In Memoriam: Dr. Romeo L. Manlapaz (1939-2026)
The Institute of Mathematics deeply mourns the passing of Dr. Romeo L. Manlapaz on April 1, 2026. A distinguished educator, faculty administrator, and visionary of institutional modernization, he served the University with dedication for nearly four decades.
Dr. Manlapaz earned his BS in Chemical Engineering from UP Diliman, graduating magna cum laude in 1960, and his MS in Chemical Engineering from the same institution in 1968. He obtained his PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 1971. His dissertation on laminar flows in helically coiled tubes led to two journal articles that continue to be cited.
Upon his return, he quickly assumed leadership roles, serving as Chair of the Department of Engineering Sciences in 1972. In 1973, he became Director of the Computer Center, a position he held until the early 1980s, where he helped build UP’s early computing infrastructure.
Recognizing the potential of information systems, Dr. Manlapaz led efforts to introduce computerized processes in the University. He contributed to the development of UP’s admissions formula and the Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program. He also served in key governance roles, including as Assistant to the University President in 1979, and was a member of the 1982 committee that led to the reorganization of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences into three constituent colleges.
Originally trained as a chemical engineer, he joined the Department of Mathematics in 1976, where his interests in computing and applied mathematics found fuller expression. He taught courses in programming, differential equations, and numerical methods, and developed his own General Mathematics course. He helped establish the Computer Science track of the MS Applied Mathematics program in 1988 and played a key role in instituting the undergraduate thesis requirement in the mid-1990s, first as an option and later as a program requirement. He mentored many undergraduate and master’s students, supervising work ranging from hyperbolic tessellations to fluid flows and survival analysis. He was named Edgardo J. Angara Professor of Teaching in 1993.
Colleagues and students remember him for his sharp, playful, and critical mind, his engaging classes, and his generosity. He encouraged independent thinking, challenged assumptions, and pushed students beyond their comfort zones.
Dr. Manlapaz leaves a legacy not only of institutional transformation, but also of lives shaped through his teaching and mentorship. His vision helped lay foundations that continue to support the University today. He will be remembered with deep respect, gratitude, and affection by all who had the privilege of working with him.