MANILA – The Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Board of Trustees on Wednesday announced it will begin the search for its next University President.
The board released a memo on Wednesday signed by Chairperson Bernadine T. Siy.
Following its August 1 meeting, the board said the term of current University President Fr. Roberto "Bobby" Yap SJ has been extended until May 2027.
"To provide stability and continuity for Academic Year 2026-2027, the term of Fr. Roberto “Bobby” C. Yap, SJ as President, has been extended until 31 May 2027. This will allow the University to address the concerns arising from the events of June 8, begin urgent reforms, and provide sufficient time for an orderly leadership transition," the memo read.
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"The Board also sees this as an opportunity to strengthen succession planning in the University so that leadership and Trustee appointments are decided well in advance of assumption of office, allowing proper handovers and completion of priority work," it added.
The board expressed "deep appreciation" to Yap for his six years of service and leadership, helping Ateneo navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The Board also recognizes Fr. Bobby’s readiness to accept leadership responsibility for recent events and the University’s response to them. We appreciate his willingness, in the true Jesuit spirit of mission, to accept reassignment and a new ministry should this best serve the University and the Society of Jesus," it said.
Despite the term extension for Yap, the Board resolved to begin the leadership transition and the search for its next President.
"As Fr. Bobby completes his extended term, the Board of Trustees has resolved to begin a leadership transition and to constitute a Search Committee for the next President of Ateneo de Manila University. This decision was reached after prayerful discernment, careful consideration, and having listened to voices from across the University community," it said.
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The University will release further details on the search committee and the process of selection 'will be announced in due course."
"The Board recognizes the pain and difficulty of recent months. In its discernment, it has sought to ensure accountability and continuity, renewal and care for persons, guided by Ateneo's Jesuit mission and by the concerns, hopes, and aspirations expressed by members of the community," the memo read.
"The Board has reviewed all pertinent information concerning the events of June 8 and will release its report and statement on the incident shortly. The Board will continue to exercise its governance and oversight responsibilities throughout the transition," it further wrote.
The board reiterated its commitment to push for reforms following the tragic deaths of student-athletes Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia in a team-building activity last June 8 in Dipaculao, Aurora.
"As Ateneo enters this period of transition, we do so with gratitude for what has been accomplished, humility about what must be learned, and confidence in the strength of our community and the mission that continues to guide the University," it said.
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"The Board is committed to pursuing the reforms needed in the aftermath of the crisis and to strengthening the University's governance, culture, and care for all members of the Ateneo community," the memo added.
Ateneo formed an independent fact-finding committee to investigate the deaths of Adili and Baterbonia, alongside the parallel probes of the National Bureau of Investigation and the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.