Written by Joven Jacolbia

Last January, the UP Board of Regents appointed Dr. Maria Constancia “Maricon” Carrillo to succeed Prof. Leonardo Estacio as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). Carrillo is a professor of Biochemistry at the Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics and has previously served as CAS Associate Dean of Academic Affairs from 2016 up to 2021.

Dr. Carrillo is the fifth female professor to be designated as CAS dean, following the two-decade consecutive terms of Marilou G. Nicolas (2001 – 2006), Josefina G. Tayag (1997 – 2000), Fatima A. Castillo (1994 – 1997), and the BA Organizational Communication founder Dr. Angela P. Sarile (1987 – 1994). 

Read: https://www.facebook.com/upmcasOADRPS/posts/2492126947587123

Carrillo envisions CAS as “the transformational leader in health-oriented education, research, and public service in the humanities and the sciences”. During the nomination period, Carrillo presented her strategic plan entitled “S.I.G.L.O”, reflecting on the centenary of historic Rizal Hall and looking forward to adapting to the new normal. Among her priorities are “Sustaining academic excellence”, “Increased research capacity and development”, “Globally competitive CAS community”, “Leading with transparency and consistency”, and “Outstanding public service initiatives”.

In a letter to CAS students last February 22, she announced that the CAS COVID-19 Crisis Management Committee has “concluded that it would not be feasible to begin face-to-face interactions with the semester” due to logistical constraints and the ongoing rehabilitation work at the Rizal Hall. The college is already planning for face-to-face midyear classes, but it will depend on the degree program. The committee aims to prepare the college’s “infrastructure, learning modalities, and operational procedures” before the next academic year.