ILOILO City — Dr. Clement Camposano makes history as the first chancellor of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) to serve three terms after the UP Board of Regents approved his unprecedented reappointment under a provision reserved for “highly exceptional cases.”
The Board of Regents finalized Camposano’s reappointment during its 1,412th meeting on Sept. 24, clearing the way for him to begin another term on Nov. 1, 2026.
No previous UPV chancellor has been granted a third tenure.
Under the UP University Code, chancellors have historically been limited to a maximum of two terms, with an exception allowed only in “highly exceptional cases.”
The Board of Regents, however, did not disclose the vote count or the specific criteria it used in allowing the rare exception for Camposano.
A similar path had been taken in the case of UP Los Baños Chancellor Jose V. Camacho Jr.
Camposano secured the post following a selection process in which he was nominated alongside Dr. Joefe B. Santarita.
The two candidates underwent scrutiny from the UPV academic community during the Tapatan 2026 forum at the Miag-ao, Iloilo campus earlier this month.
Camposano first assumed office as UPV’s 11th chancellor in November 2020.
According to UPV, Camposano outlined during sector consultations and his public presentation an operational agenda centered on institutional sustainability, regional research development, campus infrastructure projects and faculty support.
His third term will also put renewed attention on issues raised by students, faculty and staff during the chancellor selection process, including workplace welfare, infrastructure repairs, long-term campus expansion and student rights.
The historic reappointment, however, was not without dissent.
UPV-based publication UPV Libertas said Camposano’s continued leadership also means that concerns that emerged during his administration will remain under his watch.
“For UPV, Camposano’s reappointment extends an administration that began in 2020 and places its existing programs, policies, and unresolved campus concerns under the same chancellor for another term,” it said./PN
