Showing posts with label UP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UP. Show all posts

PostHeaderIcon UP bags top recognition in an international computer programming tilt

11/26/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


For solving 10 out of 10 computer problems, the team “Mga Sogo ni E.T.) from the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City bagged the 2009 ACM International Colle giate Programming Contest held at the Ateneo de Manila.

“The ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) traces its roots to a competition held at Texas A&M in 1970 hosted by the Alpha Chapter of the UPE Computer Science Honor Society. The idea quickly gained popularity within the United States and Canada as an innovative initiative to assist in the development of top students in the emerging computer science.

The ACM ICPC is a team competition consisting of three collegiate students and a coach. Each team is given a set of programming tasks (from 8 to 10 problems) to be solved in 5 hours using a standard computer and programming languages such as C, C++, and Java.”---- Manila Bulletin.(11/25/09, Calimag, M.)

Coached Eric Tambasacan, the UP team was represented by computer science students Kevin Charles Atienza and Marte Raphael Soliza, and computer engineering student John Eddie Ayson.

There were 55 teams from four countries and 23 schools joined the the ACM ICPC Manila regional contest on October 22-23, 2009. Trailing the UP students for the second place was team “Passion” from Ho Chi Minh City University of Science, in Vietnam whose members were Pham Tuan Vu, rinh Tran Dang Khoa, and Le Do Hoan Nam. Their coach was Dang Ngueyen Tien.

The third place went to team “NUSSOC1” from the National University of Singapore. Mentored by Steven Halim, the Sinngaporean team were composed of Victor Loh Bo Huai, Adhiraj Somani, and Doon Hanh Hung.

The winning of UP students indicates the talent and potential of Filipinos in the realm of programming and computer science. This is a beacon of hope for our young students to pursue challenging careers in computes. (Photo Credit; Napolinario) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Sarong Banggi

10/21/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


One can argue that the popular song Sarong Banggi carries meaning in each line that only a Bicolano can feel from his heart. It is also true with our Philippine flag. The brilliant colors of red, white, and blue---the golden sun and stars evoke meanings that only we Filipinos will ever know.

The seal above adopted by members of Sarong Banggi (SB,) the organization which started in UP Los Banos brings special significance to many Bicolanos as well. If SB members tell us that unity is important: “Sa pagkasararo, may kusog” ----Isn’t this what we all want? In all our affiliations, we know this by heart. Oneness truly brings strength on which our survival, health, and happiness stand.

Art Villamor demystifies Sarong Banggi



Originally from Pasacao, Camarines Sur and Naga City, Art Villamor is the current president of the Sarong Banggi Organization International, Inc, (SBOI) a group of Bicolanos, college students, and professionals whose founding in 1964 has spawned a network of tightly-knit members in the Philippines and abroad.

In this friendly interview by Ibalonian Augusto F. Mesia, M.D., Art---the former Bayer executive shares his insights culled from his deeply held personal experiences with the popular organization in UP Los Banos when he studied there in 1973 to 1978. In his youth, Art is part of the spark of idealism of the state university---a member of a Bicolano group which has morphed into an integrated global brotherhood with a mission.

What is Sarong Banggi?

We often think of Sarong Banggi as the old folk ditty that we heartily sing with pride as Bicolanos. It is regarded as a love song, but historian Jose Barrameda, Jr of Naga City thinks it’s a liberation song composed by Potenciano Gregorio of Sto Domingo, Albay at the time of the Philippine revolution. In 1964, some students from Bicol in UP Los Banos (UPLB) added a new dimension to the song’s love message and its patriotic ramifications when they started to call their group Sarong Banggi (SB).

Since then what happened?

Before UPLB became an autonomous university in 1973, the colleges of agriculture, forestry and graduate school drew a steady number of students from Bicol. As a group, the guys didn’t have a face in the campus. Bicolanos were basically in the shadows---disorganized and disparate. They popped out during elections or came together in loose crowds--- sometimes in socials and poorly organized induction balls. There was that void at that time. Sarong Banggi filled that void for the Bikols.

What was the organization’s purpose?



SB developed its constitution and set its objectives based on the prevailing conditions of the time. Aside from common love of Bikolandia, unity and academic excellence, SB inculcated to its members the virtues of brotherhood, leadership, loyalty. and humility. Over the years, its constitution was revised in 1979, 1984, 2001 and 2007 to suit the organization to the call of time.

Who were the original members of SB?

Most of the Bicolano founders were members of campus fraternities--- 3 Upsilonians, 3 Alpha Sigmans and the rest were “barbarians”---the UP term for those who have no organizational affiliation. Two Upsilonians, Mon Santiago and Romy Claveria, came from Ateneo de Naga HS’64.

The first faculty adviser was Uly Lustria, a Beta Sigman from Legazpi City. UP Diliman College of Law faculty member Loida Nicolas (Lewis) was the young guest speaker of SB's first anniversary and induction ball held in 1965.

It was told that before 1973, the UPCA (the predecessor of UPLB,) selections of Bikolanos served as swing votes for most Bikol region candidates--- the likes of Loida Nicolas-Lewis and Liwayway Vinzon-Chato grabbed slots in the UP student body. SB was at the forefront to solidify that elusive Bikol votes.

In 1970, under Bob Geronimo's leadership, also from AdenHS'64, dual memberships to SB and other organization were not allowed. Kung SB ka, SB ka lang. Under threat of expulsion, other linkages were banned unless a member joined an academic group. (Photo Credit: ArtV)

What is the association known for?



Early on, SB was active in campus politics and theater arts. Despite the students’ focus on their studies, our members were restless and dissent against Marcos dictatorship at that time was strong.

The organization recognized the stage could not only portray the current situation of the time but it also could serve as an effective tool of showing true Filipino culture. There were memorable theatre productions which SB produced and co-produced in UPLB and Bikol until the late '80s which I could remember.

In 1969, Sarong Banggi toured with the Philippine College of Commerce (PCC, now PUP). "Samahang Kamanyang," a progressive theater group from PCC came to the Bicol Region---hanggang sa Naga at Legazpi napadpad sila para mamulat ang mga Bikolanong estudyante sa mga nangyayari sa bansa noon.

In 1975 and 1976, SB also co-produced with the UPLB Student Council "Iskolar ng Bayan - Alay sa mga Bagong Salta." A tribute for UPLB new freshmen.

In 1977, with Kappa Phi Sigma and Tulisanes worked together for "ISKHO, ISKHA ATBP," again a tribute para sa mga bagong salta.

In late 1977, SB produced "SIGAW NG BAYAN" a full act play by Bonifacio Ilagan. It portayed the struggle of the Filipino people and the Katipunan during the oppressive Spanish regime.

In 1978, SB produced "JOE HILL," a play portraying the life and struggle of an American labor union during the early years of the 20th century.

In 1982, SB staged "FOLKSONG PARA SAINDO" in Naga City. A concert featuring nationalist musicians from Manila and Laguna.

In 1984, SB co-produced with Tulisanes and Haring Ibon "REKONSENTRADO"

In 1987, SB co-produced with UPSCA, Chi Epsilon, Epsilon Chi,Teatro Umalahokan, Tulisanes, Sigma Rho, Beta Kappa, and Kappa Phi Sigma the play "PIPOY"

In late 1987, SB produced "MAPAIT SA BAO," a full length play depicting the life a typical Filipino coconut farmer and his family.

SB was also active in student politics, a number of its members became Chairpersons and councilors of UPLB Student Council during the martial law years and during the mid to late '90s. SB was also in the forefront in the revival of the UPLB student publication (UPLB Perspective) during the martial law years. SB's Gabby Bordado (AdeNHS'71 and Naga City vice mayor) was one of the editors of UPLB Perspective in 1974.

How did SB become the organization that is now?

During the first quarter storm, SB was one of the visible associations aligned with the radical left at UPLB. A number of its members even went beyond campus politics and joined the people movement in the countryside.

In 1971, its first chapter was established in Bicol as Naga Sarong Banggi with early members from ADNU and UNC and former SB members from UPLB who went back to Naga before the declaration of 1081.

The years after the declaration of martial law, SB grew larger in Metro Manila mainly in GAUF now Araneta-La Salle University and Adamson University. It also established student chapters in Bicol University (BU)--- Legazpi, Guinobatan, and Tabaco campuses. Chapters were organized in Camarines Sur State Agricultural College (CSSAC), Mabini, and La Consolacion Colleges in Daet, Camarines Norte and Camarines Norte State College (CNSC) of Daet and Labo.

Memberships were opened in University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) and University of St. Anthony (USANT) in Naga and Iriga respectively. Lately, the org recruited new members from BU, Polangui, and Partido State University in Goa, Camarines Sur.

Does SB have a chapter in UP Diliman?

In the early 2000, SB tried to put up membership there. But it was not sustained by the regular chapters of UPLB and Adamson U which comprise the bulk of SB Kamaynilaan.

According to some SB elders/alumni, there was an attempt to merge UP Sarong Banggi and UP Ibalon during the early '70s (before 1081) but the negotiation failed basically on the issue on which name will survive after the merger.

Can you describe the membership of SB now?

We have about 3,000 members---500 of them are from UPLB and the rest are from other chapters. About four-fifths of the members are in the Philippines and the rest are based abroad mainly in America.

How do the SB chapters function?



Each campus regular chapter has some degree of autonomy in terms of its campus activities which are based on different policies on student organization by the different colleges and universities but in terms of objectives, recruitment and acceptance rites, elections, organizational discipline etc... all regular and alumni or elders chapters are governed by policies and guidelines formulated by the SBOI Board of Trustees (2007 SB constitution).

Our alumni chapters are created per geographical distribution of the alumni members from different regular or student chapters. We have SB Kamaynilaan Council of Elders chapter, SB International Chapter (mainly US & Canada based elders or alumni), Naga City SB council of elders among others.

SBOI under the 2007 constitution has an elected the Board of Trustees (BOT) as the policy making body of the organization. It has 3 independent commissions (election, audit and discipline) appointed by the BOT. They formulate and apply regulations according to its nature or scope of work.

Two types of chapters work hand in hand----the student or regular chapters in campus and the elder or alumni chapters outside school. The organization’s non-campus projects are identified, funded, and implemented by the elder or alumni chapters with the help of the nearest regular or student chapters.

Was SB a positive influence your life?

Definitely! Aside from my Ateneo and UP education, SB is the third classroom that honed my personality---a family man not only for oneself, but for others as well. The experience helped me manage home and work. The group helped my decision-making. Keeping the core values of SB made me what I am now--- a responsible, humble and fair person to everyone.

The state university influenced me a lot in running the group. A national and international organization, SB must be relevant to society. It must be critical and analytical to the events of the time just the way we learned in school. Di ba tinuru’an tayong di lang mano’od? Dapat maki-alam din tayo sa nangyayari sa ating lipunan.

What are your plans for SB?

I want to harness the pool of expertise and resources of the organization. Majority of SB members have assumed key positions in their respective professions. I wish I could tap them to help in education. We can work on livelihood projects for the poor. We can maximize our role in environmentalism and cultural preservation particularly in Bicol.

Why are there so many organizations in Bicol and elsewhere?

I think it is a normal sociological phenomenon. Everybody needs a company and it is natural for someone to look for his "kalahi" for full expression of oneself. He comes to know the norms and taboos of his kababayan. Not only does he eat the same food, he acquires similar values and experiences. Mas comfortable siya na kasama ang kababayan brods or sisses di ba?

What is an interesting SB story you want to share?




Gulpihon. Thirty six (36) years of affiliation with SB since my freshman year at UPLB, I picked up some of the org’s virtues. We practice self-criticism, brotherhood, loyalty, leadership and humility--- nagamit ko sa personal na buhay ko---- sa pamilya sagkod trabaho.

Por ejemplo, an maging magpakumbaba, an pag-ako ning kasalan o pagkukulang ay nanudan ko sa grupo. An pagiging ama kan pamilya, maging pamayo nin trabaho asin ibang orgs.---mga mahalagang lecciones na dae ko nano’odan sa la’og kan klase, pero natuparan ko sa SB.

Si enot na girl friend ko sa UPLB was a sis, a former up gov't scholar. So pati pag-ilusyon nanudan ko sa la'og kan org nagpu’on. Kaya pag ilusyon ko sa luwas kan SB (of course mayo na kami kan sis ko ta siya nagtransfer sa sarong university sa Manila,) dae na ako murtugo kundi astig na.

How do you balance SB with your friends and family?



Now that I am the national president of SB Organization International, Inc. (our SEC registered name,) 15% of my time is devoted to it, 15% with other friends including my golf schedule, and 70% pa rin ang pamilya. Igua na akong mga maku-apo that we can enjoy. In retirement, I find being active in the group very satisfying.

Anything new with the group?

The major change with SB since it started was its SEC registration in 2004 as non-government organization or corporation. This was to make the international organization more active outside the campus. Education, the environment, and culture preservation had been the group’s priorities.

Our focus is to increase our presence to the colleges and universities so we can carry on the SB mission. How to maintain the quality of our current membership is a concern. We want to have quality SB alumni so we can implement more projects.

How do the members deal with politics?

SB is not partisan---- kaya okay lang na may members kami na mataas ang katungkulan---in the military, police, leftist movement, legal and medical professions, engineering, forestry , agriculture, urban planning, finance etc... kun baga, maski pa ano ang pagtubod, pag-abot sa la'og nin grupo magturugang pa man guiraray.

We have a vice governor, a city vice mayor, a provincial board member and a number of municipal councilors who need our support, but we do it on individual basis.

What is the biggest challenge facing SB today?

We need to recruit quality members among the students and encourage more involvement from our alumni members. We work to reach out to other individuals and organizations in the community---- to spread the unity, goodwill, and peace we committed ourselves as Filipinos from Bicol. =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Reconciling dental records and the identity of Ruby Rose Jimenez

8/03/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


In forensic investigations which involve dental records, usually, identification of human remains is not difficult. The landmarks of a person’s teeth and jawbone are unique that when x-rays are compared, the match or mismatch is easily evident. The dentition, the relation of the teeth to the bones, and presence of cavities, dental fillings and appliance are usually enough.

Apparently, this is not the case of a woman found in a steel drum on June 10, 2009. The conflicting report of the National Police and pathologists Dr. Raquel Fortun and Dr. Danilo Magtanong of the University of the Philippines on the identity of suspected murder victim Ruby Rose Barrameda Jimenez is marred by questions on the inconsistency of the dental findings. The controversy casts doubt on the competence of our investigators.

According to Magtanong, the dental charts failed to match because the body had ”a first molar and a missing third molar while Ruby Rose’s 1996 records indicated she had no first molar. “

That is not hard to understand. If such findings are true (barring tampering,) then that skull or jawbone is not that Ruby Rose. Surely, there are other unique features of the remains that may be used to help corroborate the conclusion. This is of paramount importance for any error can bring someone to answer a crime.

The unfortunate tug-of-war among forensic “experts’ has caused tremendous embarrassment and loss of credibility among our investigators. Those in the crime laboratory need not challenge the public about giving up their licenses if only to prove that they are correct in their findings. They must focus on the evidence using the tools of forensic science to arrive at the right conclusion. (Photo Credit: rontgen1) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon UP’s bizarre nude runs spill over university belt

3/05/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post
What was once a prank of running nude in the UP Diliman had morphed into a spectacle of genital display among other students in the University belt in Manila. Elevated from a raunchy tradition by the Alpha Phi Omega (APO) fraternity to dramatize “protests” against school issues like tuition fee increases or government corruption, members of the same fraternity staged another nude run in public streets.

The event has the usual draw of crowds--- giggling watchers and cajoling voyeurs as male students excitedly bare their skin, interrupting commerce and vehicular traffic. The disruptive display of private body parts has caught the ire of Senator Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel who sees zero value in the immature behavior.

Airing his disapproval to the Senate Education Committee and demanding for an investigation, Sen. Pimentel asserted, "Sanction the parties responsible, including the university authorities for their failure to exercise their duty to see to it that the laws and the rules of this country may prevail... What redeeming social value does displaying the male genitals to prurient or innocent audience, young and old, pose to justify it?" GMANewsTV (03/04/09; 03/05/99 Balagtas-See, A)

For the overwhelming majority, Pimentel can rightly remind individuals and school authorities of laws against lascivious public exhibitions. There are boundaries of decency that Filipinos must uphold even if students and their teachers imagine they are the naked patriots, "mga hubad na bayani"--- the emblematic reincarnations of the statue guarding the entrance of UP.

Organized shedding off of clothes is hardly an affair that one can be proud of. The “Oblation Run” has become embarrassingly vulgar. Many innocent children have been exposed to body parts better wrapped in garments. Yet even UP, the cream of the country’s universities, finds nudity exhilarating. For its frequency, the bizarre exhibitions come like a recurrent lewd joke devoid of meaningful significance.

At the end of the 100th year of the state university, close to a hundred Upians in Diliman bare themselves as an “offering” to their alma mater. Similar controversial naked runs have been staged in different UP campuses and in schools where the APO fraternity has its members. (Photo Credit: Justin Jovellanos) =0=

RELATED BLOGS: "The Oblation Run: a risque prank becomes a raunchy protest" Posted by mesiamd at 6/20/2008; "Nudity in UP Campus" Posted by mesiamd at 12/18/2008


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PostHeaderIcon UP Lantern Parade 2008

12/23/2008 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


On Wednesday, December 17, 2008 the University of the Philippines (UP) staged its Christmas lantern parade to the delight of the students and the entire school. The show of lanterns did not come with the usual multi-sided illuminated stars, the traditional symbols of the light which brought the three wise men to Jesus in the manger. Instead, attractive parols like luminous heavenly bodies in the sky thrilled the crowd.

“This is the best of them all,” says former school president Jose Abueva of the annual holiday event. He explains the significance of the exhibition which marks the end of the school’s colorful centennial year.

The gleaming display materialized from the modern-day artistic imagination of Diliman's educational hub--- better known as the government-funded people's “national university.” Stunning bright contraptions under the cover of the evening’s shadows ignited the pageantry. In the backdrop of trees and "the oblation" the occasion drew elated on-lookers as the night set in.

Hordes of dolled-up merry-makers wearing garish masks and eclectic gaudy costumes came. They clowned, danced, and laughed to mark another distinctive Filipino Christmas. Fireworks, music, and lights entertained those who attended. (Photo Credit: Lynnzy; Lynnzy; Lynzzy)=0=





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PostHeaderIcon Nudity in UP Campus & Rizal's Ultimo Adios

12/18/2008 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post




"Craftiness must have clothes, but truth loves to go naked."---English Proverb

A tradition of public nudity has developed in the University of the Philippines (UP). On its 100 years of glorious existence, the school has a rash of flesh-baring events--- inspired by the iconic metal image of a man in an act of “oblation” right at the campus gate.


The thought of giving oneself naked has turned to be an irresistible wild dream in the academe. It’s a heart-rousing idea that seems to rub the minds of people who subscribe to the sane and the absurd.

Perhaps they take themselves too seriously. They can be deluded by their self-importance, believing that they are smarter than others and thus deserving of occasional tantrums. There is covert hubris in many UPians. They may be enamored by the grand words of the second verse of Jose P. Rizal's Ultimo Adios etched on the base of Guillermo Tolentino’s oblation sculpture standing in the school grounds:


"In the fields of battle,
deliriously fighting,
Others give you their lives,
without doubt, without regret;
Where there’s cypress, laurel or lily,
On a plank or open field,
in combat or cruel martyrdom,
If the home or country asks,
it's all the same--it matters not.”
---Jose P. Rizal, National Hero

The connection of nudity today in UP and Rizal’s heroism is at best tenuous. Yet, for 50 years, the oblation run has been a yearly project of the Alpha Phi Omega (APO) fraternity. It started as a prank and had since then become one of the most celebrated in the university.

Nudes, wearing only masks and bonnets parade themselves around the campus. The justification of the bizarre display of the mons veneris and the penile appendage is usually a protest for an “issue” that bothers the community. Although not all are convinced of the “alibi,” the event brings eager crowds nonetheless to watch the warm flesh pass by. Amidst heckles and laughter, the men give away roses to merry spectators, but many are oblivious and dismissive of the rationale behind the run.

The oblation run held on December 16, 2008 had only 10 nude men streaking their way around the campus. But I thought they had one in June where a hundred participated. For the latest run, APO chose to protest the boiling charter change (Cha-cha) controversy which is occupying the mind of the nation. They also fussed about President Gloria M. Arroyo, the environment and climate change.

The fewer turn-out of those wanting to show their flesh might have been the consequence of an early morning photo shoot of about 100 nude UPians to celebrate the school’s service to the country a week before. Capping the school’s centennial year celebration, on December 13, 2008, the dawn picture session had almost a hundred UPians exposing their skins. What was once considered a joke had turned out to be a controversial collective legitimate expression of selfless offering: “UP Para sa Bayan” (UP for the Nation.)

The nude mania also caught the fancy of the fine arts luminaries of the university. Earlier in June this year, works of National Artists Fernando Amorsolo, Guillermo Tolentino, Napoleon Abueva, Jose Joya, Cesar Legaspi, Benedicto “Bencab” Cabrera, Carlos “Botong” Francisco, Abdulmari Imao and Vicente Manansala, among others were displayed in a public mall in Quezon city, in an exhibit titled, “100 Nudes/100 years.” It was supposed to be a self-congratulating reunion of UP artists to show the whole world of the school’s “big reservoir of talents.”

I don’t know if the Pavlovian concept on operant conditioning works on the psychology behind this nudity hullabaloo. If I have my psychiatry straight, humans like animals, are governed by rewards and punishments. When forbidden behavior such as shedding one’s clothes is reinforced by approving attention, many will do it again. There’s no negative backlash, no punishment and no incentive to prevent UP from doing the oblation run. Nudity which can be pleasurable, is tolerated, and even approved of by university authorities. En masse in front of satisfied onlookers, the event becomes a rousing surreal occasion akin to Bacchanalia.

Liberals, anarchists, and free thinkers can look at public nudity differently even if there are laws against indecent exposure. They usually laud anything contrary to the norm. They want unbridled freedom without much responsibility. Their perspective can be summed up with what iconoclastic John Lennon said when he was still alive.

“The main hang-up in the world today is hypocrisy and insecurity. If people can't face up to the fact of other people being naked, or whatever they want to do, then we're never going to get anywhere. People have got to become aware that it's none of their business and that being nude is not obscene. Being ourselves is what's important. If everyone practised being themselves instead of pretending to be what they aren't, there would be peace."---John Lennon, Beatles singer

Lennon’s opinion is just one side of the coin. He can’t be taken seriously all the way for there are conservative moral and cultural issues that must not be ignored by Filipinos. As a counterpoint, I can only refer at the photos of the oblation run shown in the blog. I suspect they have become raunchier and debased than the years past. With some clues of what goes on during the run, I need to repeat my two-cent worth of opinion about this school-sanctioned nude exhibitions in a supposedly sane university:

Surely, there is amusement in nudity, but such display is distracting and unwarranted. Young masked students running with no clothes on, giving away roses to onlookers is such a powerful emotion-rouser that we risk forgetting the grievances behind why we do it. It’s generally regarded as a mischievous prank rather than a serious protest. In spite of the fun, there is this troubling question whether such an event brings the most benefit in the long run. It makes us think if merriment and humor are always the best ways to air our problems and solve them.

After stating my closing thought, I couldn’t help but laugh when I read a smart quip about being nude---“Don't arrest me. I was born this way." It seemed the inane controversy on nudity in campus would stay. But with the rate ethical behavior and righteousness is expended these days, I would not be surprised if UP and many of her children might go astray. Photo Credits: in dekost; in.dekost; indekost; pmt007; in.dekost; in.dekost)=0=





RELATED BLOGS: "The Oblation Run: a risque prank becomes a raunchy protest"
Posted by mesiamd at 6/20/2008; "UP Para Sa Bayan" Posted by mesiamd at 12/13/2008

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PostHeaderIcon UP Para Sa Bayan

12/13/2008 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


The 2008 celebration marking the 100th anniversary of the University of the Philippines (UP) is about to close. There is much to thank for as many unnamed students and graduates have worked hard to fulfill their personal dreams and realize the school’s mission. On the other hand, there is much to be ashamed of (or regretful about) if some of UP’s graduates have fallen short of their potential.

UP Para Sa Bayan, a huge display of public service will be held in campus this Saturday, December 13, 2008. The slogan and happy occasion will showcase the relevance the school plays for the country. It will surely make many people feel good and proud.

A hundred “oblation men” will have a photo shoot at the amphitheatre. Free medical, veterinary, legal, and dental services will be offered to the public. A blood drive, a school-sponsored mass wedding and public entertainment are slated--- all in one day.

This is the right time for every UP graduate to mull on what leadership, excellence, and service mean. There are those who say the university is now focused on service. And leadership and educational excellence have long been century-old indelible school trademarks.

But are they true? One can’t help but wonder if truth is what most people really see in the government-funded top learning center. The mirage which blurs the university’s actual accomplishments and failures still remains. Photo Credits: BotchokoyD, KuManahan; Ulan25; ButchokoyD) =0=





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