BAGUIO CITY — The University of the Philippines (UP) Baguio issued a public advisory warning against individuals falsely claiming to be alumni of the state institution.

University officials said the school received multiple reports of individuals misrepresenting themselves as UP Baguio graduates.

Cross-referencing with official university databases revealed that the individuals are not listed in the registry of graduates.

UP Baguio stressed that it does not condone falsification or misrepresentation, noting that unverified claims contribute to the spread of disinformation.

University administrators urged the public to exercise due diligence and verify academic credentials through official university channels before sharing claims online or making decisions based on unverified information.

The advisory comes amid broader concerns over academic and professional misrepresentation across various sectors in the country.

In 2021, the Professional Regulation Commission flagged fake medical professionals operating without valid licenses or official degrees, underscoring the risks false credentials present to public safety and institutional integrity.

Counterfeit diploma networks operating near university belts have also prompted employers and higher education institutions nationwide to implement stricter verification measures.

Under Philippine law, forging official documents or publicly claiming unauthorized academic and professional titles can result in administrative and criminal liabilities, including charges for falsification of public documents under Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code.

UP Baguio maintained that safeguarding institutional records remains essential to protecting educational standards and preventing public deception.