THE Universidad de Manila (UdM) community hailed the reelection of Dr. Felma Carlos-Tria  after the UdM’s Board of Regents (BOR) unanimously voted her for a fresh new term as UdM President.

It can be recalled that Tria served the unexpired term of her predecessor, Malou Tiquia. As the said term already expired, Tria was voted to continue heading the city-run university.     

Given her short, four-year stint as the UdM President, Tria created a legacy by spearheading the accomplishments of the institution, paving the way for its inclusion in the list of top universities, internationally.     

Dr. Tria affirmed the  UdM’s commitment to producing not just graduates, but also as ethical leaders and responsible global citizens who embody the university’s transformative mission.     

Her numerous accomplishments is topped by her contribution not only to the progress of its students but also to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).    

In 2025, UdM entered the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, joining over 2,300 universities worldwide. The university performed strongly in No Poverty, Gender Equality, Partnerships for the Goals and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, proving that local universities can make meaningful contributions to global challenges.     

Meantime, all of UdM’s 18 undergraduate programs earned Certificates of Program Compliance (COPC) from CHED, while the Association of Local Colleges and Universities – Commission on Accreditation (ALCUCOA) conferred Level II Accreditation in record time. These milestones guarantee that UDM students receive education at par with national and international standards.     

Too, UdM graduates have consistently outshined national averages in licensure exams, with passing rates of 92.41% in Criminology, 83.33% in Nursing, and 100% for Professional Teachers in 2025, earning the university consecutive Academic Excellence Awards.   

Tria also successfully completed the prestigious CHED–AIM Global Academic Leadership Program for Local Universities and Colleges (GALP LUC) at the Asian Institute of Management. Her capstone project, “Place-based Postgraduate Education Case Analysis: Experiential Learning at the Workplace,” reflects her vision of integrating real-world applications into academic learning, ensuring that UDM graduates are both competent and responsive to community needs.     

The UdM under Tria’s rein has also seen strong academic partnerships being built across Asia and beyond, including collaborations with institutions in China, Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and Russia. In May 2025 alone, the university signed more than 30 institutional partnerships in research, curriculum development and academic exchange.   

Equally significant is UdM’s strengthening of its research culture. The NILAD Journal continues to serve as the official publication, while more than 100 faculty members have presented their work at national and international conferences. Policy initiatives have also been introduced to institutionalize and sustain a culture of research.   

The UdM distributed over ₱171 million in Social Amelioration Program (SAP) funds to more than 20,000 students between 2023 and 2025 and additionally, the Taas Noo Manileño Graduation Gift provided ₱3.5 million to 1,817 graduates to support their transition into the workforce.   

The Associate in Barangay Governance (ABG) Program has trained 50 barangay officials in fiscal management, legislation and digital governance, ensuring that education’s impact extends to grassroots leadership.     

From the award-winning Seismic Sentinel earthquake detection system to championship wins in entrepreneurship and taekwondo, the UdM has proven itself a hub of innovation and holistic development. The integration of Microsoft 365 and campus-wide connectivity has further future-proofed learning, reducing digital inequalities and ensuring resilience.   

In May 2024, the university inaugurated the Amb. Francis Chua Technology Wing, a state-of-the-art facility made possible through the generous support and donation of Chua. The new center is envisioned to become a hub for technology-driven education, innovation and research, ensuring UDM students are prepared for the challenges of the digital future.     

“From Manila to the world, UDM has shown that local universities can leave a global mark. By aligning its programs with the UN SDGs, UDM is not only transforming the lives of its students but also contributing to national progress and international dialogue,” Tria said. (MARISA SON)