Passing the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) is a major achievement for any student, but gaining admission to the UP College of Engineering (COE) carries even greater meaning. It is not only a recognition of exceptional academic potential but also a call to serve the nation through leadership, innovation, and social responsibility.
In the 2025 UPCAT, 17,996 applicants passed. This represents 13% of the 135,236 examinees who took the test. The successful applicants include those with assured degree programs and others on the waitlist.
For the College of Engineering, each new UPCAT passer represents a fresh opportunity to train future engineers who will take on the Philippines’ most critical challenges in energy, infrastructure, the environment, technology, and equity. It is both a privilege and a responsibility for COE to nurture these students into globally competitive, ethically grounded, and socially aware professionals.
For UPERDFI, the success of UPCAT passers entering COE is a renewed call to action. Each student symbolizes the future of Philippine engineering and highlights the need for stronger support systems through scholarships, research funding, upgraded facilities, and mentorship programs.
Beyond providing financial aid, UPERDFI is challenged to invest in the holistic development of students – fostering not only technical excellence but also environmental stewardship, ethical leadership, and social impact.
In this way, the achievement of passing the UPCAT is not just a personal milestone; it becomes a shared commitment between the student, COE, and UPERDFI to build a stronger, more inclusive, and forward-looking nation.
The youth vote in the May 2025 Elections totaled around 40 million. They called for change and delivered a surprise. There is now cautious hope that we may see more competent servant leaders emerge in 2028.
Yet, a recent study shows that about 19 million members of the next generation of voters are functionally illiterate. If they remain uninformed and misguided, they will be vulnerable to exploitation.
I wonder what role UPERDFI might play in this larger context.
Quo vadis, Philippines?
Angelito “Lito” D. Bermudo, ME ’81
UPERDFI President
