Interview Questions for Chancellor Carmencita Padilla MD, FPPS, MAHPS 1.
What inspired or motivated you to take on the challenge of chancellorship? I believe that my leadership can make a difference in influencing change in UP Manila to ensure its pivotal role as the National Center of Health Research and Development for the Filipino people. Of my 27 years as faculty member of the Department of Pediatrics, I have spent 20 years as an administrator in various capacities: -
Director, Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Manila, the volunteer program of UP Manila; Chair, Department of Pediatrics Philippine General Hospital;
I believe that my past experiences and challenging positions have prepared me for this post – polishing my managerial skills; developing unique people-skills in forging partnerships with both government and non-government agencies; strengthening workstyle with limited resources and yet emerge successful; enhancing my time management skills; improving my fund sourcing skills from both government and private sector; and refining policy making skills to the university’s advantage as well as the Filipinos in general. 2.
What is your stand on student activism? Student activism should assume a positive force to effect change.
3.
How will you collaborate with and support the student councils? The campus press? I encourage student councils and the campus press to be the link between the students and administration. As I have shared with the student leaders during our dialogues, my administration is committed to listen and to respond to the issues raised by students and other sectors. Give our administration the opportunity to analyze and prioritize the responses. For instance, one of the problems raised by the USC in our dialogue last week is the security along Padre Faura and Pedro Gil. Recognizing that this will entail the cooperation of the City of Manila, Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development Michael Tee and I had an audience with Mayor Joseph Estrada last Friday. In the middle of our meeting, Mayor Estrada called and instructed the city electrician to immediately address our request. That was easy. I also raised the issue of flooding but Mayor Estrada said, he cannot immediately solve the problem. Another issue is the food security/supply, which is a major concern that cannot be solved overnight. This was already raised during the fora during the Search Process. On my first day at work, my team already addressed this problem and we hope to have the solution ready for implementation by January 2015. The other issue is the Student Center. Let me just say, that was a difficult one. The important thing is that‌..work has resumed and the Center will be completed soon.
4.
How will you ensure genuine and transparent student consultations?