MANILA, Philippines — The University of the Philippines (UP) has again halted the nationwide operation of the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) for the Academic Year 2023-2024.
The grounds for the UPCAT suspension, according to UP Office of Admissions Director Francisco De Los Reyes, are the continuing health hazards and challenges to the execution of in-person testing due to the pandemic.
De Los Reyes also mentioned that the decision was implemented by the University Councils (UC) of the eight constituent universities of the UP System in consideration of the safety and welfare of applicants and personnel.
The institution will continue to use the UC-approved UP College Applications (UPCA), an entrance score system for assessing university student applicants, to replace the UPCAT. UPCA was first used in 2020, the same year UPCAT was suspended due to health restrictions caused by the pandemic.