The Philippine Association of Communication Educators (PACE), through its Trustee, Prof. Karen Joyce Cayamanda of the UP Mindanao Department of Humanities, awarded UP Mindanao with a Certificate of Recognition on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary celebration on October 25, 2025.
Prof. Cayamanda presented the Certificate of Recognition to Chancellor Lyre Anni Murao, witnessed by Dean Jhoanna Lynn Cruz, at the October 27, 2025, Flag Ceremony.
Prof. Cayamanda read the citation, “The Philippine Association of Communication Educators presents this Certificate of Recognition to the University of the Philippines Mindanao in recognition of its unwavering partnership and invaluable support to the Philippine Association of Communication Educators through the years. The institution’s consistent participation in PACE’s various programs, projects, and advocacies has greatly contributed to the advancement of communication and media education in the Philippines. In celebration of the 50th founding anniversary, PACE honors the institution for its steadfast commitment to academic excellence, collaboration, and the professional growth of communication and media educators and students nationwide. Given this 25th day of October 2025, at the University of the Philippines Los Baños during the 50th Anniversary Gala Night Homecoming and Recognition Ceremony of PACE, signed Outgoing President Mark Lester Chico.”
Chancellor Murao, in her recorded message to the PACE anniversary, said, “At UP Mindanao, we value how PACE connects us all, bridging communities and inspiring future communicators who proudly represent our region’s diversity. Our Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Arts stands as one of these vital bridges, equipping students with both the skills and the heart to tell stories that matter, foster understanding, and bring people from varied backgrounds closer together. Communication is truly at the core of everything we do, whether in education, culture, or development. It opens the doors to dialogue and shared progress. We congratulate PACE on its golden anniversary and look forward to even greater partnerships ahead. Together, let us keep advancing communication education with passion and pride, especially from here in the heart of Mindanao.”
Prof. Cayamanda added some background information. “We have been a member of PACE since 2017, but we became active in 2019 with yours truly serving as a trustee on the board,” she said. “It was in UP Mindanao that we held the first face-to-face event after the pandemic in the Pinoy Media Congress on May 6, 2023. We had joined online in 2022, but in 2023, we had the Mindanao-wide Pinoy Media Congress in collaboration with ABS-CBN, and UP Mindanao was the host university during that time, so there is a sense of gratitude from PACE. That is why I would like to endorse this Certificate to the Chancellor and the Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, where the BA Communication and Media Arts program is housed.”
