing policy gaps—such as the awaited joint memorandum circular that will allow JO and COS employees to claim paid parental leave—while presenting updates on support funds and free legal avenues for long-separated solo parents.

After a brief break, the discussion shifted to programs and rights for Persons with Disabilities, led by Ms. Jemellee P. Aguilar from the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA). Participants were guided through the wide scope of disability classifications and the many laws protecting the rights and welfare of PWDs—from RA 9442 and RA 10754, which expand discounts and protections, to the Accessibility Law, the Equal Opportunity for Employment Act, and policies mandating education access, workplace accommodations, and PhilHealth coverage. The session highlighted that disability rights are not limited to privileges but encompass the broader goal of full integration into society through accessibility, respect, and equal opportunity.

The caravan closed at noon with a message of gratitude and solidarity, honoring all UP Diliman employees from PEDS who actively participated in the discussions and raised thoughtful questions throughout the program. The closing remarks affirmed the spirit of UPLIFT—that every help desk visited and every service accessed that day represented the University’s commitment to walk alongside its employees, ensuring that no one is left behind. The message concluded with a warm assurance: Ang UP Diliman ay kasama niyo at handang umagapay sa lahat ng oras.

More than a one-day event, UPLIFT marked the beginning of a deeper, annual commitment to build a workplace where equity, dignity, and care are woven into the very fabric of service.