THE University of the Philippines (UP) community mourned the passing of its former president, Francisco 'Dodong' Nemenzo Jr.Nemenzo died on Thursday at the age of 89.He spent his academic career in UP, eventually becoming its president from 1999 to 2005.'Nemenzo's presidency came at a time of national optimism as the Philippines entered the 21st century. The times coincided with the centennial celebration of the Philippine Revolution and a period of great anticipation, as both the country and the world looked forward to a fresh start following the economic crises of the 1990s,' UP posted on its website.'He believed a UP president should be an academic leader, not a businessman, and focused on modernizing the University to make it competitive in the new millennium. His administration prioritized upgrading UP's infrastructure, acquiring new equipment, improving libraries and laboratories, and promoting the use of technology, including computers and internet connectivity across campuses,' it added.During his tenure, Nemenzo encouraged UP faculty members to pursue post-graduate studies, pushed for the renovation of the school's facilities, including the the UP College Admission Test centers.Akbayan party-list released a statement honoring the late educator.'Ka Dodong (Nemenzo) lived a long and extraordinary life, marked by an uncommon brilliance and resolve. He lived multiple lives at once — an intellectual, an activist, a teacher, a comrade — all dedicated to the defense and promotion of the rights and welfare of the working people,' it said.Nemenzo was survived by his wife Ana Maria Nemenzo and their children, UP Diliman Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo, Leonid Nemenzo and Lian Nemenzo-Hernandez.
