The UP Board of Regents, in its 1399th meeting, has reappointed Atty. Leo B. Malagar as Chancellor of UP Cebu. He began his first term in 2022 and is now set to continue his leadership as the campus moves into a new phase of academic and institutional development.
Chancellor Malagar is an alumnus of UP Cebu (BA Political Science) and the UP College of Law. He holds a Master of Laws in Corporate and Commercial Law from University College London under the British Chevening Scholarship. His academic background and professional experience span legal education, public service, and policy, including prior roles at the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, and Smart Communications.
His leadership is informed by a long history of student and sectoral engagement. He served as UP Student Regent from 1996 to 1997, Chairperson of the UP Cebu Student Council, and was active in the UP Law Student Government, shaping a leadership style rooted in participatory governance and consultative decision-making.
During his first term, UP Cebu expanded its academic offerings to respond to emerging needs in the region and beyond. With the efforts of faculty and academic units, new programs such as the Associate in Arts in Sports Studies and Master in Public Affairs, and Master of Arts in Communication and Media are now being offered, while several other programs including BS Accountancy, BA Philosophy, Master of Science in Mathematics, Bachelor in Sports Science, Bachelor in Physical Education and a Professional Master in Data Science, were developed and are currently being refined. These initiatives reflect UP Cebu’s dedication to academic excellence, program relevance, and regional service.
The period also saw the institutionalization of the Varsity Athletics Admission System (VAAS), a significant milestone that created more inclusive pathways to the university for student-athletes and cultural performers. This development coincided with the revival of the UP Cebu Varsity Program, which has reestablished UP Cebu’s presence in regional and national athletic associations such as CESAFI, SCUAA, and PASUC. These programs are supported by faculty, staff, and alumni who continue to contribute to the growth of sports and the arts on campus.
In support of health and well-being, UP Cebu, during Chancellor Malagar’s first term, engaged professionals to provide accessible mental health services and introduced wellness initiatives such as the President’s Cup and Chancellor’s Cup. These university-wide events were created not only for recreation but also for building community among employees, alumni, and retirees.
Improvements in campus facilities were also undertaken in this period. With the help of academic and administrative units, the UP Cebu Community Center, football field, and new laboratories were completed or upgraded. The High School Building Project was revived, and planning for the South Road Properties (SRP) campus continued to move forward. These developments aim to enhance the physical learning environment and support future academic expansion.
Partnerships with government and private institutions were strengthened, extending UP Cebu’s reach beyond its campuses. These include engagements with the Cebu Provincial Government, local governments in Dalaguete, Santa Fe (Bantayan Island), and Lapu-Lapu City, and institutions such as Chong Hua Hospital and Siquijor State College. Many of these collaborations have enabled community outreach, research, health initiatives, and the exploration of new academic spaces in underserved areas.
As he embarks on a second term, the university community looks ahead with a shared sense of purpose and optimism. Under Chancellor Malagar’s continued leadership, UP Cebu is expected to build on its momentum, advancing academic development, fostering inclusive growth, and strengthening its commitment to public service. The coming years offer new opportunities to deepen collaborations, broaden access, and sustain efforts that benefit not only the university but also the wider community it serves.