MANILA, Philippines – Former University of the Philippines President Dr. Dodong Nemenzo passed away on Thursday (December 19) at the age of 89, his family announced. 

“Former UP President Francisco “Dodong” Nemenzo has passed away at 89, his family announced today. He led the university from 1999 to 2005 and served as faculty regent, chancellor of UP Visayas, and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at UP Diliman,” the Philippine Collegian said. 

Details of his memorial service for family, friends, and comrades are yet to be announced. 

Nemenzo is one of the country’s most prominent political scientists who, as he said, “specialized in the study of unconventional politics.” A Marxist scholar, he was known for his fearless views on Philippine politics, international affairs and economics among many other issues. 

He once held the third-highest position in the then Communist Party as secretary of education and head of the international department. 

In UP, he served various functions as political science professor, college dean, Chancellor, and finally, as the university’s 18th President.

He spearheaded various dynamics that advanced academic excellence within the community.  Among them is the Revitalized General Education Program which allows students to choose their own general education disciplines which will form the foundation of their college education, funding to support the academic growth of the faculty, and much improved facilities and equipment that enhanced learning in the university. 

A native from Cebu, Nemenzo earned his Master’s degrees from the University of the Philippines and his PhD from the University of Manchester. 

Dodong joined the UP faculty in 1957, rising through the ranks to become full Professor and Professor Emeritus of political science. 

As a leading leftist figure during the Martial Law years, Nemenzo was incarcerated for his actions during the regime of the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos.