09/08/2026
IN PHOTOS | Mariton Manalili of UP Open University will represent more than 64,000 UP students on the Board of Regents, the university system's highest policy-making body, a mandate shaped by the diverse backgrounds of all who stood for the position.
She brings a background rooted in student governance and educational advocacy, having chaired KASAMA sa UP nationally and led UPOU Sinagtala, alongside experience as a class representative and organizer with Rise for Education-UPOU. She stood alongside four other nominees, each bringing their own distinct experience in student leadership and advocacy:
Dylen Gain Solomo (UP Los Baños) has built his advocacy around education rights and student welfare, leading Rise for Education-UPLB and the Defend GE Alliance in Southern Tagalog, with prior experience chairing the UPLB CAS Student Council and serving on STRAW.
Athena Romulo (UP Cebu) has combined student leadership with organizational and financial management experience, serving as Vice Chairperson of the UP Cebu USC while holding key roles across several campus-wide events and committees.
Adrian Algas (UP Diliman) has focused his advocacy on anti-corruption and youth political organizing, chairing Kabataan Partylist-UP Diliman and co-convening the UP Act Against Corruption Network, with a background spanning several youth and campus formations.
AJ "Jay" Lozano (UP Mindanao) has centered his work on education and budget advocacy, leading Rise for Education-UP Mindanao and the UP the Budget Network in Mindanao, while having served as the former Vice Chairperson for Mindanao of the UP Solidaridad NEC and former Editor-in-Chief of HIMATI.
May this position be a vessel for genuine service to the masses.
Photos by Maj Vallagomesa and Ron Lexie
