Nominations are now in full swing for the 2026 “Tatak U.P.” Awards, an initiative dedicated to recognizing the exceptional contributions of University of the Philippines System alumni to the Cebu community.
Now on its 6th staging, the awards are conferred by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association Cebu Chapter (UPAACC) to give recognition to UP alumni whose leadership, service, and excellence have left a lasting impact to Cebu and the Cebuanos.
The award is open to all UP alumni worldwide. Eligible candidates must have graduated from any institution within the U.P. System, or have completed at least one year of study with good academic standing at any UP degree-granting unit.
Since its inception in 2011, more than 100 UP alumni have been feted for their achievements in various fields including Law, Public Service and Governance, Science and Technology, Medicine, Public Health, Education, Business and Entrepreneurship, Art, Design and Culture, Media and Communication, among others.
Other categories include Social Advocacy Change and Advocacy including Human Development and Poverty Alleviation, Peace and Social Cohesion, Gender Equality and Empowerment, Community Empowerment, Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Development, and Institutional / Corporate Social Responsibility.
Criteria
The nominees for “Tatak U.P.” are evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Service – The nominee’s work has benefited Cebuanos, the community, groups or the society at large in Cebu.•
- Leadership – The nominee has demonstrated exemplary leadership, effectively inspiring and mobilizing others to advance the work or advocacy for which they are being nominated.
- Scope or Impact – The nominee’s work has a substantial impact on people, community, or groups either in a transformative manner or quantitative manner. The nominee has been in the work/advocacy for at least three years before being nominated.
- Transformative Qualities – The nominee’s work has impacted the beneficiaries in a lasting manner and the transformation is observable and can be appreciated through a pre-transformation and post-transformation record/evidence/ or anecdotes.
- Quantity – The nominee’s work has reached a significant number of people, successfully sparking an observable and measurable movement within the community.
- Integrity – The nominee exhibits exemplary personal and professional conduct, with no history of serious concerns or challenges to their ethical standing.
Nomination procedure
Qualified alumni may be nominated by any group or individual, including one’s self. The nomination forms may be accessed and submitted through the attached linkhttps://bit.ly/TatakUPAwards2026.
Submissions should include supporting documents of the achievements of the nominees such as copies of certificates, newspaper clippings, photos, anecdotal records, etc. The search team may request additional information or documents from the nominator if necessary.
Deadline for nominations for “Tatak U.P.” 2026 is set on August 31, 2026.
The awardees will be officially notified in September, following their selection by a panel of judges composed of past “Tatak U.P.” award recipients. Awarding ceremonies are slated on December 4, 2026.
Awardees are required to attend the scheduled ceremony to receive their recognition. Failure to attend will result in the forfeiture of the award but the individual may be re-nominated for the next staging of the “Tatak U.P.” Awards. Posthumous awards may also be conferred.
###