Joselito D. De Los Reyes, a professor at the University of Santo Tomas, has declined to apply for the presidency of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela following an open letter on social media. He cited his family's unreadiness and current job stability as reasons, while offering suggestions for the university. He shared this in his Rappler column on January 6, 2026.
In his Rappler column '[Tabas ng Dila] Kabuhayan showcase,' Joselito D. De Los Reyes, Ph.D., responded to an open letter urging him to apply as president of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela (PLV). As a former resident and worker in Valenzuela, he recognizes the position's potential to serve the community but has decided not to apply for now.
He stated, "Kinausap ko ang pamilya ko at ilang kaibigan hinggil dito. Tinimbang namin ang possibilities, ang kakaharaping stress, lalo ang may kinalaman sa kabuhayan showcase." As a tenured professor at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), his family enjoys non-wage benefits that are hard to relinquish, including privileges for his children. He added, "Gaano ko man kayang iwan ang comfort zone ko at ang kaakibat na kabuhayan, hindi lamang naman ako ngayon ang nakikinabang dito."
Beyond personal reasons, he highlighted the challenges of changing the system and culture at PLV, which has been under the current president's long leadership. Still, he is open to ideas for the university's improvement. He proposed six initiatives: establishing the Dr. Pio Valenzuela School of Allied Health for nursing and medical courses; creating the PLV Labor Studies and Policy Center and Justice Guillermo Santos School of Law to support workers in Valenzuela, the former 'Strike Capital'; joining the ASEAN University Network; implementing a tenure process for faculty to eliminate patronage politics; strengthening private sector partnerships for scholarships and research; and setting up an Office of Student Affairs to protect students.
"Hindi man ako maging bahagi ng PLV, masaya akong makikita kung alinman sa aking mungkahi ay pahahalagahan ng susunod na pangulo," De Los Reyes said. As chairperson of the UST Department of Creative Writing, he continues writing and teaching while staying in his comfort zone.
