Professor Diego S. Maranan (center, in black), UP Artist II for Visual Arts, during the UP Arts Productivity System (APS) Awarding Ceremony. (Photo courtesy of UP Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs)
Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) Professor Diego S. Maranan was officially conferred the title of University of the Philippines (UP) Artist II for Visual Arts for CY 2023-2025 during the UP Arts Productivity System (APS) Awarding Ceremony held on 14 August 2026 at the Atencio-Libunao Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City.
The recognition honors UP faculty and staff who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in the arts as part of the University’s Arts Productivity System, which provides recognition and incentives for sustained creative work and productivity.
Maranan is a transdisciplinary artist, educator, designer, and researcher whose works explore the intersection of embodiment, technology, ecology, and future imaginaries. His work has been presented in museums, festivals, and artscience platforms across Asia, Europe, and North America.
Currently a Professor of Art, Media, and Design at UPOU FICS, Maranan has held several leadership and administrative positions at the University. He previously served as Dean of FICS, Chair of the Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies (BAMS) program, Program Development Associate for Culture and the Arts, and representative to the UP President’s Committee for Culture and the Arts.
Maranan also serves as the Executive Director of the UP Intelligent Systems Center (UP ISC), where he works on initiatives involving integration of the arts and humanities with science, technology, and complex systems.
He is also a co-founder of Space Ecologies Art and Design (SEADS), a global art-science collective for futuristic prototyping. As one of its founding members, Prof. Maranan has spearheaded numerous Biomodd projects throughout the Philippines, New York, and Europe, collaborating closely with fellow SEADS members on many of the key works that earned him this award. Additionally, he is also a co-founder of Curiosity, a Manila-based design research firm.
UP Artists pose for a photo during the APS awarding ceremony. (Photo courtesy of UP Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs)
FICS proudly celebrates Professor Maranan’s recognition, honoring his continuing contributions to artistic practice, interdisciplinary research, and the advancement of arts and culture within and beyond the university.
Written by: Loren P. Sta. Ana
Edited by: Prof. Diego S. Maranan and Asst. Prof. Shaira F. Tanay