If you are of the age of majority in the country in which you reside (in the case of the Philippines, this would be 18 years old), then your parents or any (former) guardians no longer have control over nor legal responsibilities to you. Unless it is absolutely necessary (for example, if you find yourself are physically or cognitively incapacitated, or there is some legal reason that prevents you from managing your affairs at the University personally), you must transact with UPOU yourself. Individuals such as your parents, your relatives, your spouse, a personal assistant, or your secretary should not communicate with the University on your behalf. 


Unless your parents or former guardians are legally permitted or obliged through appropriate legal instruments to manage your affairs with respect to the UPOU, and the circumstances under which they do so are reasonable, neither your parents nor former guardians should communicate or manage your affairs on your behalf with BAMS program advising staff.


Please note as well that if you allow other people to access your University-given digital assets associated with your identity (such as your UP email account) and especially if they use these assets (such as by sending messages using your email address and in your name), then you are potentially committing acts that violate the rules of the UP System's Acceptable Use Policy for IT services. Such violations can be met with serious sanctions. For more details, see What are the consequences of academic dishonesty and misconduct at the University? Your actions would also consequently place University staff at risk of violating the Data Privacy Act of the Philippines if they end up discussing confidential personal details about you with your parents or former guardians.


In addition, pursuing an undergraduate program such as BAMS is preparation for independently dealing with complex real-world affairs and relationships as an adult. While you parents and former guardians can, within limits, help you and advise you in your studies, if you find it necessary for your parents to officially intervene in your affairs, you may wish to consider whether UPOU's learning environment in general and the BAMS program in particular are well-matched to you. To succeed at UPOU, you must demonstrate substantial independence, self-initiative, and self-discipline; otherwise, you may want to explore if other programs are better suited to your needs. 


For all these reasons, you should be managing all your affairs at the UPOU. BAMS program advising staff will not entertain any communication with parents or former guardians on behalf of a student who is of the age of majority, unless there is a legally compelling reason for doing so. 


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