The Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP) held its Academic Emphasis Day for the 2026-2027 academic year at the Philippine International Church on July 24, 2026.

Under the theme “Rooted in the Word, Ready for the World,” the event served as both a formal welcome to the academic community and a spiritual charge to pursue excellence beyond mere grades. 

Dr. Arceli Rosario, University president, defined the event as “a moment of sacred alignment.”  She challenged the congregation with a fundamental question: “Why are you here at the Adventist University of the Philippines?” In an era she described as flooded with information but starving for truth, Dr. Rosario emphasized that being “rooted in the Word” means using the Bible as the primary lens for understanding all disciplines, from science to the humanities. She reminded the students of the University’s ACE core values: Academic Excellence, Christlike Character, and Exemplary Service. “The world does not need just smart minds,” Dr. Rosario stated. “It desperately needs clean hands and pure hearts and beautiful feet.” She concluded by noting that God brought students to AUP not to hide them, but to equip them to be beacons of hope in a “suffering, broken world.”

The centerpiece of the day was the keynote address prepared by Dr. Jimmy G. Katanes, Director of the Office of Programs and Standards Development of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and delivered by Miss Mutya El Mangubat. The message introduced a profound concept: the “hidden curriculum” that no registrar will ever print and no professor can fully grade. While the visible curriculum focuses on professional competencies, the hidden curriculum determines the “kind of professional the world actually receives” by testing character, honesty, and reactions to pressure. The speaker offered three essential lessons for navigating this secret curriculum: Guard Your Attention; Become Employable, but Never Purchasable; Choose a Problem Worthy of Your Life.

The event highlighted that at AUP, academic pursuit is viewed as a divine calling and an act of worship. This essence was further demonstrated through the formal presentation of new students from the various colleges: College of Arts and Humanities; College of Business; College of Dentistry; College of Health; College of Medicine; College of Nursing; College of Science, Engineering, and Technology; College of Teacher Education; and Theology; each standing to be recognized as new members of their respective “families.” The day also celebrated high scholarship by awarding the rank of Professor to several distinguished faculty members who have shown exceptional dedication to research and service.

In her closing address, Dr. Susi Jael, vice president for academics, reaffirmed that students at AUP do not walk alone. She urged returning students to serve as mentors and models, while encouraging new students to trust in their God-given potential.

Dr. Jael left the students with a final thought to ponder: that it is a student’s privilege to develop “clear and accurate ideas of the truth of the word” so they may think for themselves and see the force of truth. She concluded the academic presentation by wishing everyone a “successful and blessed year,” grounded in the belief that being rooted in the Bible provides the stability needed to step confidently into the world.

The event ended with the University community singing “Shine on, dear AUP,” a final reminder of their mission to be a light for both the present and on ever onward.