Michael Tan

Education and early career The son of Julio Tan and Apolonia Nieves Lim, Tan grew up in the City of San Juan, Metro Manila, where he had his early education at the Xavier School, a private Catholic college preparatory school for boys run by the Society of Jesus' Philippine Province, graduating in 1969.

He majored in biology at the Ateneo de Manila University, then transferred to the University of San Francisco, taking up the same degree. He eventually got a degree in veterinary medicine from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1977,

Tan also works with the Ateneo de Manila University, "teaching doctors to be more sensitive to the social and cultural aspects of healthcare."

The citation that came with his election cited his contribution to scientific research, teaching, advocacy and development work, particularly his efforts to revitalize research on and in the use of traditional medicine, develop rational drug policies, and understand the social and behavioral dimensions of HIV/AIDS prevention and of reproductive health promotion. where he currently serves as Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP). The announcement stated that Tan will serve as Chancellor from March 1, 2014, to February 28, 2017.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer quoted him as saying: “My vision is of a UP that takes its place as a national university, a place to nurture not just brightness but diversity. UP Diliman must show the way in transdisciplinary initiatives in teaching, our graduates grounded in the liberal arts, able to see and appreciate the poetry in mathematics, as well as the mathematics in poetry.... I envision a UP in terms of a shared culture of academic citizenship built on collegiality, a sense of justice and fairness, and ethics.”

The Philippine Collegian, UP Diliman's official student newspaper, reported that Tan had won the appointment by seven votes. Other nominees who got votes from the three remaining regents were incumbent UP Diliman Chancellor Dr. Caesar Saloma, and UP Center for Women's Studies Director Dr. Sylvia Claudio.

Tan's term ended on March 1, 2020, and was succeeded by former Vice Chancellor for Research and Development Fidel Nemenzo.

Writing Although he is now best known for his work as a columnist, Tan was already a well recognized writer among academics and NGO workers when he began his Pinoy Kasi columns for the Philippine Daily Inquirer in May 1997.

Profiling him as an awardee Dr. Jose P. Rizal Awards of Excellence in 2005, the Manila Times and the Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran Foundation noted that:

Regarding the choice of name, he explained further:

At that time, I thought that "Pinoy Kasi" would reflect the middle way, sometimes uttered in despair, exasperation, even shame but also... I hoped it would be more often said in awe, wonder, and pride.

"Sense and Science" In February 2013, Tan also began a blog for GMA News Online, titled "Sense and Science".

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