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https://up.edu.ph/a-statement-from-the-up-board-of-regents/
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A Statement from the UP Board of Regents – University of the Philippines
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A Statement from the UP Board of Regents A Statement from the UP Board of Regents December 3, 2018 | Written by The Board of Regents The Board of Regents of the University of the Philippines takes note of the apology of Regent Frederick Mikhail I. Farolan during the Board of Regents meeting today regarding his post on social media that appeared to advocate the use of violence against members of the men’s basketball team of the Ateneo de Manila University. We dissociate ourselves as a Board from Regent Farolan’s statements and actions. Whatever his motives may have been, there is no excuse for sowing fear and confusion, especially at a time when the University’s attention should have been focused on the rising successes of its athletic program. We view with extreme disapproval and strongly condemn violence in any form. The Board continues to uphold the principles of civility and sportsmanship. All Regents, officials, and members of the UP community are expected to keep with the highest standards of decorum. We apologize to the officials, staff, and athletes of the Ateneo de Manila University and to the UP community for any anxiety Regent Farolan’s statements may have caused. We also deeply regret the dampening of the euphoria of UP reaching the UAAP finals. Committed to a higher standard of accountability for its members, the Board hereby withdraws its recommendation for the reappointment of Regent Farolan to the Board of Regents. We enjoin Regent Farolan from making any such further statements which can compromise the reputation and the goodwill of the University. UP Fight! One Big Fight! Mabuhay ang pagkakaisa at diwa ng Katipunan! The Board of Regents University of the Philippines 3 December 2018 View PDF version
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https://up.edu.ph/maroon-love-for-christmas-on-december-5/
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Maroon Love For Christmas on December 5 – University of the Philippines
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Maroon Love For Christmas on December 5 Maroon Love For Christmas on December 5 December 4, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Maroon Love for Christmas, a blood donation drive for the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), will be held on Wednesday, 5 December 2018, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Lobby of Palma Hall in UP Diliman. According to Atty. Gaby Roldan-Concepcion, the current head of the Philippine Association of University Women (PAUW)-University of the Philippines Chapter, a previous edition of the PNRC fund drive was held at the UP College of Law. This year, Atty. Concepcion hopes to engage the greater participation of UP administrators, faculty members, staff, students and alumni through blood donation. Blood is needed by people during emergencies—serious health problems, fires, earthquakes, typhoons, and accidents. With blood stored in PNRC blood banks, many are saved. The donors themselves may need blood sometime. Donation from volunteers will help ensure adequacy of blood supply in PNRC blood banks. In addition, blood donation stimulates production of new cells. Personal health check by medical doctors at the bloodletting site enables donors to know their blood type and hemoglobin. December is the leanest month for the Philippine National Red Cross because partner-institutions and individuals are busy with Christmas-related activities. A PNRC Bloodletting Drive in Palma Hall is most appropriate because it is the nerve center of UP Diliman. Interested parties may register online: https://form.jotform.me/83225543874462 Visit the official website of the Philippine National Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org.ph/
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https://up.edu.ph/call-for-cash-donations-for-the-victims-of-the-2019-mindanao-earthquakes/
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Call for cash donations for the victims of the 2019 Mindanao earthquakes – University of the Philippines
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Call for cash donations for the victims of the 2019 Mindanao earthquakes Call for cash donations for the victims of the 2019 Mindanao earthquakes November 18, 2019 | Written by UP Padayon Public Service Office The University of the Philippines continues its disaster response efforts for the victims of the recent earthquakes in Mindanao. Cash donations are still being accepted through the UP Foundation, Inc. Donations will be used to purchase additional tents and bedding materials, medicine, sanitary items, and other immediate needs. Below are the bank details of UPFI: Payee: UP FOUNDATION, INC. Address: Room 102, Fonacier Hall (Alumni Center), Magsaysay Avenue, University of the Philippines Diliman 1101 For donors from the Philippines: Bank: Union Bank of the Philippines Branch: Commonwealth Branch Savings Account No.: 102270018964 For donors from abroad: Bank: Philippine National Bank Branch: UP Campus Savings Account No.: 108660029835 PNB Swift Code: PNBmPHmm Please send a photo of the deposit slip to resilience.institute@up.edu.ph and padayon@up.edu.ph. Related story: UP sends resilience experts to quake-stricken Mindanao
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https://up.edu.ph/statement-of-up-president-danilo-concepcion-on-police-and-military-entry-to-up-campuses/
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Statement of UP President Danilo Concepcion on police and military entry to UP campuses – University of the Philippines
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Statement of UP President Danilo Concepcion on police and military entry to UP campuses Statement of UP President Danilo Concepcion on police and military entry to UP campuses December 11, 2019 | Written by President Danilo L. Concepcion I categorically deny that I agreed to allow the military and police to enter any University of the Philippines campus or property without coordination with the UP administration and UP Police. UP does not consider itself above the law. Indeed, it is keen to see the law upheld and strictly enforced, with due respect for the rights of all concerned. As the national university, UP will continue to cooperate fully and openly with government authorities, all in full cognizance of the balancing act between public safety and academic freedom. Danilo L. Concepcion President University of the Philippines
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https://up.edu.ph/2017-concepcion-dadufalza-awardee-holds-pioneering-lecture-performance/
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2017 Concepcion Dadufalza Awardee holds pioneering lecture-performance – University of the Philippines
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2017 Concepcion Dadufalza Awardee holds pioneering lecture-performance 2017 Concepcion Dadufalza Awardee holds pioneering lecture-performance December 13, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Dr. Jonathan Malicsi is recognized as a Concepcion Dadufalza awardee during his lecture. (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO) Lovers of both literature and music made their way to the Church of the Risen Lord in UP Diliman on December 7, 2018 to attend the very first lecture-performance in the history of the Concepcion Dadufalza Award for Distinguished Achievement. That evening, 2017 Concepcion Dadufalza awardee and UP Professor Emeritus of Linguistics Jonathan C. Malicsi combined music and linguistic analysis in his lecture, “Handel’s Testament of Faith: A Deconstruction of ‘I know my Redeemer Liveth’ from Handel’s Messiah”. The Concepcion Dadufalza Award for Distinguished Achievement was established in 2000, in honor of former UP Professor Concepcion D. Dadufalza, on the occasion of her 50th year of teaching. Funded by an anonymous graduate of the University, the award is given to outstanding individuals who have excelled in their craft or who have contributed significantly to important societal causes. Malicsi, who was himself once a student of Prof. Dadufalza, took the opportunity provided by the Concepcion Dadufalza Memorial Lecture to combine two of his passions– literature and music theory– to bring to life Handel’s holiday classic. He was joined in his endeavor by soprano Angeli Benipayo and pianist Eugene Espino, who performed the composition live, alternating with Malicsi as he explained each note and word, together with the nuances they contribute towards the piece’s overall effect. Malicsi analyzes the bars of Handel’s masterpiece as soprano Angeli Benipayo looks on. (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO) While Malicsi took the opportunity to analyze the entire composition, he highlighted how specific notes gave emphasis to the words being sang, which Handel’s librettist lifted from the King James Bible’s Books of Job and Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians, specifically. “The G-sharp is a very important note,” Malicsi said of the high note, “It is reserved for the most important ideas in this particular song.” Besides his involvement in musical direction, theater, and composition; Malicsi is perhaps better known for his contributions to Philippine linguistics. He earned the Concepcion Dadufalza Award specifically for linking the field of linguistics to language teaching and education. Malicsi redesigned a college course based on a linguistic reanalysis of Philippine and Western English; and his insights have been adapted for the development teaching materials and courses utilized by multinational companies, educational institutions and key government agencies. He was also the recipient of the 2014 UP Alumni Association (UPAA) Distinguished Achievement Award for Educational Innovation. (Andre DP Encarnacion, UP MPRO) Dr. Jonathan Malicsi, 2017 Concepcion Dadufalza Awardee for Distinguished Achievement. (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO)
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https://up.edu.ph/disclosure-incentive-given-to-22-projects/
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Disclosure incentive given to 22 projects – University of the Philippines
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Disclosure incentive given to 22 projects Disclosure incentive given to 22 projects December 18, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Eleven from UP Los Baños (UPLB), nine from UP Diliman (UPD), one from UP Manila (UPM), and one from UP Mindanao (UPMin). This is the breakdown per constituent university of the 22 research projects that received the Invention Disclosure Incentive (IDI) on December 12 at the Philippine Genome Center in UPD. VP for Academic Affairs Maria Cynthia Rose B. Bautista delivers the opening remarks. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) The awardees from UP Los Baños (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) UPLB inventions “Nanobiosensor” by Francisco B. Elegado, PhD; Evangeline C. Alocilja, PhD; Lilia M. Fernando, PhD; Maria Teresa M. Perez, MSc; Lorele C. Trinidad, PhD; Shara Mae T. Colegio; Susana M. Mercado, PhD; and Margarita A. Mercado, MSc, of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) is a DNA-based nanobiosensor for detecting food, feed, and water contaminants such as Listeria monocytogenes and coli to ensure safety for human consumption. “Probiotic Guava Tea” by Jennifer D. Saguibo, MSc; Francisco B. Elegado, PhD; Margarita A. Mercado, MSc; Marilou R. Calapardo, MSc; and Ma. Teresa M. Perez, MSc, of BIOTECH is a fermented probiotic drink from guava leaves, reported to have anti-diarrheal, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer properties. “Animal Probiotics” by Laura J. Pham, PhD and Chay B. Pham, PhD, of BIOTECH is a low-cost and locally produced product for the swine, poultry, and aquaculture industries to enhance animal responses to disease and improve the quality of their living environment. “Coolant” by Engr. Ma. Cristine Concepcion D. Ignacio, MSc, of the College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology is a nanofluid derived from rice hull ash with enhanced thermophysical properties that can be used as coolant for heat exchangers. “Meat Detection Kit” by Joy B. Banayo, MSc; Kathlyn Louise V. Manese; Medino Gedeun N. Yebron, Jr., MSc; and Antonio C. Laurena, PhD, of the College of Agriculture and Food Science is a DNA-based species authentication technology for meat and meat products. “Recombinant Thermo-acidstable Endoglucanase” by Richard D. Tambalo, PhD; Asuncion K. Raymundo, PhD; and Amy M. Grunden, PhD, of BIOTECH improves the hydrolytic process through the use of an endoglucanase enzyme in high temperature-dilute acid treated lignocellulose materials to improve the release of glucose sugars for use in bioethanol production. “Fertigroe Nanofertilizer” by Lilia M. Fernando, PhD; Oliver B. Salangad; Engr. Ida Allen P. Lopez; Erlinda S. Paterno, PhD; and Florinia E. Merca, PhD, of BIOTECH is a controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer for sugarcane, coffee, and corn that can help farmers lessen fertilizer consumption, minimize cost of production, and increase crop yield. “HormoGroe” by Lilia M. Fernando, PhD; Erlinda S. Paterno, PhD; Herald Nygel F. Bautista; Juan Miguel K. Parami; Florinia E. Merca, PhD; and Teofila dC. Villar, MSc, of BIOTECH is a controlled-release nano-encapsulated plant growth regulator that enhances shoot and root development, and induces seed germination and flowering for high value crop production. “Monascus Red Colorant” by Fides Marciana Z. Tambalo, PhD; Jayson F. Garcia; Cyrene D. Estrellana; Exiquel R. Aranda; Manolito E. Bambase, Jr., PhD; Erlinda I. Dizon, PhD; and Ronilo P. Violanta, PhD, of BIOTECH is a natural and safe colorant for cosmetics, food, and beverage extracted from fungi Monascus Purpureus M1018. “Nanosilica Beads” by Milagros M. Peralta, PhD and Maritess L. Magalona, MSc, of the Institute of Chemistry uses iron-modified nanosilica powder and aerogel beads for treating arsenic-contaminated water. “Nutrio” by Virginia M. Padilla, PhD, of BIOTECH is a naturally-derived foliar fertilizer for eggplant and sugarcane farming that can increase the yield of sugar from cane stalks and reduce soil damage caused by chemical fertilizers. UP President Danilo L. Concepcion pledges the administration’s continued and increased support for the IDI in his message. (Photos by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) The awardees from UP Diliman (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) UPD inventions “AraGrow” by Marco Nemesio Montaño, PhD; Marie Antonette Meñez, PhD; Norchel Corcia Gomez; Christine Mae Edullantes; Jay R Gorospe, MSc; and Rose Angeli Rioja, MSc, of the Marine Science Institute (MSI), College of Science is Sargassum powder used as larval settlement inducer and early juvenile feed for the tropical sea cucumber Holothuria scabra. “CocoBento” by Bryan Pajarito, PhD; Carla Mae C. Aquino; Nikko B. delos Reyes; and Colleen Anh C. Pegollo of the Department of Chemical Engineering (DChE), College of Engineering is a less expensive curing additive that can be used as partial substitute activator and accelerator for sulfur-vulcanized natural rubber. “Nanometallink” by Mary Donnabelle L. Balela, PhD; Michael R. Tan; and Nathaniel T. de Guzman of the Department of Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (DMMME), College of Engineering utilizes metal nanowires as a more affordable replacement for indium tin oxide that can be used in optoelectronic devices such as tablets, smartphones, LED, LCD, RFID and flexible electronics. “Natural Rubber Deodorant” by Bryan Pajarito, PhD; Kayla C. Castaneda; Sofia Denise Jeresano; and Dominique Ann Repoquit of DChE is a modified rubber filler that can reduce and remove the foul odor of natural rubber, significantly improving the working and living conditions of rubber manufacturers and factory workers. “Prosthesis” by Hannah del Rosario of DMMME and Fernando Santos of the PBF Prosthesis and Brace Center is a lightweight, non-corrosive, and durable below-knee and other endoskeletal prosthesis at a lower cost. “Village Base Station” by Cedric Angelo Festin, PhD; Miguel Carlo Purisima; Adrian Vidal; Camille Corcega; and Maria Theresa Perez of the Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering is a base station with efficient GSM doherty power amplifier using slot detection to reduce power consumption and lower operating costs, allowing rural areas to access and expand cellular communications. “CLINN-GEM” by Engr. Herman D. Mendoza, PhD, of DMMME is a gold separation and extraction process that does not use hazardous chemicals such as mercury or cyanide for small-scale mining/milling operators. “Synergistic Cytotoxicity of Renieramycin M and Doxorubicin in Breast Cancer Cells” by Gisela P. Concepcion, PhD and Jortan O. Tun of MSI is a combination of the anti-cancer drug Doxorubicin and Renieramycin M as a new chemotherapeutic agent against breast cancer cells. “E-MIP Dengue Virus Sensor” by Clarisse Buensuceso Brylee David B. Tiu, PhD Florian R. del Mundo, PhD Rigoberto C. Advincula, PhD Portia Mahal G. Sabido, PhD Guillermo C. Nuesca, PhD, of the Institute of Chemistry, College of Science is a robust and inexpensive alternative sensor for the early detection of dengue infection. UP Manila Vice Chancellor for Research Armando C. Crisostomo describes the delicate nature of health research. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) The lone recipient from UP Manila is “Hemoxyther” by Erna C. Arollado, RPh, MSc, PhD, of the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Institutes of Health is an herbal and food supplement for iron deficiency anemia and other hematologic disorders without the usual side effects like diarrhea, gastric irritation, and stomach ache. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) UP Mindanao Chancellor Sylvia B. Concepcion promises more inventions from their constituent university. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) UP Mindanao’s “Direct Lactic Acid Technology” by Melvin S. Pasaporte, PhD and Dulce M. Flores, PhD (+)of the Department of Food Science and Chemistry, College of Science and Mathematics is optimized direct L-Lactic Acid fermentation from sago starch and other industrial by-products to increase the overall lactic acid productivity at low cost for food, pharmaceutical, leather, and biodegradable plastic industries. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Of the awarded projects, nine were given P15,000 for invention disclosures alone, or what is categorized as the first phase tranche. Six received P25,000 for filing patent registration which is the second phase tranche. Seven projects were awarded P40,000 as a combination of both the first and second phases. Technology Transfer and Business Development Office Director Luis G. Sison says that out of the 79 innovations thus far, 30 are undergoing market validation and 24 have active licenses. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) The IDI is a UP System initiative implemented by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs through its Technology Transfer and Business Development Office. (Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo, UP MPRO) (Note: Details on inventions are from the Technology Transfer and Business Development Office.)
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https://up.edu.ph/2019-university-of-valencia-research-scholarships-now-open-for-applications/
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2019 University of Valencia Research Scholarships now open for applications – University of the Philippines
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2019 University of Valencia Research Scholarships now open for applications 2019 University of Valencia Research Scholarships now open for applications December 18, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The University of Valencia is inviting interested applicants from the Philippines to the 2019 Call for Scholarship for Young Researchers. The University of Valencia has identified priority countries for development cooperation, including the Philippines, from which the University will award research scholarships. It is sponsoring 38 scholarships for a three-month research period and will cover travel to Valencia, food and dormitory accommodation, and health insurance. Please refer to their website (https://www.uv.es/uvweb/universidad/es/relaciones-internacionales/cooperacion/programas-propios-becas/investigacion-uv/jovenes-investigadores-1285850662018.html) for more information. The deadline of applications is on January 3, 2019.
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https://up.edu.ph/up-diliman-lantern-parade-2018-celebrates-sea-journey/
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UP Diliman Lantern Parade 2018 celebrates sea journey – University of the Philippines
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UP Diliman Lantern Parade 2018 celebrates sea journey UP Diliman Lantern Parade 2018 celebrates sea journey December 18, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The winning lantern of the School of Urban and Regional Planning, depicting environmentalism in the urban setting. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Marked by rainy weather, images inspired by the sea, and a theme of “Paglaot, Pagdaong” or journeying far out to sea and going back ashore, the UP Diliman Lantern Parade on December 17, 2018 once again brought the community together for a year-end celebration. Traditionally the culminating activity of the holiday season in UP, the parade is also held in other UP campuses featuring lanterns crafted collaboratively by campus units and organizations, and group field presentations, most of which often call attention to current national issues. “Ang higit na malalim na pakay ng lantern parade ay ang pagkakataong magkaisa tayong lahat sa pagkilos at madama ang iisang pintig ng ating mga puso, na tayong lahat ay magkabigkis-bigkis bilang isang katawan, isang diwa, isang hangarin [The lantern parade has served the deeper purpose of providing an opportunity for us to act as one, to feel our hearts beating as one, to enable us to merge as one body, mind, and vision],” President Danilo Concepcion said in his Christmas message to the UP System. In UP Diliman, an additional feature in the parade this year was floats for the Men’s Basketball Team and Men’s Track and Field Team, whose recent performance in the UAAP exceedingly shored up UP pride and rallied the community to intensely support UP athletes. Concepcion acknowledged this achievement of athletes, and bade them to stand with him on stage. The poster boys of this year’s UAAP achievement of UP. (Photos by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) As in previous years, the UP Diliman Lantern Parade culminated on a high note with the presentation of larger-than-life creations from the College of Fine Arts (CFA) classes and ended with a sponsored grand fireworks display. The grand fireworks display. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) A mini-concert by The Company, an acclaimed vocal harmony act, also entertained the crowd as they awaited the announcement of winners of the lantern competition, the message of the UP president, and the fireworks. The judges were: Benjamin Cabangis and Ma. Victoria Abaño of the CFA, Tessa Maria Guazon of the Department of Art Studies, and Lee Paje, all visual artists; Nick Deocampo of the Film Institute; and, Vice Chancellor for Research and Development Fidel Nemenzo. The winners from the CFA showcased mythical creatures, the banig to depict arts, the lumad, and a giant pop-up book of Philippine historical upheavals. The winners among academic units were the College of Arts and Letters, which placed third; the Institute of Islamic Studies, second; and the School of Urban and Regional Planning, first. The first-prize winning lantern of CFA Class Materials 1 Block V. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) The second-prize winning lantern of CFA Class Materials 1 Block X. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) The third-prize winning lanterns of CFA Class Materials 1 Block Y and CFA Class Materials 1 Block Z. (Photos by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) The winning lantern of the Institute of Islamic Studies, utilizing recycled materials. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) The winning lantern of the College of Arts and Letters, symbolizing the Filipino language. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Adding to the celebration was the announcement by the President of the government grant to each employee of a Productivity Enhancement Benefit to be given the week after the parade. To those covered by the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA), Concepcion announced a grocery allowance to be given before Christmas, and the rice allowance and the Annual Incentive Grant in the new year. Savings from cost-cutting measures this year, Concepcion said, would enable the administration to grant a CNA Incentive, pending approval from the Department of Budget and Management, which he hoped could be granted before the end of the year. (Jo. Lontoc, UP MPRO) The Company rouses everyone to their feet. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)
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https://up.edu.ph/call-for-applications-one-up-professorial-chair-and-faculty-grant-awards-2019-2021/
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Call for Applications: One UP Professorial Chair and Faculty Grant Awards 2019-2021 – University of the Philippines
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Call for Applications: One UP Professorial Chair and Faculty Grant Awards 2019-2021 Call for Applications: One UP Professorial Chair and Faculty Grant Awards 2019-2021 January 4, 2019 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office At its 1309th meeting held on 22 July 2015, the UP Board of Regents approved the allocation of P100 Million per year for the period January 2016-December 2018 for approximately 800 professorial chair awards and faculty grant awards to be distributed among academic units across all the Constituent Universities. Named One UP Professorial Chair (PC) Awards and Faculty Grant (FG) Awards, these aim to further provide recognition and incentives to faculty members who demonstrate outstanding performance in two out of three work areas of the faculty: teaching, research or creative work, and public service. To encourage a higher standard of performance among the faculty, the Board of Regents also approved the continuity of the awards subject to availability of funds in its 1323rd meeting last 16 December 2016. The revised guidelines have also been approved by the Board on its 1340th meeting last 3 December 2018 to cover more faculty. Hence, the 2019-2021 One UP PC & FG Awards are now accepting applications. Download the guidelines here.
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https://up.edu.ph/up-ranks-87th-among-top-universities-in-emerging-economies/
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UP ranks 87th among top universities in emerging economies – University of the Philippines
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UP ranks 87th among top universities in emerging economies UP ranks 87th among top universities in emerging economies January 16, 2019 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The University of the Philippines has climbed 79 places to move into the top 100 universities from emerging markets. It is now 87th among 442 institutions from 43 countries, according to the 2019 Times Higher Education (THE) Emerging Economies University Rankings. Its overall score went up to 32.8 from 24.4. The series of positive outcomes for UP kicked off in 2017 when it surfaced for the first time in the rankings and was included in the 201-250 bracket. Last year, it cracked the upper half of the rankings as it ascended to 166th. Only countries classified as advanced emerging, secondary emerging or frontier economies based on FTSE’s quality of markets criteria are ranked. Brazil, Greece and South Africa are examples of advanced emerging economies while the Philippines, Russia and China are considered as secondary emerging markets. China leads the 2019 rankings and has seven universities in the top 10. Argentina, Cyprus and Jordan are among the frontier economies. Institutions are assessed using the same World University Rankings indicators that measure performance in broad areas of teaching, research, citations, international outlook and industry income. However, THE recalibrates the assigned weights to “reflect the development priorities of universities in emerging economies.” The 13 indicators used to gauge the performance of universities. Source: THE website UP’s best score is still for citations which jumped to 69.1. Citation numbers were extracted from more than 25,000 academic journals indexed by Elsevier’s Scopus database and all indexed publications between 2013 and 2017. Also apparent are UP’s sustained improvements in teaching and research, with scores at 21.7 and 16.4, respectively. Teaching reputation and research reputation, the two most prominent indicators in these areas, are judged according to the results of the global Academic Reputation Survey. UP’s industry income score, which fell from 2017 to 2018, likewise picked up in the 2019 rankings at 35.8. The category suggests the extent to which businesses are willing to pay for research and a university’s ability to attract funding in the commercial marketplace. The national university registered another dip in international outlook although the movement has been minimal. International outlook takes into account research collaboration in addition to students and staff. UP’s scores overall and by area. Source: THE website UP is one of only six universities from Southeast Asia that figured in the top 100. Rankings of UP and universities from Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia The other Philippine university in the list is De La Salle University, which landed in the 201-250 range. In recent years, UP has seen improvements in global rankings, due primarily to larger citation volume. It is the leading university in the Philippines and among the top universities in Southeast Asia. (Last updated: 16 January 2019, 3.14 PM, first published here: http://ovpaa.up.edu.ph/up-ranks-87th-among-top-universities-in-emerging-economies/)
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https://up.edu.ph/call-for-applications-philippine-fulbright-graduate-student-program/
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Call for applications: Philippine Fulbright Graduate Student Program – University of the Philippines
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Call for applications: Philippine Fulbright Graduate Student Program Call for applications: Philippine Fulbright Graduate Student Program January 17, 2019 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Scholarship to Filipinos to study at the graduate level (master’s or doctoral studies) or pursue non-degree doctoral enrichment or doctoral dissertation research in the United States. Grants under the Philippine Fulbright Student Program are for a maximum of one academic year for non-degree, one to two years for master’s, and two years for doctoral degree studies. The grant provides for round-trip international travel, monthly maintenance allowance, tuition and fees, book/supplies allowance, and health and accident insurance. Fields of Study: Study of the United States – the study of American culture, life and society through such fields as government, education, arts and humanities, law, economics, literature, history, the multi-disciplinary field of American Studies or any other humaniities or social science field with significant study of the US subject matter. Global Issues – Fields of study include the environment, human rights, governance and public administration, peace studies/conflict resolution/transformation, international relations and transnational issues, international economics, international business, international law, public health and STEM fields. Open Grants – Fields of study not covered by the first two field categories with the exception of medicine, nursing, physical and occupational therapy, clinical psychology, medical technology, and accountancy. General Eligibility Requirements: Philippine citizenship English proficiency College degree with major in field of specialization; excellent undergraduate record Applicants must have at least two years of professional work experience (after college) in their field of specialization. Assistantships during college do not count. Applicants must be in good health to pursue graduate work in the US. Applicants must return to the Philippines immediately upon completion of study. Non-degree applicants must meet the added requirements: Applicants for doctoral enrichment must be enrolled in a relevant study program in a Philippine university Applicants for doctoral dissertation must show proof that materials required to pursue research are not available in the Philippines but are available in the United States Individuals holding dual citizenship, are permanent residents and/or are presently studying in the US are not eligible. Required Documents: Official or certified transcript of records from all colleges/universities attended Certified true copy of diploma (not original) Four letters of reference (forms are included with the application kit) Completed 8-page application form NBI Clearance acquired in the past 6 months Application period for 2020-2021 Graduate Student Program is from December 10, 2018 to March 18, 2019. Printed copy of completed applications must be received at the PAEF office on or before March 18, 2019. Grantees are expected to begin their studies in the U.S. late August or early September of 2020. Forms may be downloaded here.
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https://up.edu.ph/call-for-applications-islamic-development-bank-scholarships-2019-2020/
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Call for applications: Islamic Development Bank Scholarships 2019-2020 – University of the Philippines
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Call for applications: Islamic Development Bank Scholarships 2019-2020 Call for applications: Islamic Development Bank Scholarships 2019-2020 February 6, 2019 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) is delighted to announce that calls for scholarship applications for the academic year 2019-2020 are now opened through a new portal to receive online applications for the following programmes: Undergraduate Scholarship Programme Master Scholarship Programme PhD Scholarship Programme Post-Doctoral Research Programme The prospective applicants should apply through the IsDB website www.isdb.org from December 20, 2018 until February 28, 2019. Only online applications will be considered.
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https://up.edu.ph/a-forum-on-el-nino-water-infrastructure-planning-the-supposed-water-crisis-2/
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A forum on El Niño, water infrastructure planning and the supposed water crisis – University of the Philippines
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A forum on El Niño, water infrastructure planning and the supposed water crisis A forum on El Niño, water infrastructure planning and the supposed water crisis April 1, 2019 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Metro Manila residents have been waking up to waterless days these past few weeks. Although steps have been taken to address the problem, there is still a need to know and understand what is happening. Learn the facts and figures from the experts. Join the Geological Society of the Philippines in its public forum entitled, “El Niño, water infrastructure planning and the supposed water crisis: facts & figures” on April 4, 2019, 1:00-5:00 PM at the National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS) AVR, University of the Philippines, Diliman. The following experts have been invited to present their papers at the forum: Rusy Abastillas, DOST-PAGASA Guillermo Tabios III, UP National Hydraulic Research Center Patricia Sanchez, UP Los Baños (UPLB) Interdisciplinary Studies Center for Water Ramon Alikpala, Futurewater Asia This forum aims to come up with immediate science-based recommendations and solutions and forward policy recommendations to relevant government institutions. Although the water supply issues have mostly affected the National Capital Region, this concern is also highly relevant to other areas in the country especially in the context of the prevailing El Niño as well as the changing weather and climate patterns. This forum is co-organized by the UP Diliman National Institute of Geological Sciences, the UPLB School of Environmental Science and Management, the UPLB Interdisciplinary Studies Center for Water, the National Research Council of the Philippines, the UP Geology Alumni Association, and the Philippine Association of Geology Students.
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https://up.edu.ph/call-for-donations-for-the-victims-of-the-taal-volcano-eruption/
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Call for donations for the victims of the Taal Volcano eruption – University of the Philippines
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Call for donations for the victims of the Taal Volcano eruption Call for donations for the victims of the Taal Volcano eruption January 22, 2020 | Posted by Media and Public Relations Office CALL FOR DONATIONS The evacuees of the Taal Volcano eruption are in need of immediate help. The University of the Philippines Taal Response Task Force is enjoining everyone to donate the following items: drinking water, canned goods, ready-to-eat meals, beddings, hygiene and health kits, towels, and face masks. Drop-off Point: College of Human Kinetics, UP Diliman, Quezon City For cash donations, please refer to the following bank details: Payee: UP FOUNDATION, INC. Address: Room 102, Fonacier Hall (Alumni Center), Magsaysay Avenue, University of the Philippines Diliman 1101 For donors from the Philippines: Bank: Union Bank of the Philippines Branch: Commonwealth Branch Savings Account No.: 102270018964 For donors from abroad: Bank: Philippine National Bank Branch: UP Campus Savings Account No.: 108660029835 PNB Swift Code: PNBmPHmm On 16 January 2020, Executive Vice President Teodoro J. Herbosa issued a memorandum to the UP community, including its alumni and friends, on how to send help to the victims of Taal Volcano eruption through the University.
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https://up.edu.ph/8th-upri-noah-talk-on-resiliency-women-in-drrm/
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8th UPRI-NOAH TALK on Resiliency: Women in DRRM – University of the Philippines
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8th UPRI-NOAH TALK on Resiliency: Women in DRRM 8th UPRI-NOAH TALK on Resiliency: Women in DRRM March 5, 2020 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office The UP Resilience Institute, with UP NOAH Center as its core component, seeks to contribute to the continuous improvement of the overall capacity of Filipinos towards smart, sustainable, and resilient communities. It intends to produce and disseminate freely accessible, accurate, reliable, and relevant scientific information on climate and disaster risks. Using a transdisciniplary approach, the Institute aims to cultivate a culture of preparedness and reduce catastrophic impacts of extreme hazard events. In line with this, the institution holds the monthly UPRI-NOAH TALK where TALK stands for Think, Act, Learn, and be Knowledgeable. This monthly event explores the multi-faceted nature of Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction Management (CCA-DRRM) through concise and powerful lectures. The UPRI-NOAH TALK aims to investigate and understand complex societal issues through a trans-disciplinary lens and to serve the people by providing a venue for learning and knowledge sharing. This March, in line with the celebration of the International Women’s Day, with the theme #EachforEqual, the institute will hold its 8th UPRI-NOAH TALK on March 6, 2020 at the College of Science Auditorium, College of Administration Building from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. With the theme “Women in DRRM,” discussions will revolve around how the featured speakers actively shape their communities through their CCA-DRR efforts. In a society where women are still among the poorest, most vulnerable, and most susceptible to violence despite the continuous efforts towards gender equality, shifting the spotlight to women who are active leaders in CCA-DRR shall give insight the dynamics that cause women to be more vulnerable to the effects of climate change and during times of disasters. To learn more about the TALK visit the UP Resilience Institute on Facebook or register for the event here at tinyurl.com/8thUPRINOAHTALK. To read more on the celebration of the International Women’s Day visit their page https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
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https://up.edu.ph/online-portal-of-university-of-the-philippines-covid-19-news-and-information/
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Online Portal of University of the Philippines COVID-19 News and Information – University of the Philippines
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Online Portal of University of the Philippines COVID-19 News and Information Online Portal of University of the Philippines COVID-19 News and Information March 20, 2020 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office This portal serves as a compilation of verified information and resource materials on UP’s actions during this public health situation. Please bookmark and refresh this page to get the latest updates on UP’s response to COVID-19. Share this site and help us prevent the spread of misinformation. Thank you.
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https://up.edu.ph/remembering-ups-15th-president-edgardo-javier-angara/
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Remembering UP’s 15th president Edgardo Javier Angara – University of the Philippines
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Remembering UP’s 15th president Edgardo Javier Angara Remembering UP’s 15th president Edgardo Javier Angara May 14, 2020 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office UP remembers its 15th president, Senator Edgardo Javier Angara, on the second anniversary of his passing. SEJA, as he was fondly called at the Philippine Senate, served as UP President from 1981 to 1987.
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https://up.edu.ph/the-student-learning-assistance-system-online-accepts-applications-for-ay-2020-2021/
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The Student Learning Assistance System Online accepts applications for AY 2020-2021 – University of the Philippines
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The Student Learning Assistance System Online accepts applications for AY 2020-2021 The Student Learning Assistance System Online accepts applications for AY 2020-2021 September 18, 2020 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office Students from the University of the Philippines (UP) come from all walks of life. Some of them may not be able to afford to pay the full tuition and other expenses to complete their academic requirements. As the UP community transitions to remote learning, other forms of learning assistance are needed to respond to the changing times. To expand the support to financially-challenged students and expedite the processing support for academic activities, the University developed the Student Learning Assistance System (SLAS). The SLAS is an expansion of the Student Financial Assistance Online (SFA Online). The UP designed the SFA Online in 2014 to accept applications for tuition subsidy and allowance. Beginning on 7 September 2020, UP students may apply directly for financial support and learning assistance in the SLAS Online (slasonline.up.edu.ph). The expanded System will gather information on students’ financial capacity, connectivity situation and connectivity options, and learning assistance requirements to help the University determine the support to be extended to the applicant. For AY 2020-2021, the SLAS Online will support applications to the following learning assistance programs: Learning Assistance for Remote Learning In support of remote learning, the University is providing academic support to college students who would apply for learning assistance through the SLAS. Students from low-income households shall receive monthly Internet Connection to support academic instruction and learning activities this Academic Year. Based on their updated application information, students from the most vulnerable families shall be offered gadgets on top of their Internet connectivity subsidy. UP undergraduate students, including those enrolled in Law and Medicine, are eligible for remote learning assistance. To accommodate UP students in need of learning assistance in AY 2020-2021, the SLAS Online will accept applications beginning 23 September 2020. Learning Assistance Application Deadline 2 October 2020 Release of Results 3 October 2020 Submission of Appeals 4-7 October 2020 Grants-in-Aid Program (GIAP) UP created the Grants-in-Aid Program (GIAP) to reduce the cost paid by students during enrollment, based on the household’s paying capacity to which a student belongs. Through the GIAP, UP may subsidize a portion of the full cost required during enrollment and, in some instances, grant additional subsidy to waive miscellaneous fees and grant monthly cash allowances. The UP GIAP is open to undergraduate students, including students enrolled in Law and Medicine. Tertiary Education Subsidy The Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) is a financial assistance program managed by the Unified Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST). The TES grants cash allowance for one academic year to undergraduate students from low-income households. To process applications to TES, Scholarship personnel use the information submitted by students in SLAS Online. The University endorses SLAS Online applicants who meet the TES requirements of UniFAST. Kaagapay sa Pag-aaral ng Iskolar ng Bayan Program To expand the support to financially-challenged students accessing remote learning tools, UP launched the Kaagapay sa Pag-aaral ng Iskolar ng Bayan Program. Kaagapay has mobilized the private sector to donate computing devices that will be made available to those who applied for learning assistance. UP undergraduate students, including those enrolled in Law and Medicine, are eligible for the program. The University uses the information submitted by students in SLAS Online to determine the Kaagapay sa Pag-aaral program’s beneficiaries. Donor-funded Scholarship Programs Donor-funded Scholarship Programs are financial assistance programs funded by private individuals and other organizations. Different campuses of the University manage these programs. Applicants to donor-funded scholarship programs must submit application forms to Scholarship and Financial Assistance units on their campus. To process applications, Scholarship personnel use the information submitted by students in SLAS Online. Slots are assigned to SLAS Online applicants that match the requirements provided in the donor-funded scholarship program guidelines. Students can apply for financial assistance to Donor-funded Scholarship Programs through the Scholarship Offices in their respective campuses.
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https://up.edu.ph/free-webinars-for-up-employees/
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Free webinars for UP employees – University of the Philippines
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Free webinars for UP employees Free webinars for UP employees January 14, 2021 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office The University of the Philippines Office of the Vice President for Development – Information Technology Development Center (OVPD-ITDC) is offering another set of free webinars for UP staff. These webinars were designed to strengthen the Work-From-Home capabilities of all UP staff. This batch of free webinars will begin on Monday, January 18, 2021. To register in any of the offered webinars, please go to https://itdc.up.edu.ph/services/staff-training. We encourage you to share this link with your UP colleagues*. *Only those with official UP email accounts will be accepted
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https://up.edu.ph/security-advisory-phishing-attempts-posing-as-up-officials/
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SECURITY ADVISORY: Phishing Attempts Posing as UP Officials – University of the Philippines
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SECURITY ADVISORY: Phishing Attempts Posing as UP Officials SECURITY ADVISORY: Phishing Attempts Posing as UP Officials November 20, 2020 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office To UP Users: Please be informed that there have been reports of phishing attempts through emails posing as University officials. Please do NOT reply to these emails. Kindly also be reminded NOT to click on ANY URL from UNSOLICITED email, even from trusted sources. We strongly encourage you to be extra vigilant when accessing websites or corresponding through email, social media, and other online platforms. If you encounter suspicious websites, emails, and posts on social media sites, please immediately inform your CU ICT Support. You may find their respective email addresses at https://ictsupport.up.edu.ph/. For your kind information and guidance. Please be safe always. Information Technology Development Center Office of the Vice President for Development
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https://up.edu.ph/security-advisory-scamming-attempts-posing-as-up-officials/
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SECURITY ADVISORY: Scamming Attempts Posing as UP Officials – University of the Philippines
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SECURITY ADVISORY: Scamming Attempts Posing as UP Officials SECURITY ADVISORY: Scamming Attempts Posing as UP Officials December 3, 2020 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office To UP Users: Please be informed that there have been reports of scams impersonating University officials. Please do NOT entertain these emails or messages. This involves the scammer sending messages/emails and pretending to be an official, to ask for money or make payments to him/her or to a third party. Said messages/emails may be very emotional and will entice you to be kind and generous. Please be extra vigilant when corresponding through email, social media, and other online platforms. Do NOT provide your personal information to questionable senders. If you encounter suspicious websites, emails, and posts on social media sites, please immediately inform your CU ICT Support. You may find their respective email addresses at https://ictsupport.up.edu.ph/. For your kind information and guidance. Please be safe always. Information Technology Development Center Office of the Vice President for Development
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https://up.edu.ph/bidani-a-strategy-for-promoting-local-development-and-nutrition-improvement/
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BIDANI: A Strategy for Promoting Local Development and Nutrition Improvement – University of the Philippines
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BIDANI: A Strategy for Promoting Local Development and Nutrition Improvement BIDANI: A Strategy for Promoting Local Development and Nutrition Improvement March 29, 2017 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Malnutrition is a multi-faceted problem and cannot be solved only by health and nutrition practitioners. It needs multidisciplinary and multisectoral but integrative approaches in order to minimize if not solve this problem. The causes of malnutrition, being multiple and complex, are better addressed with the collaborative efforts of several disciplines. One concrete example is the malnutrition problem due to poverty in an upland area. The people are poor despite planting cash crops under the forest trees. Their productivity is low because the cash crops they plant are not suitable and the soil had become infertile because of inappropriate planting methods. Nutritionist Dietitians (NDs) can advice them about nutrition, but foresters must also advise them about upland crops and methods so they will have a better source of livelihood. Research and extension professionals of the Barangay Integrated Development Approach for Nutrition Improvement (Bidani) recognize the common goal: Assuring human existence in a sustainable environment. This requires an integrated disciplinary approach to get to the root causes of problems and identify appropriate, lasting solutions. The study of man alone necessitates the use of both the natural and social sciences. Since its inception as a Nutrition Improvement Model, an action-research project of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) sponsored by the Food and Agriculture Organization in 1978, until it became a full blown network program of state universities and colleges (SUCs), Bidani’s niche has always been human ecology: the study of man and his interaction with the environment. Beginning with the physical matter of health and nutrition, we realize it is better viewed from a socio-economic standpoint. Health and nutrition are the best indicators of socio-economic progress. Only healthy and well-nourished individuals can participate in and contribute to socio-economic development. Although we began with the goal of nutrition improvement (NI), it did not become the sole focus of Bidani. As we aspire to be holistic, NI led us to look for improvement in other interrelated areas of concern, including physical infrastructure such as farm to market roads, peace and order, livelihood, potable water, among others. SUCs concerted efforts for the promotion of healthy and well-nourished community, i.e. conferences and consultations meetings. Photo courtesy of Ms. Lorna Garcia. During the earlier times of the College of Human Ecology (CHE), the three departments and one institute collaborated for the practicum of both the Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology (BSHE) and Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BSN) programs. The objective was to produce graduates with holistic perspectives who can articulate each of the departments’ objectives. The BSHE curriculum includes nutrition. At the same time, the BSN curriculum includes an introduction to human ecology because knowledge of the concept will enable students to understand the deep-rooted problems of man and his relationship with the physical, social, biological and economic environments which affect human nutrition. Under the Department of Human and Family Development Studies (HFDS), the locus of operation is the family. BIDANI aims to help sustain healthy and well- nourished families to enable them to participate in socio-economic development. This is the same target set by the Institute of Human Nutrition and Food (IHNF). The Department of Social Development Services (DSDS) targets communities to receive or avail of social services through different technologies and to take care of the environment, which is the domain of the Department of Community and Environmental Resource Planning (DCERP). Each domain interacts with one another. Synergy is the essence of human ecology, and Bidani is utilized by the entire college for teaching, research, and extension. At present, UPLB-Bidani has established linkages with colleges in UPLB—e.g., the College of Public Affairs and Development in the conduct of researches and studies on good governance, food security, nutrition program management and gender and development. Bidani hopes to collaborate with other UP units through continuous upgrading of Bidani innovative components dealing with the community’s ability to manage information, refinement of the integrative development approach, and promotion of community participation in their own nutrition. Evolution from model to integrated development approach Bidani is a community-based, multidisciplinary, holistic, development-oriented approach aimed at improving governance and strengthening the food and nutrition security of Philippine villages. Evolving from the Nutrition Improvement Model (NIM), in 1982, the project changed its acronym to Bidani to live up to its approach. With funding assistance from the Netherlands for 10 years (1990-2000), the project expanded to a program of seven SUCs: Isabela State University (Region II), Central Luzon State University (Region III), Bicol State University (Region V), UP Visayas (Region VI), Visayas State University (formerly Visayas State College of Agriculture) (Region VIII), Central Mindanao State University (Region X), with UPLB as national overall coordinator. These academic institutions, through their extension programs, partner with local government units to promote nutrition-in-development through community and other key stakeholders’ participation in an integrated management system. As such, Bidani considers nutrition as an objective, a component, an indicator, and outcome of development. Being non-secular, non-partisan, scientific, and highly committed to their academic and social goals, the SUCs of Bidani have earned the trust of the communities that sustain the program. Capacity building and Technical Backstopping for the preparation of BIDP. Photo courtesy of Ms. Lorna Garcia. Bidani as a program is now in its 38th year, lodged at the Institute of Human Nutrition and Food, College of Human Ecology (IHNF-CHE), UPLB as the national overall coordinator. It has become the academe’s unique and continuing contribution to national development despite changes in the political leadership. It has become a flagship program of UPLB and has received multiple awards and recognitions. In four decades, Bidani was strengthened through the implementation of innovative components or strategies: 1) Barangay Integrated Development Approach (BIDA) the development strategy for LGUs through a systematic, holistic and bottom-up approach in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects and activities as embodied in a Barangay Integrated Development Plan (BIDP); 2) Participative Nutrition Enhancement Approach (PNEA) through strengthening health and nutrition interventions in the prevention of malnutrition and rehabilitation of malnourished children. 3) Barangay Management Information System (BMIS), which focuses on the needs of the barangay through an efficient and effective data collection prior to program planning, and management and implementation of various projects and activities at the barangay. Bidanized equals better LGUs One of the aims of Barangay Integrated Development Approach (BIDA) is to create awareness and to empower people in the local communities to participate actively in the development process. The BIDA as an innovative strategy is a package of capability building activities aimed at developing the capacity of the barangays in developing and managing nutrition-oriented programs. Technical trainings are conducted for project development or formulation of the barangay integrated development plan (BIDP) and implementation. Trained barangay local government units (BLGUs) ensure that project planning is participatory, multi-sectoral, and uses the bottoms-up approach involving all the local officials and community stakeholders in problems and needs identification, and in identification of possible solutions. Bidani has made a difference in empowering local government units and other stakeholders in community nutrition development planning. This was attained through relative coordination and complementation of projects, programs and activities among the development functionaries and the intended clientele and enhanced linkages of grassroots, stakeholders and other institutions such as government organization (GOs), non-government organization (NGOs), private agencies, and people’s organizations (POs). With the adoption and operationalization of the Bidani strategy, (1) A system in planning has been established in the barangays. Through the system the local officials and community members are able to identify sectoral problems and needs of the community from ocular inspection and surveys. With the availability of updated information, the local officials are able to come up with programs, projects and activities (PPAs) in the Barangay Integrated Development Plans (BIDPs) that are appropriate to the needs of their constituents. LGUs which are “Bidanized” are able to effectively and efficiently evaluate and manage their own resources and needs, and access national and higher level programs of government and non-government organizations providing much needed assistance relevant to their situation. (2) The expanded Barangay Development Councils/Program Planning and Implementing Committees (BDCs/PPICs) has become more organized, active and functional and are able to implement projects and deliver services to their constituents. Moreover, through the strategy, people’s participation in barangay activities has increased. (3) They are able to monitor the children with malnutrition problems and are able to implement programs responsive to their needs like feeding programs, the establishment of food production areas, and livelihood training. They are able to link with concerned municipal agencies and members of the PPIC to work on projects. (4) Bidani catchment barangays have been recognized as model barangays. They have received awards and have become favorite training grounds, locally, nationally and internationally. (5) The barangay officials have become computer literate. Having learned how to make powerpoint presentations and other computer applications such as Excel, Word, and Internet (Google search) and enhanced their communication skills. PNEA as Bidani’s direct nutrition interventions for family and community development. Photo courtesy of Ms. Lorna Garcia. Pegging success on nutrition If it is to become the indicator of the program’s success, the nutrition component of Bidani must be highlighted. In its early years of implementation, the nutrition component was weak since Bidani did not offer any direct interventions. Thus, in 1994, the Participative Domiciliary Nutrition Rehabilitation (PDNR) was launched as an individualized and family-focused approach to rehabilitate and/or prevent malnutrition among children 0-36 months of age and to promote improved nutrition. PDNR reinforced the partnership and joint responsibility of the parents, the community, government line agencies and GOs with technical support from the SUCs. The PDNR also reinforced the nutrition-related activities of the government such as the Comprehensive Health and Nutrition Program of the Department of Health (DOH), the Supplemental Feeding Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Education (DepEd). Through this strategy, malnutrition has been reduced in Bidani covered barangays with 17 percent of the 1,387 children (0-36 months) rehabilitated to normal status after six months. Based on data covered by the seven member SUCs from 1996-2000 like CMU, UPV, BU, ISU, CLSU, VSU and UPLB as the National Coordinator, reduction of malnutrition prevalence from the covered villages such that 82 percent or 8 out of 10 children were rehabilitated and/or improved to a higher nutritional classification after 12 months. There was also a significant increase of families involved in food production, mainly backyard gardening and animal husbandry. Then in 2009, PNEA was conceptualized and implemented for a more comprehensive and participative approach in the delivery of nutrition and health services. It aims to rehabilitate and prevent the occurrence of malnutrition among 0-24 month old children through life cycle approach. Nutrition is crucial in human development and in reaching one’s potential. A compromised nutritional status even at the age of conception has a bearing on an individual’s nutritional status later in life. PNEA offers an integrated nutrition enhancement package to ensure that LGUs and other partners would be able to deliver nutrition services effectively to achieve a healthy and well-nourished community. The approach provides technical assistance in facilitating the implementation of the national nutrition program at the local level and strengthening the skills of health providers (MHO, MNAO, BNS, BHW, midwives, peers, etc.) on health and nutrition development activities. PNEA also encourages participation of local stakeholders in health and nutrition activities. The promotion and utilization of Kalinga mix (adopted from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute as Insumix) as the main food-based supplementary feeding is one of the main nutrition interventions of this strategy. Kalinga is a low cost, flour-like mixture of rice, mungbean and sesame seed. It is high in energy, protein and carbohydrates needed for optimum body growth and constant supply of energy for children to sustain their daily activities. The information premium and Bidani’s niche Literature on the subject report that different agencies have initiated and established local information systems. The Bidani Barangay Management Information System (BMIS) sets itself apart by helping the community establish its own sustainable databanking system to generate updated and reliable information for evidence-based planning, monitoring and evaluation of development activities at the barangay and municipal levels. The BMIS and Municipal Management Information System (MMIS), which is the consolidation of all the BMIS of the municipality, are electronic systems which help synergize barangay and municipal development goals and activities. Through the BMIS and MMIS electronic systems, the LGUs can also generate information for: the administrative reports requested by different agencies such as the local governance performance management system (LGPMS); situational analysis in the preparation of municipal/city development plans (CDPs) such as comprehensive land use plans (CLUPs); providing basis for the barangay development plan or financial plan; facilitating delivery of services to target beneficiaries; and monitoring and evaluation of projects. The BMIS survey form is a two-page questionnaire which can generate about 100 tables and reports on the socio-demographic, economic, agriculture, health and nutrition information of the family and its members. Some of the statistical reports generated are population, working age groups, income and poverty levels, school enrolment rates, civil statuses, religious membership, sources of income, overseas Filipino workers population, and PWD population. Data also include nutritional statuses of 0-6-year olds, and statuses of immunization, deworming, vitamin and micronutrient supplementation, and breastfeeding of 0-24 month old children. Causes of mortality and morbidity, family planning practices, access to sanitary toilet, potable water, garbage disposal practices, engagement in food production activities are indicated. The BMIS/MMIS electronic systems can also generate a list of families or members needing assistance, such as those out of school. A unique feature of the BMIS is the integration and prioritization of nutrition data in the system. It relates nutritional status to the social, economic and environmental problem of a specific child. The BMIS builds the capacity of the barangay to conduct a proper survey. Each step is designed to be sustainable, participatory, and specific for barangay council members so that they will have a sense of ownership of the activity. It is characterized by simple, user-friendly design flexible enough to accommodate any necessary modification. Of the more than 1,024 barangays trained on BMIS, about 70 percent are continuing their BMIS. On the road toward greater reach and relevance To date, the Bidani Network Program is continuing as a member of the Inter-agency Technical Committee of the National Nutrition Council. The achievements of Bidani are contributory to the attainment of the goals of the Philippine Development Plan and the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition. Other major notable achievements in nutrition of the Bidani Network Program from 1978 to 2007 are the following: • Bidani has been integrated into the Accelerated Nutrition Act which seeks to strengthen the implementation of the National Nutrition Program of which Bidani is one of the enabling mechanisms to promote a healthy and productive citizenry. • Bidani was integrated in the Medium Term Philippine Food and Nutrition Program/Philippine Plan of Action (MTPPAN) from 1993-1998, 1999-2004, and 2005-2010 where Bidani strategy was incorporated as one of the enabling mechanisms to promote nutritional status of the Filipinos. MTPPAN is the country’s blueprint of action for achieving nutritional adequacy for all Filipinos and the government’s response to global commitment to eradicate hunger and malnutrition. At the national level, Bidani as a strategy is recognized by the National Nutrition Council, the highest policy making and coordinating body in nutrition, as an enabling mechanism in integrating nutrition into the local development plan. It has also received an endorsement from the Commission on Higher Education as a regular extension project of participating SUCs all over the country. The need for institutionalization As a program, Bidani will continue as long as it plays an important role in local and national development. However, it needs the continuous training and technical backstopping of SUCs and partner LGUs. At the national level it needs a legal mandate for the SUCs to be able to regularly allocate a portion of the research and extension budget for the Bidani program to support its key staff/personnel and maintenance, operating and other expenses. While many LGUs were very receptive and had expressed willingness to promote Bidani as a strategy despite budgetary constraints, Bidani needs a regular budget allocation for extension and research for its expansion, replication and institutionalization. Faculty members who are involved in Bidani are given equivalent credit unit loads. However, because the degree of operationalization and continuity at the SUC level will greatly depend on the policy commitment of each SUCs central administration, without full time staff and personnel to conduct the training and technical backstopping at the local level, the sustainability of the program is not assured. Bidani continues to pursue activities towards institutionalization at municipal and village levels, strengthening operations research, training of trainers, documentation, publications of research and training manuals. Through the continued support from the national government, by way of regular provision of budget for its operationalization, key member SUCS in the network, Bidani remains to be a laudable nutrition-in-development program of academic institutions. Bidani at the national and public service university UP is mandated to lead as a public service university by providing various forms of community, public and volunteer service, as well as scholarly and technical assistance to the government, the private sector, and civil society while maintaining its standards of excellence.” Since Bidani’s inception in 1978, it has lived up to its name of an integrated development approach to address malnutrition problem in the country through capacity building of local government units, establishing and strengthening community-based organizations, and participatory development planning at the community-level for nutrition improvement and rural development. Bidani has fulfilled UP’s mandate to lead other higher educational institutions in the areas of teaching, research, and, at its core, public service. Public service is not an easy task. Bidani as a research-driven public service carried out by higher educational institutions needs to meet the challenges it is facing now and in the future for it to continue. It is steadfast in its commitment to take the frontline in the continuing fight to minimize if not totally eliminate hunger and malnutrition. ——————– The UPLB-Bidani or the Bidani Network Program has Ms. Lorna O. Garcia as program leader. Email her at lorns.garcia@gmail.com. REFERENCES Eusebio, Josefa S. “Framework for Research and Extension in the College of Human Ecology,” June 16, 2000. UPLB-BIDANI. Accomplishment Report. April 1990-September 1994. Eusebio, Josefa. “BIDANI: A Nutrition-in-Development Model of Academic Institutions in Partnership with Local Governments,” Proceedings of the First BIDANI Asian Regional Conference. 28-30 September 1995.
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https://up.edu.ph/the-up-manila-community-and-development-program-up-chdp/
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The UP Manila Community Health and Development Program (UP CHDP) – University of the Philippines
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The UP Manila Community Health and Development Program (UP CHDP) The UP Manila Community Health and Development Program (UP CHDP) March 29, 2017 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The UP CHDP is the UP Manila unit mandated by the University to enter into partnerships with Philippine municipalities to set up and maintain community-based health programs (CBHPs) that will benefit both parties. It provides the site for UP faculty, staff and students’ curricular (academic) immersion and service activities. In 2007, the UP CHDP was revived by then UP Manila Chancellor Ramon L. Arcadio. The UP CHDP Conceptual Framework considers the community as a partner in health and development towards a healthier and more empowered community. The objectives of the UP CHDP are to assist communities in attaining enhanced capacities in their own health care and development through the Primary Health Care Approach while providing learning opportunities for the faculty and students of UP in the principles and practice of community health and development which they can also use in their extension and volunteer work. The community partner of the UP CHDP from 2007-2013 was the Municipality of San Juan, Batangas (San Juan started working with UP Manila through the UP College of Medicine in 2006) while the partner from 2013 to the present is the Province of Cavite through the A.M.I.G.A. Inter-L.G.U. Health Collaboration Council. The municipality of San Juan and the UP CHDP successfully worked together from 2006 to 2013 “to decrease by 50 percent the morbidity of children 0-12 years old.” In addition to the municipal-wide program on children’s health, there was also a municipal-wide program on dengue prevention. The dengue program involved the formation of a Barangay Dengue Task Force in all the barangays. These groups created the mechanism whereby community members were able to participate actively in the program. School-Based Dengue Task Force groups were also formed in every public and private school in the municipality. Several public elementary schools were able to form teams of “Bulilit Health Scouts” which assisted in the implementation of school-based projects, including the school-based dengue prevention efforts. There were also several barangay-wide initiatives such as solid-waste management programs and livelihood programs, as well as school-based programs anchored on the “Fit for School” initiative of the Department of Education. A school-based program showcasing the collaboration among the Municipal LGU, MHO, Department of Education, School Officials and Teachers and a University. Photo courtesy of Dr. Anthony G.H. Cordero. A school-based program showcasing the collaboration among the Municipal LGU, MHO, Department of Education, School Officials and Teachers and a University. Photo courtesy of Dr. Anthony G.H. Cordero. There were also regular primary care clinical services in barangay health stations. The Rural Health Unit staff and the UP students worked together to provide primary care services with the assistance of the local government unit (LGU) and the health workers in the barangay. The Municipality of San Juan was led by two mayors during the partnership years from 2006 to 2013, the Hon. Rodolfo Manalo (2006-2007 & 2010-2013) and the Hon. Danilo Mindanao (2007-2010). Dr Nestor Alidio served as the overall leader of the health team. During a community health education activity with diagnosed hypertensives and diabetics in Cavite. Photo courtesy of Dr. Anthony G.H. Cordero. A disengagement and appreciation ceremony was held in March 2013 where both the municipality of San Juan and UP showed their gratitude for the collaboration. As early as 2012, the UP CHDP started discussions with the province of Cavite on a potential partnership program. Through the support and guidance of the Cavite Provincial Governor, the Hon. Juanito Victor Remulla Jr. and the Cavite Provincial Health Officer, Dr George Repique, the UP CHDP was introduced to the Amiga Inter-LGU Health Collaboration Council. The Council is made up of the municipalities of Alfonso, Mendez, Indang, General Emilio Aguinaldo and Amadeo. A Memorandum of Agreement between the province of Cavite and UP Manila was formalized in March 2013. Governor Remulla represented Cavite while UP Manila was represented by then Chancellor Manuel Agulto. Orientation activities were held from March to April 2013. Situational analysis was done by both parties through several participatory activities from May to July 2013: AMIGA decided to prioritize the issue of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) especially hypertension and diabetes in terms of the partnership with the UP CHDP. The objective that was collectively decided by both parties was “To increase by 25 percent the number of controlled hypertensives and diabetics within Amiga in five years (2013 to 2018).” Community leaders and health workers with UP faculty and international partners after a DILG-mandated barangay assembly which drew more than 70 participants. Among the issues discussed was their community plans for the Bottom-up Budgeting. Photo courtesy of Dr. Anthony G.H. Cordero. The problem was further analyzed from July to October 2013 using the “problem tree analysis” approach. The strategies and interventions that are collectively being formulated, implemented and monitored by Amiga and UP are partly based on the factors that were determined through the problem tree analysis. Amiga and UP also decided in April 2014 to anchor all the activities on hypertension and diabetes on the Department of Health’s PhilPEN (Philippine Package of Essential Services for Non-Communicable Diseases) Strategy. Most of the collective efforts by Amiga and UP have since then been geared towards achieving the main objective. These efforts included the following: (1) engagement of organized groups and interested individuals so they can be partners in the program; (2) regular community readiness assessment; (3) preparatory activities for the screening of all adults 25 years old and above in the barangays; (4) risk assessment using the DOH PhilPEN Risk Assessment Form and data management; (5) development, implementation and monitoring of barangay action plans based on the risk assessment data and on the factors that came out during the problem analysis in 2013. Barangay-based Solid Waste Management Program in San Juan. Photo courtesy of Dr. Anthony G.H. Cordero. There were also several initiatives specific to particular municipalities and barangays. These were developed, implemented and evaluated by the concerned municipality or barangay with one or several UP units. Some of these initiatives included the following: (1) Universal PhilHealth Coverage project initiated by the municipality of General Aguinaldo; (2) School-based Handwashing and Toothbrushing program by the municipality of Mendez and the Department of Education; (3) Oral Health Workers Training with several towns; (4) Inter-Professional Practice in the five towns; and (5) numerous other barangay-specific projects within the municipalities of Indang, Amadeo, Alfonso and Mendez. There were also activities that were mainly patient-based curative services. These were the out-patient clinics in the rural health units and barangay health stations were the LGUs. The municipal health offices and the rural health units worked together with the UP CHDP in providing primary care services. There were also regular oral health clinics and dental missions. From 2013 to 2015, regular dermatology clinics were conducted by the UP-PGH Dermatology Section. As of June 2016, the Colleges of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health and Social Work and Community Development ( in UP Diliman) have worked with the program. Two departments and one section from UP-PGH (Dermatology, Family and Community Medicine and Pediatrics) have also sent their consultants and residents to the program. Cavite and UP have provided full-time community organizers to help in the organizing, advocacy, management and mobilization work within the program. The official staff house of the program is in Barangay Bancod, Indang, Cavite. The staff house is maintained through the generous support of the Cavite State University (Indang campus) and the provincial government of Cavite. UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla continues the tradition of providing invaluable guidance, support and assistance to the UP CHDP. The UP CHDP has advocated the following guiding principles in the partnership program with San Juan and Cavite: (1) Primary Health Care Approach which recognizes health as a right and the importance of people’s participation, (2) Social Determinants Approach, (3) Community Development Theories and Community Organizing Principles and (4) Inter-Professional Education/Practice in which the UP CHDP is in a unique position of having the mechanism to achieve these purposes because of its multidisciplinary nature. ——————– Dr. Cordero is a graduate of the UP College of Medicine. He is the director of the UP Manila Community Health & Development Program and chair of the UP College of Medicine Return Service Obligation Program. He serves as faculty adviser for community partnership programs with several student organizations in UP Manila. He was the 2013 UP Manila Gawad Chancellor Awardee for Outstanding Faculty in Extension Service and the 2015 Gawad Chancellor Awardee for Outstanding Faculty in Teaching. He is engaged in numerous extension and volunteer service work in the field of community health and development and gender and development. He is an active volunteer of the UP Manila Pahinungod, a 2015 DOH Bayani ng Kalusugan Awardee. Email him at ahcordero@up.edu.ph.
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https://up.edu.ph/2-filipinos-win-in-the-inaugural-a-noam-chomsky-global-connections-awards/
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2 Filipinos Win in the Inaugural A. Noam Chomsky Global Connections Awards – University of the Philippines
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2 Filipinos Win in the Inaugural A. Noam Chomsky Global Connections Awards 2 Filipinos Win in the Inaugural A. Noam Chomsky Global Connections Awards December 17, 2020 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office Raphael A. Pangalangan and Maria Pilar M. Lorenzo, both graduates of the University of the Philippines, are two of the seven winners of the first annual A. Noam Chomsky Global Connections Awards. Raphael Pangalangan is the recipient of the Rising Star Emerging Scholar (post-terminal degree completion category) and Maria Pilar Lorenzo is the recipient of the Rising Star Emerging Scholar (graduate student category). The awards were presented on Tuesday, December 8, at the 2020 STAR Conference Closing and Award Ceremony, which can be viewed globally via YouTube. The Society of Transnational Academic Researchers (STAR) Scholars Network through the Global Connections Awards recognizes the commitment of concerned people who are able and willing to make a difference in the lives of others. Several individuals with a deep impact on advancing global, social mobility are recognized every year. For the year 2020, seven STAR Scholars were awarded for their achievements and distinctive contributions to transnational research that demonstrates the very best of scholarly collaboration among scholars around the world. Each year, the Star Scholars Network recognizes up to two (2) emerging scholars who have shown significant promise and commitment to transnational research. One award recognizes an emerging scholar (post-terminal degree completion) in any field that has distinguished him/herself as a rising leader in advancing transnational research. The other award recognizes a current graduate student who has demonstrated significant promise to advancing transnational research through publications, leadership, or other relevant contributions. Raphael A. Pangalangan Photo from the Star Scholars Network Global Connections Awards website. Atty. Pangalangan is recognized for his outstanding scholarly work and legal practice. He practiced Criminal Law in the Office of the Ombudsman of the Philippines and was a Lecturer in Philosophy in the University of the Philippines under the mentorship of Professor Renato Manaloto. He thereafter completed a clerkship with the Office of the President of the UNIRMCT under Judge Carmel Agius, while simultaneously finishing his M.St. in Human Rights at the University of Oxford. While earning his LL.M. in the University of Cambridge, Atty. Pangalangan served as a Project Researcher for the Cambridge Pro Bono Project where he assisted on a Consultative Opinion filed before the IACtHR. He has written extensively on Transnational and International Law for the Brill | Nijhoff, the Oxford University Press, and the Cambridge University Press. His article, Dominic Ongwen and the Rotten Social Background Defense, was cited by the Philippine Commission on Human Rights and was awarded the Human Rights Essay Award by the American University Washington College of Law. He is also the recipient of the Oxford-Morris Prize in Human Rights, the Hague Academy of International Law Scholarship, and the Korean International Association Grant for Comparative Law. Atty. Pangalangan has continued his legal advocacy as a Junior Fellow with Reprieve, the Chief Academic Adviser of the Aristotle & Alexander Institute, and as a Consultant with Ocampo & Suralvo Law Offices. He sits as the Associate Dean and Assistant Professor in Human Rights of Jindal Global Law School—India’s premier school of law. Maria Pilar M. Lorenzo Photo from the Star Scholars Network Global Connections Awards website. Maria Pilar Lorenzo joined Ghent University’s Centre for Higher Education Governance Ghent as a PhD candidate in November 2020. She recently obtained an MSc degree in International Politics, magna cum laude (Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Belgium, 2020), an Advanced MSc degree in Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies, cum laude (KU Leuven, 2019, ), and a Master’s degree in Public Administration, summa cum laude ranking, top of the cohort (University of the Philippines, 2018). She is currently a Fellow of the Regional Academy on the United Nations, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a Research Associate of the Philippine Society for Public Administration, an Associate Member of the National Research Council of the Philippines, a Member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and a Member of the ASEAN Think Tanks Network (by invitation only). She is a recipient of cumulatively 70 grants, scholarships, honors, and awards, including the recognition by YSEALI Women’s Leadership Academy Alumni Network as one of the 2020 cohort of women leaders in Southeast Asia. As a researcher, she is fascinated with examining issues relating to higher education regionalization processes and policies, governance, and social (in)equities. Her most recent study investigates the cross-border research of a Philippine higher education institution within the ambit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Her publications include, among others: “The imperatives of peace for development in the Philippines” (Center for Local and Regional Governance); “Social equity in the Philippines” (Palgrave Macmillan); “Jewish migration in the Philippines” (Graz University Press). She also has three forthcoming co-authored chapters in edited volumes to be published by Palgrave Macmillan, Springer, and World Scientific. In addition, her think pieces have appeared in Channel NewsAsia, East Asia Forum, Modern Diplomacy, etc. Source: Retired Commission on Audit Director Marietta M. Lorenzo
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https://up.edu.ph/security-advisory-phishing-attempts-posing-as-up-ict/
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SECURITY ADVISORY: Phishing Attempts Posing as UP ICT – University of the Philippines
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SECURITY ADVISORY: Phishing Attempts Posing as UP ICT SECURITY ADVISORY: Phishing Attempts Posing as UP ICT March 25, 2021 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office To UP Users: Please be informed that there have been reports of phishing attempts from an email address posing as “Admin-ICT- University of the Philippines.” The email will indicate that you need to provide your personal details to prevent your account from being deactivated. Please be advised that said email is NOT being sent by the UP System ICT Support, nor any of UP’s ICT units. Please DO NOT respond to this email, and please do not send your personal information. Kindly delete the email immediately. Moreover, please be wary of emails, SMS, or phone calls asking you to provide any of your passwords or PINs. UP System online system administrators will NEVER ASK for your security credentials. If you encounter suspicious websites, emails, and posts on social media sites, please immediately inform your CU ICT Support. You may find their respective email addresses at https://ictsupport.up.edu.ph/ For your kind information and guidance. Please be safe always. Information Technology Development Center Office of the Vice President for Development
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https://up.edu.ph/geography-in-the-field-a-course-based-extension-program/
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Geography in the Field: A Course-Based Extension Program – University of the Philippines
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Geography in the Field: A Course-Based Extension Program Geography in the Field: A Course-Based Extension Program March 29, 2017 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Geography focuses on the study of the earth as the home of humans. A holistic discipline, it examines human-environment interactions, spatial processes, and the development of places and localities. It studies the physical and human processes of the earth and investigates how these produce different landscapes. It uses geographic techniques such as spatial analysis, cartography, geographic information science (GIScience), remote sensing, and statistical methods to explore and comprehend the complexities of natural and cultural systems and how they relate to each other. These can lead to better understanding of the factors that lead to the transformation of everyday spaces on the local, regional, and global levels. The UP Department of Geography aims to bring geography to where it should be—at the center of decision-making in our country. The department takes an active role in propagating geography as a discipline in order to raise awareness on how our daily lives are influenced by human-environment interactions, and to empower localities in facing the challenges of an increasingly globalizing world. Origins of Geography Field School The Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160) provides geography as a discipline the opportunity to showcase its relevance to society. In 1995, the department initiated partnerships with various local government units, non-government and peoples’ organizations, and other institutions. These partnerships involve the engagement of students of the department with partner communities. It has resulted in successful outputs such as planning documents and maps, which are vital for development planning especially in the remote areas of the country. It also serves as a venue for students to learn the skills of geographic inquiry, data collection, and analysis while serving the participating communities. The Department’s Physical and Socio-Economic Profile (PSEP), now referred to as the Ecological Profile (EP), is a document in which the department often collaborates with local government units. This document is essential in formulating the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) mandated by the Local Government Code; CLUP will be enacted through zoning ordinances. The first of these collaborations took place in 1995 with the local government of Jordan, Guimaras, which was then a sub-province of Iloilo. The field class came up with the PSEP and accompanying maps used by the LGU as inputs to their CLUP. After this successful engagement, the department continued to reach out to other LGUs, expanding its services by assisting them with their development goals. Participatory 3D Mapping project of Geog 192 students led by Dr. Jake Cadag with the local children of Basud, Camarines Norte in partnership with UNICEF. Geography Field School Geography 192/202, Field Methods in Geography (or Field Geography at the graduate level), is a course-based extension program offered by the Department of Geography every mid-year/summer term. The course allows the faculty and undergraduate students of the department to support the development planning processes at the provincial, municipality and community levels. It also fulfills the goals of service learning in enhancing academic learning among students and faculty while extending assistance to communities in a professional manner. Since its inception, the program has assisted 48 barangays, municipalities and cities all over the Philippines. The department has collaborated with different local government units (LGUs), peoples organizations (POs), academic and research institutions, non-government organizations (NGOs), and community members towards the enhancement of their capacities to make informed decisions through research, technical assistance, and utilization of geographic information resources and tools such as geographic information systems. In recent years, the course objectives have broadened and diversified to accommodate the changing nature of development projects initiated or supported by the LGUs or local organizations. The following are the extension activities that are being carried out under the program. Geog 192 class consulting with the Mayor of San Jose, Nueva Ecija. Ecological Profiling/Physical and Socio-economic Profiling The ecological profile (EP), formerly known as the physical and socio-economic profile (PSEP) is a comprehensive database composed of systematic description and analysis of the different sectors of an area or municipality, namely: social, physical, economic, institutional and environmental sectors. The ecological profile is also the more comprehensive replacement of the socio-economic profile as it gives equal coverage to the physical, biological, socio-economic, cultural and built environments (DILG). The Local Planning and Development Coordinator (LPDC) of the LGU is responsible for the preparation of this document. However, due to lack of personnel, data and technology, some LGUs reach out to other institutions for assistance in the formulation of the EP. As of 2016, 28 municipalities have been given assistance with their PSEP/EP by the department. Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) The Comprehensive Land Use Plan is a planning document prepared by the LGUs to rationalize the allocation and proper use of land uses. It also projects public and private land uses in accordance with future spatial organization of economic and social activities. It is mandated in Article 41 of the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160) that LGUs shall prepare their CLUP which will be enacted through zoning ordinances. Similar with the lack of capacities to prepare such documents, some LGUs engage with other institutions for assistance in the formulation of their CLUP. The department assisted the formulation of CLUP of Lucban, Quezon in 2001. Minimum Basic Needs Profile The Minimum Basic Needs Profiling provides a strategy of prioritizing primary requirements for survival, security and enabling needs of the community. It is also a way of using basic needs as basis for situation analysis, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. The department conducted the preparation of the Minimum Basic Needs Profile of Barangay Iniwaran, San Pascual, Masbate in 2005. Darlene Gutierrez of UP Department of Geography receiving the 2016 Parangal sa Gawaing Ekstensyon with UPD officials. Community Resource Management Framework Plan The Community Resource Management Framework Plan is a strategic plan of the community on how to manage and benefit from the forest resources on a sustainable basis. It describes the community’s long-term vision, aspirations, commitments and strategies for the protection, rehabilitation, development and utilization of forest resources. It also provides detailed activities for the first five (5) years) which shall serve as a five-year work plan of the people’s organizations(POs). The department assisted in the formulation of the CRMF of Barangay Calawis, Antipolo City, Rizal in 2009. Participatory 3D Mapping Participatory 3D mapping is a community-based mapping method which integrates local spatial knowledge with data on elevation of the land and depth of the sea to produce stand-alone, scaled and geo-referenced relief models. In 2015, the UP Department of Geography, in partnership with UNICEF, facilitated the participatory 3D mapping in the municipalities of Paracale and Basud, Camarines Norte. Participatory 3D Mapping project of Geog 192 students led by Dr. Jake Cadag with the local children of Basud, Camarines Norte in partnership with UNICEF. Geographic Information System (GIS) Orientation/Workshop Geographic Information System or GIS, is a computer system for capturing, storing, checking and displaying data related to positions on the earth’s surface. GIS can show many different kinds of data on one map, such as streets, buildings, and vegetation. This enables people to easily see, analyze, and understand patterns and relationships which can be vital for the development of an area. Other planning documents prepared by the department include the following: Risk and Hazard Assessment Ethno-geography Community Resource Inventory Evaluation of Ecotourism Social Impact Assessment Community-based Monitoring System Asset-based Livelihood Profiles Social Vulnerability Assessment Coastal Resources and Fisheries Profile Historical Geography Impacts Both the local communities and the department benefit from the Geography Field School. Students undertake rigorous procedure for data collection, consolidation, validation, and data abstraction to ensure the most effective delivery of important information thus, developing their research skills. They also develop their communication and writing skills as well as their leadership, teamwork and decision-making skills, which is essential when they start their professional careers. Students also develop critical thinking towards social, economic, political and environment issues that concern the communities that they work with. It is not only the communities and the LGUs that benefit from the program. The faculty and the students are enriched by the opportunity to contribute to the communities through the process of building knowledge of place using the skills and the tools provided by the curriculum of the UP Department of Geography. As of 2016, 48 municipalities/areas have been given assistance by the department. In May 2016, the Geography Field School was awarded as the best extension program in UP Diliman, in the degree granting unit category, besting two other extension programs, namely: Project Kapnayan of the Institute of Chemistry and Buklod Bohol of the Asian Institute of Tourism. ——————– Dr. Daniel L. Mabazza is Associate Professor and Chair of the UP Diliman Department of Geography. Kevin Nicole S.Vega is University Research Associate in the same department. Email them at dlmabazza@up.edu.ph and ksvega@upd.edu.ph. Photos provided by Dr. Daniel Mabazza of the UP Diliman Department of Geography.
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https://up.edu.ph/pagmamalasakit-adhikain-ng-up/
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Pagmamalasakit: Adhikain ng UP – University of the Philippines
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Pagmamalasakit: Adhikain ng UP Pagmamalasakit: Adhikain ng UP March 29, 2017 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Pagtanggap sa Paglilipat ng Tungkulin ni UP President Danilo Concepcion 09 February 2017; Quezon Hall, UP Diliman Campus Magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat! Una sa lahat, hayaan ninyong ipakilala ko ang aking butihing maybahay, si Atty. Gaby Concepcion. Pangalawa, hayaan po ninyong ipakilala ko sa inyo ang mga bubuo sa aking gabinete: Executive Vice President – Dr. Teodoro Herbosa VP for Academic Affairs – Dr. Maria Cynthia Rose Bautista VP for Planning & Finance – Dr. Joselito Florendo VP for Development – Dr. Elvira Zamora VP for Administration – Prof. Nestor Yunque VP for Public Affairs – Dr. Jose Dalisay, Jr. VP for Legal Affairs – Atty. Hector Danny Uy Secretary of the University – Atty. Roberto Lara Sa yugto pong ito, nais kong pasalamatan nang taos-puso at lubos ang Lupon ng mga Rehente sa tiwalang ipinagkaloob nila sa akin na pamunuan ang Unibersidad sa loob ng anim na taon. Sisikapin ko po sa sukdulan ng aking kakayahan na kayo at ang lahat ng tumaya at umasa sa aking salita ay hindi mabigo. Ito po ay itinuturing kong isang sagradong pangako. Pagpupugay naman at paghanga ang aking ibinibigay kay Presidente Alfredo Pascual na aking hahalinhinan sa kanyang pagbaba sa katungkulan. Napakataas po ng pamantayan na iiwanan ni Presidente Pascual. Tunay, mahirap itong abutin ng sino mang susunod sa kanyang mga yapak. Kung ito po ay ihahambing natin sa larong luksong-tinik, mahirap pong lundagin ang taas ng tinik na kanyang nilundag. Sa aking pagtanggap sa katungkulan bilang Presidente, tinanggap ko rin po nang kusang-loob ang lahat ng hamon sa kanya: gaya ng hamon ng malalang problema sa umiiral na practice o sistema ng ating procurement, ang pagpapataas sa kalidad ng ating mga academic programs, ang internationalization ng ating Unibersidad, ang pagpapalakas ng ating mga faculty development programs, ang suliranin ng contractualization at health care, ang modernization ng ating mga opisina, kagamitan, at laboratoryo, ang suliranin ng admission at libreng matrikula, ang pagpapataas sa sweldo ng ating mga kaguruan at kawani, ang pagpapataas sa stipend ng ating mga scholars, o dili kaya ang inyong napuna pagpasok ninyo kanina sa ating campus, ang lumulubhang kalagayan ng ating mga gusali at kapaligiran. At marami pang iba. Napakahaba po ng listahan ng mga suliranin at mga hamon na bubunuin ng inyong abang lingkod sa susunod na anim na taon.
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https://up.edu.ph/top-up-public-service-programs-hailed/
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Top UP public service programs hailed – University of the Philippines
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Top UP public service programs hailed Top UP public service programs hailed March 29, 2017 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office President Alfredo Pascual, Vice President for Public Affairs Edna Estifania Co, and Selection Committee members Manuel Bonifacio, Jocelyn Caragay, and Jaime Veneracion, with the team from the UP Mindanao Office of the Chancellor’s Land Reservation Management Office behind the program Economic Upliftment of the Indigenous Peoples’ Community Through Agricultural Projects, winner of the award, and UP Mindanao Chancellor Sylvia Concepcion. Photo by Jun Madrid, UPSIO. Honors from the UP president were conferred on outstanding public service programs of the University at the first Gawad Pangulo for Excellence in Public Service awarding ceremony on January 30, 2017 at the UP Executive House in UP Diliman, Quezon City. Six programs from six constituent campuses each received the Gawad and P100,000. In addition, nine programs were recognized as finalists. The award, administered by the Office of the Vice President for Public Affairs and its Padayon Public Service Office, aims to recognize UP’s achievement in terms of the mandate to “lead as public service university by providing various forms of community, public, and volunteer service, as well as scholarly and technical assistance to the government, the private sector, and civil society while maintaining its standard of excellence.” The winners were: the College of Agriculture of UP Los Baños for “The Corn-based Farmer-Scientist Research, Extension, and Development Training Program”; the Center for West Visayan Studies of the UP Visayas College of Arts and Sciences for the “RISE (Bangon) Gigantes Project: Rehabilitation for Island Sustainability and Empowerment”; the Land Reservation Management Office of UP Mindanao for “Economic Upliftment of the Indigenous Peoples’ Community through Agricultural Projects”; the National Institutes of Health of UP Manila for the “Real-time Community Health Information Tracking System (rCHITS)”; the Office of Legal Aid of the UP Diliman College of Law for the “Clinical Legal Education Program”; and, UP Cebu for the “Business Incubator for IT”. President Alfredo Pascual, Vice President for Public Affairs Edna Estifania Co, and Selection Committee members Manuel Bonifacio, Jocelyn Caragay, and Jaime Veneracion, with the team from UP Manila behind its Community Health Development Program, a finalist for the award, with UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla. Photo by Jun Madrid, UPSIO. The finalists were: the Center for Integrative and Development Studies of the UP System for the “UP Program for Environmental Governance”; the Department of Geography of the UP Diliman College of Social Sciences and Philosophy for “Geography Field School”; the Institute of Human Nutrition and Food of the UP Los Baños College of Human Ecology for the “Barangay Integrated Development Approach for Nutrition Improvement (BIDANI) Network Program”; the National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development of UP Diliman for the “KaSaMa Teachers Online Community”; the Sentro ng Wikang Filipino of UP Diliman for “Programang Aklatang Bayan”; the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod of UP Manila for the “Emergency Room Volunteers Program”, the “Oral Health Project”, and the “Tutorial Program for Street Children”; and, UP Manila for the “Community Health Program”. The criteria for the awards included: impact, approach or method, service orientation, and enhancement of teaching or research. Nominations required: documentation of the initiative; a list of academic and official citations of the project; certification from project beneficiaries; and, certification of proper liquidation of funds. President Alfredo Pascual, Vice President for Public Affairs Edna Estifania Co, and Selection Committee members Manuel Bonifacio, Jocelyn Caragay, and Jaime Veneracion, with the team from the UP Los Baños College of Agriculture behind The Corn-based Farmer-Scientist RDE Training Program, winner of the awards, headed by National Scientist Romulo Davide, and UP Los Baños Chancellor Fernando Sanchez. Photo by Jun Madrid, UPSIO. The selection committee for this year’s awards was composed of: Sociology Professor Emeritus Manuel Flores Bonifacio; College of Social Work and Community Development Dean Jocelyn Caragay; UP Baguio Chancellor Raymundo Rovillos; and, professor of History, Jaime Veneracion. Public service publications from the UP System were also presented by: Ferdinand Llanes, founding director of the UP Padayon Public Service Office and its current director, Nelson Cainghog; and, Deputy Director Frances Fatima Cabana of the System Information Office. The publications were: Disaster Risk Reduction Management Handbook for Academic Institutions: A UP Experience; Master Plan of UP Sta. Elena Campus in Tacloban City, 2015; First Colleges and Universities Public Service Conference Proceedings (16-17 November 2015, UP Cebu and 26-27 November 2015, UP Los Baños); Third AsiaEngage Regional Conference Proceedings (21-23 November 2016, SMX Convention Center); and, the UP Visual Identity Guidebook. Dr. Edna Co, then vice president for Public Affairs, said that service was now on equal footing with teaching and research as a trademark of excellence in the national university; and that UP was at the forefront of defining metrics for it, in partnership with the ASEAN University Network. The outgoing UP president, Alfredo Pascual, thanked UP units for initiating public service programs. He said universities in developing countries cannot neglect big portions of society, including the government, that need support from university experts. For more photos of the event, please click here.
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https://up.edu.ph/up-under-the-sun/
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“UP Under the Sun” – University of the Philippines
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“UP Under the Sun” “UP Under the Sun” March 29, 2017 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Farmer-Scientist Davide Restoring Dignity of Farmers At 82 years old, a person such as Romulo Davide already has a lot of feathers in his cap. He is a University of the Philippines Los Baños Professor Emeritus, and a recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2012 for his Farmer-Scientists Training Program (FSTP) to which more than anything else, he is the enduring light to many farmers all over the country. In an interview with UP Forum, Davide shares how his award-winning project known as the Farmer-Scientists Training Program (FSTP) speaks of his life in a continuum. Just a kid from Argao His roomful of documents piled up on his desk and floor, jars containing various plant specimens, and of course, the pictures hanging on his office walls on the different times of his life tell of his very productive, yet humble life. He points to a picture in black and white hanging on a wall close to the door of his office. He tells about how a young Davide in white polo shirt and trousers, bare foot along with his school mates at the public school grounds in Barangay Colawin, Argao, Cebu, dreamed of not just finishing school, but also going back armed with the knowledge of improving farming in his hometown. It takes a young Davide who was early on exposed to the hardship of tilling the land as his family makes a living through farming to have such a dream to further improve agriculture by means of science and technology through what he calls “the secret weapon” that is education. Taking it from the words of his father who was a teacher at his hometown’s public school, “there is no barren land, only barren minds,” Davide continued and pursued his studies to become the farmer-scientist that he is today. As a scientist Dr. Davide had to cope with the pressure of school and work, but managed to obtain his BS Agriculture degree in 1957 from the College of Agriculture in UP Los Baños. Shortly after, he pursued a M.Sc. in Plant Pathology at Oklahoma State University which was followed by a PhD in Nematology-Plant Pathology from the North Carolina State University. “Being a scientist and professor of Plant Pathology and Nematology at the Plant Pathology Department, College of Agriculture, UPLB, I started teaching and research work in the laboratory. I did research, mainly to identify plant diseases caused by nematodes, those microscopic pests that attack the root system of fruits, vegetables, root crops and other plants,” he said. “We spent several years doing studies on the biological control of plant parasitic nematodes until we discovered a soil fungus, Paecilomyceslilacinus that feeds on the eggs, larvae, and adult nematode body and eventually kills the nematode,” he continued. After working on this study with the help of his students and research assistants, Dr. Davide was able to develop the Biocon technology for the biological control of nematodes that attack the roots of many crops like rice, corn, banana, citrus, vegetables and others. According to Davide, Biocon is now registered and patented as Bioact. Its most significant contribution is that “it is harmless to man and animals compared to highly toxic and costly imported chemical nematicides,” he empashized. Bioact is now manufactured in Germany with markets in Europe, South America, USA and other countries worldwide. In Yolanda Village, Bogo City, Cebu, Ms. Rosela Sinadjan (right) and Mrs. Divina Ganar, farmer-participants, show their harvested kangkong plants. Farmer-Scientist Teacher Susana Servise (right) delivers a lecture on spiritual and moral values to her class. As an Agriculture Extension Worker The “Father of Plant Nematology” shared how he led in developing FSTP,which was part of the lecture series of the Ramon Magsasay Award Foundation. This award is the Asian equivalent of the Nobel peace prize. “Lacking in scientific farming technology, the farmers only produce low yields and therefore insufficient for their families. Thus, they remain poor and hungry and peace and order is a perennial problem. This was basically the situation in Cebu where we started our extension work in 1994,”Davide said. “In response to this scenario and to address the poverty and hunger problem of our poor farmers, especially those in the upland mountainous communities, I conceived a program that was specifically designed to liberate the poor farmers from the bondage of poverty and hunger and is based on the assumption that farming is business. The farmers will not only grow corn but also staple crops like sweet potato, cassava, vegetables, fruit crops and other crops of commercial value and integrate them with backyard animal production. “Farmers are Scientists through FSTP. The Corn-based Farmer-scientists Research, Development and Extension (RDE) Program for Sustainable Agricultural Development (FSTP) is based on the premise that farmers are smart individuals who by themselves can become scientists who implement and design experiments to arrive at useful conclusions with the guidance of scientists.” The Cebuano scientist was also awarded the 1994 Gawad Saka Outstanding Agricultural Scientist Award from the Department of Agriculture that included a PHP 500,000 research grant along with the Jose Rizal Pro Patria Gold Medal from then Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos. He said that he was “greatly challenged to help poor farmers so that they can live in peace and prosperity.” “They have no right to remain poor and so the FSTP program was implemented initially with the PHP 500,000 research grant in cooperation with the local and regional government agencies like the DA-RFU 7, DOST 7, Dep Ed 7, Argao LGUs and NGOs,” he added. FSTP Phase II Operation in Barangays Lahug and Luz, Cebu City: Dr. Romulo G. Davide, FSTP program leader, made an inspection visit on March 6, 2015. Farmer-Scientist Ernemel Soco (left) shows Dr. Davide his ampalaya fruits and plants grown at the back of DOST-7 building. DOST Region 7 Director Edilberto L. Paradela (front) and Dr. Davide inspect fruits and plants of ampalaya grown by Farmer Scientists Ernemel and Lorena Soco at the back of the DOST-7 building. As the FSTP project leader He further explains, “Under the FSTP program, farmers have to undertake three phases, namely: Phase I: farmers do research with the scientists in the field and also learn the value of love of God, country and people. They design and conduct experiments that include land preparation, varietal and fertilizer trials, intercropping, among others, which is the initial and technical part of FSTP for the farmers to become farmer-scientists.” Meanwhile, Phase II means “farmers adopt the scientific methods and technologies learned in Phase I into their own farms, such as the use of new high-yielding varieties of corn, sweet potato and vegetables, correct use and application of fertilizer, correct preparation and care of soil.” In Phase III, “farmers teach untrained fellow farmers in their barangay by serving as volunteer technicians and extension workers. Thus Phases I and II cover the R&D aspect of the program while Phase III takes care of the extension portion,” he pointed out. Today, FSTP has expanded to several towns south and west of Argao, and other towns north and west of Cebu City. It has covered a total of 37 towns in Cebu and trained more than 30,000 farmers throughout the Philippines. Also, FSTP is now being implemented as a national program under Executive Order No. 710 since 2008. “We are glad with this nationwide coverage since we can now reach out to our poorest farmers, regardless of religion, creed or tribal affinity. Thus we have now Mangyan farmer-scientists in the mountains of Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro and the Blaan indigenous people in the mountains of Alabel, Sarangani Province in Mindanao,” said Davide. Other areas where FSTP is being implemented include Zamboanga del Norte, Masbate, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur which belong to the top ten provinces with the highest poverty incidence. Among the impacts of the FSTP program are the technical empowerment of poor farmers, especially in upland communities for socio-economic progress; improvement of corn, vegetable and livestock production through the introduction of high-yielding corn varieties and improved livestock; reduction in farmers’ cost of production by more than 50 percent through the introduction of newly developed microbial and organic fertilizers like BIO-N, chicken manure, and vermi-compost; as well as improvement in the farmers’ annual income especially in corn production from zero before the training to PHP 125,000 or more after the training. Farmer-Participants Mr. Ernele Soco (left), Ms. Garlen Abarquez (front) and Ms. Susana Servise (right) show their harvested eggplants. Engr. Tristan Abando, Director of Science and Technology, Cebu, delivers a lecture on vegetables packaging. UP under the sun, restoring dignity to farmers Dr. Davide concludes, “It is basically bringing UP under the sun, in the farm fields and importantly in the minds of the farmers.” He recalls the joy of farmers after every training, when a simple “graduation ceremony” happens. “Every farmer feels that he, too, is an Iskolar ng Bayan.” He gives much importance to farmers as they are the real heroes who cultivate our land and feed us. Thus, it is only right to bring dignity to their laborious work by empowering them through “direct contact with agricultural scientists and experts to improve their living conditions beyond the poverty level.” At 82 years old, Dr. Davide has a mind that is as sharp as a tack, and the stamina that keeps him as busy as ever and moving all over the Philippines, in furtherance of his commitment to bringing farmer-scientist training to the countryside. ——————– Email the author at upforum@up.edu.ph. ENDNOTES 1 Personal interview with Professor Emeritus Romulo G. Davide, 22 June 2016 at his faculty room, Plant Pathology Department, UP Los Baños. 2 Davide, Romulo G. (2012). From the laboratory to the land: Teaching and making small farmers more productive farmer-scientists. Presented at the 2012 Magsaysay Awardees’ Lecture Series, Magsaysay Center, Manila, 30 August. 3 Cebu farmer-scientist Davide wins Magsaysay award. (2012, September 1). Cebu Daily News – Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved from http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/262112/cebu-farmer-scientist-davide-wins-magsaysay-award
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https://up.edu.ph/in-support-of-the-lumad-childrens-right-to-education/
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In support of the Lumad children’s right to education – University of the Philippines
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In support of the Lumad children’s right to education In support of the Lumad children’s right to education March 29, 2017 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Members of the UP Diliman Chapter of the Save our Schools (SOS) Network (SOS-UPD) recently visited the Matigsalog Lumad community in Sitio Malungon, San Fernando, Bukidnon in Mindanao through the Ila-ila Lumad (getting-to-know the Lumad) interfaith program of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines-Northern Mindanao Sub-Region (RMP-NMR). The group, composed of UPD faculty, workers, students and researchers, joined other participants from the religious and non-government sectors to learn more about the culture, issues and needs of the Lumad. They observed the Manobo literacy and numeracy schools, or alternative schools in remote areas, and participated in the daily activities of the indigenous families there. The group held art workshops and story-telling activities for the children, and sharing of insights and solidarity activities with the elders, as part of the learning experience and continuing dialogue with the community. Another aim of the exposure program is to provide research support for the Lumad. UPD professor Sarah Raymundo and researcher Edge Uyangguren served as the delegation’s coordinators who will facilitate information exchanges through reports, forums and other activities in the near future. In a Facebook post, Raymundo recounts trekking for 16 hours around mountains, crossing rivers and hills, and sharing wonderful insights with the exposurists and the Lumad. “The Lumad community schools are built by the community members themselves in cooperation with organizations and institutions that have come together to fight for and realize free education especially for poor families in rural areas. These are the same schools that have experienced militarization, harassment, vilification, massacre, and all sorts of technical difficulties from the Department of Education… And now that we understand better and know more about the Lumad, we can only make SOS Diliman work for the interest of free education and peace based on social justice,” Raymundo said. The UPD Office of the Chancellor supports the program. UPD Chancellor Michael L. Tan chairs the SOS-UPD. In March 2016, Tan visited the Manobo youth and saw for himself the children’s determination to learn even though they were facing enormous challenges, such as the lack of books and school supplies, or the need to flee from military or paramilitary operations in their communities. In 2015, the UPD community hosted the participants in the Manilakbayan protest caravan during which hundreds of Lumad marched from Mindanao to Manila to highlight their struggles and to hold the government accountable for their plight. Photo by Sarah Raymundo / SOS-UPD “Balik komunidad, balik eskwela” In a press conference held at the UPD Quezon Hall in June last year, the SOS network, together with UPD officials, called on the new administration under President Rodrigo Duterte to help bring the Lumad safely back to their communities so that their children can return to school. According to SOS, “despite threats of military harassment, about 5,100 Lumad learners and their 372 teachers (were) set to start school year 2016-2017 with high hopes and strong determination.” The network reported that about 175 teachers “were sent off to 67 indigenous peoples’ schools of the Salugpongan Community Learning Center and Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation, Inc. (MISFI) in Southern Mindanao and other neighboring regions. A number of newly-established schools are also set to start operating all over Mindanao.” But, continued SOS, “some schools will not be able to resume their operations due to military presence within or near communities. As a result, over 1,000 students will be conducting their classes in makeshift classrooms at the Haran compound in Davao and Tandag Sports Complex in Surigao del Sur. They form part of over 4,000 individuals who have been residing in these evacuation centers since last year.” UPD Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs Nestor Castro said “education is a right of every Filipino citizen,” and that government should do its part by supporting alternative learning systems suited for the Lumad. UPD professor Gerry Lanuza, like Tan, also called for the safe return of Lumad to their schools and communities and expressed optimism that Pres. Duterte, who is the first Mindanaoan president and who has close ties with both the Left and the Lumad, will help address their calls by ordering the pull-out of military troops and stopping mining operations in indigenous communities. SOS is a network of child rights advocates and organizations, such as: Salinlahi, Children’s Rehabilitation Center (CRC), Gabriela, ACT Teachers, Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (Katribu), Karapatan, Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP), and Student Christian Movement of the Philippines (SCMP). The network was formed in support of the indigenous peoples’ rights to education and self-determination as their schools were militarized or used as outposts by government soldiers in violation of Philippine and international laws. According to SOS, nine out of 10 Lumad children have no access to education. The network also documented 233 cases of children’s rights violations from 2010 to 2015. ——————–
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https://up.edu.ph/the-dna-analysis-kit-helping-sex-crime-victims-find-justice/
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The DNA Analysis Kit: Helping Sex Crime Victims Find Justice – University of the Philippines
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The DNA Analysis Kit: Helping Sex Crime Victims Find Justice The DNA Analysis Kit: Helping Sex Crime Victims Find Justice March 29, 2017 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Rape is one of the most prevalent forms of violence against women (VAW) in the country, ranking third among reported offenses at 13.1 percent from 1999 to 2009. But the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and other concerned organizations are aware that the reality is far more troubling than the figures indicate. The social and cultural stigmatization associated with rape has silenced many victims about their ordeals. Those who do report rape incidents to authorities face another set of difficulties—from an over-reliance on victim testimony to the psycho-sociological and economic costs of a lengthy trial. The obstacles inherent in seeking justice in a rape case make the experience a particularly harrowing one for the parties involved. An additional, yet equally pertinent difficulty in these cases is ensuring that evidence is effectively collected, transported, and analyzed. In the case of DNA evidence in particular, the fact that the laboratories capable of analyzing it in sexual assault cases are all located in Metro Manila makes it unlikely that the 72-hour window within which DNA in collected samples is likely to be available can be met. The difficulty and cost involved in collecting, transporting and analyzing biological samples from a victim are a likely factor in an enormous number of cases where the presence of the evidence could have made a difference. These challenges inspired the UP Diliman Natural Science Research Institute DNA Analysis Laboratory (UPD-NSRI DAL) led by Dr. Maria Corazon A. De Ungria to develop a prototype version of the Sexual Assault Investigation Kit (SAIK). The DNA Analysis laboratory staff, in a photo featured in the UP Diliman Natural Sciences Research Institute website. Photo from UP NSRI website. The idea of incorporating DNA evidence in the resolution of sexual assault cases in the country first gained recognition through the SAIK’s successful application at the World Bank-sponsored Panibagong Paraan 2004, or the 1st Philippine Development Innovation Marketplace. Designed by the lab with key inputs from its key researchers such as Frederick Delfin, the SAIK is one of a number of important extension services offered by the UPD-NSRI DAL to make DNA science serve the needs of Philippine society. The premise behind the SAIK was as simple as it was timely. It aimed to use DNA’s ability as the most powerful current tool in human identification to produce objective evidence in identifying the perpetrators of sex crimes. It moves the burden away from victim testimony, while also being capable of being used in support of that same testimony. Moreover, it addressed the aforementioned problems of collecting and storing samples for DNA testing, the limited access to DNA laboratories, and, perhaps most importantly, the limited resources of victims and/or suspects. Since its initial development by Dr. De Ungria and Mr. Delfin, several members of the UPD-NSRI DAL such as researchers Nelvie Soliven, Miriam Ruth Dalet, Minerva Sagum, Gayvelline Calacal and Jazelyn Salvador have contributed to the present version of the SAIK. According to Soliven, who currently leads the team doing improvements on the SAIK, the kit itself contains the collection materials—collection tubes, sterile swabs (oral, anal and vaginal), and envelopes which are color-coded based on sample type, together with the instructions and forms needed to document the collection and transport of the samples. These instructions contain all the elements prescribed by the Rule on DNA Evidence promulgated by the Philippine Supreme Court in 2007. The typical evidence management process involves the collection of samples by trained medical personnel from the Child Protection Unit (CPU-Net) or other organizations around the country using the SAIK. The kit is then transported via courier to the DNA laboratories in Metro Manila for analysis.The evidence management process is vital in ensuring that the samples remain intact and accounted for from the collecting unit of origin to the DNA laboratory. Combined with the economical dimensions of the SAIK, it greatly reduces the costs and difficulties inherent in transferring and storing samples. The SAIK, when properly used, aids law enforcement personnel in identifying the real perpetrators of crimes. This reduces the burden on the victim to provide a detailed and prolonged testimony and protects those who have been erroneously accused of the crime. The SAIK also helps doctors during the medical examination of an individual after an abuse by providing sterile material with the appropriate labels, thereby simplifying the overall process of evidence collection. According to Dalet, work on the SAIK took many years because the UPD-NSRI DAL opted to study the entire system, from sample collection, transport, handling and laboratory analysis before a prototype version was made available to NGOs and GAs. Funding was obtained from the Department of Science and Technology Philippine Council of Advanced Science and Technology Research Development (DOST PCASTRD), the European Union (EU), the World Bank and the UP Diliman Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Development (OVCRD). Two papers that were published in the International Journal of Legal Medicine (IJLM) in 2005 and 2011 reported the use of this kit in the examination of over 100 child-victims that were conducted by the CPU-Net. The prototype SAIK used in these studies is now available on a per-order basis from the UPD-NSRI DAL. To improve the packaging of the prototype kit, the UPD-NSRI DAL is now working with the UP College of Fine Arts and the UP Diliman Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office (UPD IPTTO). UPD-NSRI DAL is actively seeking out funding sources, as well as interested companies who can help its members make this all-important innovation available on a national scale in order to maximize the utility of this kit in finding justice for all sexual abuse victims and in strengthening the Philippine criminal justice. ——————– Email the author at upforum@up.edu.ph.
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https://up.edu.ph/up-addresses-mental-health-issues/
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UP addresses mental health issues – University of the Philippines
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UP addresses mental health issues UP addresses mental health issues April 18, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Organizers from the University Student Council and PAUW President Gabriela Roldan-Concepcion present tokens of appreciation to panelists Dr. Sylvia Estrada-Claudio, Dhan de Leon, and TJ Manotoc. (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO) The University is promoting mental health awareness among its constituents, with the UP chapter of the Philippine Association of University Women (PAUW-UP), the Padayon Public Service Office of the UP System Administration, and the University Student Council (USC) of UP Diliman co-organizing a #youwillbealright forum on April 11, 2018 in Malcolm Theater, College of Law, UP Diliman. Atty. Gabriela Roldan-Concepcion, PAUW-UP president, said that the time has come for mental health awareness in the University. “This forum aims to create a sense of community in so far as mental health awareness is concerned. . . . I’m sure we all have a friend or a family member who is suffering from one form of mental illness or another. We have heard of some things that could have been prevented merely by being aware.” Students accommodate their peers at the registration table. (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO) The forum, featuring mental health advocates from in and outside the University, highlighted the need to institutionalize systems to acknowledge and assist people dealing with mental health issues, whom the speakers said are not at fault for their conditions and whom the doctor among them described as saddled with a disability. Dr. Sylvia Estrada-Claudio of the UP College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD) described symptoms of disorders, enumerated the steps taken by her and her college to address mental health concerns in the community, and appealed for more support for such programs. Dhan de Leon, founding president of COPE-UP, and TJ Manotoc, a broadcast journalist, narrated their journey from being patients of clinical depression to mental health advocates and recommended ways to deal with mental health issues based on their experiences. News personality TJ Manotoc explains #youwillbealright. (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO) The forum, subtitled “A Discussion on Building Resilience and Nurturing Hope”, also featured a presentation on University offices and organizations with mental health initiatives. The forum was co-organized by the Padayon Public Service Office as part of its advocacy on emotional resilience. The office will hold the “Summit on Transforming UP into a Healthy and Nurturing University” on April 19 and 20, 2018 at the UP Professional Schools-Bonifacio Global City. The first such summit, to include UP’s eight chancellors, it will constitute a technical working group to work on a framework and action plan for System-wide initiatives to address mental health and psychosocial issues in the University. The psychosocial initiatives of UP Diliman’s CSWCD, College of Law, Department of Psychology, Office of Counseling and Guidance, Office of Anti-Sexual Harassment, Gender Office, and Health Service; and student organizations such as the USC, the UP Psychology Society, and COPE-UP were also enumerated in the #youwillbealright forum. (Jo Lontoc, UP MPRO)
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https://up.edu.ph/health-wellness-and-heritage-did-you-know/
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Health, Wellness, and Heritage : Did you know? – University of the Philippines
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Health, Wellness, and Heritage : Did you know? Health, Wellness, and Heritage : Did you know? July 25, 2017 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office There are physical activity prescriptions for different age groups in the Philippines. The Department of Health (DOH) published the Philippine National Guidelines on Physical Activity (PNGPA) in 2010. The PNGPA was formulated by experts from the World Health Organization, DOH, UP Diliman College of Human Kinetics, and Strength and Conditioning, Inc. It was benchmarked against existing guidelines from other countries then modified to suit local situations and settings. For the majority, the increasing prevalence of a sedentary lifestyle poses many major health risks, while “for a very small minority, physical or sporting activity may be life threatening,” said the DOH. The PNGPA was developed with those considerations in mind. Apart from suggestions for achieving physical health, the PNGPA also addresses the needs of Filipinos aiming for physical fitness or “physical capabilities beyond health.” According to the DOH, the PNGPA provides simple rules that will allow individuals to pursue a physically-active lifestyle. Its promotion and adoption, however, “should also be encouraged at an institutional level. The implementing guidelines of the PNGPA are meant for people at the forefront of promoting and implementing the program: health professionals; fitness trainers; barangay health workers; physical education, health, and sports coordinators and teachers; and human resource department officers in the workplace. The ten guidelines An evaluation of physical activity readiness must be made before engaging in any physical activity and clearance from a physician is recommended if you want to engage in more rigorous physical activity; To ensure safety, clearance from a physician is also needed for people with illnesses that may contraindicate exercise; If deemed healthy, exercise should progress slowly and within comfortable effort levels—overexertion is not recommended; Stop if dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, and chest pains occur; Reduce the intensity of the exercise or stop totally if there are physical or verbal manifestations of severe fatigue, cramps, and joint and muscle pains; Keep a daily record of physical activity for monitoring; For implementing personnel, allow the participant to stop when he requests at any point to do so; Drink 250 ml of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes of activity to ensure proper hydration; Wear proper attire and footwear for thermal stress management and prevention of injuries; and Allow ample recovery time after physical activities. Photo by UP MPRO The prescribed activities Children aged five to 12 years old should get at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity. It could be any one or a combination of the following: Active daily tasks such as active travel (walking, cycling, stair climbing) and household and school chores; Programmed physical activities such as exercise, dance, or sports; and Unstructured spontaneous play or high impact play such as running, jumping, skipping, and other movements involved in children’s games or playground activities such as those on bars and ropes. Adolescents to young adults aged 13 to 20 years old should also get at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity. It could be any one or a combination of the following: Active daily tasks similar to those mentioned previously; At least 40 minutes of programmed physical activities and for those who have fitness goals, a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes of continuous movement three to five times a week; At least 20 minutes of sustained moderate to vigorous physical activities resulting in rapid breathing like brisk walking, jogging, indigenous games, and dancing; and Two to three times a week of muscle strengthening and flexibility activities which involve weight or load bearing exercises that build muscle and bone strength, and flexibility. Adults aged 21 to 45 years old should get between 30 to 60 minutes of daily physical activity through the following: Active daily tasks such as active travel and household chores; Moderate aerobic activity done continuously for a minimum of 30 minutes or in increments of 10 minutes or longer resulting in a noticeable increase in heart rate and breathing, or for fitness purposes, 20 to 30 minutes of continuous activity at least three days per week, or for more active people with no risk factors, vigorous aerobic activity resulting in fast breathing and substantial increase in heart rate done at least three times a week with the goal of being able to do it five to six times per week; Activities using all major muscles to increase strength and endurance like weight training, weight bearing calisthenics, or stair climbing at least twice per week but on non-consecutive days, using a light load for a set of ten to 15 repetitions resulting in momentary muscle fatigue and performing at least four times a week, gentle stretches to the point of tension after aerobic exercises or at cool down, giving at least 20 seconds per position per muscle group; and Two minutes of physical activity for every hour of sitting in the workplace. Older adults aged 46 to 59 years old should get at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity through the following: Active daily tasks for adults; Moderate aerobic activity and prescription for more active people with no risk factors similar to those prescribed for adults; Activities using all major muscles to increase strength and endurance as well as gentle stretches similar to those prescribed for adults, with the only difference being the set of eight to 12 repetitions; Physical activity in the workplace similar to those prescribed for adults; and Activities for balance and coordination such as walking, gentle yoga, tai chi, dance, and aquatic activities two to four days per week. Senior citizens should get at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity. There are three sub-age groups in this category. For the young old or those aged 60 to 69, physical activity can come from the following: Active daily tasks for adults; Moderate aerobic activity similar to those prescribed for adults, any rhythmic and continuous physical activity that uses large muscle groups with emphasis on load bearing activities to reduce rate of osteoporosis and to maintain bone density, or for more active people with no risk factors, low to moderate aerobic activity for a minimum of 30 minutes three to five times per week; Activities using all major muscles to increase strength and endurance as well as gentle stretches similar those prescribed for adults, with the only difference being the set of ten to 20 repetitions; Physical activity in the workplace similar to those prescribed for adults; and Activities for balance and coordination similar to those prescribed for older adults, with recommendations for performing simple yet dynamic movements that challenge postural and positional stability such as single-leg stands or supports, exercise ball-sitting, and weight shifting. For the middle old or those aged 70 to 79, the following activities are recommended: Active travel and mild or easy household chores like gardening, sweeping, folding clothes, etc.; Light physical activities such as leisurely walks and any rhythmic and continuous physical activity that uses large muscle groups while standing independently or assisted, seated, or reclined continuously for at least 30 minutes or in increments of 10 minutes or longer three times per week, or for more active people with no risk factors, low to moderate aerobic activity done continuously for 30 minutes, three times per week on non-consecutive days; Activities using all major muscles to increase strength and endurance such as mild calisthenics, elastic band training, or light weight training for a set of ten to 20 repetitions resulting in light challenge to the muscle, and gentle stretches to the point of tension done after aerobic exercises or at cool down for at least eight times per direction, three times per week; and Activities for balance and coordination similar to those prescribed for the young old, but with support or spotting. For the vintage old or those aged 80 and above, the prescribed amount of physical activity can come from the following: Active travel and mild or easy household chores similar to those prescribed for the middle old; Light physical activities similar to those prescribed for the middle old, done for 20 minutes continuously or in increments of 10 minutes or longer; Activities using all major muscles to increase strength and endurance similar to those prescribed to the middle old, for a set of ten to 15 repetitions resulting in light challenge to the muscle at least twice per week on non-consecutive days, and gentle full range of motion exercises done after aerobic exercises or at cool down for at least eight times per direction, two to three times per week on non-consecutive days; and Activities for balance and coordination similar to those prescribed for the middle old, at least three days a week. Due to length considerations, the PNGPA implementing guidelines and prescriptions of physical activities were condensed. The PNGPA can be viewed at http://www.doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/publications/HBEAT58a.pdf.
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https://up.edu.ph/minding-healthy-minds/
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Minding Healthy Minds – University of the Philippines
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Minding Healthy Minds Minding Healthy Minds July 25, 2017 | Written by J. Mikhail Solitario Years ago, when we underwent health examinations at the Infirmary before admission to any program in the University, we only worried about registering a normal body mass index, negative X-ray results, and no serious physical illness. Once we cleared these initial obstacles, we got the coveted stamp of “healthy” on our green health certificate. But is this all there is to being healthy? How do we define and set standards on overall health and well-being? What is mental health? The World Health Organization (WHO) defines overall health as a concurrence of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, versus the commonplace notion of health being the absence of sickness or disease. While we consciously work on being physically healthy, and with Filipinos being naturally social people, we often overlook this critical dimension of health. To the WHO, the state of your mind is an integral and essential component of your health, which covers the growth and realization of your goals and abilities, how you cope with stress, and being a productive member of your community. Your mental health can be affected by many social, psychological, and biological factors. The WHO recommends that national mental health policies be more comprehensive in a manner that not only focuses on the prevention of mental health problems and disorders, but also promotes an environment where people can thrive and maintain healthy lifestyles. These policies must cut through all sectors, across all income brackets and age groups, from early childhood interventions, social support to the elderly, to mental health initiatives in school and at work. In order to address the needs of those afflicted by mental health disorders, awareness is the first key step: knowledge on detecting signs and symptoms of these disorders are important to take action and prevent more complex problems like suicide and substance abuse. Globally, about 14% of the world’s population are affected by mental, neurological, and substance use disorders with a higher prevalence of 11 to 44% for developing countries such as the Philippines. The stigma is prevalent among people with mental health disorders, who are further driven into poverty either by high costs and inaccessibility of treatment, or by being marginalized and denied opportunities at work or school. In the Philippines, 20% of adult Filipinos suffer from mental or psychiatric disorders, with an average of 88 reported cases for every 100,000 citizens, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. In the 2000 National Census, 200,000 Filipinos had a mental disability among 1.4 million Filipinos with disabilities. Currently, only about 500 psychiatrists are licensed in the country, with less than 6,000 hospital beds allocated for people suffering from mental health disorders. In UP, most mental health issues revolve on relationships, family, and financial concerns. The Department of Health has a proposed National Mental Health Policy as its flagship mental health program headed by a DOH Undersecretary and the Director of the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control. It aims to work with other agencies such as the Philippine Psychiatric Association, the National Center for Mental Health, the Philippine Mental Health Association, and civil society organizations to provide mental health services and to engage in policy and legislation, research and capacity-building, and establish an information system and database.The National Mental Health Program Strategic Plan for 2017-2022 focuses on “Wellness of Daily Living, Extreme Life Experiences, Substance Abuse and Other Forms of Addiction, Neuroloic Disorders and Mental Health Disorders.” OCG facilitates the Buddy Orientation Workshop with students from UP Psychedelics last November 2016. The role of the University As the national university, UP’s mandate includes the promotion of mental health and wellness, which is spearheaded by the Office of Counseling and Guidance (OCG) in the University of the Philippines Diliman. Dr. Violeta Bautista serves as Director of the OCG and also teaches with and heads the Clinical Psychology Program of the UP Department of Psychology in the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy. She explains that mental health is the healthy functioning of the different dimensions of one’s psychosocial being by themselves and together. She laments how mental health problems in the Philippines tend to be associated with issues related to psychiatric problems such as depression and anxiety. As a result, most initiatives such as seminars and workshops are geared towards addressing these narrower issues. In fact, mental health programs must also tackle issues related to wellness in daily living such as enhancing happiness and satisfaction in life, understanding the self and others, marriage enhancement, experiencing wholeness in the workplace, and finding meaning and purpose in one’s studies and work to name but a few of such concerns. These are all mental health problems, according to Dr. Bautista. “We certainly would like to nurture intellectual giants, but we would also like to nurture the total person among our students,” adds Dr. Bautista. The OCG’s vision is to have self-aware, psychologically healthy students who are clear about their life goals, who can manage the range and depth of their emotions, and are compassionate and caring towards other people. It pleases her that UP is oriented to a more holistic total-person orientation in education, a trend that is being observed worldwide. Existing mechanisms within the University Because mental health must not only be concerned with treating those who are already sick, the OCG offers both mainstream and innovative services. Aside from counseling to address personal and school related concerns, it also offers assessments to support career exploration and personality development. Freshmen are encouraged to drop by the OCG for an intake interview, to get to know the OCG’s services and people and to see how they can be helped. Interestingly, finding the intake interview to be most helpful to their students, several colleges are now institutionalizing the practice among their freshies. With the reported increase of psychiatric and serious psychological problems both here and abroad, the OCG is recruiting psychosocial support specialists, such as graduate students at the tailend of their program, who can provide psychotherapy under the supervision of licensed psychologists. The OCG is also developing innovative initiatives emphasizing strength and thriving. Modules on stress management, understanding and knowing oneself, nurturing healthy relationships in the campus, and leveling up study habits are offered to address the need for students to thrive and grow. These workshops fall under the Campus Caravan program in which various colleges host roving talks and seminars. Annual events such as the University Job Fair are also organized by the OCG in partnership with the University Student Council, AdCore, and JPIA to provide students with current and life-giving perspectives on career exploration and job search and to create opportunities for meet-ups between prospective employers and graduating students, which highlights the students’ values and aspirations which are integral psychosocial factors. The annual Celebrate Life event coincides with Suicide Awareness Week. It is a half day of fun and meaningful activities that invite students to discover opportunities for thriving in the Diliman campus. Perspectives and tips on dealing with stress, anxiety, depression and even suicidal thoughts are shared. To provide psychosocial support to students, the OCG is putting in place a buddy system, a program that aims to link up naturally friendly students with freshies and other students who need company and guidance. Another key program of the OCG is the “Learning to be a Lifeline” workshop. This is a one-day competency-building workshop for gatekeepers (teachers, admin staff, dormitory and security staff) designed to equip them to spot vulnerable students and to refer them to competent professionals. In consultation with other units, the office has also crafted Policies and Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support which will guide the provision of such services to the students, with special focus on suicide prevention and post-vention. The University Health Service (UHS) has also integrated a questionnaire that lists down items as a means to identify incoming freshies who may be at risk of psychological or psychiatric problems. An appointment with a mental health professional is necessary to get a student’s clearance to enroll. Psychological first aid Cassie Deluria, an incoming member of the UP Diliman USC and one of the student leaders who convened the Youth for Mental Health Coalition, started being a mental health advocate when she realized that within just one week, there was an upsurge in her daily conversations with friends involving depression, failing marks, and an overall fatigue towards student life. The trend worried her and she started doing research on whether this was a normal occurrence. This was when she encountered “psychological first aid” which consists of simple questions like asking if someone already had a full meal or a full night’s rest. Psychological first aid is outlined in the WHO’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme (MHGAP), a handbook of sorts to guide non-specialists in providing support and implementing an intervention guide. The MHGAP lists general principles of care, a master chart of priority conditions, and easy-to-understand flowcharts on assessment and management of various scenarios. A first in the country, the Youth for Mental Health Coalition is an alliance of student councils, organizations, and individuals who are interested in raising awareness, connecting people to places to get professional support, and push for legislative gains in Congress. The coalition goes from school to school to stage events, with the first one held at the University of Santo Tomas. The coalition seeks to institutionalize psychological first aid in schools and universities. Other members of the coalition from UP are from the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, the School of Statistics and the College of Engineering. What’s next for mental health in UP? The OCG is developing a Total Inclusive University Environment Project that aims to develop programs that will help students with mental and psychosocial disabilities to do well as students and experience total person growth in the university. Recruitment of licensed mental health professionals such as guidance counselors and psychologists is also a priority, alongside the call for more psychosocial volunteers. The OCG is building into its programs an evaluation component to gauge the impact and effectiveness of existing services, and to build on the current gains to design new ones. Admittedly, resources are also needed to improve existing physical structures to create a nurturing ambience and character in line with the message of the office. On top of everything, a communication strategy is being crafted to make the services of the office more known to the students and the wider Diliman campus community. For the Youth for Mental Health Coalition, the passage of Senate Bill 1190 is a huge step forward for the cause. Senate Bill 1190, or the Mental Health Act of 2016 sponsored by Senator Risa Hontiveros, aims to uphold the basic right to mental health services and facilities by Filipinos. Its primary objective is for the national government to develop a mental healthcare system responsive to the psychiatric, neurologic, and psychosocial needs of the Filipino people. A parallel initiative is now being started at the House of Representatives with mental health champions Rep. Tom Villarin and Rep. Kaka Bag-ao. Open Minds Forum in UST with Senator Risa Hontiveros and other members of the Youth for Mental Health Coalition, with Cassie Deluria second from right. What can a normal person do to help? Since lack of awareness is the primary hurdle that mental health advocates seek to overcome, what can an ordinary member of the UP community do to help? Cassie believes the first step is to remove the cloak of special treatment around mental health problems in relation to other ones. She illustrates this by pointing out the stark difference between reactions on mental health (“I have depression”) which garners glorifying and flattering reactions and physical health (“I broke my arm”) which gets the usual reactions. The fact that a certain amount of bravery is needed to come out and discuss mental health issues may be a barrier to people who need professional help. She envisions a future in which people can speak about psychological pain as openly as they speak about physical pain. Dr. Bautista, on the other hand, suggests a very basic approach: if you happen to have any psychological or psychiatric problem, there’s no reason to be ashamed of it. She says that it’s not a sign of being any less a person when confronted with these challenges. She adds, “Be confident that there are people and places on campus where you can ask for support in managing these problems. UP is committed to encourage not only to your surviving but also to your thriving and healing.” She ends with an open call for volunteers who wish to contribute directly by helping the OCG in the performance of its work. Email the author at upforum@up.edu.ph.
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https://up.edu.ph/off-the-press-the-up-forum-april-june-2017-on-health-wellness-and-heritage-is-now-available-online/
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OFF THE PRESS: The UP Forum April-June 2017 on Health, Wellness, and Heritage is now available online – University of the Philippines
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OFF THE PRESS: The UP Forum April-June 2017 on Health, Wellness, and Heritage is now available online OFF THE PRESS: The UP Forum April-June 2017 on Health, Wellness, and Heritage is now available online July 25, 2017 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The UP Forum April-June 2017 Vol. 18 No. 2 issue is now available online. It features six articles on health, wellness, and heritage, including a round table discussion on their importance in a university setting. Click the cover photo to start browsing :
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https://up.edu.ph/forum-points-to-philippines-et-al-role-in-east-asia-security/
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Forum points to Philippines, et al. role in East Asia security – University of the Philippines
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Forum points to Philippines, et al. role in East Asia security Forum points to Philippines, et al. role in East Asia security November 6, 2017 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Given its re-balanced diplomatic relations with major global powers, the Philippines, along with other “middle powers” in the region, has a critical role in maintaining peace and stability in East Asia, according to scholars and diplomats in the 2017 Korea-Philippines/Korea-ASEAN Partnership Forum held on October 27, 2017 at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel, Mandaluyong City. The forum, organized by the Busan University of Foreign Studies Institute for Southeast Asian Studies (BUFS-ISEAS) in partnership with the UP Korea Research Center (UPKRC), featured a keynote talk by Young-sun Kim, secretary general of the ASEAN-Korea Centre, who underscored the importance of “middle-power diplomacy” or the partnership of countries without “hegemonic intentions” in reinforcing each other and confronting “uncertainties in the region related to rivalry among major powers”. Keynote speaker Young-Sun Kim, secretary general of the ASEAN-Korea Centre, before the 2017 Korea-Philippines/Korea-ASEAN Partnership Forum, Philippines. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) Asked specifically about the Philippines during the open forum on Korea-Philippine relations, Kim Dong Yeob of BUFS and Amado Mendoza Jr. of UP Diliman said it can play a mediating role between power blocs after exhibiting diplomatic “rationality”, “strategic playfulness”, and “friendship with everybody” under the leadership of Rodrigo Duterte. South Korea can also engage with North Korea through a partnership with ASEAN and other middle powers in the “Southwest Arc”, which includes India, Australia, and New Zealand, within the framework of a stabilizing “security architecture” in the region. This architecture was discussed by Herman Joseph Kraft, also of UP Diliman. “ASEAN is the most promising entity to talk to North Korea. If ASEAN cannot do that, no one can do that in the world,” added Jaehyon Lee of the Asan Institute for Policy Studies. Hyung-jong Kim of Yonsei University extended the usefulness of Korea-ASEAN cooperation in South China Sea issues. “Korea’s support for ASEAN norms would contribute to the peaceful settlement of disputes and trigger international attention and support,” he said. Korean and Philippine foreign relations experts with keynote speaker Young-Sun Kim, secretary general of the ASEAN-Korea Centre, and UP officials, in the 2017 Korea-Philippines/Korea-ASEAN Partnership Forum, Philippines. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) The third session was devoted to discussing the many facets and challenges of developing Korea-ASEAN and Korea-Philippine economic, social, and cultural relations, with Park Bun Soon of Korea University, Fernando Aldaba of the Ateneo de Manila University, and Louie Dane Merced of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs as resource persons. The “partnership forum”, with the theme of promoting “future-oriented Korea-Philippines and Korea-ASEAN relations”, also aimed to contribute input to the ASEAN+3 summit in November 2017. According to Republic of Korea President Moon Jae-in, who will be attending the summit, “ASEAN is as important as the immediate neighbors such as the United States of America and China in Korea’s external relations.” The participants, many of whom were students of Philippine universities, and the resource persons were welcomed by Gil Jacinto and congratulated by Alyssa Peleo-Alampay, both UP assistant vice presidents for academic affairs. Jacinto mentioned stronger academic relations between UP and Korean universities, citing 27 formal linkages and the launch of the UPKRC in April 2016. UPKRC is headed by Eduardo Gonzalez. Along with BUFS-ISEAS Director Park Jang Sik and UPKRC research fellows Aldrin Lee, Michelle Palumbarit, and Kyungmin Bae, Gonzalez facilitated the sessions. (Jo. Lontoc, UP MPRO)
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https://up.edu.ph/youwillbealright-brings-stories-of-hope-healing-courage/
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#YouWillBeAlRight brings stories of hope, healing, courage – University of the Philippines
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#YouWillBeAlRight brings stories of hope, healing, courage #YouWillBeAlRight brings stories of hope, healing, courage April 5, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Come and share in stories of hope, healing, and courage this coming April 11, 2018 at the Malcolm Hall Theater at #YouWillBeAlRight: Building Resilience and Nurturing Hope, a forum and discussion featuring TJ Manotoc, Dr. Guy Claudio, and Dhan De Leon! Registration starts at 4pm and food and drinks will be served. This event is proudly presented by the Philippine Association of University Women UP Chapter, UP Padayon, and the University Student Council in partnership with UP Delta Lambda Sigma Sorority, COPE UP, UP ALYANSA, and UP Alpha Sigma Fraternity, and endorsed by the Office of the Chancellor. Pre-register HERE.
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https://up.edu.ph/christmas-begins-in-diliman/
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Christmas begins in Diliman – University of the Philippines
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Christmas begins in Diliman Christmas begins in Diliman November 28, 2017 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The Oblation Plaza gets a makeover for the yuletide season with “Mulat” by Toym Imao. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) UP Diliman (UPD) signalled the start of the Yuletide season with the annual Pag-iilaw or lighting ceremony on November 24. The UPD community gathered at the Oblation Plaza to witness the event, where it was also treated to performances by the UP Staff Chorale Society, the UP Rondalla and Marynor Madamesila, UP Dance Company and Sandwich. This year’s theme, “Paaralan at Palaruan” (“School and Playground”), emphasizes the University as a place of holistic learning, where intellectual growth is harnessed and psychosocial development is nurtured. Performers at Pag-iilaw 2017 (clockwise from top left): The UP Staff Chorale Society, UP Rondalla with Marynor Madamesila on vocals, UP Dance Company, and Sandwich (Photo of UPDC by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO; the rest by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) As in years past, the highlight of the campus festive decor is the installation at the Oblation Plaza. Artist Toym Imao’s “Mulat” is this year’s featured work. Mulat is the Filipino word for opening one’s eyes or being aware or conscious. In this installation, the Oblation is in the middle of a giant eye, decorated with woven threads of varying colors, which the artist describes as representative of diverse views and ideas. The plaza, which the eye overlooks, is decorated with outlines of children playing, some made with woven threads and some without. This interplay of absence and presence, memory and reality is a commentary on a “land threatened by a culture of death and impunity.” UPIS student Eunice Ruivivar releases the dove and signals the lighting of the campus. With her are (from left) UP President Danilo Concepcion, UP Diliman Chancellor Michael Tan, and UP Diliman Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs Nestor Castro. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) Illuminated by black light, the installation is “meant to absorb light and radiate it back,” which Imao hopes inspires viewers “to overcome the darkness and be sources of light” themselves. UP President Danilo Concepcion, in his message, said that because of Imao’s design, the Oblation serves as a beacon and constant reminder of the importance of social consciousness in embodying the University’s traditions of honor and excellence. “Ang kapaskuhan ay panahon ng pagbubuklod, pagpapatawad, at pagkakaisa” (“Christmas is the season for coming together, forgiveness, and unity”).—UP President Danilo Concepcion (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) The campus Christmas installations are lit every night at 6:00 pm. (Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo, UP MPRO)
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https://up.edu.ph/up-student-wins-international-public-speaking-competition/
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UP student wins International Public Speaking Competition – University of the Philippines
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UP student wins International Public Speaking Competition UP student wins International Public Speaking Competition May 24, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Philippine representative Johanne Jazmin Tan Jabines, a third-year BS Business Administration and Accountancy student of UP Diliman, won the International Public Speaking (IPS) Grand Final on May 18, 2018 at the Royal Institution, Mayfair, London. Photo of Jazmin from Rappler The 38th annual IPS Competition of the English-Speaking Union, a London-based international charity, marks the 100th year of the Union. It was joined by country winners, all aged between 16 and 20 years, flying in from 51 countries before being whittled down to seven for the grand final. The finalists were made to write and deliver a speech on the theme “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” After delivering their piece, they answered three questions from the audience. Jabines, a UP debater, spoke on inventions to pursue success, family, and culture in the context of the OFW (overseas Filipino workers) phenomenon. “We can’t change circumstance, but we can predict the future of our families by inventing it. We pick up the pieces they’ve left behind, and invent a new kind of dream for ourselves and for them.” Taking off from a family maximizing a one-hour layover of an OFW aunt at a Philippine airport, Jabines ended her speech on a positive note. “For the last time, I saw my aunt pass through the airport gates, but this time, without a heavy heart. After all, our futures can still be written – one hour at a time.” Watch the video here: Read the award winning piece here. The six other grand finalists were from Hong Kong, Republic of Korea, the US, China, Lebanon, and Estonia. Alan Johnson, former British Home Secretary and the chair of judges at the final, was impressed by the finalists, but, “In the end, it all comes down to what Aristotle said about rhetorics: ethos, pathos, logos, those three things about touching the heart, emotions, and about credibility–because the point about logos is logic,” he said. “I think that we have seen some of our future leaders here and I’m enormously encouraged by that,” Johnson added. Photo of participants from ESU Jabines is the third winner from the Philippines since the competitions, said to be the biggest public speaking competition, began in 1981. The first was UP student Patricia Evangelista in 2004, followed by Philippine Science High School student Gian Carlo Dapul in 2008. (Jo. Lontoc, UP MPRO)
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https://up.edu.ph/up-renews-partnership-with-japans-kogakuin-university/
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UP renews partnership with Japan’s Kogakuin University – University of the Philippines
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UP renews partnership with Japan’s Kogakuin University UP renews partnership with Japan’s Kogakuin University September 25, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office President Mitsunobu Sato (left) and Chancellor Fernando Sanchez (right) officially renew the partnership between Kogakuin University and UP. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) Some of the country’s leading lights in science and engineering trooped to the University of the Philippines Board of Regents Room in UP Diliman (UPD) to witness the renewal of UP’s academic partnership with Kogakuin University of Japan on September 18, 2018. Represented at this event by its president, Dr. Mitsunobu Sato, Kogakuin University first signed an Academic Exchange Agreement with UP in 2013, under the term of then UP President Alfredo E. Pascual. Sato, who was the Kogakuin’s Vice President for International Relations at that time, was instrumental in paving the way for that initial partnership. This year’s Agreement builds on the terms set five years ago and highlights the commitment of both universities to share manpower and intellectual resources. It makes possible the exchange of students, faculty members, and researchers; as well as the holding of jointly-organized symposia, lectures and research projects by UP and Kogakuin University. With Kogakuin’s strengths being engineering, architecture and the applied sciences, distinguished engineers and scientists from UP Diliman and UP Los Baños (UPLB) were present at the launch. They included UPLB Chancellor Fernando Sanchez, UPLB Vice Chancellors Serlie Jamias and Marish Madlangbayan, UP Diliman College of Science Dean Perry Ong, UPD College of Engineering Dean Rizalinda de Leon, UPLB College of Engineering Dean Arnold Elepaño, Dr. Elmer Estacio of the National Institute of Physics, Dr. Magdaleno Vasquez of the Department of Mining Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, and Dr. Simplicio Medina of the UPLB Office of International Linkages (UPLB OIL). Representing the UP System was Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs and UP Office of International Linkages Director Gil Jacinto. Reading a message on behalf of UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, Jacinto said that the renewal of the 2013 agreement was a sign of the mutual respect and friendship that both universities shared. UP, he said, looked forward to training the “globally active and ethically grounded experts” that both institutions are known for, together with their Japanese partners. President Sato presents a token of appreciation to Chancellor Sanchez. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) Founded in 1887 and with a main 29-storey main campus located in the heart of Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan, Kogakuin University is committed to creating “sustainable societies” by providing quality training for engineers and other technical experts. This partnership stands to benefit UP’s students and researchers in these areas, as it allows them the opportunity to be trained in one of Kogakuin’s 147 laboratories, which have an excellent track record in innovation and international competitions. (Andre Encarnacion, UP MPRO) To learn more about UP’s international partnerships and scholarships, visit the UP OIL website at: http://oil.up.edu.ph
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https://up.edu.ph/shaping-minds-shaping-bodies/
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Shaping Minds, Shaping Bodies – University of the Philippines
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Shaping Minds, Shaping Bodies Shaping Minds, Shaping Bodies July 25, 2017 | Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo A healthy mind in a healthy body. A sound mind in a sound body. Mens sana in corpore sano. This old adage points to the ideal condition of a human being’s health—that a healthy person is one who achieves both intellectual and physical well-being. In the academe, where intellect and brains take center stage, physical wellness seems to be relegated to the background. It may be recognized as an important pursuit but perhaps not as important as stimulating and cultivating the mind. Looking at the assertion of “mens sana incorpore sano” in the context of university life begs the question: How can one’s mind truly be sound when the body is not equally healthy? At the University of the Philippines, the need to focus on physical health and wellness was officially addressed by the UP System administration in 2013. Then UP President Alfredo Pascual ordered the creation of two committees: one on healthy lifestyle and wellness, and the other on health and medical benefits. Physical health for productivity Health and wellness programs are an integral component of preventive care, in which one of the main goals is to be physically healthy to reduce the risk of developing common non-communicable diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle. The World Health Organization (WHO) in a 2002 report said that the risk of having cardiovascular disease, stroke, Type-2 diabetes, colon cancer, and breast cancer decreaseswhen engaging in physical activity. The WHO also identified four domains of physical activity in people’s everyday lives: at work, in transport, in housework, and in leisure time.+ In the Philippines, a comparison of the 2003 and 2008 surveys on physical activity conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology showed that in the occupational or at work domain, physical inactivity in Filipino males aged 20 to 65 has increased from 67 percent to 76.3 percent. Filipino females of the same age range, on the other hand, displayed the opposite, with physical inactivity in the occupational domain decreasing from 82.1 percent to 76.2 percent. Limited physical activity in the workplace may be considered an occupational risk and an organization that provides an enabling environment for physical fitness programs through policies and facilities can maintain and even improve the physical well-being of its workforce to ensure efficiency and productivity. In UP, the urgency of conducting a needs assessment and developing “appropriate programs and activities for UP faculty and staff to promote wellness and a healthy lifestyle, in support of productive academic and administrative work” was addressed by the creation of the UP Healthy Lifestyle and Wellness Committee in January 2013 through Pascual’s issuance of Administrative Order (AO) No. PAEP 13-01, followed by a number of more localized directives. From Zumba to bikes All constituent university (CU) administrations and their respective committees on health and wellness provide support to wellness initiatives by providing funding, granting the use of facilities and official time, endorsing activities, or spearheading the programs themselves. All CUs are equipped with health care facilities with varying levels of capability—from clinics or infirmaries to a tertiary hospital—that attend to the health needs of their constituents. Across the UP System are basic services like physical examinations of incoming freshmen and annual medical examination of UP employees. Health and wellness programs, projects and new infrastructure among the various UP constituent units : UPOU Pilates group. While some health and wellness programs like physical fitness activities are common among CUs, there are some initiatives that are distinct to a CU. UP Manila (UPM), the University’s health sciences center and home of the UP-PGH, the country’s largest government tertiary hospital, has always been cognizant of the importance of achieving overall health—physical, mental, and social. Its initiatives on health and wellness begin with answering the most basic need: a healthy and safe work environment. Apart from adhering to standards of health and safety, UPM also emphasizes disaster and emergency preparedness, peace and order, and public safety as crucial to the achievement of a truly safe and healthy workplace. It is in this environment that its employees are enabled to pursue health and wellness. Because of UPM’s expertise, its employees are able to access a wealth of information through training programs, lectures, symposia, and available resource materials. The UPM community enjoys annual free health consultations at the UP-PGH Health Service and a 20 percent discount on selected services during confinement at the UP-PGH. For students in particular, UPM offers discounted immunization every August as it celebrates Immunization Month, free counseling services, free psychosocial services, and monitoring of suicide risks. Physical fitness programs that promote camaraderie among UPM constituents include Zumba sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays and, for faculty and staff, the annual conduct of team-building activities. In a bid to encourage physical activity, UPM Chancellor Carmencita Padilla issued a memorandum in May 2016 encouraging breaks for physical activity from 10:00 am to 10:15 am and from 3:00 pm to 3:15 pm to reduce tension in muscles that have remained in one position for too long. “A healthy body makes for smarter people, and a healthy mind means better physical health. Academic institutions tend to privilege the mind, and forget the body,” UP Diliman (UPD) Chancellor Michael Tan said in an interview with the UP Forum, so his administration is using the “integrated approach.” He cited three major initiatives to promote wellness: the development of UPD’s primary care facility, the University Health Service (UHS), in terms of infrastructure, services, and equipment; the development of sports facilities to ensure improved access to quality facilities; and “from non-existent Diliman-wide psychosocial services,” the creation of a team that provides them. The Health and Wellness Management Committee of UPD (later renamed the UP Diliman Wellness and Healthy Lifestyle Committee) was formed in February 2013. The heads of various units were asked to designate coordinators to act as point persons in the dissemination of information on healthy lifestyle, planning and implementation of wellness programs in their respective units in close coordination with the UPD committee, and regular reporting of possible disease outbreaks or occurrence of disease as well as active participation in implementing public health and infection control measures. Dr. Jesusa Catabui, UHS Acting Director and committee member, told the UP Forum that with the end-goal of achieving a healthy UPD workforce, each unit is encouraged to establish a wellness hub as well as wellness programs. She reported that some units in UPD have already instituted these. Apart from lectures, symposia, and training workshops on healthy lifestyle promotion and disease awareness, the committee also partnered with other campus organizations like the UP Community Chest in conducting the annual “Walk for Wellness,” among other physical fitness activities. It tackled stress management through a seminar titled“Detoxify your Workplace.” The committee hopes to eventually institutionalize a program on healthy snacks “especially during staff or committee meetings, [hold] a dance fitness group contest and a ‘bike for wellness’ [event].” In addition to committee initiatives, UPD has policies that prohibit smoking inside buildings, smoke belching, and idling of vehicles. Vice-Chancellor for Community Affairs Castro told the UP Forum that the administration has also funded health and wellness activities and the construction of wellness centers in the UHS and Palma Hall. It was also able to secure a donation of 40 pieces of outdoor fitness equipment in 2015. The UHS in Diliman and LB Integral to UPD’s promotion of health and wellness and delivery of services is the UHS, which, Catabui said, has received enormous support from both the CU and UP System administrations. In the last six years, it was able to purchase upgraded equipment and before President Pascual’s term ended in February this year, received allocations of P125 million from the UP System for building renovation and P11 million to replace aging equipment. UHS services include, among others, primary emergency care, confinement, medical and dental consultations, laboratory and diagnostic services, vaccination, psychosocial screening of incoming freshmen, health information campaigns, nutrition counseling, and dance fitness sessions. Like UPD, UP Los Baños (UPLB) also has its own UHS, which, the CU administration said, “has been looking after the overall health of UPLB students, faculty, and staff for more than 100 years.” Unlike UPD, UPLB’s UHS is a secondary hospital with operating rooms, a delivery room for normal and caesarian section cases, a neonatal intensive care unit, a newborn screening unit, a dental clinic, a laboratory service unit, an X-ray and ultrasound service unit, electrocardiography, and endoscopy, among others. Improvements to UHS infrastructure amounting to P40 million are in the pipeline. It has the Diabetes Education and Nutrition Clinic which offers consultations, counseling, and insulin therapy. It conducts relevant screening procedures at least once a month and layman lectures for diabetes patients every quarter. The UPLB UHS also has the Student Health and Welfare Clinic, which “seeks to improve the psychological and socio-emotional health of the students, especially those who are at risk of self-injury.” Health and wellness programs, projects and new infrastructure among the various UP constituent units. Photo from UPLB Office of Public Relations Beyond the UHS, UPLB annually holds its sports fest called “Palarong UPLB,” participated in by members of its community. This year, the previously week-long event ran for two weeks and included a tournament of the online battle game, Defense of the Ancients, more popularly known as DotA. These changes were instituted to make the sports fest even more enjoyable for UPLB’s constituents. Athletic competitions such as UPLB-International Rice Research Institute Dual Meet and the UPLB-Central Luzon State University Friendship Games are also spearheaded by the UPLB Sports and Recreation Committee, which was constituted in 2013. The UPLB administration described its academic and administrative units as proactive in organizing health and wellness activities. The College of Human Ecology has the Elderly Development Program focused on senior citizens and retirees of UPLB and surrounding communities, with monthly and yearly activities and services that address their “biopsychosocial needs” as well as the annual Senior Citizen’s Summit. The College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Human Kinetics, through its Move It or Lose It Program, actively promotes health and wellness by organizing regular activities such as community aerobics and cardio fitness, badminton and lawn tennis competitions, swimming sessions, sports clinics, flexibility tests, body mass index measurements, fun runs, summer fitness programs, and dance programs. These activities are aimed at fighting the effects of inactive lifestyles and preventing injuries due to strain from repetitive motions and immobility—the body’s posture when using gadgets, long periods of sitting in front of and typing on the computer, etc. Similar to UPM’s drive to provide a safe and healthy environment for its constituents, UPLB also focuses on maintaining the campus as a clean, safe, and well-equipped space where health and wellness can be achieved. Because UPLB is the recognized leader in agriculture and related fields, nutrition is also a critical part of its bid to achieve physical health. UPLB Chancellor Fernando Sanchez issued a memo in January 2016 promoting the use of quality protein maize (QPM) blend among its concessionaries and caterers. This blend consists of 70 percent rice and 30 percent Corn QPM Var 6, a corn variety developed by UPLB’s Institute of Plant Breeding. It is a healthier alternative to pure rice, especially for diabetics and those at risk for diabetes, because of its low glycemic index and high-quality protein. Across islands and cyberspace For its part, UP Visayas (UPV) told the UP Forum that its wellness activities are based on the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 38, issued on 30 September 1992. The CSC memo enjoins government units to implement a physical and mental fitness program for its personnel, authorizing the state agencies to utilize an hour each week, preferably 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, for health awareness programs, and use 20 minutes of each working day, before or after 10:00 am or before or after 3:00 pm to conduct fitness programs. The creation of the UPV Wellness and Healthy Lifestyle Committee in August 2013 allowed the CU to streamline its health and wellness programs. The committee maintains UPV’s commitment to physical fitness through activities such as the UPV Chancellor’s Cup, an inter-office basketball tournament, the annual UPV Sports Fest, and the Shape UP Visayas Program. Photo from Brenda Lynn B. Arroyo, Chair, UPVHLWelCom The committee has conducted fitness tests, and organized twice-weekly sessions of flexibility and strength exercises, cardio exercises, and dance/aerobic exercises. It held a two-day seminar-workshop called “Awareness to Wellness: For a Healthier and Progressive UPV” and has facilitated the participation of its constituents in events like Run UP, CSC Fun Run, PhilHealth Fun Run, and other similar activities. It even assisted the municipality of Miag-ao in the organization of a Fun Run to commemorate its 300th founding anniversary. This year, the committee, in partnership with the UPV Department of Physical Education, has lined up the following fitness activities: Zumba, band exercises, body weight exercises, free weight exercises, line dance, basketball, badminton, stretching, walking, social dance, basic tai chi, and basic arnis. Despite its academic environment being located in a virtual space, the UP Open University (UPOU) has created a Health and Wellness Committee to cater to the needs of its faculty and staff. Since its constitution, the committee has organized various physical activities such as dance exercise and Pilates. This year, it plans to launch different interest groups in dance, music, sports, biking, and the arts. The UPOU committee has also conducted lay forums such as “Life Begins at 40,” “UsapingPangkalusugan sa UPOU,” and “UsapingNutrisyon.” Included in this year’s lineup are activities guided by national and international celebrations such as Philippine Heart Month, International Women’s Month, Head and Neck Cancer Consciousness Week, World Immunization Week, Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and Hypertension Awareness Month, among others. This May, UP Mindanao (UPMin) Chancellor Sylvia Concepcion told the UP Forum that the CU was about to “start gym services since we just had our gym equipment delivered.” When the CU’s Health and Wellness Committee was formed in early 2013, it undertook baseline studies among UPMin employees, asking them to answer a survey on healthy lifestyle and looking at anthropometric and physical fitness levels. Since then, it has initiated various physical activities such as sports, aerobics, dance, walking, jogging, weight training, fun runs, and biking. It also conducted a physical fitness test two years after its inception and last year, undertook a survey among UPMin constituents for their preferred wellness activities. Forums on hypertension, mental health, food safety, and diet and nutrition were also organized. The committee also encouraged participation in annual events like blood-letting for the Philippine Red Cross, CSC Fun Run, parades for Araw ng Dabaw and International Women’s Day, and the Kadayawan Festival. Photos by Rene Estremera, UP Mindanao UPMin also has its annual sports fest called DULA (game), which began in 2013 and is held from September to October. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni join in the games and sports events which include men’s basketball, men’s and women’s volleyball, chess, lawn tennis, table tennis, and running. There are also exhibition games in football, scrabble, and DotA. Prior to the holding of DULA, “warm-up games” are held in some units. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences has Hampang (play/game). The College of Science and Mathematics has Dula-Dula, while the administrative staff hold Pa-UgnatsaKusog (stretching the strength). UPMin also prides itself in making its campus conducive to outdoor activities and providing facilities such as fields, courts, and a gym to its employees and students. Moreover, the administration encourages local farmers to sell their produce and other food products to UPMin employees. UP Baguio’s (UPB) health and wellness program also targets both physical and mental well-being. Its Health and Wellness Committee was created to study and discuss policies, procedures and strategies on UPB’s overall health, with particular attention to a “proactive system of dealing with mental health issues aside from the customary guidance and counseling,” according to UPB Office of Public Affairs Director Roland Rabang. For physical fitness, it has Zumba workouts three times a week. UPB has also partnered with the women farmers of Atok, Benguet to sell organic vegetables on campus every Monday. In UP Cebu, the Health and Wellness Committee implements regular programs on physical fitness such as exercises, recreational sports, and competitive sporting events. Its list of programs and activities include wellness lectures, stress management workshops, counseling, emotional and psychological support groups, interest groups, information sharing, posture and voice wellness training, quarterly campus cleaning, injury prevention, blood pressure and weight monitoring, fitness week, incentive programs, and a health maintenance organization to cover employees and their dependents. As for employees of the UP System, there are no physical wellness programs catered specifically to them. Because their base of operations is in UPD, some of the health and wellness initiatives of the campus, especially those of the UHS, are also open to them. It is worth noting that the UP System does not have its own Human Resource Development Office (HRDO) to serve the needs of this set of UP personnel. Lecture on stress management techniques. Photo by Jennifer Diaz-Guimpol, UPB Office of Public Affairs eHOPEforcurative care While health and wellness programs move to prevent the onset of diseases, curative or rehabilitative care aims to cure or manage an existing illness. The University also addresses this need. It has a program to help its employees undergo curative care, a new version of which was implemented at the beginning of this year. The Enhanced Hospitalization Program (eHOPE), approved by the UP Board of Regents (BOR) in November 2016, replaced the Financial Assistance Program for Hospitalization Expenses (FAPHE), which the Board approved in May 2010. FAPHE provided a one-time P200,000 fund for each employee across the UP System, where hospitalization expenses may be reimbursed after deductions for PhilHealth. In 2013, President Pascual constituted a team headed by Dr. Dennis Mapa of the UPD School of Statistics to study the health care needs of UP students and employees and subsequently submit policy recommendations. Three years later, Pascual constituted a committee to formulate a medical benefit program for UP employees. Mapa, who had already become Statistics dean, also chaired the committee. Mapa told the UP Forum that during the course of the team’s study, the members realized the scope of looking into the health care needs of both students and employees proved too large and recommended that these groups be studied separately. The decision was then made to focus on employee medical benefits first. In its report to the UP President’s Advisory Council in September 2016, the committee benchmarked against the medical benefit programs of BangkoSentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and Metrobank Card. The committee also analyzed the utilization of FAPHE from 2010 to 2015. During that period, 1,805 employees claimed reimbursements from FAPHE. Based on the number of UP employees in 2015, the claimants made up around 15 percent of the total 12,491 employee population. The average claim was P47,738.00. Significant among the committee’s findings, Mapa said, were that 56.28 percent of claimants were aged 55 and above, and that 8 percent of the claimants have already used up at least P160,000 of their P200,000 FAPHE benefits, with some already having reached the limit. Based on its findings and adjusting for inflation, projecting employee behavior, and considering funding limits, the committee proposed eHOPE, which provides an annual hospitalization fund of P80,000 with P10,000 medicine allowance for prescribed medications during confinement and upon discharge. The eHOPE guidelines were releasedin January 2017 via Memorandum No. PAEP 17-05. Claims under eHOPE are still processed as reimbursements and granted after deductions for PhilHealth and other medical health cards have been exhausted. The guidelines also state that “partnerships through agreements with the nearest government and private hospitals shall be initiatied by each of the [CUs] to include a ‘no-cash-out’ arrangement for the patient.” UPOU has also strengthened the implementation of eHOPE for its employees. In May 2017, it reported the signing of memoranda of agreement with the Los BañosDoctor’s Hospital and Medical Center, and HealthServ Los Baños Medical Center to allow UPOU employees admission without the need for any initial deposit. They just need to present a letter of authorization from the UPOU administration and their UPOU ID. UPOU HRDO Chief Administrative Officer Michael Lagaya said that the UPOU is also exploring partnerships with hospitals in areas where other UPOU employees are based such as Calamba and San Pablo in Laguna, and in Quezon City, Metro Manila. Inauguration of physical fitness programs in UP Cebu. Photo from UP Cebu Challenges remain Despite these health and wellness initiatives, the University is still faced with challenges in the continued and successful implementation of these activities. According to Catabui, some of the factors that affect physical health and wellness in the UPD campus, for example, include the physical environment—“air pollutants coming from the exhaust of vehicles, uncollected garbage, peddling of unsanitary food, stray dogs and cats, stagnant canals”—as well as stress and workload, enforcement of the smoking ban, etc. She added that financial and other means of support are also needed by underprivileged sectors on campus such as indigent students who lack dorm accommodations or cheap but healthy food. Support for them means their need to seek employment may be averted so their energy and focus remain on their studies. Catabui also mentioned giving more health privileges to contractuals and outsourced personnel. The UPD UHS, in particular, lacks human resources, especially in its Public Health Unit, which “will go full time in the conduct of activities for wellness.” Catabui also pointed out the lack of logistics, where the UPD UHS sometimes relies on the UP Community Chest, a private charitable organization, to help fund wellness activities. She also said that annual physical examination for employees should be compulsory and that the University should strongly act against the abuse of substances such as illegal drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. Prof. Rita Ramos, chair of the UPOU Health and Wellness Committee, said that one of the challenges faced by committee members is allotting time to creating programs “amidst their obligations as full-time employees.” As head of the committee that proposed eHOPE, Mapa informed the UP Forum that he hoped the separate study on student medical benefits will push through, following the implementation of eHOPE for employees. One challenge he saw was the discrepancy in capability of each CU’s health care facility. He also said that the committee noted in its meetings that the UP-PGH does not have a flat rate discount for UP employees across the UP System. As a whole, the University can still do more when it comes to strict compliance with CSC memos on physical and mental fitness and nutrition. One memo, for example, prescribes that government canteens serve low-cost and nutritious recipes, using only iodized salt to prevent iodine deficiency; ensure that fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk and fruit juices are served during office meetings; provide iron supplements to employees, particularly women; and coordinate with the National Food Authority and the National Agricultural and Fishery Council “for the fielding of a rolling store or a cooperative marketing unit selling basic food commodities at low prices in the agency premises.” Outdoor exercise equipment installed at UP Diliman. Photo from VCCA Nestor Castro, UP Diliman The Duterte administration’s no-smoking policy also has to be applied more strictly in all UP campuses, and Executive Vice President Teodoro Herbosa—himself a surgeon and former DOH undersecretary—has directed the creation of designated smoking areas in the larger campuses. But all told, all you have to do is look at the scores of joggers, walkers, and people playing football and throwing Frisbees at the Sunken Garden on any afternoon or weekend to see how deeply the fitness bug has bitten UP, for good. Shaping minds that shape the nation, as UP likes to describe its mission, means shaping up as well. Email the author at upforum@up.edu.ph.
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https://up.edu.ph/from-historical-landmark-to-cultural-hub/
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From Historical Landmark to Cultural Hub – University of the Philippines
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From Historical Landmark to Cultural Hub From Historical Landmark to Cultural Hub October 18, 2017 | Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo Main Building. That’s what it’s called. A name that’s both nondescript and imposing. It doesn’t say much about the structure. It’s not named after a person, an office, or unit. Yet being called “Main Building” carries that air of supreme importance. But what’s in a name, really? One look at the neo-classical, Art Deco-influenced structure is enough to inspire awe. It stands out among the buildings inside UP Visayas’ (UPV) Iloilo City campus. Two large human sculptures representing law and order act as intimidating guards by its arched entrance. At the back, there’s a balcony that will make you think of that famous scene in Romeo and Juliet. Inside are high ceilings and walls decorated by reliefs, big solid wooden beams, chandeliers, and iron grill doors with the letters “IMB” in the middle. Look up at the beams in the atria and notice that their ends are actually sculpted dragon heads. Story of the name, history of the building It’s called Main Building for a simple reason: it was where UPV was born, where UP established its presence in Iloilo. It was the first building when UPV didn’t even exist. UP still wasn’t a university system of constituent universities and the Iloilo campus then was considered a branch of the University. It was a resolution in December 1945 by Mayor Fernando Lopez and the City Council that paved the way for that Iloilo branch, which was later endorsed in Congress by legislator Oscar Ledesma. It was known as the UP Iloilo College and it formally opened its doors on July 1, 1947. Fast forward to 36 years later when UPV was created. It would focus on fisheries and ocean sciences and Miagao, Iloilo was identified as the location of its main campus. The city campus remained and the Main Building housed the College of Arts and Sciences. As far as UPV history goes, even the name on the building’s facade has evolved. It went from “UP Iloilo College” to “UP College Iloilo” to “UP in the Visayas” to “UP Visayas,” which is what it still says. Only the text below those names never changed: “University of the Philippines.” Prof. Martin Genodepa, Special Assistant to the Chancellor for Culture and the Arts, told the UP Forum, that they couldn’t find a clear or near enough photo of the building prior to 1947 that could tell them if there was something written else on the facade before “UP Iloilo College.” Why would that be of interest? Because the building was constructed not because of or for UP. It was meant to be the Iloilo Municipal Hall. The beams with sculpted dragon heads at one of the atria the library, and Prof. Martin Genodepa describing the plans for adaptive reuse. (Photos by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Conceptualized by Iloilo Municipal President Rosauro Jocson in 1908, coincidentally the year UP was created by law, nothing concrete came out of the idea until December 1928 when Municipal Vice President Pablo Nava presented a plan to the Municipal Council. Two months later, philanthropist Juliana Melliza donated 10.8 hectares for the project. Architect Juan Arellano, who also drafted the city’s urban plan, was the main consultant, with Architect Alfred Eugenio as local consultant. Sculptures in the building were by Italian Francesco Riccardo Monti with Iloilo craftsmen Juan Siendo, and Pedro and Cirilo Sabiano. Construction began in 1933 and by 1934, it was touted as the largest building in the Visayas and Mindanao. It was inaugurated in December 1936 with much celebration as Iloilo had just been elevated from a municipality to a city. So from the original Iloilo Municipal Hall it was intended to be, it became the Iloilo City Hall at the time of its launch. Genodepa surmised that the “IMB” on the iron grill doors found throughout the building’s interior stood for “Iloilo Municipal Building.” It had only been occupied by the city government for around five years when Japanese troops occupied Iloilo during World War II. The Iloilo City Hall was turned into a garrison and the area around it, a concentration camp. It was abandoned upon the liberation of Panay Island in March 1945. And, as previously stated, the end of 1945 saw the city resolution for the establishment of a UP branch in Iloilo. Bringing it back, making it better While it’s a standout, the Main Building, like some septuagenarians, is showing signs of age. Structural changes had been made to accommodate the use of its rooms. Some original features were removed, covered, or added to. It also has a “hodge-podge” of tenants, Genodepa said—library, archives, galleries, clinics, offices, etc. But things are about to change for the building that was declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) in 2009. Plans are underway to restore the structure back to its original look and form. It was UPV’s proposal for adaptive reuse that convinced the NHCP to approve and undertake the Main Building’s restoration. For now, UPV calls it a future culture and heritage center, Genodepa said. One side will be devoted to art and the other to ethnography. This is in keeping with UPV’s thrust of preserving and promoting local and regional culture and heritage, he explained. From the current tenants, only the Committee for Culture and the Arts and the Center for West Visayan Studies and its affiliated units will remain. There will be areas for performances and changing exhibits, permanent museums, a cafe, art storage, preservation and restoration facilities, and a black and white photography and printmaking studio. And even bigger plans are in store, not just for the Main Building but the campus itself, which was developed in relation to the Main Building. UPV is revisiting its land use plan and pushing for compliance. It means ensuring that the Main Building is the focal point of the campus—that it is the first thing to be seen upon entry, together with the Oblation, just like the other UP campuses. That, in turn, entails not only establishing the main entry point of the campus but transferring the Oblation as well. The next few years will see the changing landscape of UPV’s Iloilo City campus—one that puts heritage, tradition, and culture at the forefront. ——————– Email the author at upforum@up.edu.ph.
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https://up.edu.ph/seven-outstanding-up-masscomm-alumni-to-receive-the-2021-glory-awards/
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Seven outstanding UP Masscomm alumni to receive the 2021 Glory Awards – University of the Philippines
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Seven outstanding UP Masscomm alumni to receive the 2021 Glory Awards Seven outstanding UP Masscomm alumni to receive the 2021 Glory Awards October 25, 2021 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations office Seven exceptional alumni of the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication (UP CMC) will receive the 2021 Glory Awards in a virtual ceremony on November 27. Bestowed annually since 2017 by the UP CMC Alumni Association (UPCMCAA), the Glory Awards honor alumni whose work goes beyond “the usual” consistent track record of excellence. The Glory Awards were inspired by the legacy of honor and distinction of Dr. Gloria Feliciano, the founding dean of UP’s 56-year-old mass communications program, who served from 1965 to 1985. The Glory trophy, sculpted by UP Professor Emerita Gigi Javier Alfonso, will be presented to winners in recognition of their excellent work and impact on the communities they serve. The awardees for 2021 selected by a distinguished jury of peers are Maria Luz Balmaceda for corporate communications, Atty. Maria Kristina Conti for social advocacy, Abner Mercado for broadcast journalism, Catherine Garcia-Molina for film, Felix “Nonon” Padilla for the performing arts, Rowena Carranza-Paraan for social advocacy, and Dr. Marianne Dayrit Sison for mass communication education. This year’s panel of jurors was composed of broadcast journalist Ces Drilon, Visayan State University Professor Emerita Monina Movido-Escalada, former deputy press secretary Danilo Gozo, investigative journalist Malou Mangahas, and writer-director and actress Bibeth Orteza. The Glory also has two permanent jurors—UP CMC Dean and film professor Arminda Santiago and former ANC and CNN Philippines news director Jing Magsaysay, who represents the family of Dr. Feliciano. The winners Maria Luz Balmaceda, corporate communications Marlu Balmaceda led the brand and corporate communications unit of SGV & Co., the country’s premier auditing and professional services firm, for 25 years. She was the Philippine program manager of the global Ernst & Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” search. As executive director of the SGV Foundation, she helped make a difference in the lives of young students through education and entrepreneurship programs. Maria Kristina Conti, social advocacy Atty. Krissy Conti is a human rights advocate who has defended jailed journalists, student activists, political prisoners, urban poor evictees, and quarantine “violators” during the pandemic. She helped prosecute Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan, accused of kidnapping and disappearance of UP students Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan, led to his conviction. She also serves in the legal team assisting the families of persons killed during the government’s war on drugs. Abner Mercado, broadcast journalism Abner Mercado is renowned for documentaries about social and environmental issues, politics, and cultural anthropology. His work led him to scale Mt. Everest twice and record the moment the Philippine flag was waved from the roof of the earth. He was among the first workers displaced by the withdrawal of ABS-CBN’s franchise to operate. Still, he considers the experience his “medal of valor” from his network of 21 years. Mercado won a bronze medal from the New York Film and TV Festival and a special jury prize at the 9th Moscow International Festival of Mountaineering and Adventure Film. Cathy Garcia-Molina, film Cathy Garcia-Molina directed the two highest-grossing Filipino films of all time—Hello Love, Goodbye (2019) and The Hows of Us (2018)—among a string of hits with ABS-CBN Star Cinema. She was nominated for best director at the Asian Academy Creative Awards for Hello Love, Goodbye. The same film won her Movie Director of the Year honors from the Philippine Movie Press Club Star Awards, duplicating her feat in 2007 when she directed that Year’s biggest blockbuster, One More Chance. Molina has won six times as Most Popular Film Director at the annual Guillermo Mendoza Box Office Entertainment Awards. Felix “Nonon” Padilla, the performing arts Nonon Padilla has staged and directed over a hundred plays, composed music, and designed sets for the country’s pre-eminent theater groups. In 1987 he founded the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Pilipino. Padilla started the Actors’ Company that produced highly regarded performers, including Nonie Buencamino, Pen Medina, and John Arcilla. In the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), he prepared the training curriculum to guide PETA artists in honing their acting craft. His works have been performed internationally in New York’s Royal Theater, Singapore, Japan, and across Canada. Rowena Carranza-Paraan, social advocacy Weng Carranza-Paraan served as chairperson, president, and secretary-general of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines for over a decade. She waged a long campaign for justice on behalf of 57 journalists and media workers killed in the infamous Ampatuan massacre in 2009. She currently heads ABS-CBN News Public Service and produces the Lingkod Kapamilya segment and the citizen journalism program Bayan Mo, I-patrol Mo. Her ongoing projects include voters’ education and fighting disinformation thru news literacy. Marianne Dayrit Sison, mass communication education Marianne Dayrit-Sison is an academic leader in the public relations field. She is the founding chair and convenor of the Asia Pacific Public Relations Research and Education Network (APPRREN). In 2019 she was awarded Educator of the Year by the Public Relations Institute of Australia. The following Year, Dayrit-Sison received the Communication Excellence in Organizations (CEO EXCEL) award from the Philippine chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators. She is based in Australia, an Honorary University Fellow and former deputy dean of media and communication at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.
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https://up.edu.ph/ups-cultural-landscapes/
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UP’s Cultural Landscapes – University of the Philippines
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UP’s Cultural Landscapes UP’s Cultural Landscapes July 25, 2017 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta Lush, green, beautiful, serene, grand, open, free, wild and, perhaps to outsiders, a little bit odd. These are the words that are often used to describe many of UP’s 17 campuses. These are also, in a way, qualities expected of UP faculty, student, staff and alumni: the capacity to think independently and creatively, a beauty of character shaped by the values of honor and excellence, the ability to adapt to the twists and turns of life, an open heart and, much like the stately Oblation common to all UP campuses, a willingness, even eagerness, to offer all to the people we serve. Diversity in art and infrastructure However, UP is not a homogenous system, and each campus is not quite like the others. Each one has its unique strengths, its unique natural environment and appearance, unique infrastructure, and unique personality. This uniqueness is influenced by a wide range of factors, from the history of the campus and its surroundings, to its geographic location and natural environment, to the cultural and ethnolinguistic communities within and around it, and especially to the constituent unit’s niche and field of specialty. For instance, UP Baguio, whose niche is in Indigenous/Cordillera and Northern Luzon Studies, has the Museo Kordilyera embodying its role in and contribution to Philippine development. The Museo, which formally opened in January, is an ethnographic museum that serves as a repository of the tangible and intangible culture of the Cordillera, and features the output of research undertaken by the UP Baguio faculty in the aspects of material culture, visual culture, language and literature, and anthropology. UP Baguio also has the Cordillera Studies Center, also a repository of research outputs by faculty and research affiliates, which also disseminates research through its publications. Museo Kordilyera, UP Baguio. Photo by UP MPRO As another example, UP Visayas, as the country’s premier authority in marine science, fisheries and aquaculture, has the Regional Research Center, inaugurated on August 23, 2016, which aims to be the premier R&D and innovation facility in the region, and to support UP Visayas’ vision as a world-class university especially in the field of fisheries and aquatic sciences. Fittingly enough, it is located on top of a hill overlooking the Guimaras Strait, and its glass and steel façade is fashioned to resemble the silhouette of a school of fish moving bi-directionally. Each campus’ uniqueness can be more keenly appreciated through the artistic, architectural and cultural artifacts that are scattered throughout like hidden and not-so-hidden treasures. UP Visayas, for instance, has among others the Diwata ng Dagat, a 16-foot sculpture by National Artist Napoleon V. Abueva depicting a strong woman standing upon fishes while pulling a fishnet, symbolizing UP Visayas’ commitment to its role as national center of excellence in marine science, fisheries and aquaculture. UPV Iloilo City also has the neoclassic Main Building designed by National Artist Juan Arellano, with its façade by Francesco Riccardo Monti of two bronze statues representing Law and Order. Diwata ng Dagat, UP Visayas UP Baguio has Inang Laya, a statue of a woman with open arms, also by National Artist Abueva, and the Four Pillars, four posts that stand for the four pillars of knowledge that UP Baguio started with—Social Sciences, the Natural Sciences and Mathematics, the Humanities and Sports, Physical Education and Recreation. UP Mindanao has buildings that are designed to reflect each ethnolinguistic group in Mindanao, and the sculptures of Mindanao-based artist Kublai Millan in Kanluran. Inang Laya, UP Baguio The UP Open University has its Oblation, cast by former UPOU Chancellor Dr. Grace J. Alfonso, and rendered distinct among the others, thanks to the ribbon-like flag swirling around its pedestal, giving the effect of lifting the Oblation to greater heights and granting it boundless reach as befits UPOU’s distance and open education mission. And these are just a few examples from some of the campuses. The Oblation, UP Open University Shaping UP communities In short, there is no better profile for each UP campus than its cultural landscape. The Planning Department of San Francisco City defines a cultural landscape as “a place with many layers of history that evolves through design and use over time. A cultural landscape embodies the associations and uses that evoke a sense of history for a specific place.” Cultural landscapes include physical features such as trees, buildings, site furnishings, pathways and water bodies, and intangible elements such as land uses and associations of people that influenced the development of a landscape. Simply put, human activity in a natural environment, done over an extended period of time, creates a cultural environment. While it is easy to see how humans alter and influence the natural environment, it is slightly less easy to see how the environment alters and influences humans. “The environment and the people in the environment actually have a two-way interaction,” says multi-awarded, pioneering installation artist Luis “Junyee” Yee Jr. “The environment first influences the people—the way they move, the way they interact. Then through the years, it is the people who influence the environment, because now they have the power and resources to change the environment.” Indeed, humans change the environment so much that they render it unrecognizable, especially in highly urbanized places. Luis “Junyee” Yee Jr. Still, in the beginning it is the environment that shapes its growing human population. “Environment is the one that creates all kinds of culture—Asian culture, African culture, Middle Eastern, Chinese, American. For instance, here we have plenty of bamboo, so we have many objects made of bamboo. Even our houses are made of bamboo. Can the Americans do that? No, not because they cannot do it, but because they do not have the resources—the bamboo,” says Junyee, who is known for articulating the intimate connection between art and the natural world through the use of natural, indigenous and biodegradable materials in his art. “Ang Tao” in UPLB Spirit of place There is a kind of power in the environment, which can be enhanced by the cultural landscape that emerges from it. There is a concept in architecture and urban design called “spirit of place”, which is the translation of the Latin phrase “genius loci”, something artists, philosophers and storytellers are familiar with. In ancient times, it was believed that certain parts of the world are inhabited by gods or guardian spirits whom humans must appease. Fast forward through the centuries to Wikipedia’s definition of spirit of place as “the unique, distinctive and cherished aspects of a place…it is as much in the invisible weave of culture (stories, art, memories, beliefs, histories, etc.) as it is the tangible physical aspects of a place (monuments, boundaries, rivers, woods, architectural style, rural crafts styles, pathways, views, etc.) or its interpersonal aspects (the presence of relatives, friends and kindred spirits, etc.).” Each UP campus possesses a unique spirit of place, whether it is a campus built on a mountain plateau, near the coast on an island, in a woodsy area at the quiet fringes of an urban center, or in the heart of a dense, bustling metropolis with a history going back centuries. Every person inhabiting these campuses can feel this spirit of place, from the logical scientists to the students trying to survive Hell Week to the vendors selling cigarettes. They move through this spirit everyday, but are often unable to put it into words. “They are unaware of it intellectually, but emotionally, they are. It’s just that they don’t have the time to express it. Put them in a different place, and they will feel lost. You absorb the environment around you without vocalizing it. But it’s there,” Junyee says. Kublai Millan’s sculpture in Kanluran, UP Mindanao Most of the time, this is because our minds are too busy with day-to-day concerns to allow us to be conscious of and actively engage with our environment. But some people are able to be aware, and to translate this sublime awareness in ways we can understand, as Junyee points out: “As an artist, I have an active interaction with the world around me.” The UPLB campus, which he has called home for 40 years, is a good example of campus with a potent spirit of place. And why not, with Mount Makiling practically embracing it? “This mountain is not just a mere mountain. Before people settled and studied here, the original inhabitants knew that Makiling was a legendary mountain. It’s a magical mountain.” It even has a goddess, Mariang Makiling, a literal example of a genius loci. “So if you come here, you feel different. You become part of her. You become proud of her. And then you have the lake, Laguna de Bae, the second biggest lake in Southeast Asia.” Junyee adds with a smile: “This is a beautiful place, and we have the most beautiful campus in the country. We are complete here.” Despite having been massively expanded and modernized through the years, UPLB retains the spirit of its origins: the College of Agriculture. Its agricultural school roots are also part of what gives UPLB its unique spirit. Junyee, as an alumnus of the College of Fine Arts and a regular contributor to the cultural landscape of the Diliman campus, clearly senses the differences between the two large campuses. For one thing, UP Diliman admittedly has more in the way of public art, due to the presence of the CFA, a bigger budget for art projects and a “cosmopolitan kind of mindset”. But the UPLB campus, while also free-thinking and just as if not even more internationally-oriented than other UP constituent universities, still retains its “provincial” atmosphere. “We’re very modern here, but the mindset is different,” says Junyee. “Even if there are more students now in UPLB who can afford cars, it’s still different. Why? It’s because of the environment, because of the campus’ birth. Ours is agricultural. And it’s the surroundings,” which do not include shopping districts, major highways, train stations, towering buildings, large, overcrowded housing sprawls, and the other trappings of urban life. And if Junyee was to pick, among all the famous cultural artifacts gracing the UPLB campus, which one would best capture the UPLB campus’ spirit of place, it would be “Ang Tao,” the sculpture of a farmer with a plow and his faithful carabao beside him, flanked by two towers showing carabao heads. Down to earth, close to the natural environment, steadfast, hardworking, nurturing and most of all, absolutely essential to our country’s future. Historic designed landscapes Cultural landscapes are generally classified into four types: historic sites, historic designed landscapes, historic vernacular landscapes, and ethnographic landscapes. Campuses are considered historic designed landscapes, that is, going by Charles Birnbaum’s definition, “a landscape that was consciously designed or laid out by a master gardener, architect, or horticulturist according to design principles…recognized style or tradition.” The spirit of place of the UP Diliman campus stems as much from its history as it does from its natural environment. To cope with a growing student population, it was decided that UP had to expand. A 493-hectare property in Diliman was acquired in 1939, and construction began in that same year. The first buildings to rise were Benitez Hall and Malcolm Hall, housing the College of Education and the College of Law respectively, before development of the campus was overtaken by World War II. After the war, thanks to a P13-million grant, the first two buildings were repaired and construction restarted in earnest, with more structures rising within the next decades—Gonzalez Hall or the Main Library, Quezon Hall, Palma Hall, and Melchor Hall, followed by a series of other buildings reflecting UP Diliman’s expanding role as the country’s premier higher education and research institution in science and technology, social sciences, humanities, and policy and governance. When asked what aspect of UP Diliman’s campus best captures UP Diliman’s spirit of place, UP Diliman Office of the Campus Architect Director Enrico B. Tabafunda replies: “Actually, it’s the diversity of architectural styles within the campus. These architectural styles are indicative of the different stages in the history of UP Diliman. If you look at the oldest buildings, they reflect the early years of UP Diliman, and so here is where our history is rooted.” UP Diliman Office of the Campus Architect Director Enrico B. Tabafunda The buildings built from the 1960s to the 1970s also reflect another period in Philippine contemporary history, as do the buildings built in later years. Still, Tabafunda returns to the first six buildings, with their neoclassical style, their formal north-south, east-west axis, and their mirroring of each other on opposite sides of the Academic Oval. Tabafunda also notes another aspect of the UP Diliman campus that captures its spirit of place: the entire campus itself, with its well-designed Academic Oval, its acacia trees arranged to form majestic arcs over the street, its structures and landmarks, its parks, forests and fields—even the street lights that were chosen not just to provide energy efficient illumination, but to enhance the campus’ romantic atmosphere. Each element is a product of planning and landscape designing geared toward what would best serve the UP System’s vision of the University as an outstanding regional and global higher education institution, with the UP Diliman Chancellor’s vision of a campus that inspires pride of place, and is secure, sustainable, connected and nurturing of the spirit of people. “The landscape is equally important,” Tafabunda says. “It is what gives cohesion to the campus plan.” The landscape acts as a gigantic canvas showcasing the myriad colors, shapes, lines and textures of UP Diliman’s physical structures. “You can have buildings that look different from one another, but it is the campus landscape that brings them together as a whole.” The Regional Research Center, UP Visayas Diliman’s heritage trees Tabafunda knows how much of the details of the Diliman campus’ features are planned, all the way down to the kinds of trees that must be planted, and where and how. Yes, even the species of trees matter, thanks to a directive dating from the time of UP President Emerlinda Roman that states that only indigenous trees must be planted on the campus. This means we will be seeing more banaba trees with their violet blossoms and narra trees with their yellow sprays, but no more caballero trees, butterfly trees, and acacia trees except for what we already have. Speaking of acacia trees, for Tabafunda, it is the acacia trees that give the campus some of its character; one landscape architecture professor has even proposed declaring the acacia tree UP Diliman’s heritage tree. The trees also help prove one of his points. The Ateneo de Manila University campus also has rows of acacia trees arching over its streets, but the overall impressions one gets of the campuses of the AdMU and UP Diliman could not be more different, thanks to their respective landscape designs. “For me, it’s the landscape architect who provides the image of the campus—the planning, the functions and the visual image and landscape of the campus. That’s why landscape architects are so important.” Each campus will have its own image. Of course, efforts are made to standardize the images of the UP campuses, to a certain extent. “Sometimes though, you will only have common elements, but you cannot achieve the same standard image throughout. They will all have their own images, because their environments are different, and the period when their campus and landscape planning was made are different. There are many factors involved.” Tabafunda is even more aware of this now that they are currently developing the site for the upcoming UP campus in Clark Green City. While UP Clark will technically be under UP Diliman, it is impossible to create a miniature Diliman campus there. UP Clark will be UP Clark. A mixed bag As a whole, the impression the UP Diliman campus presents is…mixed. We have a beautiful academic core, yet we also have blighted sectors. We have buildings whose varied architectural designs span an entire course in modern Philippine history. We have mini-forests, pockets of dense undergrowth, construction sites, old structures on the verge of collapse, paths cut through landscaped gardens, traffic rules and pedestrian lanes that are treated as suggestions at best, graffiti and street art side by side with the works of National Artists—a definite mixed bag. And therein lies UP Diliman’s spirit of place. “Our campus is very heterogeneous, in my opinion, which means it’s not easy to manage,” says Tabafunda. “Maybe this reflects our desire for freedom. The campus is very diverse, and besides, we dislike being restricted by too many rules. That is why, when you look at our environment, it seems somewhat relaxed. It’s beautiful, but some people might find it dirty or disorganized. But this is our style.” Indeed, if one were to transform the campus into a human being, it would likely be a person who is brilliant, expressive, freedom-loving, diversity-welcoming, rule-challenging, open-minded, comfortable going to class in PE shorts and slippers yet equally comfortable dominating in an international competition—in short, a typical UPD student. Tabafunda, when asked which cultural structures he believes could best represent the spirit of UP Diliman, offers the two buildings, Palma Hall and Melchor Hall. “Maybe because of their architectural style—modern, but still old and formal. Not too organized; they are a little bit messy. I think [the buildings] have character, which is reflected in our campus as a whole.” The School of Management, UP Mindanao Keeping the UP spirit alive The work of the campus landscape architect and planner is the same in every UP campus. It is a balancing act among contradicting demands—the need to give space for both the natural and man-made environment; the need for forests, buildings and infrastructure, and open spaces; the impetus toward development and modernization, and the need to protect and conserve the environment; the need to keep the campus’ inhabitants safe and secure, and the service the campus renders by opening up to the public; the need to preserve the past and to expand into the future; the need to design the campus to serve the overall vision and mission of the University, while enhancing the unique values, qualities and aspirations of the campus, and so on. But one thing Tabafunda would like to do is to make sure that the campus and all its buildings and physical features, whether new or old, are attractive and, more importantly, functional. “We want the people to have pride in the place because it has aesthetic value, but of course we also want them to love the place because it fits their needs. What good is a building that is pretty if nobody uses it because it is not what people need?” No matter what it is—a campus, a building, a house—a place only gains spirit through the memories of the people who use it. This is why UP alumni can wax nostalgic about a particular hall, a concrete walkway, a tambayan, or even a single tree. These places feature prominently in their memories of UP, and these memories hold a certain power. Generations of human memories imbue these places with spirit. And through their connection to these places, people who might otherwise have very little in common find a sense of identity, of belonging, and of community. Freedom of mind There is, however, another way we can help enhance a spirit of place, and that is to simply be mindful of it. And to be mindful as well of the consequences of our actions upon it. “People tend to be absorbed in their own daily tasks that they forget their other obligation as a member of the community,” says Junyee. “We all have a responsibility not just to maintain our place and community but to enhance it.” How do we enhance a place? “For me, enhancement is more about freedom of mind, because without freedom of mind, you cannot create beautiful things, you cannot invent things that will benefit the community,” Junyee replies. This is wonderful advice for artists and innovators, but even ordinary people have a duty to enhance the place we live in simply by doing what we do to the best of our ability, all the time, seeking to add to the beauty around us through deliberate, conscious and compassionate action. And why is this? Junyee’s answer is simple: “Because it might be the last thing you will do in your life.” And therein lies the spirit of a person—a perfect reflection of the spirit of our beloved UP campus. ——————– Email the author at upforum@up.edu.ph.
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https://up.edu.ph/up-broadens-its-horizons/
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UP Broadens Its Horizons – University of the Philippines
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UP Broadens Its Horizons UP Broadens Its Horizons July 25, 2017 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc While everyone wants a UP in his or her own backyard—the System now has eight constituent universities spread around the country from Baguio to Davao—the national university clearly can’t be as national as it could possibly be, given its limited resources. That said, it’s done its best to serve as many corners of the archipelago as it reasonably could, without compromising the high standards of teaching it’s been known for. Thus were established campuses to serve the major island groups of Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and recently, cyberspace. UP was born in Manila in 1908, but that main campus was soon followed by others in Diliman, which then mothered campuses in Baguio City, Olongapo City, and Clark, Pampanga. UP Visayas comprised campuses in Cebu City, Iloilo City, Miag-ao, and Tacloban (UP Cebu is now on its own). UP Mindanao and the UP Open University were both established in 1995. (While “campus” refers to the physical locale, a “constituent university” or CU can cover several campuses.) These CUs and campuses were designed to meet the particular needs of their region. For example, UP Visayas developed fisheries and ocean sciences to serve the major livelihoods of the island group; UP Mindanao developed agricultural supply chain management to facilitate the island’s massive agricultural activity; and UP Baguio developed indigenous studies to document indigenous culture in the Cordilleras. UP has of course also expanded the basis of academic specialization, as in the case of UP Los Baños, which was established to focus on agriculture, forestry and veterinary medicine, and UP Manila in the health sciences. UP Manila then began establishing schools on a geographical basis to provide health skills where they were lacking. Thus, the schools of health sciences in the remote areas of Baler, Aurora in Luzon; Palo, Leyte in the Visayas; and Koronadal City, South Cotabato in Mindanao. Recently, with the mandate to aid in national economic development now explicitly in its charter, UP set out to focus on key development areas expected to be growth catalysts through innovations in the professions and in industry. And so the UP Professional Schools were established in Bonifacio Global City and UP Cebu’s campus in the city’s South Road Properties (SRP). Both locations are hubs of booming industries and economic activities with a national economic impact. Either in the final stages of planning or in initial stages of operation are campuses in Vista City in southern Metro Manila; the Agriya agricultural city in Panabo, Davao del Norte; and Clark Green City in Pampanga—all being built under the same academe-industry-community framework for national development. The new campus being built in Sta. Elena, Tacloban City will serve as a relocation site for the UP VisayasTacloban College and the UP Manila School of Health Sciences in Palo, Leyte, offering a safer place than their current locations, where they were laid to waste by Super Typhoon Yolanda. But it will benefit from design and planning guidelines crafted by the University. The UP Professional Schools at Bonifacio Global City. Photo by UP MPRO. UP Vista City UP Vista City is in the center of the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) industry growth area and its “technology ecosystems.” The UP campus hopes to fill the gap in knowledge capital necessary to catalyze an “ecology” for technology development in the area, says Dr. Aura Matias, the chair of the technical working group developing the campus and former dean of the UP Diliman College of Engineering. The campus is envisioned as the innovation campus of UP. Its curricular and technology business incubation offerings will be suited to the needs of the industrial complexes in the area, particularly the need to level up to local demand and global competition. The campus began its first phase with the inauguration of its “seed” facility at the Evia Lifestyle Center, Las Piñas on January 27, 2017. Called the UP @Lab Innovation Hub, donated by Vista Land and Lifescapes Inc. of the Villar family, it offers working spaces to start-up technopreneurs and facilitates their linkage with industry and markets. At least four locators were introduced during the inauguration. The innovation hub was established to attract and employ prospective engineering graduate students through technology business start-ups. They can take technology entrepreneurship and design engineering courses in the initial academic zone to be built for the new campus. In this zone, the campus will offer a Professional Engineering and Science master’s program, the first of its kind in the country. The technical working group consists of experts from the UP Diliman College of Engineering and Vista Land and Lifescapes Inc. It is supported by the Department of Science and Technology, USAID-STRIDE, the UP College of Business Administration Alumni Association, and industry partners. UP Agriya UP, Anflo Management and Investment Corp. (Anflocor) and its affiliate DamosaLand Inc. (DLI) formally entered into a contract on January 30, 2017 to establish the UP Professional School for Agriculture and the Environment (UP PSAE), an extension of UP Los Baños, in the Agriya mixed-use development area of Panabo City, Davao del Norte. According to the MOA, Anflocor will donate more than three hectares of land, buildings, and facilities to UP, which will offer UPLB graduate courses and short courses through the school. Initially, starting academic year 2017-2018, UPLB faculty will have to fly back and forth between UPLB and Mindanao to teach. The residential phase—when the school will have its own faculty and staff to offer course—is expected to begin in six years. The UPLB Graduate School and the College of Agriculture are already conducting an off-campus MS Entomology program at the Anflocor Corporate Center in Davao City. The UPLB College of Public Affairs and Development is also offering a PhD in Development Studies program in UP Mindanao in Mintal. With its huge agricultural, fishery, and forestry output, which has gained brighter prospects with new infrastructure and access to ASEAN, Mindanao could use expertise that can be provided by UPLB to manage growth and make it inclusive. According to the project concept paper, accredited postgraduate programs in Mindanao schools comprise mainly basic sciences and engineering. UP PSAE will help address the need for master’s and doctoral programs more focused on agriculture and environmental science. Initially, these will include Master of Science programs in Agricultural Economics, Agronomy, Animal Science, Development Communication, Entomology, Environmental Science, Food Science, Forestry (Wood Science and Technology), Horticulture, Plant Breeding, and Plant Pathology; Master of Management in Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship; Master of Forestry (Forest Resource Management), and Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies. The industry demands of the area, together with enrolment data, will be studied further to tailor-fit future education, research, and extension offerings of the professional school. UP CGC Construction of the Clark Green City (CGC) formally started with the ground-breaking ceremony on April 11, 2016, and UP, through a campus in the master-planned community, is expected to build up human capital to drive the city and Region III’s growth. According to former UP President Alfredo Pascual, the UP-CGC campus will implement innovations in education crafted by top world universities, consisting of harmonizing disciplines and seamless academe-government-industry collaboration, in order to build human capital for the country’s development. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), National University of Singapore (NUS), and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have innovative academic and research programs that integrate various disciplines such as health sciences, environmental sciences, public policy, resource systems, engineering, business and management, Pascual said. The UP Board of Regents approved the memorandum of agreement between UP and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the developer of CGC, on July 22, 2015, through which BCDA allocates 70 hectares in CGC for the use of the University. If plans push through, UP-CGC will offer one undergraduate Liberal Arts program and professional masters programs in Health Management, Sustainability Science, and Structural Analytics, under a College of Human Sciences, a College of the Natural Environment, and a College of Designed Environments. UP is also planning to broaden its internationalization efforts in CGC through joint programs with top universities in the world, similar to what other national universities in ASEAN countries are doing. They enrich academic offerings through joint degree programs, attract international students, promote faculty exchanges, and facilitate collaborative research. BCDA envisions the 9,450-hectare Clark Green City as a modern metropolis with mixed residential, commercial, agro-industrial, institutional and information technology development, as well as a community of residents, workers and business establishments within a balanced, healthy, and safe environment. All expansion projects of UP are coordinated with the Office of Design and Planning Initiatives under the Office of the Vice President for Development. It is tasked with formulating Master Development Plans for UP System properties and the different CUs, define the distinctive UP character that will be integrated into buildings and landscapes to be designed and constructed within University premises, ensure efficient use of facilities, and move towards the realization of green sources of energy, among others. ——————– Email the author at upforum@up.edu.ph.
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https://up.edu.ph/cebu-init-shows-the-way/
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CeBu InIT Shows the Way – University of the Philippines
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CeBu InIT Shows the Way CeBu InIT Shows the Way May 4, 2018 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc The signs were up in Cebu: the site of the starry careers of design artists such as Kenneth Cobonpue and Monique Lhuillier; recognition from the British Council as a Philippine creative capital, and a local business community eager to adopt creativity as anthem. The University of the Philippines (UP) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) had responded to these signs as early as the first decade of the 21st century. They felt they should be contributing to the economic boom. The creative industries were an obvious niche that technology businesses could boost. Cebu was ripe for DOST’s technology business incubation program. And soon enough, the UP Cebu Business Incubator for Information Technology (UP CeBu InIT) was in operation, actively seeking out potential start-ups in schools and creative communities. Established in 2010 by UP and DOST, it embarked on an aggressive marketing campaign beyond the confines of the campus in 2011 to encourage potential locators from Region VII or Central Visayas, where Cebu is right at the center. The facility located on the third and fourth floors of UP Cebu’s Arts and Sciences building achieved full occupancy within the same year, dominated by start-ups from outside the campus. UP CeBu InIT Project Leader Jason Nieva and Manager Jeffrey Montecillos with the TBI staff members. (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO) Hotbed of creative technology The hype was real: Cebu, and the region, was indeed a hotbed of emergent creative technology entrepreneurs. In six years, UP CeBu InIT has nurtured 62 technology start-ups, half of which have already graduated. In technology business incubator (TBI) terms, graduation means being able to locate elsewhere on commercial rates and to pay their employees. “Incubatees—whether resident or virtual—access our mentorship, consultations, training, venture financing, referrals, intellectual property services, etc.,” says UP Cebu TBI manager Jeffrey Montecillos. “There are times when they would feel ready and voluntarily leave. But what we do is conduct our usual audit and advise them if indeed they are ready to move out, or if we feel they still have phases they need to improve. But we don’t stop them from leaving. Of course, the space and services could be offered to other start-ups,” Montecillos adds. After six years at full capacity with this graduation rate, UP CeBu InIT is not only an affirmation of the region’s creative technology entrepreneurship potentials, but of the technology business incubation strategy: that indeed, the government and academe partnership can survive and sustainably launch small technology companies into business. DOST had been supporting TBIs all over the country since the turn of the century, but had had to manage expectations. A first batch of six TBIs preceded UP CeBu InIT. They included the UP-Ayala TBI in UP Diliman, which have since been taken over by the private firm. Three simply became common service facilities, while one was phased out. What could have gone right for UP CeBu InIT, which belongs to the second generation of DOST-supported TBIs? Montecillos says he could point to its openness to the region’s talents as the only thing the UP Cebu TBI must have done differently. Whatever, it has been recognized by DOST as a benchmark. Open to regional talents, self-sustaining Montecillos says that DOST chose it among the TBIs to host the first summit of TBIs in the country late last year because of that status. He adds that DOST was particularly glad about UP Cebu InIT’s sustainability. Like half of its locators, the facility has become self-sustaining. It weaned itself from maternal support in 2013, three years after its birth. “After being funded by DOST, we now operate on our own, using our revenue to cover our operating expenses. And since the TBI was set up until now, it has never had to rely on the UP Cebu budget,” Montecillos says. “In two years we were funded by DOST, before the end of the program, we saved a net income of P1.2 million. We used that to start our revolving fund.” He adds that “Of the second generation of TBIs, we are the only one who really developed an operations manual, which we improve now and then.” UP CeBu InIT is able to offset its low rates with full occupancy. Achieving this enables it to do what it sets out to do. Technology start-ups get to enjoy student talents from UP and across other educational institutions as far as Cotabato and Surigao hired by UP CeBu InIT for on-the-job training (OJT). They enjoy the nurturing mentorship of UP technology transfer and business development experts. Physical locators at the UP CeBu InIT facilities at the UP Cebu Arts and Sciences Building. (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO) UP CeBu InIT has even gone beyond nurturing start-ups to actively creating start-ups. “We are piloting a program for UP Cebu students. It is supposed to be interdisciplinary. Coordinated with the faculty, we grouped students from Management, Design, and Computer Science in 10 teams. We piloted the program together with Cebu South Bus Terminal and Cebu Ports Authority. We sent the students there to do research on problems and develop applications to solve these problems,” Montecillos says. “We are very happy that they have expressed an intent to pursue three of the students’ programs.” Montecillos says they can apply this strategy in forming start-ups with other universities. In his mind, lessons such as this should be shared. He knows firsthand the value of openness and going beyond UP. It was openness that led to his UP stint. He is not from Cebu but Iloilo, a graduate of STI College, an outsider now contributing to the success of UP Cebu and the region it serves through his marketing expertise. He thanks UP for letting him into the team and to be of service. And he considers the Gawad Pangulo for Excellence in Public Service given to the UP CeBu InIT an affirmation of why he continues to serve. The award affirmed UP CeBu InIT’s policy of openness so it could better serve locators from UP and from across the region; students in need of venues for professional, artistic growth, and entrepreneurship training; and UP and other TBIs as possible models for a business development strategy that’s still in its infancy in the Philippines.
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https://up.edu.ph/art-blooms-in-up-baguio/
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Art Blooms in UP Baguio – University of the Philippines
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Art Blooms in UP Baguio Art Blooms in UP Baguio May 4, 2018 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta In October 2017, Baguio City, already known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, earned a new title when it became one of 64 cities around the world designated as UNESCO Creative Cities. It was a recognition that the UP Baguio Office of the Chancellor, representing Baguio City’s academic sector, helped secure. UP Baguio’s commitment to promoting art and culture in Baguio City is hardly a surprise, as UP’s constituent university in the north has been doing exactly that for the past 30 years, and perhaps for even longer than that. The UP Baguio Summer Arts Extension Program (UPB-SAEP) began on April 18, 1988 as the Summer Arts Festival, which took place in the campus of then UP College Baguio (UPCB). “And when we say festival, consider the magnitude of it,” recalls Dr. Elizabeth Calinawagan, dean of the UP Baguio College of Arts and Communication, who headed the Summer Arts Program for years. Back when the UPCB was under UP Diliman, and with funding provided by the UP President’s Committee for Culture and the Arts, UP Baguio annually opened its gates to the inhabitants of the city and the nearby provinces for the month-long Baguio Summer Arts Festival. The event featured a wide variety of art workshops for children and even adults, musical and theatrical performances by guest performers and groups, distinguished artists and musicians from around the country and even abroad who would facilitate workshops, food fairs, and arts and crafts fairs. In short, the much-anticipated summer event organized by the then UPCB Division of Humanities was a celebration of every artistic endeavor, from the traditional to indigenous to the modern. Dean Calinawagan even recalls partnering with the University of Baguio in holding the Summer Arts Festival. The Summer Arts Festival was, in turn, inspired by an even older tradition. According to an article in the program for the 1990 Baguio Summer Arts Festival, the event was “also in truth a revival of UPCB’s annual sponsorship and hosting of the National Arts Festival from the ‘60s and ‘70s.” The political upheavals of the ‘70s eventually ended the National Arts Festival, but when then UPCB Dean Patricio Lazaro encouraged the revival of the Summer Arts Festival in 1988, he intended “to make these activities truly of service to the community at large” and “to promote the development of cultural work and activities [in the Cordillera and] in Northern Luzon.” A child molding clay during the 2017 UP Baguio Summer Arts Festival. (Photo from the UP Baguio Summer Arts Program Facebook page) The healing power of the arts came to the fore after the 1990, the year the Luzon earthquake struck. Despite the devastation, the UPCB decided to continue holding the summer art workshops for the children of the UPCB community and the stricken Baguio City. The art was therapeutic for the children, who expressed their emotions through their drawings and artistic forays, recalled Prof. Io Jularbal, Chair of the UP Baguio Committee of Culture and the Arts (CCA) and head of the Program for Indigenous Cultures, in a panel interview with Ms. Czarina Calinawagan, committee member of the CCA and Summer Arts Program, and Ms. Jhoan Medrano, coordinator of the UP Baguio Summer Arts Program 2018. Fortunes shifted for the Baguio Summer Arts Extension Program in 2002, when UP Baguio was elevated to a constituent university. Without funding from the PCCA, a full-blown festival could not be sustained, but the UP Baguio College of Arts and Communication maintained the art workshops under the Summer Arts Extension Program in partnership with the UPB-CCA. “We were able to sustain it, even with the little earnings that came in,” says Dean Calinawagan. “It’s really not a business, anyway. It’s a service, so we charge only enough to sustain the program.” While some workshops were offered for free, others had a minimum registration fee. What little the UPB-CAC earned from those was usually given as honorarium to the facilitator, although some of the guest artists who served as facilitators were perfectly willing to share their knowledge free of charge. “There are those who believe in our advocacy, in the spirit of extension work.” UP’s academic calendar shift posed new challenges for the program, as UP’s “summer” break shifted to June to August. Last year, the UPB-SAEP organizers tried out a new schedule, spacing the workshops over a series of Saturdays instead of an entire week. It did not work out as planned, however. “We had fewer enrollees,” Medrano says. “The gap between workshops was too long to sustain the children’s enthusiasm.” Taking this as valuable feedback, they redrew the schedule for the 2018 SAEP for a week in April, May, and hopefully June. Since 1988, the workshops and programs UP Baguio offered for children, teenagers and adults grew in number and scope. Some of the notable programs include: advanced acrylic painting; art appreciation; basic drawing and cartooning; basic animation; basic broadcasting for teens; basic acting; community-based creative writing and arts; Cordillera music and dance; dance and musical instruments; documentary filming and showcase; debate and argumentation; humanities workshops for both students and teachers; new and advanced journalism and creative writing methods; language teacher education and curriculum development as well as materials and aids advancement for teachers; mask-making; doodling; mobile photography; oil painting; poetry and script writing; portraiture; still-life, figure and advanced drawing; rubber-stamp workshop; terracotta sculpture; toy-making; traditional arts; even pop-singing, musical theater and street theater. A child painting at an easle during the 2017 UP Baguio Summer Arts Festival. (Photo from the UP Baguio Summer Arts Program Facebook page) With such a varied array of choices, it is no wonder that the UPB-SAEP is such an anticipated event for the parents and children of Baguio City. For two to four weeks in April and May, children of all ages would come to the campus to attend these workshops. UPB arts and humanities faculty, and established artists, writers, musicians and theater performers from Baguio City and around the country serve as facilitators. UP Baguio has also brought the art workshops to the communities and provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region as an accessible and affordable means to promote artistic and cultural expression and education among the children and teachers in places such as Sagada, Mt. Province, Kiangan, Ifugao, and Laoag, Ilocos Norte. And for many parents within the UP Baguio community and Baguio City itself, the UPB-SAEP has become a long-standing tradition. In fact, many children of UP Baguio faculty and staff benefitted from the workshops. Some grew up to become UP Baguio faculty themselves. A case in point is Czarina Calinawagan, daughter of Dean Calinawagan, a proud alumna of many a workshop in her childhood. It is also a trendsetter in Baguio City. “Other organizations now are offering their own summer arts workshops, which are patterned after ours,” says Jularbal. As noted in a paper submitted during the run-up to the UP Gawad Pangulo for Excellence in Public Service, which the UPB-SAEP won as one of eight top public service programs in UP: “The reinvigoration of cultural life on campus is one of the SAEP’s initial priorities since its creation. This would pave the way for the program to become the cornerstone of UPB’s aspiration of being the center of Arts and Culture in the region. So far, the revitalization… of culture and arts has been gradually achieved. UP Baguio is also recognized as a hub for arts and cultural learning by different academic and community oriented institutions in the region.”
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https://up.edu.ph/looking-back-at-the-up-diliman-ugnayan-ng-pahinungod/
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Looking Back at the UP Diliman Ugnayan ng Pahinungod – University of the Philippines
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Looking Back at the UP Diliman Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Looking Back at the UP Diliman Ugnayan ng Pahinungod May 4, 2018 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta Over two decades ago, UP pioneered the country’s first university-based formal volunteer service program. The program merged from a study conducted by Dr. Maria Luisa Doronila and Dr. Ledivina Cariño that looked into how much value UP students ascribed to social commitment—essentially asking, “Has UP lost its soul?” The response to that study was the creation on February 28, 1994 of the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod/Oblation Corps. The Pahinungod Program is a legacy of UP President Emil Q. Javier’s administration. The autonomous universities under the UP System had Pahinungod offices under the UP System Pahinungod, which had Dr. Cariño of the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance as the first Director, followed by Dr. Grace Aguiling-Dalisay of the Department of Psychology, UP College of Social Sciences and Philosophy. UP Diliman Academic Oval. (Photo by Arlyn VCD Romualdo, UP MPRO) In his article published in Social Science Diliman in December 2011 titled “Empowering the Youth Through Voluntarism: University of the Philippines Graduates as Volunteer Teachers,” Dr. Neil Martial Santillan wrote: “The first five years of Pahinungod saw the implementation of a multitude of programs with support from students, staff, and faculty of the different UP campuses—medical missions coupled with training of community-based health professionals and seminars on basic health care; relief and rehabilitation work in calamity-stricken areas; programs empowering farmers as agricultural scientists; summer immersion programs for students to gain insights directly from the community; service learning as an instructional method; peer counseling; ecology camps; training workshops for teachers on updated pedagogical skills; examination for students in the provinces underrepresented in UP (affirmative action program), and deployment of graduates as volunteer teachers in remote areas (Gurong Pahinungod).” As the UP administration changed, priorities shifted as well, leading to a change in fortunes for the UP System Pahinungod. After UP President Javier’s time, a devolution policy allowed the now UP constituent units to decide whether or not to continue the Pahinungod Program. UP Manila, UPLB, and UP Visayas all chose to retain the program in their own ways. The UP Diliman Pahinungod, however, was dissolved, and the task of providing avenues for volunteerism were transferred to the colleges’ extension service initiatives, coordinated by the UP Diliman Office of Extension Coordination. Here, the people who served as Directors of the UP Diliman Pahinungod look back on their experiences, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they learned about the spirit of volunteerism and the blossoming of UP’s soul. Dr. Oscar P. Ferrer Professor, Department of Community Development UP College of Social Work and Community Development How did you get started at the UP Diliman Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, and what was it like? I was the first director of the Diliman Pahinungod. We set it up together—Ma’am Ledy Carino as System Director, and all the different directors—based on UP President Javier’s “UP in Service to the Nation.” Each campus put its own spin on the programs. In UPLB, their clientele was mostly farmers, so the programs are directed toward farmers and agriculture. In Manila, they were more into medical missions. In the Visayas, both students and faculty focused on their extension programs. In Diliman, there were plenty of options; it all depended on the discipline. For instance, Home Economics would focus on food and nutrition, so we would bring the HE volunteers to communities so they can provide daycare tutorials or feeding sessions. We directed volunteers from the College of Arts and Letters toward conducting tutorials for students in the grassroots. The others, we brought to shelter houses, orphanages and nursing homes for senior citizens as the DSWD directed. Since I come from the College of Social Work and Community Development, I brought the volunteers to the grassroots communities, like the Aetas. The Aeta communities needed rebuilding after the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption. You had to reforest the areas covered by lahar, so we had environmental programs where we collected seedlings from Mt. Makiling, and brought them to the Aetas’ areas to plant. Today, the Aetas communities have become green again. We had resettlement programs in Zambales. I even brought President Javier to the Aeta communities, and we could see his passion for this work in the way he would get teary-eyed during the sharing sessions with the Aetas. We conducted the Affirmative Action Program, holding UPCAT reviews for high school students in the 20 poorest provinces, so their population would be more represented in the University. We had UPCAT reviews from Baler to Kidapawan. There were so many programs for volunteer work. In terms of drawing people in to volunteer, two things were important. Most of them wanted a meaningful, creative expression of what it is to be an iskolar ng bayan, but until the Pahinungod there was no institution that tapped that overflowing energy to volunteer, to serve, to reach out. We even had prison volunteer work, which Ma’am Grace Dalisay continued. People were saying that UP had “lost its soul.” This was in 1994. The time for the heading-to-the-mountains activism was over, and commentators were claiming that UP had lost its soul. So President Javier decided that there had to be a visible expression of UP’s support for government and the other stakeholders in nation-building, and the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod was created. We got in touch with other volunteer agencies such as the Philippine National Volunteers Service Coordinating Agency and the Jesuit Volunteer Program, and we looked into how we could institutionalize it. We easily received funding. As President Javier used to say, it’s easy to ask for money from Congress when you say the money is for extension services. When you say it’s for research, they hardly give any, but when it comes to extension services for the communities, the congressmen are very willing to give. There was never a lack of volunteers? Never. From the moment we announced it, faculty and student volunteers would come. They would line up for training and orientation until our office resembled a marketplace. Then we would hold monthly sharing sessions to conduct psycho-social processing for the volunteers. There is an overflowing desire to serve, in any way or expression, as long as someone is there to affirm it, to acknowledge it, and to make them feel that they belong in a volunteer group. What were the challenges you faced during your time as Diliman Pahinungod Director? There were organizational challenges, such as tension among the autonomous units, and the politics behind the institutions where one official would focus on public service, the other on science and technology. In our processing and gathering activities, I would get caught in between. But in hindsight, these were all positive in the long run, because on one hand, the Science Complex was conceptualized, and on the other hand, the idea of “service to the people” also took root. So now, UP is both a graduate and research university, and a public service university. The contradictions strengthened our thrusts, creating balance. In terms of programs for the volunteers, the challenge was where to take the volunteers after their volunteer work. What was the next step in their career path if they are doing volunteer work? Because you have to nurture your volunteers; you have to help them level up. That is what I learned from a seminar-conference on the management of volunteer organizations that I attended in Israel. They need continuity. And another thing, you want your volunteerism to be rooted in culture. This is another insight from the research we conducted: the Pahinungod is culturally-based. For Filipinos, almost every task is volunteer work. They help their kapwa because that is the essence of bayanihan, of communalism. So you need to nurture and institutionalize that. If the spirit of volunteerism or the bayanihan attitude is present in every region, how do you harness that cultural potential of the people? Oblation at sunset by Celeste Ann L. Castillo, UP MPRO As a professor at the CSWCD, what principles in community development did you apply to your directorship of the Diliman Pahinungod? From my discipline, I took organizing work, collective effort, participatory development and starting where the people are, and applied it to Pahinungod. You have to start with what the people in the community need. You can’t just go to a community devastated by a typhoon and hand them relief goods in the form of discarded clothes and expired cans of sardines. That’s demeaning. My discipline teaches the need for us to respond to the needs of the people. It must be needs-based. We teach this to our volunteers as one aspect of how we treat our communities. We don’t call them disaster victims. We call them survivors. Another discipline I brought into play is organizing work—community-based of course, which is my field. I tapped all our partner communities for volunteer work, where we could deploy volunteers and match their time and potential to the volunteer work needed, to maximize the psychic reward. What have you learned from your experiences in Pahinungod that has enriched your teaching? We have our volunteers document their experiences in reflection papers, so that they can serve as teaching materials for the classroom. So it’s a win-win deal. You served the community, and you also support our academic endeavors through your experience. Is there a chance that the UP Diliman Pahinungod would be revived? The approach must be top-down. If the BOR says it must be so, everyone will follow. It’s easier if it’s top-down. The original study on “Has UP lost its soul?” was conducted over two decades ago. What about the UP students of today, who belong to the millennial generation? That’s one thing we need to do research on. We need to brainstorm on how to tap the energies of the millennials, because their energies are different. With the social media revolution, they lack social skills and competence when it comes to face-to-face interactions. They communicate mostly online. We need to do research on how we can tap their energies with available information technology to really bring out their potentials. We need to do an assessment or evaluation on their potential for volunteerism, on what they can share with the vulnerable, to those in need, to the underserved.
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https://up.edu.ph/looking-back-at-the-up-diliman-ugnayan-ng-pahinungod-2/
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Looking Back at the UP Diliman Ugnayan ng Pahinungod – University of the Philippines
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Looking Back at the UP Diliman Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Looking Back at the UP Diliman Ugnayan ng Pahinungod May 4, 2018 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta Over two decades ago, UP pioneered the country’s first university-based formal volunteer service program. The program merged from a study conducted by Dr. Maria Luisa Doronila and Dr. Ledivina Cariño that looked into how much value UP students ascribed to social commitment—essentially asking, “Has UP lost its soul?” The response to that study was the creation on February 28, 1994 of the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod/Oblation Corps. The Pahinungod Program is a legacy of UP President Emil Q. Javier’s administration. The autonomous universities under the UP System had Pahinungod offices under the UP System Pahinungod, which had Dr. Cariño of the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance as the first Director, followed by Dr. Grace Aguiling-Dalisay of the Department of Psychology, UP College of Social Sciences and Philosophy. UP Diliman Academic Oval. (Photo by Arlyn VCD Romualdo, UP MPRO) In his article published in Social Science Diliman in December 2011 titled “Empowering the Youth Through Voluntarism: University of the Philippines Graduates as Volunteer Teachers,” Dr. Neil Martial Santillan wrote: “The first five years of Pahinungod saw the implementation of a multitude of programs with support from students, staff, and faculty of the different UP campuses—medical missions coupled with training of community-based health professionals and seminars on basic health care; relief and rehabilitation work in calamity-stricken areas; programs empowering farmers as agricultural scientists; summer immersion programs for students to gain insights directly from the community; service learning as an instructional method; peer counseling; ecology camps; training workshops for teachers on updated pedagogical skills; examination for students in the provinces underrepresented in UP (affirmative action program), and deployment of graduates as volunteer teachers in remote areas (Gurong Pahinungod).” As the UP administration changed, priorities shifted as well, leading to a change in fortunes for the UP System Pahinungod. After UP President Javier’s time, a devolution policy allowed the now UP constituent units to decide whether or not to continue the Pahinungod Program. UP Manila, UPLB, and UP Visayas all chose to retain the program in their own ways. The UP Diliman Pahinungod, however, was dissolved, and the task of providing avenues for volunteerism were transferred to the colleges’ extension service initiatives, coordinated by the UP Diliman Office of Extension Coordination. Here, the people who served as Directors of the UP Diliman Pahinungod look back on their experiences, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they learned about the spirit of volunteerism and the blossoming of UP’s soul. Dr. Grace H. Aguiling-Dalisay Professor, Department of Psychology Former Director, UP Diliman Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Former Director, UP System Ugnayan ng Pahinungod How did you get started at the UP Diliman Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, and what was it like? I started off as director for UP Pahinungod Diliman, succeeding Dr. Ferrer. It was the late Dr. Cariño who sweet-talked me into accepting the post, but somewhere along the way, Ledy went back to her college, the NCPAG, so the System Director post was vacant. So I took it on, and for maybe a year, while we looked for a Diliman Pahinungod Director, I was director for both. Then when Dr. De Villa accepted the post of Diliman director, I was able to leave Diliman and concentrate on the System. How did you get into volunteer work? From childhood, because my parents ran a community school, we were always open to these types of activities. As we were growing up, the idea of volunteering was really part of the way we lived. When I was in high school from 1969 to 1973, I was part of the student council. It was the time of martial law so you can imagine what it was like, but I was in an all-girls’ school that had very liberal ideas, so that also fostered the idea of service. Volunteering with organizations was really part of my life. However, the difference was that Pahinungod was a formal volunteer organization. This is why when I was asked to serve as Pahinungod Director, things fell into place, because as a psychologist, one of my areas is Filipino psychology, which is a liberating psychology. It focuses on kapwa; it’s wanting to serve Filipinos. In Sikolohiyang Filipino, we want Psychology to serve the needs of the majority of Filipinos, and focus on Filipino thought processes, aspirations, the psyche, and relations with others. How did Pahinungod operate as a formal volunteer organization? This meant that we had to run things like any other organization. We needed a vision-mission-goals, we needed programs, we needed to clarify what the programs are for, how to ensure that the programs are well-run, how well volunteers are trained. There is a formal process of screening and testing, because then, as now, the thinking is that it’s important to do good, but good intent alone is insufficient. As corporate social responsibility programs or business volunteering programs would say, you have to do good and you have to do it well. It’s important for people to be clear about what is expected from them, what they want to do, to behave accordingly, and to know what the entire program is for so that you don’t go there with a messianic view—I’m from UP, I’m so great, I want to save you. It’s really about finding out what is needed, and which of those needs can we meet. That’s also why we had the widespread programs, because we wanted programs that would match the skills of different people. We didn’t want to turn away volunteers, because the ideal is that you always have something that you can offer. There was never a problem with recruiting volunteers? Never. Of course, they had different reasons to volunteer; that’s part of the volunteering landscape. What’s important is the volunteering behavior and the desire to serve the community. It’s really wanting to help out and making sure that there’s a match between the community’s need and the ability of the Pahinungod to fill that need. How does volunteering benefit the volunteers? I think volunteering lets people look beyond themselves, so instead of thinking about your problems and how complicated life is, you get a chance to engage in positive change. People can see that each one could make a difference, each one can contribute to making the transformation happen, and in the process transform one’s self together with the communities. Instead of the abstract desire of “I want to do good,” concretely, what good can you do? What challenges did you face as both System and Diliman Director? These are two different times—the time of President Javier, where he was all for it, and the time after when Pahinungod was not regarded in the same way. It makes a lot of difference. Volunteer organizations would say you need the “buy-in.” You need the top person to support the group. So I think the success of Pahinungod during the term of President Javier was to a very large extent because he supported it. Later on, with the change in administration, the challenge became how to convince people of the value of the Pahinungod. When I was Diliman Director, the challenge was to come up with more creative programs, because there was a huge demand. We had to think of other programs so we didn’t have to turn people away. You can’t have only five programs when you have a thousand or even two thousand wanting to get in. It really was something that people were interested in. After your stint at the Pahinungod, you were Founding President of the Volunteer Organizations Information Coordination and Exchange (VOICE) Network in 2001. You are also Chair of the Philippine Coalition for Volunteerism (PhilCV), and you were International Board Director of the Voluntary Service Overseas. Are there any lessons from your Pahinungod days that you carried over to your work with other volunteer organizations? Oh, definitely. A lot. Basically, I credit Pahinungod for my belief in the importance of organized volunteerism. This is what got me started in formal volunteering, in the belief that we can do more together, be more effective if we plan together and undertake an endeavor collectively. The other thing is that volunteer management systems are important if you want to succeed. When we asked some volunteers, they said that when they sign up for a formal volunteering opportunity, they look at organizations that would allow them to contribute what they have to the community, and that usually means that the organization is well run. Perhaps one of the reasons the Pahinungod was so successful was that it was a well-oiled organization. It had its priority programs, its values were clear, and it was well-resourced. You need resources to make an organization run; that’s also another thing that’s important. Oblation at sunset by Celeste Ann L. Castillo, UP MPRO How have your Pahinungod and volunteerism experiences enriched your profession as a psychologist? Professionally, I would say it’s been an area where I have worked in for the longest time. It’s been my area of interest, looking at the importance of engaged research work and community engagement, which is something I value. I’ve been asked to do talks about social involvement, the responsibilities of the academe beyond teaching. As a faculty, I think one of the things I’ve incorporated it is service-learning. Even in the graduate level, I give my grad students in certain classes an option to do service-learning, where they use what they learned in class to serve certain groups. I also put up an Office for Service Learning and Outreach-Pahinungod at the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy when I became Dean in 2014. For me, it has been a continuing journey to try to look at different ways by which I can highlight the importance of volunteering. How different would the volunteering landscape be for the students of the 1990s and the generations of students today? Well, there’s no data to draw from right now. Maybe it’s time to do that study again. One of the things that’s said about millennials is that they value engagement. It’s just that maybe the way they do it is different. So I think the challenge would be how to find a way to engage the different age groups in volunteer activity. Currently, in the volunteer organizations we have, we’re trying to address this by looking at the different forms of volunteering. There are certain volunteer groups now that are really techie groups. They volunteer to do your network, and for these young people, that’s child’s play. There are some groups that offer that kind of service to the other organizations that may be run by older people. It’s just breaking out of the traditional forms of volunteering. We all have different skills and interests, so I think regardless of age, there are ways and opportunities to get people involved. So don’t be afraid of volunteering, because the reach and form of volunteering is as limitless as the imagination.
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https://up.edu.ph/looking-back-at-the-up-diliman-ugnayan-ng-pahinungod-3/
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Looking Back at the UP Diliman Ugnayan ng Pahinungod – University of the Philippines
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Looking Back at the UP Diliman Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Looking Back at the UP Diliman Ugnayan ng Pahinungod May 7, 2018 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta Over two decades ago, UP pioneered the country’s first university-based formal volunteer service program. The program merged from a study conducted by Dr. Maria Luisa Doronila and Dr. Ledivina Cariño that looked into how much value UP students ascribed to social commitment—essentially asking, “Has UP lost its soul?” The response to that study was the creation on February 28, 1994 of the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod/Oblation Corps. The Pahinungod Program is a legacy of UP President Emil Q. Javier’s administration. The autonomous universities under the UP System had Pahinungod offices under the UP System Pahinungod, which had Dr. Cariño of the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance as the first Director, followed by Dr. Grace Aguiling-Dalisay of the Department of Psychology, UP College of Social Sciences and Philosophy. UP Diliman Academic Oval. (Photo by Arlyn VCD Romualdo, UP MPRO) In his article published in Social Science Diliman in December 2011 titled “Empowering the Youth Through Voluntarism: University of the Philippines Graduates as Volunteer Teachers,” Dr. Neil Martial Santillan wrote: “The first five years of Pahinungod saw the implementation of a multitude of programs with support from students, staff, and faculty of the different UP campuses—medical missions coupled with training of community-based health professionals and seminars on basic health care; relief and rehabilitation work in calamity-stricken areas; programs empowering farmers as agricultural scientists; summer immersion programs for students to gain insights directly from the community; service learning as an instructional method; peer counseling; ecology camps; training workshops for teachers on updated pedagogical skills; examination for students in the provinces underrepresented in UP (affirmative action program), and deployment of graduates as volunteer teachers in remote areas (Gurong Pahinungod).” As the UP administration changed, priorities shifted as well, leading to a change in fortunes for the UP System Pahinungod. After UP President Javier’s time, a devolution policy allowed the now UP constituent units to decide whether or not to continue the Pahinungod Program. UP Manila, UPLB, and UP Visayas all chose to retain the program in their own ways. The UP Diliman Pahinungod, however, was dissolved, and the task of providing avenues for volunteerism were transferred to the colleges’ extension service initiatives, coordinated by the UP Diliman Office of Extension Coordination. Here, the people who served as Directors of the UP Diliman Pahinungod look back on their experiences, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they learned about the spirit of volunteerism and the blossoming of UP’s soul. Dr. Ma. Theresa L. de Villa Professor of Education and Former Principal, UP Integrated School Former Dean, Faculty of Education, UP Open University Former Director, UP Diliman Ugnayan ng Pahinungod How did you get into volunteering? I was with a group back in the 1980s to mid-1990s. It was called the Education Forum, an arm of the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines. The volunteers were teachers from public and private schools. We would hold seminar workshops to enrich the curriculum—not only strategies but content as well—because we thought the teachers should make the decision about these matters, not just the administration. The word “empowerment” wasn’t in vogue yet, but I think that’s what we were doing. We asked, how do you make education relevant? So it was education for social transformation. Of course, you needed the teachers for that, so we would hold workshops for both the administration and the teachers to get them started at the same level. When did you serve as UP Diliman Pahinungod Director? I came in from 1999 to 2002. Grace Dalisay was System Director at the time, so I took over in Diliman. I was winding up my second term as Principal of the UP Integrated School (UPIS) and began sitting in as Director of Diliman Pahinungod in February. I formally took over around April. I was also director of the Education Research Program of the Center for Integrative and Development Studies at the time. My teaching at the UPIS was what kept my feet on the ground. Then the UP Open University asked me to handle one graduate course on language and literacy, and that’s how I started with the UPOU around 2000 to 2001. Then in 2008, I was appointed Dean of the Faculty of Education of the UPOU. Tell us about the Gurong Pahinungod. My term was under UP President Emil Javier, then President Francico Nemenzo, with Dr. Emerlinda Roman as Chancellor of UP Diliman. During my time, the administration was streamlining the budget, so all the offices were asked to be more stringent with expenses. So we looked at all the programs of the Pahinungod, we met with the staff and volunteers, and selected the programs that clearly achieved the objectives of the Pahinungod. And we saw that the Gurong Pahinungod, which was launched in 1997 in collaboration with the Department of Education, had a big impact. So we strengthened the Gurong Pahinungod. We incorporated teacher-training seminar-workshops. For example, we would send volunteers to a school in an underserved community, and we would visit the Pahinungod volunteers quarterly. The staff would go to a district, assess the surroundings, see what schools were covered in the district, then conduct a survey on what these schools needed. The Gurong Pahinungod would help the teachers in conducting this survey. Based on the results, we would choose from the expertise of the faculty-volunteers from Diliman or elsewhere for the workshop we would run. So if the teachers said they needed training in English, Science and Social Studies, that’s what we went with, choosing a maximum of three subject areas for the workshop. The visit to the school would last five days, and the workshop three days. In between we would process the Gurong Pahinungod volunteers. But really, the entire thing was a community effort. Our Gurong Pahinungod volunteers did not come from just the College of Education. They came from Engineering, Business Administration, Economics, Social Sciences and Philosophy, and so on. If they weren’t from Education, we would offer them programs on teaching and education prior to their deployment, equivalent to around 18 units, so many of them take and pass teacher exams after their one year of volunteer service and become teachers. What were the challenges you faced as UP Diliman Pahinungod Director? I saw the political aspect of it, when they ended the Pahinungod in Diliman. I went on sabbatical at the time, but most of my activities during my sabbatical involved working with the struggling Pahinungod. We worked together to fight for the retention of the office. In fact, some of the deans rejected the idea of devolving Pahinungod to their units. We, the Pahinungod directors, even agreed that, ideally, the Pahinugod Office would oversee the activities of the National Service Training Program, so that the volunteer activities and NSTP activities would be coordinated, with no overlaps and duplications. Diliman could form teams consisting of volunteers from each disciplinal cluster or a blend of disciplines and these teams could adopt communities and develop programs, with the involvement of the communities. Oblation at sunset by Celeste Ann L. Castillo, UP MPRO There was no shortage of volunteers? No. The students would come to the office and volunteer. There was no Diliman unit that didn’t have volunteers, and their usual comment was that they learned more from the community than the community from them. That’s usually the case. Also, they found an outlet for what they wanted to do, other than purely academics, and they managed to blend academics with volunteering. There was a service-learning option, where instead of just submitting a term paper, you applied theories and principles outside. The NCPAG had this, and sometimes the volunteers would go to a depressed community and serve the senior citizens by facilitating their applications for senior citizen IDs. We even had the Quezon City Jail Project where the volunteers would go to the Quezon City Jail in coordination with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and conduct literacy workshops, or simply visit with the jail inmates who had nobody to visit them, or run simple errands for them, or on certain occasions, hold programs to entertain them. I remember some volunteers from the College of Music who would sing for them or play instruments. I really saw the effort these young people put into volunteering, and the camaraderie they developed. As director, I learned so much from them. And we and the volunteers still get in touch with one another. They still organize groups and do volunteer work. They still do this to this day, even though they already have families now. What is it about volunteering? I think it’s inherent in us Filipinos, because we’re not really individualistic. We love working with communities; there’s a sense of service there. However, if you don’t make the students aware that this opportunity is available, they might get distracted, because there are so many more interesting things to do. Volunteerism is a way for them to see that there is a world outside where they are now. What do you believe is the legacy of the UP Diliman and UP System Pahinungod? As long as public service is there through the Padayon Public Service Office, and as long as it’s not a dole-out… UP is part of a bigger community, so we should always be involved—not only aware, but involved. We should do something. That’s why it’s called activism, because you act on it. It’s active participation. It’s not just about joining a radical movement. Teachers can do this in class. We’re supposed to be dealing with knowledge, right? When we gain knowledge, we become more aware. But do we stop at awareness? No, we do something. We change our behavior. How do you share what you learned? How do you learn further from others so that you become a better person? While each day is a learning experience, the learning from volunteering is deeper, broader. You learn to see society as one big school. The whole community is the school. Education happens every day, everywhere. Everyone is a part of it.
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https://up.edu.ph/2nd-diliman-science-and-society-month/
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2nd Diliman Science and Society Month – University of the Philippines
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2nd Diliman Science and Society Month 2nd Diliman Science and Society Month October 4, 2019 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office Let us celebrate UP Diliman Science and Society Month this October with the theme “Habi: Kapilipinuhan sa Agham at Lipunan”. See calendar for line-up of activities. #UPDSciSocMonth
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https://up.edu.ph/up-gets-high-on-sports/
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UP (Gets) High on Sports – University of the Philippines
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UP (Gets) High on Sports UP (Gets) High on Sports July 11, 2018 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta The UPIS Pep Squad wins the championship at the Elevate 18: Lift One Another UP Cheerdance Competition held at the UP Diliman College of Human Kinetics on May 7, 2018. (Photo posted by Maribel Tapel and Anne Mapa in the UPIS Parents Information Board Facebook group page) The science is in. Getting high on sports is a good thing, especially if you’re a teenager. Studies have shown the many benefits of engaging in sports for young people. Adolescents who participate in sports are more physically fit, have better mental health, tend to do better in school, and are less likely to engage in risky behavior. Research has also shown that people who play high school sports tend to get better jobs with higher salaries later in life. More importantly, sports instills qualities that will enable them to become productive citizens—hard work, self-discipline, commitment, leadership and time management skills, and the so-called “3 Ps”: persistence, patience and practice. UP is mandated to develop these qualities among its students by undertaking comprehensive sports programs—not just for its college athletes, but for its high school students as well. The UP Integrated School (UPIS) in UP Diliman, the UP Rural High School (UPRHS) in UP Los Baños, the UP High School Iloilo (UPHSI) in the UP Visayas Iloilo City campus, and UP High School Cebu in UP Cebu are the four UP-administered high schools. Each of them developed and maintains various varsity and sports teams, and these teams go on to compete in regional and national competitions. Each knows the value there is in instilling a love of sports, both for its athletes and the institutions. The UP High School Iloilo volleyball team, with their coach Prof. Imelda Catequista. (Photo from Imelda Catequista) Smells like team spirit The UPIS, the laboratory school of the UP College of Education, has five official varsity teams—basketball, volleyball for boys and girls, swimming, track and field, and table tennis—as well as a Junior Pep Squad. These teams, dubbed the Junior Maroons, compete in the juniors division of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and often bring home the gold, especially in swimming. Other as yet unofficial sports teams include taekwondo, fencing, and a swimming team at the elementary school level, whose members compete in the Palarong Pambansa. UPIS varsity alumni, such as swimmer Priscilla Aquino, Diego Dario and the Gomez-De Liano brothers Javi and Juan of the UP Maroons, basketball players Paolo Mendoza, Samuel Marata, Marvin Cruz, and Joel Tolentino, to name just a few, have gone on to compete in wider fields such as the UAAP, the PBA, and national and international competitions. The UPRHS has six varsity teams—swimming, football, basketball, volleyball, chess and badminton—plus the table tennis team and the UPRHS Filipina Dance Troupe. According to Prof. Perla Bejerano of the UPRHS, all the varsity teams of UPRHS compete in sports competitions, from the district meet to the unit meet to the provincial meet under the Department of Education. The teams also compete against other high schools within Los Baños in friendly games and sports competitions organized by the UPLB and the local government of Los Baños. In fact, for SY 2017-2018, two players from the UPRHS football varsity team, Grade 11 student Angelo del Rosario and Grade 10 student Aaron Ramos, advanced to the One Laguna meet, which comes after the provincial meet. The UPHSI fields several sports teams to compete in city and integrated meets, in the Western Visayas Regional Schools Athletic Association (WVRAA) meet, and the Palarong Pambansa: chess, basketball, arnis, badminton, lawn tennis, table tennis, taekwondo poomsae, dance sport, volleyball for both boys and girls, soccer for boys and softball for girls. In 2017, two Grade 10 students, Heather Angelique Parangan and Marc Leo Layson, won the championship during the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet in the Junior Category of the Latin American Dance Sport Competition under the guidance of their coaches, Prof. Imelda Catequista and Prof. Jessie Labiste, Jr. UPHSI Dance Sport athletes competed again and won in the 2018 Palarong Pambansa DanceSport Competition in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, representing Region 6—Heather Parangan and Carlos Gabriel Sola in Grades C and D Modern Standard, and John Louie Animas and Jasmine Venice Parangan in the Grade E Latin Dance category. The life of a UP athlete As diverse as these young athletes may be, they do have one thing in common with all UP athletes past and present—the pressure to excel in both sports and academics. “All varsity players have to undergo a skills test and should not have failing marks to be able to join the varsity team,” said Prof. Bejerano. “When competing, whether locally or internationally, they should be able to make up for all missed requirements, tests etc., no exemptions.” This is not just because of the rule in athletics associations that athletes must maintain a minimum grade-point average to be allowed to play. The schools themselves hold their athletes to this standard. “For the teachers, if you fail, you fail. They won’t go easy on you just because you play on a varsity team. Here, the athletes have to work hard on their academics,” said Dr. Lorina Calingasan, principal of the UPIS. To which Prof. Paul Mabaquiao, head of the UPIS Department of Health and Physical Education, adds: “We make it a point to tell them at the orientation that if they enter this program, this is how their life will be from now on: After sports, they hit the books next.” For these athletes, shrewd time management is a must. “They have no choice but to balance their studies and still have the time for training,” said Prof. Catequista. “But although it is hard sometimes, you can see in them how passionate they are during their training, and I think it is their outlet for all their academic pressures.” Also common for all three schools is the crucial support of the athletes’ parents and the PTA. For the UPRHS and the UPHSI, the budget of the varsity teams for competitions and the honoraria for the coaches come solely from the PTA. For the UPIS, having the support of UP Diliman Chancellor Michael Tan, who has provided budgets for uniforms for competitions, as well as the College of Human Kinetics which allows the high school teams to train in its facilities, significantly help. However, a great chunk of financial support for the teams still comes from the PTA. Moreover, the parents of athletes often show support in other ways by providing the meals, transportation and equipment needs of the athletes. UPHSI’s winning dancers, representing Region 6 at Dance Sports (Modern Standard and Latin Dance) during the Paralong Pambansa 2018. (Photo from Imelda Catequista) Winning at sports, winning at life In sports, as in any worthwhile human endeavor, any sacrifice ultimately benefits everyone, especially the athletes. “It’s good for the children’s personal development,” said Prof. Mabaquiao. “It builds character, teaches discipline, and at the same time you’re molding the children and teaching them about life and how to manage it.” He also cites the sense of fulfillment the children get every time they accomplish something—a routine mastered, a move perfected, a competition won. On a more pragmatic note, Dr. Calingasan also points out that joining the UP high school varsity team can also be a ticket to gaining admission to UP or any big university. “It’s always advantageous to students, because you can enter college through the Varsity Athletic Admission System (VAAS). It’s another entry point to UP besides the UPCAT; it gives you another option.” “Working with these young athletes is kind of an Ilonggo version of sinigang,” Prof. Catequista reflected. “You need to have the proper Ilonggo local ingredients to taste its distinct sour Ilonggo kind of sinigang. At first there was a lot of discouragement involved in putting up a sports team for the UPHSI because of the nature of their curriculum, and how exhausting and demanding it is for the students. But when we started it, the support of the parents was overwhelming and the output of our participation is beyond expectation. Our athletes fought well and DanceSport is the proof of it.” Read the online UP Forum April-June 2018 Vol. 19 No. 2 issue in full here.
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https://up.edu.ph/lights-camera-tumble/
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Lights! Camera! Tumble! – University of the Philippines
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Lights! Camera! Tumble! Lights! Camera! Tumble! July 11, 2018 | Written by J. Mikhail Solitario The UP Pep at the 2010 UAAP Cheerdance Competition: With the fiesta-themed routine, their costumes were adorned by banderitas. (Photo by Miguel Mondragon) Everybody loves Pep Squad ng Bayan. Year after year, the performance of the University of the Philippines Varsity Pep Squad (UP Pep Squad) easily becomes the highlight of the Cheerdance Competition (CDC) by the eight-school University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), whether it’s because of the team’s consistent podium finish for twenty straight years, or its standout theme and unique costumes. According to UP Pep Squad Head Coach and Assistant Professor Lalaine Pereña of the UP College of Human Kinetics, she usually comes up with the Squad theme after brainstorming with the coaching staff and creative head Juan Carlos Soriano. The initial idea comes from Pereña and is developed by the creative head who then presents the same to the rest of the coaching staff. The inspiration for it varies, sometimes “with just the snap of a finger” and sometimes months after the most recent competition. The 2015 routine of “Utak Puso” holds a special place in Pereña’s heart. “The whole concept was put together using all our hearts and minds. It was dedicated to all UP athletes who train with all their might for UP Nating Mahal,” the head coach recalled. The UP Pep Squad was founded in 1994. It was preceded by an all-male UP Cheering Squad and the UP Rah-Rah Girls. Here is a quick stroll down memory lane with the most recent performances of the UP Pep Squad. The UP Cheering Squad. (Photo from Education Through the Physical: The UP SPEAR Story by Celia Bocobo Olivar) The UP Rah Rah Girls. (Photo from Education Through the Physical: The UP SPEAR Story by Celia Bocobo Olivar) In 2007, UP dethroned the reigning champion, the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, with a “rock” theme that then team captain Andrea Gonzales described as unique and gloomy, but in a fun, exciting way as accentuated by the team’s matching maroon and black leather outfits. The next year, the Squad donned tribal costumes for the tribo theme, while 2009’s theme featured the life of an Iskolar ng Bayan with familiar images such as bluebooks and the Ikot jeep. 2010 saw the UP Pep Squad as cheerdance champions again, with its fiesta-inspired theme complete with sunflowers, banderitas, and upbeat Filipino music such as “Kapayapaan” by Tropical Depression. (Photo by Miguel Mondragon) The UP Pep channeling the ageless influence of Madonna in the 2011 UAAP Cheerdance Competition. (Photo by Miguel Mondragon) With another head-turning routine featuring bleached hair and the music of Madonna, UP Pep were back-to-back champions in the 2011 CDC. This was effortlessly turned into a three-peat the following year, with shaved heads and an ode to freedom—a value cherished by the entire UP community. The defending champions settled for runner-up in the 2013 edition of the competition with disco balls in hand and a party theme. The same podium finish was awarded to UP Pep in 2014 when they made a statement on equality with the #PantayPantay routine and reversed roles by having female members lift the male ones while wearing rainbows on their chests. The two most recent outings for the UP Pep are 2015’s “Utak Puso” routine which was an ode to UP athletes and 2017’s #KwentongIsko “Maroon Ako Isko” routine as UP’s comeback performance after skipping the CDC in 2016. It’s the girls lifting the boys in 2014. (Photo by Miguel Mondragon) The 2017 maroon-gold-purple #KwentongIsko costume (Photo by Miguel Mondragon) The closing heart-shaped pyramid while “UP Naming Mahal” blasts in the background. (Photo by Miguel Mondragon) (Photo by Miguel Mondragon) The UP Pep Squad has consistently broken barriers and set the standards for creativity in the CDC. The UP community is definitely looking forward to the Pep Squad ng Bayan as it proudly represents the maroon and green on the UAAP stage again. [The author would like to thank Prof. Lalaine Pereña, Miguel Mondragon, and Rod Ralph Zantua for their assistance in this piece.] Read the online UP Forum April-June 2018 Vol. 19 No. 2 issue in full here.
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https://up.edu.ph/upd-waits-to-hit-the-next-target/
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UPD Waits to Hit the Next Target – University of the Philippines
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UPD Waits to Hit the Next Target UPD Waits to Hit the Next Target July 11, 2018 | Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) UP’s relationship with archery is a story of hits and misses. And while that relationship ended for UP Diliman (UPD) eight years ago, no one has so far said it can’t be rekindled. The first mention of archery as a physical education (PE) course and sport can be found in the University’s General Catalogue 1929-1930, under the PE Department in the Manila campus. It was one of ten PE courses female juniors and seniors could take if they didn’t have deficiencies in prior PE courses. Back then, PE classes weren’t coed. Males and females had separate PE requirements and choices. But all UP students had to take four PE courses, with the first two being required. Participation in competitive sports including archery by upperclassmen as members of the intercollegiate, intramural, and/or varsity teams could also be “substituted for course work, provided that attendance [was] at least three times a week.” Archery in PE Soon after, archery disappeared from the General Catalogue. It was no longer listed in the 1932-1933 edition, although it could have been removed earlier. Fast forward to 1967 when it made a comeback, albeit with limited accessibility. Archery and golf were the individual sports in an elective course in the training program leading to a certificate in PE. It was administered by the Institute of PE, which had just been established in the PE Department. It was to serve as a research and training center to upgrade the skills of teachers and coaches in the public and private schools. In 1976, the department was elevated by the Board of Regents to a degree-granting unit and was renamed the Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (SPEAR). Archery made its way back to the UP general education curriculum, just like in 1929. And this time, you didn’t have to be a female junior or senior to take it. More than three decades later, in the second semester of Academic Year 2009-2010, UPD offered the PE class in archery for the last time. An undated photo of an archery class in UP. (Photo from Education Through the Physical: The UP SPEAR Story by Celia Bocobo Olivar) “It had to be shelved because we couldn’t sustain it. Archery equipment is expensive and the maintenance of the Archery Range was also quite challenging,” explains College of Human Kinetics (CHK) Dean Ronualdo Dizer. The range was, at one point, even chosen by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to be the competition venue for the Southeast Asian Games. Unfortunately, things didn’t pan out and the 1991 games were never held in Diliman. But the PSC and UPD came to an agreement that same year allowing the Philippine team to use the range for training. The last record of this agreement appears in the July-September 2004 issue of the UP Gazette. The BOR confirmed the extension of the contract on the National Archery Team’s use of the range until March 30, 2005. By 2011, the national team was reportedly training somewhere else. “It’s like we took back ‘ownership’ of the Archery Range,” said Dizer. Archery as a varsity sport From the late 1970s to the early 1980s, archery was a UPD varsity sport. That period covers the time SPEAR came to be until the UP Gym’s transfer to its present location from the Law Complex. The CHK Varsity Office no longer has records on archery. Its history as a varsity sport in UPD can only be gleaned from a few publications, some records in the University Archives, and the recollections of UP personnel. “I’m not sure what happened to our records when we transferred offices in 1984,” Josie Querimit says. She’s been with the Varsity Office since 1978. “We don’t have any documents on varsity archery here now.” In Education through the Physical: The UP SPEAR Story, former Dean Celia Bocobo Olivar lists post-war “Sweater” awardees, where archers were recognized from 1977 to 1980. One of them was Jocelyn Guerrero, who competed in the 1977 SEA Games, archery’s first outing in the said event. She was celebrated as the country’s top female archer at the time, winning four gold medals and two bronzes. She finished the SEA Games as number one in the women’s division. The other Sweater awardees for archery were her siblings, Marinella, Margarita, and Arturo, along with Fermin Barrenechea. UP Diliman College of Human Kinetics Dean Ronualdo Dizer. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) In December 1982, then UP President Edgardo Angara wrote a letter to UP archery coach and father to the Guerrero archers, Arte Guerrero, congratulating him and the UPD men’s and women’s teams for their victory in the recently concluded national championships. Earlier that year, Angara had even written to then Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, informing him that in the last five years, UP “won three [University Athletic Association of the Philippines] general championships, including national and intercollegiate titles.” In his list of exemplary performances, only archery, baseball, and track and field won titles every year in that five-year period. Querimit says it wasn’t long before the UPD archery varsity team ceased to exist. “Right around the time we transferred to this gym or maybe a little time before that, we didn’t have a coach anymore. The former varsity archers just focused on being members of the national team.” Up in the air Dizer can’t say for sure if archery is in UPD’s future, but he’s not discounting the possibility of a return—whether as a PE course, a varsity sport, or both. “If CHK had the funds to buy new equipment and the resources to sustain training, teaching, and groundskeeping, then maybe we can have archery again. It’s a sport that Filipinos can really excel in and could possibly bring us the Olympic gold.” He adds that there were proposals to include archery in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines. Right now, the Archery Range serves as a venue for outdoor PE classes. There are some people, he says, who have asked to use it for personal archery training and basic introductory lessons for children, and that they would shoulder the expense of having the grounds cleared using tractors and heavy equipment. “I told them that if we allowed them to do that, it would only be temporary because that area is part of the Sports Complex that UP is developing according to the CHK Land Use Plan. They could only use the range on weekends or on weekdays when there are no PE classes. Our classes are still the priority.” He also reveals that a former UP student has proposed to put up a 3,000-seater multipurpose airconditioned arena in the area, which he says it can easily accommodate. It could potentially be a fitting addition to the UPD Sports Complex, where developments are currently underway for a football field, track oval, grandstand, and swimming pool—all intended to be at par with international standards. It doesn’t mean though that the archery range will no longer exist. It is included in CHK’s plans for the Complex, but will probably be relocated. Dizer is confident that the University leadership will make decisions with the best interest of CHK in mind. CHK, and largely, UPD, seem poised and ready to take aim and hit the next bullseye, whenever that target may be placed and whatever it may be. The 9th ADMU-DLSU-UP Tri Meet in September 2017. (Photo from the UP Archery Club) ARCHERY TRIVIA FROM ACROSS THE UP SYSYTEM • UP Diliman alumna Ma. Amaya Amparo Paz-Cojuangco is a member of the national team. Her breakout year was 2005 when, at 19 years old, she won all the individual events in the women’s compound bow category in the 1st Asian Archery Grand Prix in Bangkok, Thailand and got two more gold medals in the team events. In addition to her four golds, she broke three national records in double 70 (675 points), 12 arrows (116 points), and 36 arrows (337 points). Just weeks after turning 20, she won the women’s compound events in the Southeast Asian Games. By the end of 2005, “Bulls Aya” ranked 39th in the world. As of this writing, her last gold medal was in the mixed team compound category of the Asia Cup earlier this year. • UP Los Baños (UPLB) formed its varsity archery team in 2013 and it last competed in the ADMU-DLSU-UP Tri Meet in September 2017. The team is led by Coach April Iris Ladia, a UPLB alumna and former varsity athlete, who, prior to transferring to UPLB, was a varsity athlete of UP Baguio (UPB). UPLB stopped offering archery as a PE course around 5 years ago and has been unable to bring it back because of the lack of instructors. • Archery is listed in “Elective Physical Education Activities for Beginners” in the 2013 UP Visayas Catalogue of Academic Programs. Unfortunately, the PE department says there were no takers. • While UP Mindanao doesn’t offer archery, it did have a special PE session on Matigsalog Indigenous Peoples Games in 2014, which included a local form of archery. Bows and arrows made of bamboo were used to hit targets made of rolled rattan representing wild animals. • Like UPLB, UPB stopped offering archery in PE because of manpower challenges. There’s currently no faculty member to teach the course and UPB resorted to hiring a lecturer in the past to sustain the class. Academic Year 2013-2014 was the last time archery was available. The UPB Archery Team still exists though it currently doesn’t have a coach. Their last competition as a team was the 2015-2016 Baguio-Benguet Educational Athletic League (BBEAL). Two of its members also competed in the 2017 State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association National Games. The team brought home the gold during the 1995 Palarong Pambansa and won the BBEAL championships in 1996-1997, 1997-1998, and 1998-1999 seasons. • There is a UP Archery Club. Founded in 2006 and registered in UPLB ten years later, the Club describes its members as “archers from different campuses bound by one university.” The Club, joined by the UPLB Archery Team, competed in the ADMU-DLSU-UP Tri Meet in September 2017. • UP Manila, UP Open University, and UP Cebu don’t have PE courses nor varsity teams in archery. Read the online UP Forum April-June 2018 Vol. 19 No. 2 issue in full here.
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https://up.edu.ph/president-concepcion-inducted-as-musketeer-regent-laurel-as-squadron-leader/
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President Concepcion inducted as Musketeer, Regent Laurel as squadron leader – University of the Philippines
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President Concepcion inducted as Musketeer, Regent Laurel as squadron leader President Concepcion inducted as Musketeer, Regent Laurel as squadron leader May 7, 2019 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc Danilo Concepcion receives an accolade from Musketeer Captain Aymeri de Montesquiou d’Artagnan as Philippine Squadron Leader Francis Laurel and other inductees look on. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO “Excellence is your nature, honors in all your studies and distinctions for many achievements,” the Captain of Compagnie des Mousquetaires d’Armagnac addressed UP President Danilo Concepcion as he was inducted to the international association of Musketeers in a historic ceremony on May 3, 2019 in the grand ballroom of Grand Hyatt Hotel, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Concepcion thus became one of the first thirteen members of the newly established Philippine squadron of the Company of Armagnac Musketeers, along with UP alumni including Leo Ballesfin, Andrew Nocon, Aniceto Saludo, Egmidio Jose, and JJ Samuel Soriano. Philippine Squadron Leader Francis Laurel puts a sash with the Musketeers cross on inductee Danilo Concepcion, as Musketeer Captain Aymeri de Montesquiou d’Artagnan prepares to give an accolade to the UP president. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO They are led by UP Regent Francis Laurel, the squadron’s founding leader. “From a family of great servants of the state”, Laurel was inducted as captain lieutenant of the new Manila squadron, “ambassador of the Musketeers’ values, and of French-Philippine friendship”. Francois Riviera hands over an inductee’s certificate to Francis Laurel as Aymeri de Montesquiou d’Artagnan invests him with a squadron leader’s cape. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO Founded in 1951, the Company now gathers more than 4,000 people of different nationalities to share the same values, “panache, courage, camaraderie, and duty of service”, as those of the Gascon Musketeer, Charles de Batz de Castelmore, otherwise known as d’Artagnan. As stated in the Company brief, although they no longer fight with swords, “[the Musketeers] contribute through their personal success to the evolution of society.” The Musketeers raise a glass of Armagnac for the inductees and the new Philippine Squadron. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO The Philippine squadron is the newest of 18 squadrons and three detachments of the Company. The Company is based in Gascony, France, known for its eau-de-vie, Armagnac, which, according to “The Musketeer’s Oath”, is the “source of all masculine virtues and all feminine enthusiasms”. The Compagnie des Mousquitaires d’Armagnac in its Philippine squadron’s launching event. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO The launch of the Philippine squadron and the induction of the 13 new members were led by Musketeer Captain, Aymeri de Montesquiou d’Artagnan, and Captain Lieutenant-Secretary General-Keeper of the Seals, Francois Riviere. Francois Riviere and Aymeri de Montesquiou d’Artagnan prepare to lead Company lieutenants and captain lieutenants carrying the Company’s emblems on a march to the ballroom. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO “As the leader of this new group, I am proud to bring together mousquetaires who will uphold the traditional values of honor and chivalry,” Laurel said in his speech. “We dedicate ourselves to make a difference in our society. . . . All we need are a few good men,” he added. Philippine Squadron Leader, Musketeer Captain Lieutenant Francis Laurel affirms a resolve to make a difference in society in his speech for the launch of the new squadron. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO “All for one, one for all,” Laurel, echoing the Musketeer’s Oath, concluded. Extravaganza signals the start of dinner celebrating the launch of Compagnie des Mousquitaires d’Armagnac in Manila and induction of new Musketeers. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO
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https://up.edu.ph/public-consultation-process-on-the-search-for-the-new-up-diliman-chancellor/
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Public Consultation Process on the Search for the New UP Diliman Chancellor – University of the Philippines
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Public Consultation Process on the Search for the New UP Diliman Chancellor Public Consultation Process on the Search for the New UP Diliman Chancellor January 9, 2020 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office The Search Committee for Chancellor of UP Diliman invites all constituents and stakeholders to attend the public forum on January 16 (Wednesday) at the Cine Adarna, UP Film Institute from 8:30AM to 12:30PM. The public forum will feature the presentation of the candidates for the next UP Diliman Chancellor as well as a report on the state of UP Diliman by Chancellor Michael Tan. All sectors in UP Diliman are encouraged to maximize their participation in the series of activities following the public forum: Sign up here: forms.gle/cCmcNAnbGVbrmbVt5. The report of the Search Committee will be submitted to the UP Board of Regents on January 27 (Monday). You may access the memorandum from the Search Committee HERE.
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https://up.edu.ph/uplifting-lives-through-interior-design-2/
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Uplifting Lives through Interior Design – University of the Philippines
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Uplifting Lives through Interior Design Uplifting Lives through Interior Design May 3, 2018 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc Which school should lead in integrating public service in its undergraduate courses but the public service university itself, UP? UP’s Interior Design program is a trailblazer. Since more than 15 years ago, it has left the studio for its application course in order to embrace public service, an initiative that has given its students an edge over others. The decision to take this untrodden path followed an era of soul-searching in the University, where a study in the early 1990s revealed that students ranked social orientation and moral uprightness far down in the order of importance of the qualities their colleges were developing in them. Reaching out to the community became a buzz-word, with UP Vice President for Public Affairs Ledivina Cariño promoting service learning as “learning to serve, and serving to learn.” Photo from the ID 179 Class 2018. A basic need The College of Home Economics led by Dean Cecilia Florencio was one of the first to respond by serving the poor of nearby Libis. The Interior Design program saw an opportunity to turn the impression of Interior Design as elitist on its head. From the beginning, it was the wrong impression, Interior Design professor Adelaida Mayo says. She places Interior Design as a basic need. “There’s food, clothing, and shelter. Architecture deals with shelter, but where is its soul? It’s in the space people use. It’s inside. The shelter will just be the shell of it,” Mayo says. She raises the question of livability: the lack of finances precludes enjoying the benefits of proper interior design. “In low-cost housing, for example, there is really no Interior Design team to do it. And that has led to problems and accidents.” The advocacy for democratizing Interior Design must start with students. They must have the opportunity to directly touch people’s lives through the discipline they have been studying in the past three years, and to understand the enormous public service potential of their field. Going into direct public service was a practical alternative for an application course, which aims to “apply the knowledge, skills and competencies acquired and developed during the first three years of extensive training in interior design through a special project of their choice.” Beyond the studio For a long time, students of Interior Design were applying their skills only in the studio. This is understandable as designing actual interiors and implementing them requires a license, which students could not possibly have before graduation. They were compelled to simulate interior space, staging mock-ups of walls and ceilings and floors, furnishing, decorating and then exhibiting them inside halls, which was an expensive affair. But the resources went to waste in the inevitable dismantling for the egress. The students had no idea how their designs would have held up in actual use. Mayo and Raquel Florendo, who were handling the two classes of ID 179 Special Projects Class, broached the idea of merging their classes to serve financially challenged institutions whose spaces were in dire need of rehabilitation. The students would be under the close supervision of the professors, whose licenses would take care of the legal requirements for the projects. The students discussed the proposal among themselves and accepted the new challenge of the class. Grouped into teams, they helped look for project sites. They consulted with, and proposed designs for screening by, their professors. They coordinated among themselves to unify their concepts. Making cost estimates, they then set out to raise funds and get sponsorships. Photo from the ID 179 Class 2018 In academic year 2001-2002, ID 179 Special Projects rolled out in eight cottages of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Reception and Study Center for Children; the clinic and therapy rooms of the Golden Acres Home for the Aged; and a model unit for Gawad Kalinga. At the end of the first semester, what had been dark, dreary, and beat-up spaces had turned into bright and proper spaces to welcome back children recovering from trauma, the aged regaining strength and positive outlooks, and the poorest of the poor reclaiming their dignity. The bar was set for future batches. Since then, students have worked on important sections of public hospitals and clinics; schools and dormitories; halfway houses and shelters for women, children, the recovering sick and the disabled; dance studios for the talented poor; libraries; and Gawad Kalinga housing. “Caring for the sick child not only needs competent healthcare professionals,” said Dr. Julius Lecciones, director of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, “but also an appropriate healing environment in the hospital… With the use of smart colors, lighting and design, the students were able to transform clinically drab and impersonal outpatient consultation rooms into a welcoming haven that exudes warmth, brilliance and comfort.” Bringing joy to families “I can’t thank the students and the teachers enough for their sacrifices, work, physical struggles, and good heart,” says Donald Geocaniga, a Gawad Kalinga director. “They brought joy to seven families whose houses they fixed. They raised the level of their living. They showed the way in caring for the poor, as they volunteered their services to us.” Aside from the gratitude of partner institutions, the students had more benefits going their way. As expected, the students got to learn the practical side of their discipline and expanded their competencies into community work. Limited resources stretched their creativity. Also, they got the rare portfolio edge of having implemented designs on special sites, and getting critiques from the end-users. “What they did gave us a place that is very comfortable for the body and beautiful for the eyes. Before, cleaning seemed to make little difference in our unit. It’s much better now,” says one Gawad Kalinga beneficiary. “At night, we finally have the sleep we could only crave in the past. And when we wake up, wow! Our home now energizes us. I am now more active in serving the Lord, bonding with neighbors and other people,” says another. Before (top) and after (bottom) photos of rehabilitated toilet at Bahay Biyaya, a residence hall which serves student PWDs. Photo from the ID 179 Class 2018. Balancing aesthetics, function, and safety By working on actual spaces with their beneficiaries, all the more do the students realize the importance of consultations, understanding the idiosyncrasies and needs of different people, and temperance and balancing aesthetics, function, and safety. Students also get to feel they are very much needed in the world. By making a difference in people’s lives, they contribute to an awareness of Interior Design as essential to the quality of life. But public service requires commitment, which may be hard to afford at times. Sometimes, the logistics are too much to grapple with, and piecemeal efforts could prove wasteful. Sometimes, the students feel they have too much on their hands. In such cases, the students could opt to go back to mounting studio exhibits, which, though not less expensive or less expressive of their talent, is less complicated and formidable. In the end, serving a needy institution is a decision by students deliberating among themselves. The students’ public service, when they choose to do it, thus stands as an act of voluntarism. And for some, this is the kind of public service that gives UP students a real defining edge.
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https://up.edu.ph/up-diliman-hailed-as-national-debate-champions-bags-top-individual-awards/
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UP Diliman hailed as national debate champions, bags top individual awards – University of the Philippines
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UP Diliman hailed as national debate champions, bags top individual awards UP Diliman hailed as national debate champions, bags top individual awards January 27, 2020 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office Jazmin Jabines (3rd to the left) and Clarice Tee (center) of UP Diliman receive their national championship trophy from the Adjudication Core, composed of (from left to right) Lee Gogo, Albert Pagunsan, Nicole Tomas, Patrich Lozano, and Christian Manzano. Photo courtesy of Cebu NDC 2019 Organizing Committee. The University of the Philippines Debate Society (UPDS) brought the trophy back home to Diliman after winning the National Debate Championship (NDC) held from December 14 to 19, 2019 at the University of San Jose – Recoletos in Cebu. UPD A, composed of Jazmin Jabines (V – BS Business Administration) and Clarice Tee (IV – BS Business Economics), were crowned champions as they bested UPD D, made up of Jet Nicolas (V – BS Business Administration) and Alia Yao (II – BS Economics), and 2 other teams from the Ateneo de Manila University and UP Los Baños in the Open Grand Finals, on a unanimous decision by the nine-person judge panel. Jabines swept the top individual awards after being awarded the Overall Best Speaker and Finals Best Speaker awards; while Tee received the 4th Best Speaker award. Moreover, Justin Guda (III – BS Biology) was also recognized as the Overall Best Judge of the tournament. As in recent years, UPDS had another stellar overall contingent performance in the nationals as it sent two teams in the finals, its second feat in three years, and had eight of its teams break into the top 32 of the country, the highest number of teams from any institution for the second successive year. UP Diliman had the largest and most successful contingent of the tournament as eight teams, the highest number from any institution for the second successive year, and 11 judges, who dominated the Top 10, participated in the break rounds. Photo courtesy of Cebu NDC 2019 Organizing Committee. Neal Gellaco (III – BS Psychology) and Miguel Sulit (II – BS Business Administration & Accountancy) of UPD H; Ferdin Sanchez (V – BA Journalism) and Nicky Solis (III – BS Economics) of UPD B; and, CJ Carlos (I – BS Civil Engineering) and Josh Encinas (V – BS Business Administration) of UPD E all reached the Open Quarterfinals. Three other teams broke into but did not compete in the break rounds due to the five-team institutional break cap in NDC: Bea Legaspi (I – BS Economics) and Najwa Uñga (II – BA Political Science) of UPD J; Pep Danguilan (II – BS Chemical Engineering) and Miguel Yulo (II – BS Physics) of UPD C; and, Gillian Sandigan (II – BA Sociology) and Gabriel Sulit (III – BS Business Administration) of UPD G. Meanwhile, after sweeping the top judge awards of the British Parliamentary season, the organization once again showed exemplary performance as 11 of its adjudicators judged the out-rounds, with five ranking in the Top 10. Aside from Guda who topped the judge tabs, Jesus Reyna III (lV – BS Civil Engineering) ranked 3rd; Micol Cansino (BS Business Administration 2019), 5th; Daine Torregosa (III – Malikhaing Pagsulat), 6th; and, Tim Gamez (II – BA Sociology), 7th. Six other judges were included among the breaking adjudicators (Top 30): Jonathan Tuliao (III – BS Electronics and Communications Engineering) judged the Open Quarterfinals; Jae Mantuano (I – BS Business Economics), Marco Dava (III – BS Industrial Engineering), and Paco Berba (I – BS Interior Design) judged the Open Octofinals; and, Denzel Golla (IV – BA Sociology) and Czarina Endaya (II – BA English Studies) judged the Union Cup Finals. Endaya was also recognized as a member of the Shadow Adjudication Core. Nicole Tomas (BA Political Science 2019) was also an elected member of this year’s NDC Adjudication Core. Tee will represent UP Diliman in next year’s edition.
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https://up.edu.ph/palaro-with-a-twist-at-uplb/
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Palaro with a Twist at UPLB – University of the Philippines
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Palaro with a Twist at UPLB Palaro with a Twist at UPLB July 12, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office UPLB staff and students look forward to the yearly Palarong UPLB, not only because it provides relief from the humdrum of life in academe, but also because a new flavor is added to it each year, courtesy of the sponsoring college. In one year, a Defense of the Ancient (DOTA) game, a computer-assisted online game, was added to the regular lineup of games to entice players who are online gamers. This was when the College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology was its host. In another year, the College of Arts and Sciences featured their own version of the Amazing Race, requiring participants to run a course, jump from the swimming pool high board, and take a jeepney route. When it was the turn of the College of Agriculture and Food Science to host the Palaro, the College introduced an “agri-game” in which players were required to lift sacks, go through an obstacle course, perform farming activities, and pass the mini-rodeo challenge, while the College of Development Communication introduced parlor games similar to that in a game show. In this year’s Palaro last March, the College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR) customized its own Amazing Race course with a challenge of cooking an egg by fire from wood or sticks without using matches. Constituents of UPLB demonstrate their athletic prowess in events like the 100-meter dash during the annual sports festival called “Palarong UPLB.” Palaro aims to promote camaraderie and unity among the faculty, staff, and students through friendly sports competition. The 2018 edition, “Kalakasan, Kalikasan, Kalusugan,” was hosted by the College of Forestry and Natural Resources. (Text by Jessa Jael S. Arana; photo by Christopher V. Labe) But this is just part of the fun because there are a lot more games that are featured each year, such as basketball, volleyball, swimming, team-building events such as plank walk, tug of war, sack race, as well as board games like chess and scrabble. There is also a cheer-dance competition and a Ms. Palaro competition. Palarong UPLB has been around for more than ten years now. It started with the students’ being integrated into the teams where their college belongs, but now, the students compete in their own category with their co-students from other colleges. Palarong UPLB builds camaraderie and friendship, as well as helps the staff and students cope with stress, while encouraging a holistic lifestyle of winning and losing in which no one is loses. Teams are assigned per college, but some smaller colleges are merged with the others. The administrative and executive offices also compose another team. UPLB Varsity team members, with their strong sports background, are allowed to participate for as long as they play for their respective colleges. (Kristine E. Araguas, UP Los Baños)
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https://up.edu.ph/sports-in-up-mindanao/
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Sports in UP Mindanao – University of the Philippines
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Sports in UP Mindanao Sports in UP Mindanao July 12, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Jezreel M. Abarca Instructor, Department of Human Kinetics UP Mindanao Volleyball is my favorite sport. It is the reason I became a varsity player in school. I also play basketball, softball, and football. I also like dance, specifically social dance, because it enhances flexibility and skills. Participation is by twos, such as in cha-cha or tango, and this creates a connection between the partners and it is fun. Also there is appreciation of history in dance. It would be good if we promoted individual and dual sports such as chess, swimming, badminton, and table tennis. It’s good that we now have swimming. It would be better if we have martial arts so we add variety to the choices available for students. I have encountered students involved in martial arts and teaching it would be an appropriate springboard for those students. Regarding the UAAP and winning it, we need to focus on scouting. We need more developed scouting procedures. The UP System should scout the different constituent universities. In our NSTP field classes, we scout for athletes because this is the grassroots, and participants come from junior high and elementary schools. They are given an orientation and background on what UP can offer. Aside from scouting in different CUs, we should scout outside UP because other universities get the best athletes because of the benefits they offer. Even within UPMin we need to scout for athletes. In UP we’re really lucky if we get good players such as Juan Antonio Mendoza (BS Agribusiness Economics), our champion swimmer. We’re lucky because it’s an individual sport, which has its advantages. Winning in team sports presents more difficulties. We may have Ms. Consuegra and Ms. Escamilla, two Palaro-level players, but we need four more players to complete a winning team. So we need more scouting, more orientation outside about UP, and we need to provide information about our existing and active varsity programs for them to aspire for. We are happy because we had the summer invitational women’s volleyball games last month (April), in which six teams of which five were junior high school students, participated. We declared that our objective is to promote UP and that you are very welcome to take UPCAT and be part of our teams in the near future. We also had an invitational table tennis tournament in May. We need a committee for scouting so we can search for and discover good players. Two years ago we had a summer clinic in Assumption College in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province where we taught table tennis, football, and volleyball. Our students are also good in cheer-dance and we are proud of the initiative of the Department of Human Kinetics in having a gymnastic workshop to prepare them for the annual cheer-dance competition. Many of our students have potential in cheer-dance and their efforts are very commendable. Magno “Magz” Batomalaque Staff, Department of Human Kinetics Student, Diploma in Exercise and Sports Science UP Mindanao I am not a master of a single sport. I play basketball, volleyball, and table tennis. I like them all. In our Diploma in Exercise and Sports Science program, my favorite course is anatomy and physiology, the muscle, the bones, the inner and outer parts and divisions of the body, the musculo-skeletal system. We assembled a real skeleton we borrowed from the biology department—the carpals, the skull, all the parts. We prayed before handling the bones. It’s interactive. I was assigned to assemble the upper arm and identify if it was the left or right and the sex of the subject; to discover the form of the skull and many more. In other courses, we learned the principles of coaching, how athletes are trained before and after games. In Tagum City we observed the Azkals football team. Before the game, when the stadium was still empty, a cheering crowd set up drums and painted their faces, led by a choreographer. The cheering squad was very enthusiastic before and after the games; everyone was very energetic in cheering. Other topics in our program nclude sports management, sports testing, and observing the conduct of games or events. We should promote indigenous games and Filipino games, such as sia-tong and others. Indigenous games are from our forebears, their practices that have become games today. Bows and arrows and spears have become games but in history these were for hunting snakes and animals. This has value because it preserves our culture and it’s also enjoyable. Armando R. Salazar Assistant Professor, Department of Human Kinetics UP Mindanao My favorite sport is badminton. Since the elementary grades I’ve played badminton with my friends. In college I had a good teacher, so I enjoyed badminton because the sport can be fast, slow, or low-arcing, and there are strategies involved. I advocate sports for environmental protection, such as the extreme sport akin to Frisbee, or skin-diving, also known as snorkeling. It is not a sport but a leisure activity. It is safer, accessible to everyone, and you can do coastal clean-up or coral maintenance, or fish identification. We practice “look but no touch,” except for garbage in the waters. Scuba, on the other hand, is sports diving. We should promote sports for the environment in our programs, such as camping, although it’s more focused on survival training. These can promote the protection and sustainability of the environment. Now that we have a sports complex being built, we should have more programs for human kinetics such as an undergraduate program in sports. In scouting and recruitment, other schools have certain advantages in that they have primary and secondary schools from which they hone their students until college. Some promising athletes choose a college that is an underdog school, where they can make a difference in pulling up that school. In our region, there are many individuals who are teaching or coaching sports by experience, but they have no foundation, something which they need. We need an undergraduate program because those who will teach sports programs need a proper foundation if we want to improve the performance of our athletes. We cannot beat the offers by other schools. We need an alternative system to overcome these disadvantages. Athletes go to Manila because regional athletes do not have the same level of opportunity in terms of challenges and competition and in benefits. We need more regular tournaments, preferably those that are broadcast on television or can be seen widely, so there will be motivation for local athletes to stay in the region. The grassroots sports program during childhood is important in providing children exposure to different sports. It is going on in our football or in our NSTP program where we have chess clinics and tournaments in schools. With regular scouting programs within our student population we are limited to identifying latent potential among the existing student population. If we have a Varsity Admission System we can get athletes who are already good in their sport or in dance. We’d like to have an undergraduate degree in sports so varsity recruits can have an advantage in that upon graduation they will have a future in their career beyond being a player, such as being a coach, teacher, or administrator. In addition, we will be able to add to the public service of the university, to contribute to social equity by distributing equal opportunity to the different disciplines at par with arts and sciences. Erwin E. Protacio Chair, Department of Human Kinetics UP Mindanao I am the president of the Davao-South Regional Football Association (DRFA), one of the 33 Regional Football Associations in the country. Regional Football Association presidents are members of the Philippine Football Federation Congress. I was elected to the Board of Governors (equivalent to Executive Council/Committee) from 2015 to 2019. I chair the Organizing Committee for PFF Competitions and I’m a member of the Referees Committee and Futsal Committee. The BOG is the policy making body of the PFF. It sets the directions and thrusts in developing, promoting and controlling the sport. These include determining what age group tournaments the country will field, including the men’s and women’s national teams; hosting of tournaments (like the SEA Games & Suzuki Cup) and courses; and the implementation of the Players ID system, among others. I am on the Board of Directors of the Liga Futbol Inc., the organizer Philippines Football League—the professional football league in the Philippines. The participating teams are Davao Aguilas FC, Global-Cebu FC, Kaya FC- Iloilo; JPV Marika FC, Ceres–Negros FC, and Laguna–Stallions FC. Our thrusts for Davao City include: 1. Strengthening the grassroots program (ages 6 – 14 years old) in competitions (for elite & non-elite players). Implementation of 9-a-side format for 12 years old and above, which is usually in 7-a-side; establishment of a Football Academy for elite players; and, extending and hosting the age-group competitions in the Sports Complex; 2. Coaching development (holding the Philippine Youth Coaching License—the initial entry to formal coaching education and the AFC “C” License Course—which is for grassroots coaches); UP Mindanao is scheduled to host the AFC “C” License Course on July 19-30, 2018; 3. Upgrading the status of referees by hosting Level II and refresher courses; and 4. Hosting games in the Philippines Football League or the men’s national team; the 2019 Festival of Football; bidding for the National Youth Futsal Invitational; and futsal tournaments for college and high school teams. Read the online UP Forum April-June 2018 Vol. 19 No. 2 issue in full here.
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https://up.edu.ph/up-offers-alumni-g-suite-access-with-a-uniquely-up-touch/
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UP offers alumni G Suite access with a uniquely UP touch – University of the Philippines
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UP offers alumni G Suite access with a uniquely UP touch UP offers alumni G Suite access with a uniquely UP touch April 13, 2022 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The University of the Philippines invites its alumni to register for their UP alumni email account and access a whole range of Google services for free and with a uniquely UP touch. The UP alumni email account is a Google Suite for Education account that allows UP graduates to use other Google services, such as Gmail, Google+, Google Drive, and Google Groups through their UP Alumni email account. UP alumni will also receive regular updates on University, including opportunities for donation and volunteerism, personalized alumni emails, updates on the latest University events, and special announcements. Updating personal information in the UP Alumni Database has never been more accessible through the @alum.up.edu.ph account. UP alumni can register for their own UP Alumni email account at alum.up.edu.ph or scan the QR code on the poster. For questions and inquiries, please email helpdesk@up.edu.ph or call (02) 8376-3100.
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https://up.edu.ph/arki-celebrates-63rd-year-inaugurates-infrastructure/
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Arki celebrates 63rd year, inaugurates infrastructure – University of the Philippines
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Arki celebrates 63rd year, inaugurates infrastructure Arki celebrates 63rd year, inaugurates infrastructure May 23, 2019 | Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo The College of Architecture Building 3 (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) “Keep thinking out of the box.” This was the message of UP Diliman Chancellor Michael Tan to the students and faculty of the College of Architecture on May 7, during the opening ceremony of Haraya 2019, the College’s five-day commemoration of its 63rd founding anniversary. Haraya used to be an annual event but beginning this year, has become biennial. According to Dean Armin Sarthou, this allows for better preparation and consequently, a bigger celebration. UP College of Architecture Dean Armin Sarthou (left) envisions Haraya to someday be like the Venice Biennale, where students and faculty of architecture, and architects can showcase their designs. In the right photo, UP Diliman Chancellor Michael Tan wonders why he was not invited to Haraya last year as he has always attended the event, only to find out Haraya has become a biennial celebration. (Photos by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Haraya 2019 had a grand kick-off with the inauguration of two new structures in the College of Architecture complex: the seven-level Building 3 and the Benito Sy Pow Auditorium. The ceremonial opening of Building 3: from left, Prof. Kelvin de Chavez, Prof. Dolores Madrid, UP Diliman Vice Chancellor for Research and Development Fidel Nemenzo, UP Diliman Chancellor Michael Tan, College of Architecture Dean Armin Sarthou, former College of Architecture Dean Mary Ann Espina, and Prof. Richelle Baria (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Currently, only the first four floors of Building 3 are being utilized as the top three levels are still undergoing completion. The College expects full use of the structure next year. Meanwhile, the Benito Sy Pow Auditorium, donated by New Golden City Builders through its president, Manny Sy, still has a few more finishing touches to go. It was named in honor of the donor’s father. The ceremonial opening of the Benito Sy Pow Auditorium: UP Diliman Vice Chancellor for Administration Virginia Yap (leftmost), UP Diliman Chancellor Michael Tan, and College of Architecture Dean Armin Sarthou untie one of the ribbons at the entrance; while Prof. Christopher Stonewall Espina, former UP President Alfredo Pascual, New Golden City Builders President Manny Sy, and former College of Architecture Dean Mary Ann Espina untie the other. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) The Benito Sy Pow Auditorium (Photos by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Other activities in Haraya 2019 included an exhibit, the awarding of the best thesis, student recognition program, night of music, career talks, workshops, film showings, research colloquia, lectures, and a culminating event on the evening of May 11. The Haraya 2019 exhibit (Photos by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) The College of Architecture recognizes 1956 as its foundation year, when the Architecture program was first offered in the University during the first semester of Academic Year 1956-1957. The program was still under the College of Engineering then. In the timeline of the College’s history, it notes that the first day of classes was on June 1, 1956, with 36 initial enrollees and its lone faculty member, Prof. Aurelio Juguilon.
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https://up.edu.ph/up-professor-emeritus-and-former-up-system-information-office-director-dr-teresita-maceda-70/
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UP Professor Emeritus and former UP System Information Office director, Dr. Teresita Maceda, 70 – University of the Philippines
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UP Professor Emeritus and former UP System Information Office director, Dr. Teresita Maceda, 70 UP Professor Emeritus and former UP System Information Office director, Dr. Teresita Maceda, 70 December 13, 2019 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta Photo from Dr. Tet Maceda, first used in the January-March 2019 issue of the UP Forum. University of the Philippines Professor Emeritus and pioneering scholar of Filipino and Philippine Studies, Dr. Teresita Gimenez Maceda, known as “Tet” among her friends, passed away on December 11, 2019. She was 70. Dr. Maceda was a professor of Philippine Literature and Philippine Studies at the UP Diliman College of Arts and Letters since 1983, and was named Professor Emeritus in June 2019. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Maryknoll College in 1969, a Master of Arts in English and Philippine Literature from the Ateneo de Manila University, and a PhD in Philippine Studies from UP in 1990. Her book based on her doctoral dissertation, Mga Tinig Mula sa Ibaba: Kasaysayan ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas at Partido Sosialista ng Pilipinas sa Awit, 1930-1955, was later published in 1996 by the UP Press and the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies. In her 1997 column, “BookTalk”, journalist Doreen G. Fernandez described Dr. Maceda’s book as follows: “All those who know Tet Maceda know that she sings, she teaches, she does research and analysis. Combining all these interests, she researched the songs of the Community Party (PKP), the Socialist Party (PSP), and the Hukbalahap (HMB).” Maceda went on to publish numerous books and journal articles on Philippine popular culture and popular protest music, including the book Bride of War, My Mother’s World War II Memories. She also served as the adviser of the street theater group, UP Peryante. Maceda leaves behind a legacy in UP publications. In 1989, she became the first director of the UP Sentro ng Wikang Filipino (UP SWF), and founded Daluyan, the UP SWF’s refereed journal. In 1999, during the time of UP President Francisco Nemenzo, Maceda became the assistant vice president for Public Affairs and the director of the UP System Information Office (now the UP Media and Public Relations Office). She and President Nemenzo conceptualized the UP Forum, the official UP System-wide publication that aimed to be “a channel to communicate administration programs and policies” and a “venue for a vibrant and free exchange of ideas of members of the UP community across UP constituents”. In the Roundtable Discussion of the January-March 2019 issue of the UP Forum which celebrated the publication’s 20th anniversary, we asked Dr. Maceda what she thought was the legacy of the UP Forum. Read her response here. Dr. Maceda’s wake will be held at Room 1131, Pavilion 1, Palma Hall, Quirino Street, UP Campus, near the Landbank ATM. The schedule is as follows: Dec. 13, Friday at 3:00 p.m. to Dec. 14, 2:00 a.m.; Dec. 14, Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to Dec. 15, Sunday, 2:00 a.m.; Dec. 15, Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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https://up.edu.ph/chancellor-candidates-present-their-visions-of-up-diliman-to-the-upd-community/
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Chancellor-candidates present their visions of UP Diliman to the UPD Community – University of the Philippines
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Chancellor-candidates present their visions of UP Diliman to the UPD Community Chancellor-candidates present their visions of UP Diliman to the UPD Community January 22, 2020 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta The two chancellor-candidates, UPD Vice-Chancellor for Research and Development Fidel Nemenzo (left) and UP College of Engineering Dean Ferdinand Manegdeg (right), together with outgoing UPD Chancellor Michael Tan (center), sing the UP Naming Mahal at the conclusion of the public forum where they presented their respective visions and plans to the UP Diliman Community. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO. The two candidates for the chancellorship of UP Diliman, UP Math Professor and the current UP Diliman Vice-Chancellor for Research and Development, Dr. Fidel R. Nemenzo, and the current UP College of Engineering (UPCoE) dean, Prof. Ferdinand G. Manegdeg, officially presented their respective visions and plans for UP Diliman before members of the UP Diliman Community at a public forum held on January 16, 2020 at Cine Adarna, UP Film Institute. The two officials are seeking to succeed Dr. Michael L. Tan as chancellor of the University’s flagship campus. To decide which of them would be the first to present his vision and plans for UP Diliman, the two chancellor-candidates engaged in a game of rock-paper-scissors to the sound of a gamelan in the background. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO. A globally competitive UP Diliman genuinely serving the people The first to present his vision and plans for a UP Diliman that is “Globally Competitive and Genuinely Serving the Filipino People” was UPCoE Dean Manegdeg. He stressed the importance of “strong and experienced academic leadership” in UP, saying that UP Diliman “has to find its way back on track and its leadership needs to improve the development and promotion of programs”. He cited the need for a revamped UP Diliman administration and units exercising full autonomy to raise the standard of learning to Education 4.0. “We are often, if not always, proud about excellence and expertise in our respective fields. However, it is lamentable and disappointing to realize that we are actually lagging behind other nations now in terms of quality of education,” he said. UP College of Engineering Dean Ferdinand Manegdeg. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO. Often referring to developments at the UP College of Engineering as an example, Manegdeg said he would bring his vision of UP Diliman to fruition through the acquisition of high-speed computers to be used to access research laboratories outside the country and help digitalize course offerings of all units. He emphasized the need for a new administration that implements timely appointments for all employees, that will not limit the full potential of its different and unique units or curtail the progress of its colleges, and that “will never be a dictatorship as accused by some who are the actual dictators in the guise of being democratic”. For Manegdeg, academic governance would be dedicated to the betterment of faculty, REPS, administrative staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders. Pro-faculty endeavors would include: strengthening faculty incentives such as professorial chair awards; institutionalizing resource generation by negotiating value-for-work commissioned research and projects; and, promoting output-based teaching, progressive research and creative work, and effective public service. REPS would be made part of the faculty as lecturers, enabling them to get additional benefits and incentives; and a REPS chair awards would likewise be created. Administrative staff would acquire security of tenure or permanent items, the practice of contractualization would be put to an end, and an administrative chair award would also be put in place. Student needs would be addressed with the addition of campus-wide student wellness rooms, 24/7 learning spaces, decent tambayans, on-site guidance counselors and diversified student activities. There will be a campaign for more undergraduate and especially graduate students at UP Diliman, which will entail the construction of more dormitories. Finally, alumni will be given opportunities to give back in the form of return service to the University. Staff members of the different UP Diliman student publications and DZUP prepping before the event. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO. His plans also include: a decent housing policy for faculty, REPS and administrative staff; promoting consistency of curricula, including the migration of five-year courses to four; and, commissioned research on supply and demand of each degree offering to reflect the gaps where UP should focus on. To promote the arts, exhibits on an international level would be held twice a year to internationalize UP Diliman’s artists and their works; likewise, international conferences would be hosted by the other academic clusters twice a year, with funding made available for such projects. Each unit would also house a museum and information center; and, the campus would be sectorized according to clusters:the Arts Paradise, Technology Haven, Innovation Mecca, Technopreneurship Center and the like. Manegdeg also mentioned elevating the UP Archaeological Studies Program to the level of school—the UP School of Archaeology. “Activism is alive and vigilance will continue to thrive in our University. UP Diliman shall be open to all ideologies without excluding another,” he stated. With regard to national security the UP Department of Military Science and Tactics will be transformed into the National Security Leadership Institute, as “it is about time to have a UP brand on the interest of National Security.” The UP Extension Program in Pampanga and Olongapo will likewise be readied for their elevation into a UP constituent university. UP Diliman will also form a quick response group to aid and assist communities affected by natural disasters. UP College of Engineering Dean Ferdinand Manegdeg. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO. “It is imperative that the incoming UP Diliman chancellor should be firmly committed to help UP President Danilo Concepcion build an iconic University. Furthermore, this has to be complemented with efficient and sustainable administrative processes and effective curricular changes that are universally acceptable and primarily benefit our nation. Therefore,” he concluded, “there must be a rightful change in the UP Diliman leadership, not a continuation of the past six-year administration.” Watch: Prof. Ferdinand G. Manegdeg at the forum for nominees for UP Diliman Chancellor An inclusive, diverse and public service-oriented UP Diliman Vice-Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo followed with his presentation, “Re-Imagining UP Diliman as an Academic Center of Excellence; Inclusive, Diverse and Public Service-Oriented”. Beginning with his personal history growing up in UP Diliman, he said of his activist roots: “Noon pa man, malinaw na sa akin na ang UP ay naninindigan at lumalaban. Ang UP ay nakikilahok, nakiiisa at lumalaban para sa bayan. Sabihin mang pula ang kulay ng protesta, hindi ko kinahihiya ang marka ng tradisyon ng pakikibaka na aking pinagmulatan at kinalakihan.” UP Diliman Vice-Chancellor for Research and Development Fidel Nemenzo. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO. His vision is of a UP Diliman that would play a critical role in helping the country attain parity with developed countries, and for our society to navigate the rapid global and economic transformations brought on by advancements in digital technology. Thus, he envisioned UP Diliman as a modern research university with a public mission, building upon the gains of previous administrations and learning from the successes and shortcomings of the past, and harnessing UP Diliman’s unique diversity to create fertile ground for critical and innovative thinking. He will likewise promote UP Diliman as an inter-disciplinary hub working with various sectors and communities in society to draw up responses to policy questions and development challenges. In terms of promoting academic excellence, Nemenzo plans to continue to cultivate the spirit of critical inquiry and challenge the community to seek new ways of solving problems, bringing together the best minds across disciplines to address these problems through research. He also plans to enhance the digital infrastructure, tools and applications that would facilitate world class research. The General Education program would be strengthened, alongside the specializations. Support for the varsity teams and sports programs would continue, while music, theater, literature and art programs would be bolstered. Internationalization would be pursued, but grounded on the recognition of our duty to our own nation, which entails improving academic programs to enhance our capability to serve our country. If selected chancellor, he plans to propose a multi-disciplinary discussion on the metrics of academic performance. The audience consisting of members of the various sectors of the UP Diliman Community listens intently to the presentations of the two chancellor-candidates. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO. Nemenzo stated in his vision that “academic excellence can only thrive under conditions of openness and respect for diversity.” Hence, he is committed to defend UP as a safe space where free thought and free speech are practiced responsibly, and where collegiality and respect prevail. In terms of democratic governance, according to Nemenzo, a chancellor’s role is not only to support the University’s free-thinking scholars and artists, but to imbue them with a sense of purpose and inspire them toward higher goals. To do this, transparency and accountability in decisions and actions would be promoted by enhancing public information systems, and instituting functional grievance and feedback mechanisms. “As chancellor, I will strengthen efforts to uphold democratic rights by conducting regular consultations on academic personnel and community concerns, with a view to empowering our students, faculty, REPS and staff” he added. In terms of promoting the well-being and dignity of the academic community through the creation of a nurturing and enabling environment, Nemenzo plans: to expand the services of the Diliman Learning Resource Center and further support initiatives such as the Kapihan sa Diliman, a 24/7 study space for students; to provide more adequate housing, healthcare and other services by continuing to upgrade the UP health services and its primary care program; to advance gender equality by strengthening support for forefront offices such as the Diliman Gender Office, the Office of Anti-Sexual Harassment, and the Center for Women’s and Gender Studies; and, to promote mental health awareness and well-being by pushing for the institutionalization of the PsycServ program. As for UP Diliman’s communities of informal settlers, Nemenzo plans to work with the city government and other relevant agencies to provide satisfactory relocation sites. UP Diliman Vice-Chancellor for Research and Development Fidel Nemenzo. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO. In terms of administrative and operational efficiency, Nemenzo plans to create a comprehensive data management system to help the UP administration make timely and effective policy decisions. To ensure safety and disaster preparedness on campus, the UP Diliman Police and Special Services Brigade would be provided more support and training. He would also work with the UP Resilience Institute and the Quezon City Government to improve UP Diliman’s capacity for disaster risk reduction, preparedness and response. Nemenzo also declared his commitment to the protection and revitalization of UP Diliman’s natural environment. Watch: Prof. Fidel R. Nemenzo presenting his vision at the forum for the next UPD Chancellor UP Diliman interviews with constituents UP Diliman Chancellor Michael Tan delivers a condensed version of his administration’s achievements report. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO. Prior to the presentation of the two chancellor-candidates, outgoing Chancellor Michael Tan presented a brief report on the achievements of his administration in the past six years, which concluded with a standing ovation from the audience. A lively open forum followed the two presentations, with the chancellor-candidates answering questions from members of the UP faculty, students, REPS and administrative staff in the audience. Questions included: how each chancellor-candidate would mobilize the entire UP Diliman community to take a stand on burning issues of the day; how they perceive the role of a chancellor and what their style of leadership is; how they would handle conflicts between individual faculty and their units and departments; how they would deal with issues students face in relation to advising, enrollment, org-recruitment, student publications and so on; what their commitment would be to implementing the CNA between the administration and the faculty and administrative staff union; and, red-tagging by the national government. However, both chancellor-candidates reiterated their commitment to defend UP from unauthorized entry of the Philippine National Police and elements of the military into the campus. The members of the Search Committee for the UP Diliman Chancellor, from left to right: UP President’s representative and Secretary to the University and the BOR Atty. Roberto M.J. Lara; student representative and Chairperson of the UPD College of Arts and Letters Student Council Mr. Joshua Caesar Chan; chairman of the Search Committee for UPD Chancellor and senior faculty representative from the UP College of Music, University Professor Emeritus and National Artist Dr. Ramon P. Santos [standing]; administrative staff representative Josephine P. Esteban of the UPD Office of Student Housing; senior faculty representative and Marine Science Institute professor Dr. Laura T. David; junior faculty representative Ms. Anna Melinda Testa-de Ocampo of the College of Arts and Letters; and REPS representative and head librarian of the UPD NCPAG Library Jocelyn P. Basa. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO. The public forum, which was organized by the multisectoral UP Diliman Chancellor Search Committee headed by Dr. Ramon P. Santos, National Artist for Music, was followed by a series of interviews between the two chancellor-candidates and UP Diliman constituents, students, REPS, administrative staff, faculty and all sectors, spread out until January 22. The Search Committee is scheduled to consolidate all materials from the interviews, and to submit its report by January 27. A group photo of the Search Committee for the UP Diliman Chancellor, the two chancellor-candidates and Chancellor Tan onstage after the public forum. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO. Video recorded and edited by KIM Quilinguing, UP Media and Public Relations Office.
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https://up.edu.ph/spaces-for-a-green-life-of-the-mind/
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Spaces for a Green Life of the Mind – University of the Philippines
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Spaces for a Green Life of the Mind Spaces for a Green Life of the Mind November 9, 2018 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc Picnicking under mango trees near the Carillon Plaza in UP Diliman. (Photo by Jo. Lontoc, UP MPRO) Surveying scientific literature, a 2017 article in the British Journal of Psychology spoke of the positive relationship between “greenspace” and mental health and well-being. “Individuals have less mental distress, less anxiety and depression, greater well-being and healthier cortisol profiles when living in urban areas with more greenspace compared with less greenspace,” said the paper by two authors from the University of Essex. “If you’re going to be looking at UP, it is an ideal place already, as far as I’m concerned,” Armin Sarthou, UP College of Architecture dean and former UP Vice President for Development, says, talking about institutions with physical features supportive of the occupants’ mental health and well-being. “The past presidents have seen to that. It was the vision of previous administrations that made sure we have a green environment,” Sarthou points out. UP campuses were granted large tracts of land, which make them ideal greenspaces, he adds. Foremost among these are UP Diliman, UP Los Baños, UP Visayas, and UP Mindanao. “There’s an architectural effect [in open spaces] that gives a feeling of expressiveness, freedom, etc., as opposed to cramped spaces,” Sarthou says. A student in UP Baguio finds quiet on a pine tree-shaded spot beside Abueva’s open-armed Inang Laya; and a jogger, a visiting mother, and a taho vendor go about their respective businesses undisturbed under the canopy of raintrees at UP Diliman’s Academic Oval. (Photos by Misael Bacani and Jo. Lontoc, UP MPRO) “You have breathing space,” he continues. “That’s very, very important to the general well-being of the occupants. Without breathing space, you feel hemmed in, and that probably contributes to that state of affairs [where psychosocial problems are on the rise].” Greenspace also affords people “green exercise” or the use of natural environment for physical activity, which is also “psychologically restorative,” the paper in the British journal also says. “You have the venue for physical exertion or exercise. So on the practical side, UP will give you that opportunity, to walk and to run, and so on,” adds Prof. Dolores Madrid of the same college as Sarthou. The UP Los Baños central turfs, aptly named Freedom Park; a biker whizzing by the greenery of a major UP Diliman avenue, and students walking to and from PE classes at the UP Diliman Gymnasium. (Photos by Misael Bacani (first) and Jo. Lontoc (second and third), UP MPRO) Indeed, for many, UP is space in which to frolic, jog, fly a Frisbee, walk the morning, afternoon, or night, and where one can run around on the grass. And to meditate, says Sarthou, like in the Sunken Garden of UP Diliman. Or take a nap under a tree. UP is thus the classic greenspace, associated with mental health and well-being of urbanites. The UP Diliman Sunken Garden spreading out for a game of frisbee; and the UP Diliman Amphitheater embracing the public on a leisurely day on the grass. (Photos by Misael Bacani and Jo. Lontoc, UP MPRO) More than just greenspace Causality between greenspace and mental health and well-being has not been established in scientific literature, warns the BJP paper. But there are theories. For Dr. Portia Grace Fernandez-Marcelo of the UP College of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, the color green is integral to the concept of home. It is a familiar color. “It is what should be and is seen typically.” Being naturally occurring in plants and trees, the color soothes humankind. “We are used to it,” Marcelo says. “Scientifically, it has a broad band in the visible light spectrum, thus we see this all the time, and familiarity gives comfort.” Braving two to four hours of traffic every day, Fernandez-Marcelo returns from work in congested Manila to the greenery of UP Diliman, and immediately feels refreshed. She echoes the feeling of other UP Manila colleagues who have chosen UP Diliman as their residence. Humankind is drawn to the familiar color of green. (Photo taken at the open field near the College of Mass Communication, UP Diliman, by Jo. Lontoc, UP MPRO) The concept of home is also affirmed by the architects Sarthou and Madrid as essential in making spaces nurture mental health and well-being. This is especially true for students who are dragged away from home to be able to study in college. “It’s not merely how a space is used but it is also the meaning of the space to a person,” Madrid emphasizes. Sarthou says that this is exactly the point behind the current UP Diliman administration’s thrust for pride of place. “The Chancellor wants to give UP students, faculty, staff, and anybody who has to do with UP a sense of belongingness and a sense of ownership: It’s home for you.” A brown shrike stations on a golden shower tree behind the School of Urban and Regional Planning, UP Diliman. (Photo by Jo. Lontoc, UP MPRO) What exactly is home in psycho-physiological terms? “Home, tahanan, with its root word tahan: [when you feel] comfort, safe, secure. It means stress neurotransmitters are not in excess; the mind and body are in a quiescent and relaxed state; stress hormones and neurotransmitters are held at bay,” Marcelo explains. That is why UP’s greenspace would not provide its supposed emotional benefits if it fails to be part of “home”—that is, if it is uncontrolled, says Sarthou, or does not feel safe and secure. “Walking from Ylanan to your office at NISMED, there are trees, shade, and breeze, and [across the Lagoon], no vehicles to watch out for. There’s comfort and safety,” Dolores says. “But you have to remember that it was also on that route, in the 1980s, where somebody was raped and killed.” Feeling at home is provided not just by rustic scenes such is laid out outside the window of the Board of Regents Room, Quezon Hall, UP Diliman, but by a sense of control and security. (Photo by Jo. Lontoc, UP MPRO) By the same token, UP Manila and the other smaller campuses, despite the lack of open spaces, still feel like home precisely because of the proximity of the occupants to each other and the security afforded by the smaller, fenced-in areas. Yet many of UP constituents in the city centers yearn for open spaces and end up, like Dr. Fernandez-Marcelo and her family, braving the traffic and the long commute, taking refuge, making a home amongst the green open spaces of the more rustic campuses. UP campuses with more than adequate hectarage continue to provide such a refuge, keeping greenery that is welcoming and not alienating, being natural and almost raw, manicured just enough to maintain visibility in the undergrowth while not telling people to keep off the grass, Sarthou and Madrid maintain. Grass growing freely behind the Institute of Math building, National Science Complex, UP Diliman. (Photo by Jo. Lontoc, UP MPRO) And neither have the smaller campuses—already using their smallness to their advantage in keeping the community close and familiar—given up on greenspace. Based on recent reports, UP Manila is building vertically to afford itself more open spaces with greenery; UP Baguio maintains its pine trees, fills available space with expressionistic art, and maximizes the rolling terrain to keep people walking and climbing; and UP Cebu is still home to several towering age-old trees and open greens despite its new and rising structures. With the lush harbinger of mental health and well-being, many people in UP are glad the green is still there, when many in the world are losing it. Old photos of UP Baguio, UP Cebu, and UP Diliman, the last curiously captioned “After a difficult exam,” showing greenery integral to a healthy life on campus. (From UP MPRO file photos)
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https://up.edu.ph/creating-channels-of-compassion/
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Creating Channels of Compassion – University of the Philippines
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Creating Channels of Compassion Creating Channels of Compassion November 9, 2018 | Written by J. Mikhail Solitario With the passage of the Philippine Mental Health Law or Republic Act 11036, the focus on mental health and related services has intensified. Signed last June 21, 2018, the law aims to integrate mental health care in the country’s existing systems. With institutional pathways already set within the University on matters concerning mental health, what are its biggest stakeholders initiating at their end? Coping through an organization For COPE UP’s founder Dhan De Leon, it all started when he battled depression four years ago and he had to take a leave of absence from school. When he came back, he took a counseling elective from the College of Education and met Professor Lorelei Vinluan. “She was very vocal about helping students and counseling them,” recalls Dhan. Armed with a robust support system of family and friends, De Leon pledged to do something to help address the rising incidents of mental health issues in the University. What was initially envisioned as a support group system evolved into COPE UP, a university-wide organization “raising mental health awareness and providing a sound environment for individuals experiencing mental health disorders, problems, and other mental health-related challenges inside and outside the University,” according to its Facebook page. Taken during one of COPE UP’s mental health modules last October 2017. (Photo from Dhan de Leon) Currently, the organization has about 80 active members from an initial 23 spread across different colleges such as Business Administration (CBA), Science, Engineering, and Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) whose members are Psychology majors. In its founding year, COPE UP was able to conduct five mental health modules with topics including stress management and child psychology. The organization also held workshops for its members through partnerships with Neuro-Linguistic Programming Manila and the University Student Council, where COPE UP assisted in the drafting of a mental health awareness module for Diliman organizations, sororities, and fraternities. In the near future, the organization plans to strengthen its internal dynamics by tapping professionals to facilitate trainings on peer counseling. Leadership through service As the local representative bodies of each of the 19 colleges in UP Diliman, the college student councils are tasked to develop campaigns, events, and services with the welfare of their own constituents in mind. In the School of Economics (SE), the student council provided simple services such as free bubble wrap and stress balls, free food, and a day when they could pet dogs on campus. A campaign was also launched called “Diwa,” which allowed students to undergo free consultation sessions with psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors. “Diwa” was particularly challenging, according to SE Student Council Chair Josh Quimbo, because they had to ensure that the students’ identities would not be exposed. It’s the little things that go a long way, according to SESC Chair Quimbo. (Photo from UP SESC) Former Engineering Student Council (ESC) Public Relations Councilor Jason Fernandez talked about #SpeakOut, a mental health awareness campaign that kicked off with the ESC joining the Youth for Mental Health Coalition, and continued with a signboard campaign to push for a mental health law and a department caravan to hold mental health seminars in the college. The ESC also released a video series with #SpeakOut ambassadors expressing their sentiments about various mental health issues. In the case of Malcolm Hall, the Law Student Government (LSG) formed its own Mental Health Committee and celebrated “Kalinaw,” a series of events dedicated to increasing awareness and breaking the stigma attached to mental health disorders. Headlining the week was the forum called “Bar Blues: A Talk on Spotting Depression and Anxiety, and Living With Them” and “Are You Having A Ruff Time?”, which brought therapy dogs from CARA Welfare Society to the halls of Malcolm. A primer and blog were also launched, along with a freedom wall during the week, and free film viewings for one day. Dogs visited and gave law students a much-needed break during UP LSG’s “Are You Having A Ruff Time?” (Photo courtesy of UP LSG) LSG President Chris Alquizalas says that the LSG was glad to have found a number of willing volunteers to help make the events a success. In the end, the goal is clear: to have an environment that is open and receptive to mental health issues, and to work together with the proper institutions in finding real and concrete solutions to address these issues. Alternate venues to find purpose All undergraduate students are required to take courses under the National Service Training Program (NSTP), which usually spans two semesters with a common module designed by the Diliman NSTP Office, which tackles leadership, citizenship, and volunteerism, and a second module particular to the college or unit administering the program. There are currently three components under the NSTP: Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (military training), Civic Welfare Training Service (community work), and Literacy Training Service (teaching). The common module serves as preparation for students before immersing in their target partner communities or institutions. Programs under the NSTP vary across colleges, offering a wide array of volunteerism options for students. In the CSSP, for example, both the Departments of Linguistics and Philosophy offer teaching opportunities such as philosophy for children. Meanwhile in the CBA and the School of Statistics, an integrated NSTP offering may be taken up in one semester. The Diliman NSTP Office does not demand that programs offered by the units be anchored on their respective disciplines. NSTP students help repack donated goods for Marawi City. (Photo from the UPD USC) “Sometimes the ideas emanate from the students, and sometimes they come from the program coordinators,” states NSTP Office Director Arlyn Macapinlac. The School of Statistics lets students conduct meaningful surveys and studies, the College of Engineering carries out disaster risk reduction and management training, while the College of Fine Arts makes murals and coloring books for children under the Department of Social Welfare and Development. To promote the NSTP, the NSTP Office visits other state universities and colleges such as Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. It also has a radio show on DZUP for its stakeholders in the UP community. One interesting program, according to Director Macapinlac, is a partnership with the UP Main Library where the CSSP Library is also housed. In one meeting, the librarian mentioned that the library had a huge backlog in covering its books in plastic. This was how “Project AlaLib (Alalay sa Lib)” was born. All CSSP NSTP classes were requested to commit one Monday out of their regular schedule to help cover books. After one semester, the library ran out of plastic protective casings. CSSP NSTP students help CSSP Library inside the Main Library to cover books and recover its backlog. (Photos from Rhoell Rondilla) “Serving and volunteering do not always have to be grand gestures. It was a delight to see them develop their own systems in a seemingly simple task such as covering books with plastic casings,” Macapinlac relates. The University is known for its less-than-forgiving circumstances that are supposedly designed to build character, but as empathy slowly finds it way and flows across channels carved by both its institutions and its students, UP may also progress not just as a haven for bright minds but for compassionate hearts as well.
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https://up.edu.ph/maceda100-jose-maceda-centennial-international-symposium/
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Maceda100: Jose Maceda Centennial International Symposium – University of the Philippines
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Maceda100: Jose Maceda Centennial International Symposium Maceda100: Jose Maceda Centennial International Symposium September 5, 2017 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The legacy of National Artist José Monserrat Maceda, composer, scholar, philosopher and humanist, covers a wide breadth of human endeavours, interests and aspirations, with special significance to the musical cultures of the Philippines and Southeast Asia vis a vis the Asian civilization at large, as well as the rest of the world. To celebrate Jose Maceda’s 100th birth year, the U.P. Center for Ethnomusicology launched the Maceda100, a series of special events featuring an international symposium, musical performances of his compositions, exhibits, and research activities scattered throughout the year of 2017 with an official kick-off on January 31, 2017 (his 100th birthday). The centerpiece of the Maceda100 year-long celebration will be held on September 25-26, 2017: The Maceda100: Jose Maceda Centennial International Symposium. It will be conducted in the form of speeches and round-table discussion and will be attended by speakers and participants who are experts in the field of musicology, ethnomusicology, music performance and composition, as well as contemporaries and guests from related fields. Cassettes100 performance at the Vargas Museum last February 2 during the Maceda100 Kick-off (Photo from UP Center for Ethnomusicology) EXCHANGES, the first of two concerts that coincide with the Symposium, will be held on September 25, 2017 (7:30 PM). It features 3 works by Dr. Jose Maceda, namely: 2 Pianos and 4 Percussion Groups, Exchanges, and Siasid. The concert is under the direction and baton of Prof. Chino Toledo and will be performed by Grupo 20/21. On September 26, 2017, an exhibit curated by Ms. Dayang Yraola titled “Attitude of the Mind” will have its official opening at 4:30 PM in the Bulwagang Juan Luna, Main Gallery of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The artists featured in the exhibit are Ms. Ringo Bunoan, Mr. Tad Ermitaño, Mr. Leo Abaya, Prof. Chris Brown, Mr. Malek Lopez, Mr. Arvin Nogueras, Mr. Ricky Francisco, and Ms. Rayla Heide. The second concert will be held on the same day at 6:00PM– the re-staging and homecoming of Casettes100 in the Main Theater Lobby of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Cassettes 100 was first performed in 1971 at the CCP lobby where one hundred ‘musicians’ weaved their way through an ‘audience’ strolling around, each carrying a cassette player playing one of the hundred pre-recorded tracks of various Philippine instruments. This restaging will make use of new media (MP3 players) in the performance and will be under the direction of Dr. Jonas Baes and will feature artworks by Ms. Lani Maestro and Mr. Jun Yee. The symposium, performances, and exhibits intend to showcase artists and scholars who are students and alumni of the University of the Philippines and are open to experts and scholars in music composition, musicology, ethnomusicology, anthropology, and related fields; archivists and information specialists; and, teachers and undergraduate and graduate students of music. A minimal registration fee of P2,000.00 will be requested from interested participants (P1,500) for early bird and students) which will cover expenses for the symposium materials and food (AM snacks, Lunch, PM snacks and welcome dinner). Cassettes 100 and Attitude of the Mind are free admission. Press Contact: Grace Ann Fernando and Rica Aquino Contact Details: 9257139 / upethno@gmail.com
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https://up.edu.ph/ppo-plays-to-a-full-up-amphitheater/
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PPO plays to a full UP Amphitheater – University of the Philippines
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PPO plays to a full UP Amphitheater PPO plays to a full UP Amphitheater March 26, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The UP Amphitheater rang with symphonic orchestral music from the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and the applause of a rapt audience. (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO) The live concert of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) in UP Diliman on March 23, 2018 saw one of few instances the spacious and iconic UP Amphitheater was filled with people for an evening of symphonic orchestral music under the moon and stars. Under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera, PPO’s associate conductor, and with UP hosting, the PPO played to a crowd not limited to the UP community of faculty, students, staff, alumni, and residents. Maestro Herminigildo Ranera conducts the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra in UP Diliman. (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO) “Seeing people here is heartening,” UP Diliman Chancellor Tan said in his welcome remarks.. “The turnout tells us people will come. . . and we are hoping the PPO will go to all our CUs (UP constituent universities) and campuses,” he added. “Your presence is most important,” Tan told PPO, the resident orchestra of the (Cultural Center of the Philippines) CCP and the country’s premier orchestra. “It is bringing music to the communities and not keeping it within the Cultural Center.” The concert, brought to the public for free by UP and CCP, began with PPO’s versions of “Lupang Hinirang” just after sunset, and ended with “UP Naming Mahal” with Professor Ramon Acoymo, the program coordinator for UP, singing. The UP community, with its signature raised fist, sings “UP Naming Mahal” accompanied by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO) All numbers in the program were well applauded: from the popular classics “Overture to Gillaume Tell” and “Waves of the Danube Waltz” to selections from modern-day musicals, “Les Miserables” and “Phantom of the Opera”; with themes from “Indiana Jones” and “Star Wars” to medleys of Aegis, Itchyworms, and APO Hiking Society tunes; and, from Pop classic, “Three Coins in the Fountain”, to “Despacito” and “Baby Shark”. The concert, titled “Simulain at Pangarap: A Musical Celebration”, commemorated 106 years of the first UP commencement exercises held on March 31, 1911 at Padre Faura, Manila. Maestro Herminigildo Ranera conducts the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra in UP Diliman. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO) National Artist for Music Ramon Santos and Cultural Center of the Philippines President Arsenio Lizaso; Department of Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato dela Peña and Commission on Higher Education Officer in Charge J. Prospero de Vera III; Former UP Presidents Emmanuel Soriano and Francisco Nemenzo; Former UP Regents Nelia Gonzalez and Judy Taguiwalo; UP President Danilo Concepcion and Regents Angelo Jimenez, Frederick Mikhail Farolan and Patricia Arinto were among those in the audience. (Jo. Lontoc, UP MPRO) For more photos of the event, please click here.
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https://up.edu.ph/ppo-to-stage-a-free-live-concert-march-23-in-up-diliman/
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PPO to stage a free live concert March 23 in UP Diliman – University of the Philippines
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PPO to stage a free live concert March 23 in UP Diliman PPO to stage a free live concert March 23 in UP Diliman March 6, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The public will get to see a concert of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO), the country’s leading orchestra, live and for free, on March 23, 2018 at 6 PM in the iconic University of the Philippines Quezon Hall Amphitheater in UP Diliman, Quezon City. The University of the Philippines (UP) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) are mounting “Simulain at Pangarap: A Musical Celebration” to commemorate 106 years of UP commencement exercises. UP’s first commencement ceremony was held on March 31, 1911. The concert will be conducted by Maestro Herminigildo Ranera of the PPO. It will feature Philippine, American, and European music arranged for full symphonic orchestra, from such classic greats as J. Strauss and G. Rossini to contemporary legends like John Williams and the Beatles. According to the program coordinator, former Dean Ramon Acoymo of the UP College of Music, music popularized by Western and Filipino icons—from Frank Sinatra to Tito, Vic, and Joey—will be juxtaposed with songs of love of country. Five hundred seats will be set up on the amphitheater lawn, while the rest of the amphitheater will be made a promenade area.
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https://up.edu.ph/up-to-host-ppo-performance/
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UP to host PPO performance – University of the Philippines
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UP to host PPO performance UP to host PPO performance August 9, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Some members of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra play excerpts from Vivaldi and Mozart compositions. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) The University of the Philippines will once again host a free public concert by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) on December 8, 2018. In a press conference on the PPO’s 45th anniversary, Cultural Center of the Philippines President Arsenio Lizaso and Vice-President Artistic Director Chris Millado revealed the line-up for PPO’s 36th concert season and outreach performances, which include the concert in UP Diliman. Cultural Center of the Philippines President Arsenio Lizaso, Vice President-Artistic Director Chris Millado (fifth and sixth on the table, from the left), and partners of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra for its outreach performances, which include UP as represented by its Vice President for Public Affairs, Jose Dalisay Jr. (extreme left on the table), cheer the partnerships. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) UP Vice President for Public Affairs Jose Dalisay Jr. (fourth from left) with Hungarian diplomats David Ambrus and Ambassador Jozsef Bencze; and Cultural Center of the Philippines President Arsenio Lizaso and Vice President-Artistic Director Chris Millado. PPO will be hosted by UP in December 2018 and will be led by renowned Hungarian pianist and conductor Tamas Vasary in a concert in February 2019. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) On December 8, 2018, the PPO will play for the second time on the Diliman campus and for the third time in the University in a year. Its “Simulain at Pangarap: A Musical Celebration” concert last March in the UP Amphitheater filled the venue, drawing an appreciative audience from within and outside the University. It also held concerts in the UP Manila-Philippine General Hospital. The PPO outreach concerts are free to the public. PPO conductor Herminigildo Ranera, recalling a joint concert between the UP and the UST symphonic orchestras three years ago, expressed hopes of performing with the former once again. Ranera conducted the UST orchestra in the historic “No Match” back-to-back concert in February 2015. Cultural Center of the Philippines President Arsenio Lizaso (seated second from right), Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) conductor Herminigildo Ranera (standing extreme left), members of the orchestra (in black), and partners of the PPO for its outreach performances, which include UP, as represented by Vice President for Public Affairs Jose Dalisay Jr. (standing fourth from left), at the press conference for the PPO’s 45th anniversary. (Photo by Bong Arboleda) Cultural Center of the Philippines President Arsenio Lizaso and Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra conductor Herminigildo Ranera answer questions from the press. Ranera expresses hopes of the PPO collaborating with the UP Orchestra as they did three years ago. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) UP’s hosting of the PPO was formalized in a ceremonial contract signing, along with other partners of the PPO, at the press conference in Manila Hotel on August 1, 2018. UP was represented by Vice President for Public Affairs Jose Dalisay Jr. “CCP is bringing art to the people. We are the players, but the art belongs to you,” Lizaso told the public. The PPO is the resident orchestra of the CCP and is regarded as one of the top musical ensembles in the Asia-Pacific region. It is able to bring live symphonic music to the masses for free with the help of hosts and sponsors. (Jo Lontoc, UP MPRO)
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https://up.edu.ph/up-philippine-philharmonic-orchestra-bring-handels-messiah-free-to-the-public/
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UP, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra bring Handel’s Messiah free to the public – University of the Philippines
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UP, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra bring Handel’s Messiah free to the public UP, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra bring Handel’s Messiah free to the public November 14, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office UP, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra bring Handel’s Messiah free to the public The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) and UP’s top soloists and choral groups will perform immortal orchestral selections, Christmas and inspirational music including Handel’s Messiah, one of the grandest and best-known choral and orchestral works of Western music, free for the public. Tenor and project coordinator Prof. Ramon Acoymo of the UP College of Music made the announcement of the concert, “Pamaskong Handog ng UP”, which will be held on December 8, Saturday, 7 PM, at the Quezon Hall Amphitheater, UP Diliman, Quezon City. More than 130 voices comprising soloists and choruses of UP—under the musical direction of UP professor and Madrigal Singers choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio—will be accompanied by the PPO under the baton of Dr. Herminigildo Ranera. “The PPO will play six orchestral pieces, collaborate with the singers in the performance of three Messiah choruses and then round up the evening with a Christmas sing-along of six carols,” Acoymo said, citing initial plans. The choral groups include the UP Cherubim and Seraphim, the UP Concert Chorus, the UP Singing Ambassadors, the UP Staff Chorale, and UP College of Music Chorus Classes. UP’s yearly Christmas traditions include a Messiah staging, which culminates in a grand-scale performance of “Hallelujah” when everyone in the audience rises on their feet. This is the first time the tradition will involve the partnership between the country’s premier orchestra, the University of the Philippines, and UP Diliman. Thus, this year’s Messiah will not only help PPO reach out to more communities but will also expand this venue for public service of UP and its own musical groups. Handel’s Messiah is an oratorio reflecting on the story of Jesus Christ as the Messiah. “Sublime music is wedded to sublime literature in the Messiah highlights as well as in the ‘Songs of Christmas’ celebration,” Acoymo said. Free seats for the public will be provided on the open amphitheater grounds. “All singers and chorister audience members may want to join in the singing of the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus as well, in what may yet be a jubilant and reverent classical ‘flash mob’ rendition of the immortal piece,” Acoymo added.
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https://up.edu.ph/up-presents-grand-concert-for-christmas/
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UP presents grand concert for Christmas – University of the Philippines
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UP presents grand concert for Christmas UP presents grand concert for Christmas December 13, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Maestro Herminigildo Ranera conducts the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra as UP choral groups await the choruses behind the risers. (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO) The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) and UP choral groups gave the public an evening of symphonic and choral music with solos from a premier tenor and mezzo soprano, presented in a free and live concert, on December 8, 2018, in the Quezon Hall Amphitheater in UP Diliman. Performing with the historic Quezon Hall as backdrop and in a full open-air amphitheater, the ensemble delighted the crowd with a mix of carols, classical and modern selections, including symphonic arrangements for 2015 and 2016 popular hits and Beyonce music. A set was devoted to international and local Christmas-themed songs, which the crowd was invited to join. The concert culminated in the Hallelujah Chorus of Handel’s “Messiah” and Nicanor Abelardo’s “UP Naming Mahal”. Maestro Herminigildo Ranera conducted the ensemble composed of the PPO and 130 voices provided by the UP Cherubim and Seraphim, the UP Concert Chorus, the UP Singing Ambassadors, the UP Staff Chorale, and UP chorus classes. Solos were performed by mezzo soprano Janet Sabas-Aracama and tenor Ramon Acoymo, who also provided the concert spiels. The intermission was highlighted by a surprise parade of UP athletes, for whom tribute songs were sung by Acoymo and the crowd. The amphitheater became a sea of waving lights as the crowd lit up their mobile phone flashlights and cheered the athletes. Titled “Pamaskong Handog ng UP”, the concert was offered free to the public through the cooperation of the UP System and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. This was the third time in 2018 the PPO played in a free and live concert in UP. “Pamaskong Handog” was the first time, however, for the PPO to accompany UP groups. The PPO played in the Philippine General Hospital and UP Diliman under its outreach program in which it gives free performances to the public with the help of hosting partners. Acoymo has served as coordinator in the past two UP concerts. (Jo. Lontoc, UP MPRO) The community camps out early in the amphitheater while the concert ensemble does final checks on stage. (Photo by Jo. Lontoc, UP MPRO) The Quezon Hall portico extending to the steps serves as the concert stage. (Photo by Jo. Lontoc, UP MPRO) The PPO’s central strings and woodwinds section as seen from the Quezon Hall bridge. (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO) UP’s choral groups sing as one chorus. (Photo by Jo. Lontoc, UP MPRO) Tenor Ramon Acoymo holds the concert and the audience together with his solos and spiels. (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO) Mezzo soprano Janet Sabas-Aracama performs solos for excerpts from Handel’s “Messiah”. (Photo by Jo. Lontoc, UP MPRO) Maestro Herminigildo Ranera conducts the PPO. (Photos by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO) The intermission becomes a highlight with the parade of UP athletes and Prof. Ramon Acoymo singing songs in their honor. (Photo by Jo. Lontoc, UP MPRO) The crowd responds to the tribute to the UP athletes with cheers and waving lights. (Photo by Jo. Lontoc, UP MPRO) UP athletes wave to the crows as they are given a standing ovation. (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO)
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https://up.edu.ph/office-of-admissions-releases-schedule-for-upca-2022-results/
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Office of Admissions releases schedule for UPCA 2022 results – University of the Philippines
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Office of Admissions releases schedule for UPCA 2022 results Office of Admissions releases schedule for UPCA 2022 results May 30, 2022 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The Office of Admissions of the University of the Philippines has released a schedule for the viewing the results of the UP College Application (UPCA) 2022. Please be guided by the time slots and assigned corresponding surnames in the graphic below. For questions and assistance, please contact the Office of Admissions by sending an email message to upcollegeapplications.oadms@up.edu.ph. You may also contact them via their official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/UPSystemOfficeOfAdmissions/
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https://up.edu.ph/74-named-up-artist/
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74 named UP Artist – University of the Philippines
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74 named UP Artist 74 named UP Artist December 12, 2019 | Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo UP Artists gather for a group photo at the entrance of the Asian Institute of Tourism after the awarding ceremony of the UP Arts Productivity System. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Seventy-four faculty members from across the UP System were conferred the rank and title of UP Artist in a ceremony held on November 29 at the Asian Institute of Tourism, UP Diliman (UPD). Awardees hold the title for three years, which comes with a yearly monetary incentive. The recognition, which may be renewed or elevated to a higher rank, is given based on the Arts Productivity System of the University. UP President Danilo Concepcion emphasizes the importance of giving proper compensation to artists in his welcome remarks. He also announced that new buildings in the University are required to have artwork incorporated in their design. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UPMPRO) Of the 74, 70 are from UPD and one each from UP Los Baños (UPLB), UP Manila (UPM), UP Visayas (UPV), and UP Baguio (UPB). The UP Artists I who were able to attend the ceremony pose for a photo. They are joined by VP for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Maria Cynthia Rose Bautista, who is third from left in the back row. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Thirty-three were named UP Artist I and will receive P150,000 annually for three years. They are: Junley L. Lazaga – UPB Honey Libertine Achanzar-Labor – UPM Martin G. Genodepa – UPV Amparo Adelina C. Umali III – UPD Robert Rownd – UPD Josefina C. Santos – UPD Daphne-Tatiana P. Tolentino-Canlas – UPD Ramon Maria G. Acoymo – UPD Ena Maria R. Aldecoa – UPD Alegria O. Ferrer – UPD David Dino S. Guadalupe – UPD Jocelyn Timbol-Guadalupe – UPD Antonio R. Maigue – UPD Jose Santos P. Ardivilla – UPD Romanlito S. Austria – UPD Nina Elisa B. Constantino – UPD Ruben Fortunato M. De Jesus – UPD Fortunato B. De La Peña Jr. – UPD Eyasmin A. Lantz – UPD Marco Ruben T. Malto II – UPD Jamel Joseph A. Obnamia – UPD Mitzi Marie Aguilar-Reyes – UPD Leonardo C. Rosete – UPD Marc J. San Valentin – UPD Arbeen R. Acuña – UPD Cecilia S. De La Paz – UPD U Z. Eliserio – UPD Eloisa May P. Hernandez – UPD Gabriela Alejandra D. Lee – UPD Maria Eileen L. Ramirez – UPD Meliton C. Roxas Jr. – UPD Sir Anril P. Tiatco – UPD Lily Rose R. Tope – UPD In this photo, some of the faculty members who earned the rank of UP Artist II are with VPAA Maria Cynthia Rose Bautista, who is third from left in the back row. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Thirty received the rank of UP Artist II and will receive P200,000 annually for three years. They are: Layeta Bucoy – UPLB Matthew Constancio M. Santamaria – UPD Gerard Rey A. Lico – UPD Julius Anthony M. Del Castillo – UPD Benjamin I. Cabangis – UPD Rita B. Gudiño – UPD Mary Catherine P. Sta. Ana – UPD Patrick F. Campos – UPD Sari Raissa Lluch Dalena – UPD Elizabeth L. Enriquez – UPD Jane O. Vinculado – UPD Rodney D.S. Sambat – UPD Janet S. Aracama – UPD Jonas U. Baes – UPD Laverne C. De La Peña – UPD Marie Jocelyn U. Marfil – UPD Raul C. Navarro – UPD Arwin Q. Tan – UPD Luna Sicat-Cleto – UPD Josefina F. Estrella – UPD Eugene Y. Evasco – UPD Vladimeir B. Gonzales – UPD Tessa Maria T. Guanzon – UPD Ramon G. Guillermo – UPD Judy Celine A. Ick – UPD Isabela B. Mooney – UPD Will P. Ortiz – UPD Amihan Bonifacio-Ramolete – UPD Rommel B. Rodriguez – UPD Dexter M. Santos – UPD Eight of the 11 UP Artists III with VPAA Maria Cynthia Rose Bautista, who stands second from left (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Eleven were awarded the title of UP Artist III and will receive P250,000 annually for three years. They are: Leonilo O. Doloricon – UPD Reuel M. Aguila – UPD Glecy C. Atienza – UPD Patrick D. Flores – UPD Jose Neil C. Garcia – UPD Yason B. Banal – UPD Eulalio R. Guieb III – UPD Rolando B. Tolentino – UPD Edna Marcil M. Martinez – UPD Maria Christine M. Muyco – UPD Josefino J. Toledo – UPD VPAA Maria Cynthia Rose Bautista officially closes the awarding ceremony. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO)
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https://up.edu.ph/managing-up-dilimans-buildings-and-sites/
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Managing UP Diliman’s Buildings and Sites – University of the Philippines
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Managing UP Diliman’s Buildings and Sites Managing UP Diliman’s Buildings and Sites October 18, 2017 | Written by Fred Dabu As the flagship campus of the University of the Philippines System, the 493-hectare UP Diliman campus is home to renowned cultural sites such as the Oblation Plaza, the University Amphitheater, the Carillon Tower and Plaza, the Sunken Garden, the Parish of the Holy Sacrifice, the Jorge B. Vargas Museum and Filipiniana Research Center, the UP Main Library, the University Theater Complex, and the Asian Center. The campus attracts thousands of visitors from Metro Manila, the provinces, and other countries daily. The UP Diliman administration manages 167 academic and administrative buildings, 11 dormitories, and 1,143 University-provided housing units, plus its open spaces, parks and protected forest areas. Completion of the DMMME Building, Eng’g Complex College of Engineering Library Learning Commons College of Fine Arts New Building These buildings and sites—and the health and safety concerns of the community—are all attended to by the UP Diliman Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs (OVCCA) headed by Prof. Nestor T. Castro. The OVCCA oversees the following offices to address the community’s ever-growing needs: the Office of the Campus Architect (OCA), the University Health Service (UHS), the Campus Maintenance Office (CMO), the Housing Office, the Chief Security Officer, the Office of Community Relations (OCR), and the Task Force on Solid Waste Management (TFSWM). DOST-UP DMMME Gold Copper Processing Plant in Bicol Region UPCA Auditorium UP Tourism Heritage Complex UP Diliman’s Office of the Campus Architect (OCA), with Arch. Enrico B. Tabafunda as its director, is in charge of infrastructure planning and delivery. To keep up with the demands of the times and to better serve the UP Diliman community, the OCA recently completed several infrastructure projects, and has several more projects currently ongoing. Maintaining the campus grounds The UP Diliman Campus Maintenance Office (CMO), headed by Arch. James Christopher P. Buño, provides building and grounds maintenance services to colleges and units of the University. According to Dir. Buño, “building maintenance services include works in carpentry, painting, plumbing, electrical installations and welding that are necessary for the upkeep of UP Diliman’s buildings. Grounds maintenance services, on the other hand, involve the upkeep of its roads, drainage and sewage systems, sweeping of streets and other open spaces, cutting of grass, collection of litter, and care of trees and ornamental plants.” The CMO annually receives more than 6,000 work orders for maintenance services. Computer Science Building Phase 1. UP EEEI Microsatellite Lab College of Home Economics Complex Phase 1 School of Statistics Phase 2 “Aside from these, the office also provides support services like hauling and assistance in venue setups during special events. It also has a Quick Response Team which handles maintenance operations during typhoons and emergencies and incidents that pose threats to the upkeep of the campus facilities and safety of the members of the UP Diliman community,” Buño adds. The CMO could use more workers, utility trucks, and heavy equipment. The office has a workforce of around 160, but according to Buño, the office is “approximately 40 people short of its projected ideal manpower.” He explains that “continuous development in the campus is also expected to affect the operations of the CMO as more and more buildings being built increases the scope and demand for maintenance services.” To address these challenges, Buño says the CMO teams up with faculty, students and administrators “in improving existing processes and creating new practices, through: active involvement in different committees and projects where the campus facilities and amenities are involved; coordination with Building Administrators who share in the responsibility of maintenance particularly within their respective units; and partnership with faculty and students in various research and academic projects relating to the maintenance of the campus and the office’s other operations.” ——————– Email the author at upforum@up.edu.ph.
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https://up.edu.ph/early-release-of-rice-allowance-aig-for-up-faculty-reps-admin-staff-announced/
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Early release of rice allowance, AIG for UP faculty, REPS, admin staff announced – University of the Philippines
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Early release of rice allowance, AIG for UP faculty, REPS, admin staff announced Early release of rice allowance, AIG for UP faculty, REPS, admin staff announced March 24, 2020 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta Additional financial support for members of the UP community during the enhanced community quarantine has been made available with the early release of the first tranche of rice allowance for fiscal year (FY) 2020, amounting to P2,350 for each faculty member, research, extension, and professional staff (REPS), and administrative staff, as ordered by UP President Danilo L. Concepcion in his March 23, 2020 message to the UP community. This was announced in a memorandum dated March 19, 2020, issued by UP System Vice-President for Administration Nestor G. Yunque. The first tranche of the Annual Incentive Grant (AIG) for FY 2020 for each UP faculty, administrative employee, and REPS has also been released early. This is according to a memorandum dated March 20, 2020, issued by UP Executive Vice-President Teodoro J. Herbosa. For the AIG, regular and non-regular UP faculty, REPS and administrative staff in active service, who have or will have rendered at least four months of service to UP as of May 31, 2020, will be granted P6,850 each regardless of their salary grade and employment status. This includes temporary, contractual, casual or substitute faculty and staff. Newly hired faculty, REPS and administrative staff, who have or will have served for at least one month but less than four months as of May 3, 2020, will receive a pro-rated share of the AIG. Faculty, REPS and administrative staff who have rendered active service but were separated or expected to be separated from the University from January 1 to May 31, 2020, will also receive a pro-rated share of the AIG. Part-time faculty, REPS and administrative staff in service from January 1 to May 31, 2020 will receive one-half of the benefits of full-time personnel, in proportion to their months of service. The early releases of the first tranches of these financial incentives were done in accordance with Section 2 of Proclamation No. 922, which declared a state of public health emergency throughout the country due to COVID-19. Section 2 mandates all government agencies and LGUs to render full assistance and cooperation and mobilize the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent and appropriate response and measures in a timely manner to curtail and eliminate the COVID-19 threat.
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https://up.edu.ph/upm-main-library-and-learning-commons-starts-construction/
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UPM Main Library and Learning Commons starts construction – University of the Philippines
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UPM Main Library and Learning Commons starts construction UPM Main Library and Learning Commons starts construction November 28, 2019 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc Architectural perspective of the building’s ground lobby. Image from UPM-CPDMO The construction of the 12-story UP Manila Main Library and Learning Commons officially started on November 26, 2019 with a ground-breaking ceremony led by UP System and UP Manila officials. “We will change the image of the library. [It will be] not just a study place or rest place, but a place for collaborative work,” UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla said. Architectural perspective of the UP Main Library and Learning Commons. Image from UPM-CPDMO The 12-story building will centralize the campus libraries. It will feature longer hours of operation, an open ground floor, individualized thesis-dissertation rooms, small-group study and collaborative areas, a coffee shop, and free drinking water. “It is the symbol of our commitment to higher learning,” Padilla added. Architectural perspective of an individualized thesis room. Image from UPM-CPDMO Architectural perspective of a reading room. Image from UPM-CPDMO “Natutuwa ako sa pamunuan at samahan ninyo dito sa UP Manila. Mabilis ang galaw ng mga bagay-bagay dito. Dapat ninyo itong gamitin upang gumanda pa ang ating kampus [UP Manila’s leadership and interrelations hearten me. Things move fast in here. You should use this advantage to improve the campus],” UP President Danilo Concepcion said, assuring the constituent university of the UP System Administration’s priority of improving the physical plant of the campuses. Architectural perspective of a discussion room. Image from UPM-CPDMO Architectural perspective of a gallery hall. Image from UPM-CPDMO The upgrade of UP Manila’s library was one of the visions of Padilla when she ran for chancellor in 2014. Former UP President Alfredo Pascual secured funding for a seven-story building in the 2017 General Appropriations Act (GAA). When presented to the succeeding UP president for project implementation, Concepcion secured additional GAA funding for a vertical expansion which would make the structure “future-ready” and provide the campus with vital open spaces. UP President Concepcion inspects ongoing construction in UP Manila accompanied by UP Manila Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development Michael Tee. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO UP President Danilo Concepcion and UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla drop a time capsule into the ground. Assisting Concepcion are Carmen Pascual representing Former UP President Alfredo Pascual, Vice Chancellor Arlene Samaniego, Vice Chancellor Nymia Simbulan, and Vice Chancellor Michael Tee. Assisting Padilla are Vice President Elvira Zamora, Vice Chancellor Armand Crisostomo, and Executive Vice President Teodoro Herbosa. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO UP Manila University Librarian Maria Nimfa Castro takes her turn burying the time capsule. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO UP Manila architects Rosalie Flores-Bernardo and Leonard Cordero bury the time capsule with UP President Danilo Concepcion, UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla, and UP Manila Vice Chancellor Michael Tee. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO UP President Danilo Concepcion discusses possible issues with UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla in the ground-breaking ceremony for the UP Manila Main Library and Learning Commons Building. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO UP President Danilo Concepcion and UP Manila Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development Michael Tee, with representatives from the building contractor, BF. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO
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https://up.edu.ph/management-and-staff-meet-on-ideas-in-up-admincon/
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Management and staff meet on ideas in UP Admincon – University of the Philippines
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Management and staff meet on ideas in UP Admincon Management and staff meet on ideas in UP Admincon August 1, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The conference participants with Rep. Satur Ocampo. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) The offices of the UP Vice President for Administration and the Staff Regent led the holding of the UP System-wide Administrative Management and Staff Conference with the theme: “Serving with honor, dignity, and compassion: Reaffirming the role of administrative personnel as partners in governance” on July 11 to 14, 2018 in UP Visayas. “Why not include honesty?” Rep. Satur Ocampo said in a keynote address. “It is the key attribute for anyone to be regarded as having honor and dignity in public service,” he pointed out. Ocampo affirmed the value of compassion: “It may be the fundamental element that can best measure a public servant’s worth in the eyes of the people. . . and strikes the highest resonance with them.” Management, staff, and administration experts break the ice before the welcome dinner in the UP Visayas Auditorium in Iloilo City. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) Hosted by UP Visayas (UPV), the conference gathered together more than 150 delegates from the management and administrative ranks of the constituent universities in the main conference venue at the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences of UPV’s Miagao, Iloilo campus to listen to Ocampo and other resource persons: Vice President for Administration Nestor Yunque, former Vice President for Administration Maragtas Amante, Regent Frederick Mikhail Farolan, Regent Angelo Jimenez, and Henrietta Española, MD. UPV shuttle buses ferry the participants between the UP Visayas campuses in Iloilo City and Miagao, and between the dormitories and the conference venue Pidlaoan Hall, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences in Miagao. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) With the input of the resource persons, management and staff tried to achieve a “meeting of minds” on ways to empower employees in support of University operations, strengthen the employee development program, protect employees from disasters and climate change, promote health and wellness, help employees avail of legal protection in the conduct of service; and thus, enable them to serve with honor, dignity, and compassion. President Danilo Concepcion, UP Los Baños Chancellor Fernando Sanchez, UP Visayas Chancellor Ricardo Babaran, UP Open University Chancellor Melinda Bandalaria, UP Mindanao Chancellor Sylvia Concepcion, and UP Cebu Chancellor Liza Corro, and representatives of the rest of the chancellors were present for dialogues. Registration on the first day of the conference proper (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) On the eve of the last day of the conference, the participants gathered in a solidarity dinner in the UPV Miagao Covered Gymnasium and presented cultural numbers by constituent university (CU). On July 14, together with the President, they were ferried from accommodations at UPV Miagao dormitories to visit the UPV Marine Biological Station in the Taklong Island National Marine Reserve off the southern coast of Guimaras for an awareness tour. Ideas Workshops and discussions between management and the staff representatives resulted in some workable ideas. Ocampo and Chancellor Concepcion spoke of the critical role of a strong labor union; and Amante, of the Collective Negotiation Agreement and the Staff Regent, of staff empowerment. Conference participants await the presentations (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) For the legal protection of employees in the performance of their duties, the creation of a claims board with tenured lawyers and alumni assistance to strengthen legal offices were two of many suggested proposals. Vulnerabilities of employees and their families could be addressed by the extension of E-HOPE to family members, the creation of Safety Officer positions and an occupational safety commission for each CU, by formulating protocol for emergencies, and by conducting regular drug checks. To reward compassion in service, an awards program was to be considered. Conference organizers Staff Regent Analiza Fulvadora and Vice President for Administration Nestor Yunque, with UP Cebu Chancellor Liza Corro and host UP Visayas Chancellor Ricardo Babaran, sing the national anthem along with the delegates. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) Yunque reported on UP’s discussions with the Civil Service Commission, the Department of Budget and Management, and the Commission on Audit on a joint circular to end contractualization among its ranks, and to be able to mitigate its impact. He cited the possibility of forming a labor cooperative, among others, to address the problem. He also reported on the current administration being all for equal opportunities for both academic and non-academic staff in terms of staff welfare and development. The staff in turn reiterated the need to also develop personnel in preparation for the retirement of those already in office. UP Visayas Chancellor Ricardo Babaran formally welcomes to his campus the participants, whom he calls “bida” and “sikat”. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) Discussions zeroed in on details, including suggestions to eliminate the category “other duties” in performance targets, which could be used to exploit personnel. Input by the UP President appears in https://www.up.edu.ph/index.php/up-prexy-gets-close-look-at-admin-issues-upv/. (Jo. Lontoc, UP MPRO) Regent Angelo Jimenez and Regent Frederick Mikhail Farolan talk about legal protection of personnel in the conduct of service and their protection at work and at home in times of disaster and climate change. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) Breakout workshop sessions (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) An ice-breaker before presentations of workshop output (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) A medical team stationed at the registration area checks a participant’s blood pressure. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) Staff Regent Analiza Fulvadora and Vice President for Administration Nestor Yunque give a token of appreciation to the resource speaker on health and wellness, Henrietta Española, MD of West Visayas State University. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) Delegates enjoy a native feast at a solidarity dinner. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) UP Manila delegates present mixed dances and a protest version of UP Naming Mahal. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) UP Cebu delegates, with Chancellor Liza Corro, perform a Cebuano song, with ukuleles, a beatbox, and projected visuals. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) The UP Visayas executive staff join the UP Visayas delegates in the climax of their Iloilo dance presentation. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) Delegates from the UP campuses in Tacloban perform a courtship dance. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) UP Baguio delegates simulate a Cordilleran ritual dance before inviting the public to join them in a line dance. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) UP Los Baños delegates present a medley of modern dances. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) UP Mindanao delegates in malongs perform select Mindanao indigenous dances. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) Changing to sarongs, the UP Mindanao delegates shift to a modern dance, as they are joined by their top officials and UP Mindanao-based Staff Regent Analiza Fulvadora. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO)
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https://up.edu.ph/uplifting-lives-through-interior-design/
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Uplifting lives through interior design – University of the Philippines
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Uplifting lives through interior design Uplifting lives through interior design March 9, 2018 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc Interior Design students mount expensive mock-ups for studio exhibits as an old practice for application courses. (Photo by ID 179 students) In an era of soul-searching in UP in the early 1990s, the Interior Design (ID) program saw an opportunity to turn ID’s elitist image around. It started with an insight. To Interior Design Professor Adelaida Mayo, ID should be seen in the context of basic needs. “There’s food, clothing, and shelter. Architecture deals with shelter, but where is its soul? It’s in the space people use. It’s inside. The shelter will just be the shell of it,” Mayo concluded. Without proper interior design, that space is bound to get unwieldy. Worse, it could lead to health problems and accidents. That living space may not be livable. Sadly, interior designers are left out in planning most low-cost and mass housing projects. Financially strapped institutions understandably omit interior designers from their roster of contractors, given their limited budgets. Together with another professor, Raquel Florendo, Mayo ushered the new millennium in the ID program with a concept to address this gap. How about their Special Projects classes doing it? It would be a more difficult task, a radical change from mounting exhibits of the students’ designs. But UP gladly prepared the students for such a challenge. The move to democratize Interior Design started with student volunteers. ID 179 or the Interior Design Special Projects Class called on students to apply “the knowledge, skills and competencies acquired and developed during the first three years of extensive training in interior design (to) a special project of their choice.” The lobby of the Ephpheta Foundation Institute for the Blind as improved by ID 179 students (Photo by ID 179 students) For a long time, ID students worked only in the studio. This was understandable as designing actual interiors and implementing them required a license, which students could not possibly have before graduation. They were compelled to simulate interior space, staging mock-ups of walls and ceilings and floors, furnishing, decorating and then exhibiting them inside halls, all of which was expensive. But all that went to waste once their works were dismantled. The students had no idea how their designs would have held up in actual use. In their new special project, the students would be under the close supervision of the professors, whose licenses would take care of the legal requirements for the projects. Grouped into teams, they helped look for project sites. They consulted with and proposed designs for screening by their professors. They coordinated among themselves to unify their concepts. Making cost estimates, they then set out to raise funds and get sponsorships. In academic year 2001-2002, ID 179 Special Projects rolled out in eight cottages of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Reception and Study Center for Children; the clinic and therapy rooms of the Golden Acres Home for the Aged; and a model unit for Gawad Kalinga. At the end of the first semester, what had been dark, dreary, and beat-up spaces were turned into bright and proper spaces to welcome back children recovering from trauma, the aged regaining strength and positive outlooks, and the poorest of the poor reclaiming their dignity. OLD AND NEW GK. The dining area of a Gawad Kalinga unit as improved by ID 179 students (Photo by ID 179 students) The bar was set for future batches. Since then, students have worked on sections of public hospitals and clinics; schools and dormitories; halfway houses and shelters for women, children, the recovering sick and the disabled; dance studios for the talented poor; libraries; and Gawad Kalinga housing. “Caring for the sick child not only requires competent healthcare professionals,” says Dr. Julius Lecciones, director of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, “but also an appropriate healing environment in the hospital. With the use of smart colors, lighting, and design, the students were able to transform clinically drab and impersonal outpatient consultation rooms into a welcoming haven that exudes warmth, brilliance and comfort.” OLD AND NEW PCMC. A doctors’ outpatient clinic for adolescents in the Philippine Children’s Medical Center as improved by ID 179 students (Photo by ID 179 students) “I can’t thank the students and the teachers enough for their sacrifices, work, physical struggles, and good heart,” says Donald Geocaniga, a Gawad Kalinga director. “They brought joy to seven families whose houses they fixed. They raised the level of their living. They showed the way in caring for the poor, as they volunteered their services to us.” Beyond the gratitude of partner institutions, the students reaped other benefits. As expected, the students got to learn the practical side of their discipline and expanded their competencies into community work. Limited resources stretched their creativity. Also, they got the rare portfolio edge of having implemented designs on special sites, and getting critiques from the end-users. “What they did gave us a place that is very comfortable for the body and beautiful for the eyes. Before, cleaning seemed to make little difference in our unit. It’s much better now,” says one Gawad Kalinga beneficiary. “At night, we finally have the sleep we could only crave in the past. And when we wake up, wow! Our home now energizes us. I am now more active in serving the Lord, bonding with neighbors and other people,” says another. By working on actual spaces with their beneficiaries, all the more do the students realize the importance of consultations, understanding the idiosyncrasies and needs of different people, temperance, and balancing aesthetics, function, and safety. Students also get to feel they are very much needed in the world. By making a difference in people’s lives, they contribute to an awareness of Interior Design as public service, essential to the quality of life.
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https://up.edu.ph/utak-at-pusa-the-cats-and-dogs-of-up-diliman/
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Utak at Pusa: The Cats and Dogs of UP Diliman – University of the Philippines
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Utak at Pusa: The Cats and Dogs of UP Diliman Utak at Pusa: The Cats and Dogs of UP Diliman November 15, 2018 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta Three of the resident feline “stress-busters” of the UP College of Mass Communication. Note their collars. (Photo by Celeste Llaneta, UP MPRO) Snowbell, a white cat as plump as she is sweet-natured, has been an unofficial mascot of the high school Practical Arts Pavilion of the UP Integrated School (UPIS). She even has her own Twitter account: UPIS Snowbell @pusaaa. Snowbell, formerly of the UPIS Practical Arts Pavilion. (Photo by Celeste Llaneta, UPMPRO) Other units in UP Diliman have their own mascots. Name any building, and it likely has at least one feline resident. Even the Balay Tsanselor has its own non-human animal occupants. UP Diliman Chancellor Michael Tan laughingly describes inheriting ten cats who live at the Balay, whom he now takes care of along with two dogs. UP Journalism professor Khrysta Rara, who hosts a radio show on DZUP entitled “Kwentuhang Pets, Atbp.” and who founded the animal welfare organization Friends of Campus Animals (FOCA UP), notes that the term “stray” might actually be a misnomer when it comes to UP Diliman’s non-human animal residents. “We call them ‘stray’ cats but they’re not actually stray because they live on campus. Many are residents of each college, fed and cared for by students, staff and faculty. That’s why we call them community cats. They’re part of the community.” Although voiceless members of the UP community, the campus animals have made a difference in people’s lives. Rara collects stories of heartwarming encounters between the animals and humans of UP Diliman—stories of students, faculty and staff feeding the animals, rescuing them, and adopting them. UP CMC’s Prof. Khrysta Rara and one of the dogs who visit Mass Comm. (Photo by Celeste Llaneta, UPMPRO) Animals helping humans In many instances, though, it is the animals who help humans. At the College of Mass Communication, students take a break from the pressures of academic life by sitting with the cats for a while. This has led Rara to dub the cats “stress-busters.” Staff at UP dormitories have shared stories of students from distant provinces whose loneliness was eased by the presence of cats. There was even a foreign student who found it hard to connect with his classmates but would spend his evenings studying with the cats for company. The beneficial effect of pets on mental health has been widely studied, and both Rara and Tan have seen the transformative effect of having an animal companion. Rara herself shares how Kit-Kat, the famous feline matriarch at the CMC who has been featured on Howie Severino’s documentary “Pusang Gala,” comforted her during the difficult time following the passing of her mother. Prof. Rara with Kit-Kat, the matriarch of the UP CMC’s resident cats. (Photo by Celeste Llaneta, UP MPRO) Tan has also noted the effectiveness of therapy from dogs in easing the symptoms of mental illness, anxiety and stress—at least among people who like animals to begin with—which is why he is considering putting up a system of emotional support animals on campus, as is being done in universities abroad. The campus animals also serve as companions for the staff and the security guards. Tan shares how the lady security guard assigned to the College of Science library building is particularly close to the alpha female who is the sole feline resident of the building. Sometimes, the bond between the animals and humans is so strong that the staff and security guards end up adopting the animals themselves, taking them to be vaccinated and spayed or neutered. This is, of course, on top of the usual benefits of having animals, which is added security, pest control, and somewhat lesser known, as population control for other animals in the unit, since cats and dogs tend to be territorial and will drive away interlopers. Nature abhors a vacuum While there are benefits in having animals around, the uncontrolled population growth of animals does pose serious problems. Given that cats and dogs are territorial, putting too many of them together in one area stresses them out, which leads to fights and injuries. The humans also suffer—from poor hygiene from animal urine and feces; from the risk of the spread of diseases and parasites; and from the risk of bites and scratches. An uncontrolled population of cats and dogs also leads more people to view the animals as pests, which can lead to acts of cruelty that violate RA 8485, or The Animal Welfare Act of 1998. Unit heads faced with an uncontrolled animal population usually resort to having the animals rounded up and taken to the pound, where at the end of a holding period, they are eventually put down. This method, however, presents certain problems. Dr. Rey Oronan of the UP College of Veterinary Medicine Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, who is Faculty-in-Charge of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) in Diliman, describes it thus: “Once you remove the resident animals in an area and you transfer them to a different place, you are creating a cycle. The resident animals have been removed, so a new batch will come in. Then the place you’ve relocated the animals to will also have a problem, since the number of animals in that area has increased. The other thing is, the animals aren’t really relocated. The pound, for one, is mandated to euthanize the animals.” “The evidence is very clear that the wrong approach is to gather the animals and exterminate them, which is still the dominant thinking,” explains Tan. “Anyone with good training in biology should know that in ecology, Nature does not like vacuums. If you want total extermination, you would have to kill all the animals and you cannot do that. Not just from a humane point of view. It’s also impossible.” Dr. Rey Oronan, Faculty-in-Charge of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at UP Diliman, speaking to the vet-students working in the clinic. (Photo by Celeste Llaneta, UPMPRO) Especially not in UP Diliman, an extremely porous community with two distinct aspects. It is, first and foremost, an academic community. But where there are people, there are dogs and cats, and UP Diliman is surrounded by residential areas. The campus has around 70,000 residents by Tan’s count, and a conservative estimate of 7,000 dogs. The cats number even more than that, since dogs give birth only twice a year, while cats give birth four times a year. Findings on TNVR on UP Diliman Chancellor Tan’s desk. (Photo by Celeste Llaneta, UPMPRO) Trap-neuter-vaccinate-return The ideal is for all the animals to have proper homes and responsible owners. Given the realities though, the best option is the “TNVR,” or trap-neuter-vaccinate-return program, the internationally accepted and most effective method of controlling animal populations. This entails humanely trapping the animals, spaying or neutering them, having them vaccinated for rabies and other diseases, ear-tipping them to mark them as spayed/neutered and vaccinated, and returning them to the places they were found. TNVR is what Rara, other like-minded UP faculty, and the student-members of FOCA UP have been doing for the past few years. With help from Dr. Jonathan Anticamara of the Institute of Biology and his highly-trained team, the cats are counted and humanely trapped and with Oronan and the other veterenarians at the VTH performing the spaying/neutering procedures and vaccinations at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, FOCA UP has succeeded in spaying and neutering more than 300 cats and dogs in the campus since 2016 and returning them to their home units. CARA Welfare Philippines has also helped them by neutering more than 30 cats for free while the International Wildlife Coalition Trust has neutered more than a hundred cats and dogs. The Philippine Pet Birth Control Center Foundation has also fixed around 30 cats. Anticamara has also been doing a population count of all the cats and dogs in the campus, while two other UP Diliman professors—Prof. Gregorio del Pilar of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy and Prof. Ibay Sicam of the College of Architecture—are doing research on the campus cats. Animal-loving UP students also initiated Utak at Pusa: Iskolars ng Bayan supporting TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) Operations in Diliman to help control the campus’ cat population in a humane way. A flagship project of FOCA UP, Utak at Pusa aims to raise awareness and rally support for the TNR project for UP Diliman’s cats, with students organizing rummage sales to raise funds for the medicines needed for the neutering surgeries, which Oronan does as a service to UP. Their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/utakatpusa, has over 4,600 followers and welcomes more. FOCA student-volunteers help the cats relax during the Aug. 19 FOCA/IWCT neutering activity. (Photo by Khrysta Rara) Six dogs were neutered from the UPDP during the Aug. 19 FOCA/IWCT neutering activity at the Institute of Biology. (Photo by Khrysta Rara) TNVR is Tan’s preferred method of dealing with campus animals because nothing else works. “We will not of course go with extermination, but if a unit does not want to go into a TNVR program, they have the option to have the animals rounded up, and we will try to look for homes for them. But we will monitor this, because our prediction is those units will keep calling us to round up the animals because the problem will never end. Then we will show that with TNVR, the population will be stabilized, the animals will become healthier, and there will be better relations between the humans and animals.” In a way, Snowbell is luckier than most. She was among the UPIS cats recently rounded up by the Office of Community Relations. She has been adopted, though, and has found a new home, albeit one much quieter than the bustling school she has known. With any luck, she might tweet about it very soon.
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https://up.edu.ph/pet-care-is-smart-care/
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Pet Care Is Smart Care – University of the Philippines
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Pet Care Is Smart Care Pet Care Is Smart Care November 15, 2018 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta UP Diliman Chancellor Michael Tan’s two pet dogs. (Photo from UPD Chancellor Mike Tan) There is no question that animal-lovers abound on campus. However, compassion toward our community cats and dogs must be applied with judicious knowledge of animal care. To help control our animal population on campus and create a better environment for both humans and animals, here are some dos and don’ts of responsible pet ownership: If you are a building administrator or are a student/faculty/staff member who cares for the animals in your building: • Do not feed the cats and dogs indiscriminately. Feed them only at designated times and in a designated place a safe distance from the building. This will train the animals not to scavenge or beg for food, or otherwise make pests of themselves. • Do close off all entry points to keep animals outside the building itself. • Do train a cat to avoid a certain place, e.g., a kitchen or dining area, by using a spray bottle to spray their rear ends with water. Also, cats hate the smell of vinegar and anything citrus, so you can put small containers of vinegar or citrus peelings in the area. • Do respect the cats’ individual personalities and teach the other humans to do so. Some cats like being petted and cuddled by humans. Some cats do not. With cats, as with humans, “no” means no. • Do get your all your building cats spayed/neutered and vaccinated as soon as possible. Contact FOCA through Prof. Khrysta Rara of the Department of Journalism or through their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/UPFOCA/. One of the UP CMC’s resident cats. (Photo by Celeste Llaneta, UP MPRO) If you are an individual pet owner: • Do take care of your pet’s health needs. This means getting them spayed/neutered and vaccinated as soon as possible. Male kittens and puppies as young as three or four months can be neutered, while female kittens and puppies can be spayed at six to eight months. • Do make sure your dogs get enough exercise by walking them on a leash. In case they poop, scoop it up so others won’t step on it. • Do not let your pet wander around outside. Keep your pet within your home. This decreases the risk of your pet getting run over or injured or, if he/she is still intact, reproducing. • Do provide for the basic needs of your pet, such as clean water, healthy food, regular baths and regular check-ups at the vet. • Do have a disaster plan for your pet. Have a proper-sized cage or leash ready, along with around five-days’ supply of food, and pet identification and vaccination records. In case of sudden evacuation, do not tie your dog or cat to a post or a tree. Instead, let them loose and give them a chance to swim or run to safety. • Do not let your pet be a bother to others. This means cleaning up their poop during walks, not letting them roam around, and training them if they have some behavioral problems. Always remember: Taking care of a pet is not a right, but a responsibility.
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https://up.edu.ph/saliksikhay-shines-spotlight-on-upd-research/
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Saliksikhay shines spotlight on UPD research – University of the Philippines
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Saliksikhay shines spotlight on UPD research Saliksikhay shines spotlight on UPD research February 12, 2020 | Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo Engr. Ariston Gonzalez talks about the Sustained Support for Local Space Technology & Applications Mastery, Innovation and Advancement (STAMINA4Space) Program of the College of Engineering with the Department of Science and Technology-Advanced Science and Technology Institute. STAMINA4Space builds up on the PHL Microsat Program. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Thirty-four research projects took center stage in Saliksikhay, a two-day conference that aimed to disseminate information on UP Diliman (UPD) research as well as to inspire collaboration among UP units and partnerships between and among industry, government, and the academe. It was held from January 16 to 17 at the UPD College of Architecture Benito Sy Pow Auditorium. Saliksikhay, the word being a combination of “saliksik” (research) and “sikhay” (zeal), clustered the projects into eight categories: education and culture; transport solutions and energy; housing and infrastructure; environmental protection; food and agriculture; disaster risk reduction and resiliency; health and wellness;, and advanced science and technology. In his message, UPD Chancellor Michael Tan said the conference aimed to “build bridges”—to get people to talk to each other, sparking ideas and leading to new explorations. UPD Vice Chancellor for Research and Development and now incoming Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo, whose office organized Saliksikhay, said the event expanded on Agham Bayan, a 2018 gathering that focused on scientific research. This was to show the “range of idea production” in UPD and prove that the work done in and by the University is “worthy of public support”. Saliksikhay featured the following projects: College of Science Dean Giovanni Tapang discusses “Versatile Instrumentation System for Science Education and Research (VISSER),” an affordable science experiment kit for high school students. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Education and culture “Versatile Instrumentation System for Science Education and Research (VISSER)” of the College of Science presented by its dean, Dr. Giovanni Tapang; “Using Mathematics to Understand Perceptual Qualities of Philippine Bamboo Instruments” of the College of Engineering presented by Dr. Franz de Leon; “Gitara ni Juan” of the College of Engineering and College of Music presented by Engr. Crisron Rudolf Lucas; “Learning English Application for Pinoys (LEAP)” of the College of Engineering presented by Prof. Mario Carreon; “Exploring Philippine Alternative Modernity in Music” of the College of Music presented by Dr. Jose Buenconsejo; and, “PAGLULUAL International Ceramic Arts Project” of the College of Fine Arts, presented by Prof. Rita Gudiño. Dr. Joey Ocon highlights renewable energy in “Powering Off-Grid Islands in the Philippines.” (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Transport solutions and energy “LocalSim: Local Traffic Simulator” of the College of Engineering presented by Dr. Hilario Sean Palmiano; “Charging in Minutes (CharM)” of the College of Engineering presented by Engr. Leo Allen Tayo; “UP Bike Share” of the College of Engineering presented by Dr. Nestor Michael Tiglao; “Powering Off-Grid Islands in the Philippines” of the College of Engineering presented by Dr. Joey Ocon; and, “Tidal Resource Investigation, Device, and Energy Tool (TRIDEnT)” of the College of Engineering presented by Dr. Michael Abundo. Dr. Benito Pacheco suggests the streamlining of building rules and regulations in “Building Resilience: Philippine Building Act as Major Update of National Building Code.” (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Housing and infrastructure “TAKBUHAN: Design of a Resilient Evacuation Center” of the College of Architecture presented by Arch. Mary Ann Espina; “DREAM/Phil-LiDAR Program” of the College of Engineering presented by Dr. Louie Balicanta; “Building Resilience: Philippine Building Act as Major Update of National Building Code” of the College of Engineering presented by Dr. Benito Pacheco; and, “BAYANIHANETS: Building Robust and Sustainable Cooperative Community Networks” of the College of Engineering presented by Dr. Isabel Austria. Dr. Herman Mendoza holds up a gold nugget as he discusses “Community-Led Integrated Non-mercury Non-cyanide Gold Extraction Method (CLINN-GEM).” (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Environmental protection “Fish-i: A Semi-Automated Method for Measuring Reef Fish Species Population Density and Biomass” of the College of Engineering and College of Science presented by Dr. Prospero Naval; “Solid Waste Management Program” of the UPD Environmental Management Office presented by Engr. Kristian July Yap; “UP Marine Science Institute Bolinao Marine Laboratory Training and Extension Program” of the College of Science presented by Dr. Cecilia Conaco; “A Tale of Two Tools: From Underwater Assessment to Virtual Larvae” of the College of Science presented by Dr. Aletta Yñiguez; and, “Community-Led Integrated Non-mercury Non-cyanide Gold Extraction Method (CLINN-GEM)” of the College of Engineering presented by Dr. Herman Mendoza. Dr. Alonzo Gabriel explains why “UNIQUE-corn: Ready-to-Eat Corn Grit Meals” are a better and healthier alternative to the usual canned food and uncooked rice given to those affected by disasters. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Food and agriculture “Development of Retrogradation-Resistant Thermally-Processed Local Rice Cake Products for Use as Disaster Food” of the College of Home Economics presented by Prof. Benjamin Gonzales; “Towards Integrating Inclusivity in Current Business Relationship in the Coffee Industry” of the Institute for Small Scale Industries presented by Reynold Ferdinand Manegdeg; “UNIQUE-corn: Ready-to-Eat Corn Grit Meals” of the College of Home Economics presented by Dr. Alonzo Gabriel; “Optimization of Ready-to-Drink Sweet Potato Leaf Extract Beverages through the UP-DOST Food Innovation Facility” of the College of Home Economics presented by Dr. Casiana Blanca Villarino; and, “Different Food Processing Technologies using Philippine Mangoes” of the College of Home Economics presented by Prof. Abigail Rustia. Prof. Raymond Freth Lagria says calls for help in social media during times of disaster need to be addressed which is why he explored “A Lookup-Based Decision Support System for Classification and Prioritization of Disaster-Related Tweets for Disaster Response.” (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Disaster risk reduction and resiliency “Honing Agents for National Disaster Awareness (HANDA) Program” of the Institute for Small Scale Industries presented by Joanna Rose Laddaran; and, “A Lookup-Based Decision Support System for Classification and Prioritization of Disaster-Related Tweets for Disaster Response” of the College of Engineering presented by Prof. Raymond Freth Lagria. Prof. Alegria Ferrer presents “Lunop Han Dughan (Voice of Yolanda),” an original contemporary Waray sarswela as psychosocial support to survivors of Typhoon Yolanda. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Health and wellness “Lunop Han Dughan (Voice of Yolanda)” of the College of Music presented by Prof. Alegria Ferrer; “Masaklaw na Panukat (MAPA) ng Loob” of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy presented by Dr. Gregorio E.H. del Pilar; “Harnessing the Power of Sport for Resilience” of the College of Human Kinetics presented by Dr. Maria Luisa Guinto; “Discovery and Development of Health Products (DDHP)” of the College of Science presented by Dr. Irene Villaseñor; and, “UPD Psycserv: Bringing Ginhawa to the UP Diliman Campus” of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy presented by Dr. Violeta Bautista. Dr. Nathaniel Hermosa relates his work on “A Generalized Multidirectional Paraxial Optical Cloak” to Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Advanced science and technology “STAMINA4Space Program” of the College of Engineering presented by Engr. Ariston Gonzalez; and, “A Generalized Multidirectional Paraxial Optical Cloak” of the College of Science presented by Dr. Nathaniel Hermosa. The Saliksikhay Book of Abstracts may be viewed here: https://view.joomag.com/saliksikhay-saliksikhay-abstracts-pdfv5/0969879001579050181?short.
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https://up.edu.ph/it-vs-tb/
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IT vs. TB – University of the Philippines
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IT vs. TB IT vs. TB March 1, 2018 | Written by Fred Dabu Tuberculosis has been an age-old scourge for Filipinos, killing 14,000 in 2015 (according to data from the Department of Health, while the World Health Organization’s estimate is 22,000 in 2016) and putting the Philippines fourth on the WHO list of countries with high TB incidence. Fighting it hasn’t been easy. “Superbugs” or bacteria that have become resistant to existing first-line drugs have emerged due to inappropriate use of medicines, incorrect prescription, or failure to complete the treatment program. Some anti-TB medicines also cause serious side effects. Filipino scientists have thus been looking for newer and more effective compounds against multi-drug resistant tuberculosis or MDR-TB and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis or XDR-TB, among other superbugs. Drug development is a long and expensive process. But in UP, computer-aided drug discovery and development (CADDD) is now helping to reduce the time and cost of drug discovery. In 2012, a UP research team embarked on a project pioneering the use of computers in discovering new compounds for the treatment of TB. The project was supported until August 2017 by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA) of the UP System under the Emerging Inter-Disciplinary Research (EIDR) program. Out of around 5 million compounds screened virtually in the computer laboratory set up in UP Manila, the researchers were able to test around a hundred compounds, and then filter down the number of top hits to around ten active compounds, from which three were considered very promising. How drug leads are discovered (from “Drug Discovery Today: Fighting TB with Technology” on SlideShare https://www.slideshare.net/rendevilla/drug-discovery-today-fighting-tb-with-technology) The project has officially ended, but according to project leader Junie B. Billones, PhD, a professor in Chemistry at the Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics of the College of Arts and Sciences (DPSM-CAS), the work goes on. The computational lab for drug discovery, including the software and computers they used, are still there for UP students and researchers to use. This breakthrough project proved that Filipinos can perform cutting-edge drug discovery and that UP researchers can match what those in universities abroad, with more advanced facilities and equipment, are doing. Dr. Billones, who was formerly Assistant Director of the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health, says that their group focused on tuberculosis research because TB, a disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is still a major health issue as the sixth leading cause of death in the Philippines. Prof. Junie B. Billones (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) “As researchers in a developing country like the Philippines, we should have a contribution on drug discovery to address those areas we feel are quite neglected in terms of drug discovery and development,” Billones adds. This approach is not really new in developed countries because this has been the technique used by large pharmaceutical companies abroad. But as researchers in an academic institution or any research institution in the Philippines, CADDD research is still new in our country.” The project is unique because it utilizes, for the first time in the Philippines, computer software in the discovery of new compounds. “Typically, new compounds are discovered by chance, by trial and error method,” he explains. “We usually discover new compounds from extracts of plants or organisms, like marine life, sponges. We collect the organisms from the field and then we extract them. We characterize the isolated compounds and then we test the compounds for antibacterial activity, antifungal activity, and effects on other diseases. We use them for assays for different diseases. We are lucky if we find new compounds that can be used for the treatment of a particular disease. It’s really a hit and miss experiment for the longest time; that’s how we discover drugs in the Philippines, really very basic, like finding a needle in the haystack. You really don’t know what is in there and for what purpose.” This time, however, UP’s researchers tapped the information from database collections of compounds. Says Billones: “We can now pre-select sets of compounds with very promising activity against a certain target. We are reducing the number of compounds to a very manageable number; so our tests in the lab, the bioassay we do in the lab, are for those that give very highly encouraging results, in terms of binding energy, for example, our criterion for activity. We don’t have to spend for a lot of chemicals or specimens for testing millions of compounds since it is impractical and expensive to do so.” Ten computer units were acquired and installed with software which can perform the functions of “all computational tools in drug discovery, from target modelling to ligand modelling, to modelling interaction between the two, and modification of the top hits, to prediction of ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) properties that can also be predicted using computational and statistical tools” for the purposes of the project. Billones says that CADDD is very cost-effective and quite fast compared to typical laboratory experiments. The software’s two-year license fee costs around P1 million, against more expensive equipment in a typical laboratory setup that could cost as high as P50 million. The UP Manila’s TB Drug Discovery Team includes Maria Constancia O. Carillo, PhD, Voltaire G. Organo, PhD, and other research associates who are also from the DPSM-CAS, UP Manila, and Gisela P. Concepcion, PhD, from the Marine Science Institute, College of Science, UP Diliman. They were also able to publish several articles related to the project in various international scientific journals. Billones says the project also proves that the Philippines has the expertise to perform this kind of research. “Now, there is an increasing number of paper presentations in conferences, from other research groups in CADDD. There’s an increasing number of scientists in the Philippines going into this kind of work. That’s very encouraging. Drug discovery and development should always be accompanied by modern technologies, CADDD tools in discovering and designing drugs. That’s how pharmaceutical companies abroad are doing it. I’m very thankful to the UP System, especially the OVPAA. I hope other scientists will be able to work with us, to share other structures from compounds, from plants, from bacteria, from any organism in the Philippines. Maybe they can do some testing first, through our facility. They can work with us and we can identify the appropriate bioassay for a particular compound. This speeds up the process of discovery.”
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https://up.edu.ph/wheelchairs-for-empowerment/
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Wheelchairs for Empowerment – University of the Philippines
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Wheelchairs for Empowerment Wheelchairs for Empowerment May 4, 2018 | Written by Fred Dabu Photo from the Philippine Society of Wheelchair Professionals https://www.facebook.com/pg/WheelchairTrainingPSWP/photos/ The sight of a wheelchair has traditionally evoked pity for the person sitting in it, often presumed to be powerless and incapable. But that perception is changing—as well as the reality behind it. Today, wheelchairs are seen as tools for empowerment, which could change people’s lives for the better. United Nations statistics suggest that 10 to 15 percent of any given population may be persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in need of some form of assistive technology, such as a wheelchair, visual aid, hearing aid, or other devices to help them with their daily needs, activities, and mobility. Given our population of just over 100 million, there could be about 15 million Filipinos living with a disability today. Given these figures, the supply of wheelchairs for Filipino PWDs could be far shorter than the demand, so the University of the Philippines has stepped in to fill the gap and raise the quality of life of PWDs. The UP College of Allied Medical Professions (UP CAMP) in UP Manila initiated a Wheelchair Service Program for indigents in 2012 as part of its Community-Based Rehabilitation Program (CBRP) and the Clinic for Therapy Services (CTS). Dr. Ferdiliza Dandah S. Garcia, a speech pathologist and a medical doctor currently teaching in UP CAMP, oversees the implementation of the WSP. Program staff make adjustments on the wheelchair based on the user’s needs and condition. More than a device Garcia says that the wheelchair should no longer be seen as just a device given out of charity or something to transport a PWD with for him or her to get adequate exposure to sunlight. “Wheelchairs are tools for empowerment. Being among the leading therapy schools in the country, we want to be at the forefront of advancing knowledge and skills that could enable our fellow persons with disabilities,” she says. According to Garcia, wheelchairs enable PWDs to do what they can and want to do. Through the WSP, various organizations such as the Philippine Society of Wheelchair Professionals, Physicians for Peace, KAISAKA Foundation, the provincial government of Bataan, Department of Health (DOH), and others, help them attend to the needs of PWDs. They are also able to impart to their clients and the public the necessary information and training for appropriate wheelchair service provision and access to services. Beyond securing wheelchairs, the WSP also provides services to their users. This new paradigm, Garcia adds, requires the service provider to determine with the PWD and his or her family the appropriate specifications of the wheelchair to make the device suitable to their needs. The wheelchair can then be semi-customized to suit the PWD’s condition, environment or terrain, and activities, whether it is to be used in a school or work environment, or for sports or other activities. In this way, an enabling environment is created for the PWD. The WSP came out of a meeting among wheelchair service stakeholders years ago. Back then, it was estimated that wheelchairs were needed by only one in 100 Filipinos, with only 10 to 15 percent of that subgroup having access to a standard wheelchair. The group’s application for a grant was approved in 2015 and through it, they were able to acquire some equipment for teaching and training faculty and students in UP Manila on how to do wheelchair service provision at the intermediate level. From then on, they were able to assess and fit wheelchairs for low-income clients in UP CAMP’s CBRP and CTS. Attaching cushions and safety straps for a child-customized wheelchair seat. Photos from the Philippine Society of Wheelchair Professionals https://www.facebook.com/pg/WheelchairTrainingPSWP/photos/ Not only for PWDs Garcia says she hopes the program can help the University acquire a steady supply of affordable wheelchairs, and to find other partners who can develop these. Most wheelchairs in use are imported and expensive. The need for wheelchairs, she stresses, is “not limited to the PWD. They also include the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, those needing dialysis, those with a temporary disability, such as a fracture. They all need some form of mobility.” Although the WSP already uses available tools and equipment for semi-customizing wheelchairs, Garcia says the country still needs to establish a viable domestic industry for appropriate wheelchairs because importing is expensive. “There are prototypes for new wheelchairs, especially in other countries. There are designs for low-resource and high-resource types. The wheelchair is just one part of a bigger set of assistive technologies. It can be an industry here in the future. The WHO and UN are pushing for assistive technologies. Later on, there will be funding for other assistive devices such as communication aids, hearing aids, and visual aids. Hopefully, other UP colleges can do collaborative work to develop these,” she add. The WSP now serves as a model for other organizations. Through their partnerships with non-government organizations and local governments, about 90 wheelchairs have been given to children with disabilities. In the college-based CTS and community-based CBRP, more than 50 wheelchairs have been provided since 2014, and about 18 formal training activities were conducted in UP Manila. Some WHO modules were integrated into their Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy classes. Garcia says that UP CAMP is training students in basic wheelchair service provision and hopes to train other health professionals, especially from UP. The WSP also aims to promote access to research and documentation, and to put up a model wheelchair service delivery center in the Philippines.
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https://up.edu.ph/in-photos-up-diliman-pag-iilaw-2018/
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IN PHOTOS: UP Diliman Pag-iilaw 2018 – University of the Philippines
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IN PHOTOS: UP Diliman Pag-iilaw 2018 IN PHOTOS: UP Diliman Pag-iilaw 2018 December 5, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The UP Diliman signaled the start of the holiday season on campus with its annual lighting ceremony or Pag-iilaw on November 29. This year’s highlight is the lantern titled “Kamalayag,” an amalgamation of kamalayan (consciousness), malaya (free), alay (offering), and layag (sail). Created by Prof. Toym Imao, who has been designing the Pag-iilaw’s centerpieces since 2015, “Kamalayag” also reflects the season’s theme, “Paglaot, Pagdaong” (sailing out to sea, docking). “Kamalayag” by Prof. Toym Imao (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Front view of “Kamalayag” by Prof. Toym Imao (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Back view of “Kamalayag” by Prof. Toym Imao (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Dr. Jose Antonio Clemente hosts the Pag-iilaw 2018 program. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) UP Diliman Vice Chancellor Jose Ernie Lope opens the program by inviting everyone to the other activities of the season such as the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra concert on December 8 and the annual Lantern Parade which will be on December 14, among others. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) The orchestra composed of College of Music students and alumni (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) VP for Public Affairs Jose Dalisay Jr. delivers UP President Danilo Concepcion’s holiday message. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Louise Anne Manuel sings as Kris-belle Paclibar Mamangun dances to the Rico Blanco song, “Posible.” (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Rosie Sula, a chanter from Lake Sebu, performs a blessing ritual. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) VP for Public Affairs Jose Dalisay Jr. (left) and UP Diliman Chancellor Michael Tan read excerpts from the poem “Pananalig” by National Artist for Literature Amado Hernandez. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Louise Anne Manuel and Lorenz Edward Sarrondo perform a duet of “Iisang Bangka” by The Dawn. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) UP Diliman Chancellor Michael Tan (leftmost) closes the program. With him on stage are, from left, Louise Anne Manuel, Prof. Toym Imao, Lorenz Edward Sarrondo, Rosie Sula, a member of the production crew, Kris-belle Paclibar Mamangun, and Dr. Jose Antonio Clemente. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Bateria Brigada kicks off the concert in front of the Quezon Hall lobby. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) (Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo, UP MPRO, with report from Anna Regidor, UPDIO)
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https://up.edu.ph/off-the-press-the-carillon-2018-is-now-available-online/
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OFF THE PRESS: The Carillon 2018 is now available online – University of the Philippines
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OFF THE PRESS: The Carillon 2018 is now available online OFF THE PRESS: The Carillon 2018 is now available online August 16, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office Enjoy the latest edition of Carillon, the University’s official alumni magazine. This January-June 2018 issue includes news tailored for the hundreds of thousands of UP alumni here and abroad, with features such as UP Cebu’s centennial celebrations, Upsilon Sigma Phi’s 100th year, life of former UP President Senator Edgardo J. Angara, UP in several iconic films, and much more! Browse it here: Download a PDF copy here.
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https://up.edu.ph/clarification-on-the-approved-up-diliman-adjusted-academic-calendar-for-the-second-semester-of-academic-year-2019-2020/
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Clarification on the Approved UP Diliman Adjusted Academic Calendar for the Second Semester of Academic Year 2019-2020 – University of the Philippines
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Clarification on the Approved UP Diliman Adjusted Academic Calendar for the Second Semester of Academic Year 2019-2020 Clarification on the Approved UP Diliman Adjusted Academic Calendar for the Second Semester of Academic Year 2019-2020 April 30, 2020 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office The University of the Philippines would like to clarify that the heading, “REOPENING OF THE SEMESTER*” (for students who opt to complete course requirements within the Second Semester of Academic Year 2019-2020), that appeared in the University of the Philippines Diliman Adjusted Academic Calendar approved by UP President Danilo L. Concepcion on 28 April 2020, DOES NOT refer to reopening nor resumption of classes. Consistent with the implementing guidelines of UP’s Policy on the Second Semester Academic Year 2019-2020 in the Time of COVID-19, released on 23 April 2020, classes officially end today, 30 April 2020. These include face-to-face classes for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Online classes are also discouraged, but may be conducted only for leveling expectations, clarifications, overall guidance, and summation. These real-time online meetings will not impact grading and will be recorded and disseminated to all students concerned. The UP Policy, a resolution approved by the UP Board of Regents at its special meeting on 16 April 2020, was based on the 13 April 2020 recommendations of the UP President’s Advisory Council, which, in turn, were drawn from the recommendations of the UP System Academic Affairs Committee that were based on the decisions of the Constituent Universities’ Executive Committees. The resumption of academic activities after 01 May 2020 will enable students to complete adjusted course requirements by 16 June 2020, the end date set in the adjusted Academic Calendar. Grades of students who are unable to complete the adjusted course requirements by this date will be deferred. They are given until May 31, 2021 to do so. All faculty members with students who opt or need to complete the course requirements within the Second Semester of AY 2019-2020 have until 24 June 2020 to submit their final grades. No student will be given a grade of 4.0, 5.0 or INC for courses in the Second Semester AY 2019-2020. Please read the guidelines here. Additionally, please read the FAQs prepared by UP Diliman on the guidelines.
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https://up.edu.ph/are-lagunas-hot-springs-losing-steam/
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Are Laguna’s hot springs losing steam? – University of the Philippines
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Are Laguna’s hot springs losing steam? Are Laguna’s hot springs losing steam? June 11, 2018 | Written by Fred Dabu Researchers, mostly from the University of the Philippines, have pointed out that over-extraction of groundwater by hot spring resorts in Calamba and Los Baños in Laguna Province can cause a variety of problems, such as a drop in groundwater level and competition for water supply in the near future. Will Laguna’s hot springs also “lose steam” or cool down due to over-consumption? Municipalities of Calamba and Los Baños located at the foothills of Mt. Makiling and Mt. Banahaw. (Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 11, June 2017, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrh.2015.11.020) Among the tourist attractions that Laguna is known for are its hot spring resorts and water spas sprawling in areas endowed with plenty of groundwater made warm by geothermal activities in the foothills of Mt. Makiling and Mt. Banahaw. The researchers were concerned that “the increasing number of hot spring resorts in the area and the increasing number of visitors entail greater demand for groundwater to be used in the pools,” especially during the summer months from March to May, and in December, peak periods for these business establishments. The research team comprised Karen Ann B. Jago-on of the School of Urban and Regional Planning (SURP) in UP Diliman (UPD); Fernando P. Siringan of the Marine Science Institute (MSI) in UPD; Rosana Balangue-Tarriela of the National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS) in UPD; Makoto Taniguchi of the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature in Kyoto, Japan; Yvette Kirsten Reyes of SURP; Ronald Lloren of MSI; Maria Angelica Peña of NIGS; and Elenito Bagalihog of the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) of the Philippines. In an article published in the Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 11, June 2017, these researchers warned of over-consumption of groundwater in selected areas in Laguna for domestic, agricultural, commercial and industrial uses; and, of possible negative effects of unregulated water use on affected populations, such as conflict or competition over the use of available water. Through their study, they are calling for improvements in the implementation of existing water use regulations and the strengthening of partnerships for the sustainable management of groundwater resources. The researchers are also asking for the crafting and implementation of specific water use regulations for hot springs. The article was one of the team’s research outputs under a bigger research project on human environmental security funded by the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN). Their study, “Hot spring resort development in Laguna Province, Philippines: Challenges in water use regulation,” projected the impact of the activities of hot spring resorts in Calamba, where 466 of these were registered, and in Los Baños, where 42 were registered as business establishments with their respective local government units. Only a handful of them, however, were registered with the NWRB. Location of private pools and resorts based on online search and actual survey. (Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 11, June 2017, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrh.2015.11.020) The NWRB is the lead government agency that “coordinates and regulates all water-related activities in the country that have an impact on the physical environment and the economy.” Estimates on water consumption were made based on data from government agencies and at least 65 resorts surveyed. The researchers further warned that any increase in the population and in commercial and industrial activities in these areas also leads to increase in water use and demand. According to the study, most of the resorts, typically having one adult pool (usually 6.8 meters × 11.12 m in size and about 1 m to 2 m deep) and one children’s pool (about 3.12 m × 3.82 m in size and 0.6 m to 0.9 m deep), were built only in the past 13 years and operate without water use permits. These “use 1 or 2 motor pumps, and it usually takes about 7 hours to fill the pool with water. The depth of the wells ranges from 3 m to 100 m. The average depth of the wells is about 29 m.” Since the “swimming pools are drained of water every booking of new guests, which on average is about 3 times a week during peak periods of tourist arrivals, the estimated average volume of monthly water consumption per pool is around 1,500 m3 during peak periods and about 700 m3 during lean periods or during the rainy months,” the study reveals. Used water are drained on the streets. (Photo courtesy of research team) The researchers reported a “huge demand of groundwater from these water resorts” based on the estimated total monthly water consumption of registered resorts during peak season in Calamba (around 665,260 m3, or up to 77% of the domestic consumption serviced by the Calamba Water District) and in Los Baños (about 59,959 m3). Furthermore, new data on the pools’ water temperatures, gathered from previous and recent research initiatives, point to a general “decrease in temperature through time”, such as an observed cooling down by 5 to 8 degrees. Estimated monthly water consumption (cu.m.) of surveyed resorts in Calamba and Los Baños during peak season. (Source: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, Volume 11, June 2017, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrh.2015.11.020) There have also been some reported changes in the volume of water, such as a “decrease in water yield and flow rate from pumps; increase in the time to fill the pools; and decline in water level making it necessary to dig deeper wells,” due to “unrestrained exploitation of groundwater.” If water extraction from Laguna’s hot springs is left unregulated, as the study warns, water resorts might also “lose steam” (a metaphor for possible consequences, not due to geothermal activities), or could literally cool down (as new data suggests), due to decreasing groundwater supply and over-exploitation of the resource now and in the future. That’s worrisome—but if you take that hot dip now, will you be contributing to the problem down the road?
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https://up.edu.ph/up-cebu-shows-taxis-the-way-forward/
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UP Cebu shows taxis the way forward – University of the Philippines
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UP Cebu shows taxis the way forward UP Cebu shows taxis the way forward July 24, 2018 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc Micab developers in a UPCeBuInIT co-working space in 2017. (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO) Taxicabs have long been the boon and bane of the urban commuter’s existence. And the public sector can only do so much to address the bane. Nurtured by UP’s incubation program, a start-up company is rising to the occasion. In the UP Cebu Business Incubation for IT (UPCeBuInIT), Micab has found a home since January 2015. Even before the Grab issue, Micab had already been pioneering this kind of service in Cebu. As a start-up, it zeroed in on the much-maligned taxicab service, to give commuters an alternative to old-school taxicab fleet management and hailing. In 2012, it pioneered SMS-based taxicab hailing; by 2013, it was a working data-based app. But only when it was taken on by UP Cebu in January 2015 was it able to have staff that would run and continually upgrade the service full-time, with active customer support for its growing number of clients. Now Micab is known as an Internet-based taxicab hailing application, introduced into the national consciousness in the wake Grab’s takeover of the country’s TNVS (transport network vehicle service) private fleets. “Instead of getting fleets from the private sector, we provide the taxis a system by which the fleets are managed and monitored. At the same time, the riding public can get taxis through the app,” Micab Chief Technology Officer Kenneth Baylosis summarizes the system. Taxicab 2.0 Now, according to Baylosis, the Micab app has conquered 50 percent of Cebu’s taxicab fleets or around 3,000 taxicab units. It is now powering over 2,000 taxicab users in Manila, 700 in Iloilo, and 500 in Baguio. It is being introduced in Bacolod, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro. Its share of the market qualifies it as a major app provider, even as it struggles to meet demand nationally. Labeled Taxicab 2.0, this has improved the taxicab experience, through the app that has worked out kinks in its early operations and that continuously learns from its partnerships. Baylosis said that Micab embodies the aspiration for modern and professional taxicabs. Micab developers, with VP for Engineering Edison Quiñones Jr., in an old space at UPCeBuInIT. (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO) The app chooses units to power. The Micab app runs on units that meet standards, certifications, and clearances set by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). These include adoption of modern amenities such as GPS, and the use of units not older than four years. Micab thus partners with highly recognized operators, such as Ken and Yoo in Cebu. “In the app, you can see the complete driver’s profile,” Baylosis adds. “And we are training the drivers, who must of course have undergone regular health and drug checks.” “We began with a difficult situation—a taxicab industry that was very old school in terms of doing business and bad habits already formed. We’re trying to shake those habits out through technology. We’re using technology to change the culture,” he says. “For example, we have a points system to dissuade the drivers from choosing clients. If you accept clients and reach quota, you get incentives. We’re now working to ‘gamify’ the incentives for the drivers’ side,” Baylosis continues. Honing its edge To further ensure safety, the app has a “Share Trip” feature which allows friends and family to track the cab one has taken. But it is Micab’s online support to both operator and customer that gives Micab an edge, Baylosis said. “If you want to report units that reject you or for lost-and-found, they can be traced through customer service. Actually in the app, you can type your complaints. Our customer support is constantly going through all those. We make outbound calls, especially in urgent cases. That’s a salient feature of Taxi 2.0.” Micab Chief Technology Officer Kenneth Baylosis (extreme right) with some of the Micab staff at UPCeBuInIT. (Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO) Micab collects data to support further development. For one, “We make sure that rides with three-star ratings and below go through proper investigative measures.” For a start-up to accommodate such overwhelming demands, it needs all the support it can get. UP’s incubation, with the aid of the Department of Science and Technology, is making it possible for Micab to meet the challenge, first by giving a home, together with some scientific and entrepreneurial network support, to its 20 regular and freelance staff. “Providing this facility here is very beneficial to us, especially when we were still really growing. The rates are not expensive.” Having a Micab office was a decisive step since Baylosis met Micab Chief Executive Officer Eddie Ybañez in a Start-Up Weekend in 2012, when the latter was just pitching a hailing application off his thesis. They started off by borrowing staff from another company. Spreading its wings After three years, moving into a dedicated office enabled it to collect and confine the developers’ energy into focus through a conducive space provided by UP. Now the staff is devoted exclusively to Micab. Additionally, it now has staff to take the Micab expertise toward demands outside the transport network, forming the nucleus for a spin-off start-up they are not yet ready to reveal. Micab’s accreditation by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, dated April 30, 2018. (Photo from www.micab.co) Through UP CeBuInIT, Micab expanded its business network, and was able to be referred to DOST for a grant for technology development. It soon hopes to be able to provide government with the important transport data it needs. UP technology incubation thus remains a boost to Micab, a small start-up now playing against a multinational giant in the transport network service.
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https://up.edu.ph/ups-choral-legacy/
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UP’s Choral Legacy – University of the Philippines
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UP’s Choral Legacy UP’s Choral Legacy January 10, 2019 | Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta The UP Singing Ambassador’s conductor Ed Manguiat leading the choir during their “Tunay na Ligaya: A Homecoming and Tribute Concert” at the UP Film Center following their triumphant 2018 European tour. (Photo by Noel Ignacio, from the UPSA Facebook page) In August this year, UP received amazing news. During their three-month tour in Europe, the UP Singing Ambassadors had won the Grand Prize and 17 other awards in the 66th Concorso Polifonico Internazionale “Guido d’Arrezzo,” including top prizes in four categories. The group also reaped awards in various other choir competitions in Berlin, Torrevieja, Spain, and Florence, Italy. Not bad for a choir that started out in 1980 as a freshman dormitory choir created by its conductor Prof. Edgardo Manguiat and which evolved into one of the country’s best choirs recognized by the Consumers’ Choice Awards and the ALIW Awards Foundation. This year, the UPSA became the only Asian choir to win the Grand Prize at Arezzo twice, the first time being in 2001. With this win, UPSA is qualified to compete in the prestigious European Grand Prix for Choral Singing in 2019. Media described UPSA’s triumph as a “grand slam.” Yet on another level, it was also par for the course for UP’s choral groups in light of how UP has influenced the growth of Philippine choral music since the mid-20th century. Watch “Kilometro” (Choral Cover) by the UP Singing Ambassadors Philippine choral singing is a product of three forces: colonization, Christianization, and Westernization. In churches, singing was part of the liturgy, while schools, which were run by religious orders, also included group singing in the curriculum. The American period saw the development of secular choral music, and before and after World War II, choral groups of Protestant churches dominated Philippine choral singing. In the early 20th century, nationalistic compositions also emerged in the form of hymns. Nevertheless, most choral pieces were pieces brought here from Europe and the US, as well as Catholic church music, with arrangements by some Filipino composers including UP College of Music alumni such as Nicanor Abelardo, Rodolfo Cornejo, Lucio San Pedro, and Ramon Tapales. According to Prof. Andrea Veneracion, National Artist for Music, there were only about a dozen or so original Filipino choral works around the time she founded the Madrigal Singers. From the UP Mixed Chorus to the Korus The 1960s was a turning point for Philippine choral music. In 1962, the UP Mixed Chorus was named the UP System’s official choir by then UP President Carlos P. Romulo. The UP Mixed Chorus participated in the musical extravaganza that marked President Romulo’s inauguration in 1963. During the gala concert, Eliseo M. Pajaro conducted his Prelude and Testament with Aurelio Estanislao as baritone soloist and the UP Mixed Chorus singing in the choral fugue. The UP Mixed Chorus was originally conducted by UP College of Music Dean Ramon Tapales. Dean Rey T. Paguio succeeded him in 1969 while Prof. Janet “Jai” Sabas-Aracama took over in 1999. It became the UP Concert Chorus or simply the “Korus”. The UPCC is famous for pioneering Choreo Capella or choreographed a capella singing in the Philippines. The Korus has been named one of the world’s best choirs, has performed in full-length ballets, operatic works, popular films, TV specials and pop concerts. It has won international competitions in Spain, Hungary and Finland, and was given the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Aliw Awards Foundation in 2012, and the National Commission on Culture and the Arts’ Ani ng Dangal award in 2013. The UP Concert Chorus, with conductor/musical director Prof. Jai Sabas-Aracama (2nd from right), posing at the UP College of Music. (Photo from the UPCC Facebook page) The Philippine Madrigal Singers In 1963, another choir made its debut at the Abelardo Hall Auditorium under Veneracion’s leadership. It was a small group consisting of UP College of Music faculty and students that she had organized to sing madrigals during lunch breaks. The group introduced a new concept in performance—sitting in a semi-circle, with Veneracion, their conductor, seated with them instead of standing in front. The group, known as the UP Madrigal Singers or simply “the Madz”, soon became one of the world’s most awarded choirs, attaining near legendary status for its virtuosity, versatility and vast repertoire. In 1980, the Cultural Center of the Philippines appointed the Madz as its resident artist in choral music, prompting the UP Madz to change its name to the Philippine Madrigal Singers in light of its national recognition. The Madz holds the distinction of being the first choir in the world to win the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing, the first time in 1997 under Veneracion’s leadership and again in 2007 under Mark Carpio, who succeeded Veneracion. The Madz has been recognized by the UNESCO as Artists for Peace. Its alumni have since gone on to establish choirs of their own. The Philippine Madrigal Singers performing their spot number during the 2013 UP Diliman performance of Handel’s Messiah. (Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO) A haven for choral singing Choral music in UP continued to blossom as more choirs were created, many of which went on to carve their own niches in the field of choral singing. UP’s official children’s choir, the UP Cherubim and Seraphim, was founded by the UP College of Music’s Flora Zarco-Rivera in 1971. The UP Staff Choral Society, whose members are from the ranks of UP’s faculty, administrative staff and REPS, was founded shortly later, in 1973. A relatively young choir, the UP Dawani Women’s Choir, was created in 2013 as the first all-female resident choir of the UP College of Music. The flowering of choral singing is not limited to one UP campus. The UP Manila Chorale (UPMC), composed of UP Manila students from different disciplines, has performed in major concerts, benefit concerts, nine European tours, with the latest tour in 2018, and performances for heads of state. The UPMC has garnered awards locally and internationally, including, in 2015, 3rd prize in the mixed category and 2nd prize in the folk category in the 33° Festival Internacional de Musica de Cantonigros in Vic, Spain, and 1st prize in the polyphony category of the 61° Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonia in Torrevieja, Spain, and the Ani ng Dangal (Harvest of Honors) by the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in 2016. The UP Medicine Choir, the official choir of the UP College of Medicine founded in the 1980s, has also gone on local and international tours and won prizes in choral competitions, the most recent being the 7th Bali International Choir Festival. The UP Los Baños Choral Ensemble, founded in 1991, has had numerous concert tours around Europe and Asia, competing in international competitions in Switzerland and Germany. A young choir from UPLB, the Makiling Chamber Singers, which is composed of UPLB students and faculty members, won the top prize in the first UP Gawad Pangulo Choral Competition in 2016. UP Cebu’s UP Serenata, established in 2000, counts UP Cebu students and alumni as its members and has a repertoire that predominantly features Cebuano music. The group has performed in major and benefit concerts, and has been a three-time champion of JCentre Mall’s Melodies of Christmas Choral Competition, grand champion of the 2015 Sinulog Choral Competition, and winner of the best interpretation of the contest piece in the 2017 UP Gaward Pangulo Choral Competition. UP Mindanao’s Koro Kantahanay has for the past 17 years sought to promote Mindanaoan culture, heritage and arts through choral singing. The group has performed all over the Philippines and participated in the 2nd Gawad Pangulo Competition and the Madz Et Al Concert Festival at the CCP. The other UP campuses, too, have their own choirs—the UPOU Chorale, the UP Visayas Tacloban Chorale and the UP High School Iloilo Harana Choir, and Tinig Amianan, one of the first student organizations in UP Baguio. Filipinos singing together “Choral music in the Philippines is at its apex today,” Alfred John De Veyra wrote in Madz: Almost Everything About the Philippine Madrigal Singers (2013). “Philippine choirs…are actively touring the world and winning accolades at international competitions. Filipino conductors sit as international jurors and are actively invited to deliver workshops and master classes the world over. Commissioning of new choral works is gaining popularity today.” This is in contrast to the days when Veneracion had to scrape together Filipino choral materials and encourage members of the Madz to arrange and compose their own pieces. Many composers and arrangers have since gone on to produce their own material, and many of the names in composition and choral arrangement either taught or studied at UP, among them Lucrecia Kasilag, Ramon Santos, Ruben Federizon, Eudenice Palaruan, Ryan Cayabyab, Ily Matthew Maniano, Christopher Borela, and Nilo Alcala II. In short, the Philippine choral music scene today is Veneracion’s proudest achievement—“a nation singing together in harmony.”
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https://up.edu.ph/safeguarding-philippine-cultural-treasures/
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Safeguarding Philippine Cultural Treasures – University of the Philippines
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Safeguarding Philippine Cultural Treasures Safeguarding Philippine Cultural Treasures January 14, 2019 | Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo There’s nothing more culturally devastating than having traditions slowly fade from practice into the dark corners of memory. Music, especially its forms deeply rooted in specific events and experiences, belongs to those traditions. This is why the UP Center for Ethnomusicology is such a high-value cultural resource. The center started out as the UP Ethnomusicology Archives in 1997, when the University Board of Regents recognized the groundbreaking work and authorship of National Artist for Music Jose Maceda. He put together the center’s core collection: an ethnomusicological treasure of around 2,500 hours of recordings, field notes, musical instruments, transcriptions, song texts, photographs, and compositions, among many others, as well as roughly 2,000 books and journals. In 2007, that collection was recognized as documentary heritage and inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. Amal Lumuntud, a kulintang player from Datu Piang, Cotabato, playing the instrument under his house (UPCE-P-2492). Photo from Jose Maceda’s research during his 1954 fieldwork among the Maguindanaoans. Taken from the Jose Maceda Collection of the UP Center for Ethnomusicology. The change in name signaled the evolution of the center from archival work and digitization of its collection to conducting its own research, linking up with similar institutions, and pursuing multidisciplinary initiatives. It has ethnomusicological materials from the Philippines, Southeast Asia, and representative areas from different continents. It currently has four facilities: a library, archives, an instrumentarium, and an audio conservation laboratory. One of its biggest projects was Laon Laon, the brainchild of former Executive Director Ramon Santos, who was later named National Artist for Music. Laon Laon was a venue for music research centers across Asia to come together in pursuit of preserving and sustaining music amid the changes brought by modernization. Samaon Sulaiman playing a kutyapi or lute (UPCE-P-5117). Photo from Jose Maceda’s research in 1980. Taken from the Jose Maceda Collection of the UP Center for Ethnomusicology. More than safekeeping College of Music Dean LaVerne de la Peña, who also serves as the center’s Executive Director, says that the center does more than just hold artifacts for safekeeping. Its work is geared toward safeguarding. “I believe there’s a distinction,” he asserts. De la Peña describes safeguarding as not only preserving resource materials, but also ensuring that these keep cultural traditions alive by allowing them to be used for research, practice, and performance, and by “repatriating” what materials the center can to the cultures they belong to. He finds the idea somewhat strange since “We’re supposed to be learning from them and not the other way around.” But the reality is that in some cultures, the younger generation no longer practices these traditions or even knows how to do or perform them. Santos recalls that he, an “outsider,” was asked by teachers and students in a public high school in Baguio to “teach” them the badiw of the Ibaloi. Marking its 25th year In 2022, the center turns 25. It has laid out a roadmap detailing seven goals: to be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that are at par with similar centers around the world; to improve services by adopting best practices and procedures; to become a dynamic hub of research activities; to further expand the collection and make it more accessible to the public; to enlarge and improve the production of new knowledge; promote awareness of ethnomusicology among students, teachers, and community leaders; and to ensure the permanence and sustainability of the institution as a research unit within the University. De la Peña says one of the biggest challenges is widespread dissemination. These days, it’s mostly done online, but there are still issues with intellectual property that are being worked out. Until then, researchers and the curious will have to go to the UP Diliman College of Music, where the center is located. It is currently in the process of moving into the recent addition to the complex, the Jose Maceda Hall. “Our dream is to have communities set up their own centers for ethnomusicology, where they have documentation and records of their musical traditions. We can help them do these, help them put up these centers and provide information on how to maintain their collections. Ultimately, they are the best guardians of their own cultures,” de la Peña declares. Listen to some of the Center’s collections here: http://upethnom.com/sounds-from-the-archive/
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https://up.edu.ph/symphonies-in-up-music-to-the-people/
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Symphonies in UP Music to the People – University of the Philippines
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Symphonies in UP Music to the People Symphonies in UP Music to the People January 14, 2019 | Written by Jo. Florendo B. Lontoc Ranera sustains the big sound. (Photos from ‘Simulain at Pangarap’ concert by Jonathan Madrid, UP MPRO) UP is a musical hub, as it is a leader in culture and the arts with its many scholar artists, national artists, and bright young talents. But not resting on its laurels, it also invites and attracts world-class musicians, exposing the public to the best, and inspiring UP’s own. UP recently forged partnerships with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO), the resident orchestra of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, which is regarded as one of the top musical ensembles in the Asia-Pacific region. With the University as host, it has brought live symphonic music to the public for free. A collaboration early this year resulted in a public performance that exceeded expectations. The concert “Simulain at Pangarap” rivaled the UP Diliman Lantern Parade and general commencement exercises in audience size. The live concert on March 23, 2018 was one of the few instances in which the UP Quezon Hall Amphitheater was filled with people for an evening of symphonic orchestral music under the moon and stars. Ranera gestures the entrance of strings. (Photos from ‘Simulain at Pangarap’ concert by Jonathan Madrid, UP MPRO) Ranera goes for a more rounded tone. (Photos from ‘Simulain at Pangarap’ concert by Jonathan Madrid, UP MPRO) Part of the woodwinds section (Photos from ‘Simulain at Pangarap’ concert by Jonathan Madrid, UP MPRO) “Seeing people here is heartening,” UP Diliman Chancellor Michael Tan said in his welcome remarks. “The turnout tells us people will come,” he added. “Your presence is most important,” Tan then told PPO. “It is bringing music to the communities and not keeping it within the Cultural Center.” The concert began with PPO’s version of “Lupang Hinirang” just after sunset. It ended with Professor Ramon Acoymo, the program coordinator for UP, singing “UP Naming Mahal”. The crowd applauded the classics “Overture to Gillaume Tell” and “Waves of the Danube Waltz” just as warmly as it did selections from the modern-day musicals Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera. Symphonic music roused all ages familiar with the Indiana Jones and Star Wars themes, and Aegis, Itchyworms, and APO Hiking Society tunes. The familiar “Three Coins in the Fountain”, “Despacito”, and “Baby Shark” were similarly played for the crowd’s entertainment. Ranera keeps the rhythm steady. (Photos from ‘Simulain at Pangarap’ concert by Jonathan Madrid, UP MPRO) Ranera keeps a note precise. (Photos from ‘Simulain at Pangarap’ concert by Jonathan Madrid, UP MPRO) Part of the brass section (Photos from ‘Simulain at Pangarap’ concert by Jonathan Madrid, UP MPRO) Many hope that UP’s partnerships with PPO will lead to UP’s establishing its own symphony orchestra. UP has a number of in-house instrumental ensembles, including the UP Symphonic Band, and a UP Orchestra which played side by side the UST Symphony Orchestra in the “No Match” concert in February 2015. The concert featured Herminigildo Ranera, conductor of UST and PPO, and UP’s own Edna Marcil Martinez. Ranera, in an interview with UP Forum during the press conference in August 2018 for the PPO’s 45th anniversary and 36th concert season, said he envisions more collaboration between UP and the PPO. Ranera takes a “watch me” stance. (Photos from ‘Simulain at Pangarap’ concert by Jonathan Madrid, UP MPRO) Double basses at the rear (Photos from ‘Simulain at Pangarap’ concert by Jonathan Madrid, UP MPRO) Philharmonic violinists and violists (Photos from ‘Simulain at Pangarap’ concert by Jonathan Madrid, UP MPRO) The two institutions are currently working on a free public concert set for December 8, 2018. This was announced in the same press conference by Cultural Center of the Philippines President Arsenio Lizaso and its Vice President and Artistic Director Chris Millado. The conference, held in the Manila Hotel, ended with UP Vice President for Public Affairs Jose Dalisay Jr. signing a contract with the PPO for the UP concert in December. The PPO will thus play for the second time on the Diliman campus and for the third time in the University in a year. It has also held concerts in the UP Manila-Philippine General Hospital, giving back to the Filipino community represented by hospital patients, caregivers, health workers and visitors. It played soothing orchestral music that was much appreciated in the bustling public hospital. Ranera turns to the rear of the orchestra, signifies a calming down. (Photos from ‘Simulain at Pangarap’ concert by Jonathan Madrid, UP MPRO) Ranera motions to draw a fuller sound. (Photos from ‘Simulain at Pangarap’ concert by Jonathan Madrid, UP MPRO) Ranera gestures to a small section to his right. (Photos from ‘Simulain at Pangarap’ concert by Jonathan Madrid, UP MPRO) “CCP is bringing art to the people. We are the players, but the art belongs to you,” Lizaso said more than once during the press conference. The public will get a grand serving of that art in the coming December evening event. PPO will join in UP’s traditional Christmas concert which culminates in Handel’s “Messiah”. PPO and 130 UP voices, in a rare collaboration, will play and sing one of the grandest and best-known choral and orchestral works of Western music, on a green expanse under the stars. It will be a treat befitting UP’s celebration of the Christmas season.
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https://up.edu.ph/a-night-of-music-for-edgardo-angara/
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A night of music for Edgardo Angara – University of the Philippines
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A night of music for Edgardo Angara A night of music for Edgardo Angara October 24, 2018 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office National Artist for Music and UP University Professor Emeritus Ramon Santos conducts the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, soprano Stefanie Quintin, tenor Conrado Calnea Ong III, the UP Concert Chorus, UP Cherubim and Seraphim, and the UP Singing Ambassadors in a special performance of “Awit ng Pagdiriwang” (Song of Celebration). Santos, who was then UP College of Music Dean, wrote the song’s music and lyrics for the investiture of UP President Edgardo Angara in 1982. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) The Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo was filled with orchestral music, then applause and cheers as the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) performed in a tribute concert to the late Senator Edgardo Angara on October 17. Presented by the CCP and the PPO Society, Inc. (PPOSI) in cooperation with UP, the invitational event celebrated the life and work of the former Senate and UP president, particularly his affinity for and contributions to Philippine arts and culture. In the opening program, CCP President Arsenio Lizaso described Angara as “a champion who believed that every Filipino deserves to experience the arts.” CCP President Arsenio Lizaso delivers the welcome remarks. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Angara served four terms as senator, during which he authored and supported legislation that created the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the National Living Treasures Award, as well as established the Book Publishing Industry Act, National Museum Act of 1998, National Book Development Trust Fund, and the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009. At the end of his last senate term in 2013, Angara was awarded the Dangal ng Haraya by the NCCA in recognition of the impact and value of his work on the culture and arts of the country. Even before his entry into the Philippine Senate, when he was still UP president, Angara formed the PPOSI to help CCP’s resident orchestra. It took care of the procurement and upkeep of instruments, and provided new uniforms annually for the members. PPOSI President Zenaida Tantoco speaks during the opening program. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) According to PPOSI President Zenaida Tantoco, Angara set up gratuity funds for retiring orchestra members. Just six months before his untimely passing, he gave study grants to two PPO members. One was to attend a master class in the United States and the other, to pursue a PhD in Music at UP Diliman. Ramon Orlina (right) presents his sculpture, “Eternal Flame,” to the Angara family represented by Mrs. Gloria Manalang Angara (left) and Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara (hidden) . Beside Orlina is UP Vice President for Academic Affairs Maria Cynthia Rose Bautista representing UP President Danilo Concepcion. Inset: Orlina’s “Eternal Flame” (Photos by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) CCP and PPOSI present a sculpture by Impy Pilapil to the Angara family. From left to right: PPOSI Vice President Nestor Jardin, PPOSI President Zenaida Tantoco, CCP President Arsenio Lizaso, Mrs. Gloria Manalang Angara, and Senator Sonny Angara . Inset: Pilapil’s sculpture (Photos by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Two glass sculptures were presented to the Angara family during the opening program. The first was “Eternal Flame” by Ramon Orlina, who was inspired by Angara’s unstinting support for the arts. Impy Pilapil created the other sculpture, an interpretation of the natural world’s dynamism and mystery. Senator Sonny Angara delivers the response of the Angara family to the tribute. (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) In his response on behalf of the Angara family, Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara expressed gratitude for the tribute. He revealed that his father’s support of Filipino arts and culture stemmed from his conviction that these were necessary to “building a sense of unity across our nation.” Maestro Yoshikazu Fukumura conducts the PPO’s performance of “Le Corsaire.” (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Maestro Yoshikazu Fukumura and the PPO prepare to take a bow after the “1812 Overture.” (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Maestro Yoshikazu Fukumura and the PPO are joined by Raul Sunico on the piano in “Concerto in F.” (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) The PPO performed Hector Berlioz’s overture, “Le Corsaire,” and the “1812 Overture” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, under the baton of Maestro Yoshikazu Fukumura, its music director and principal conductor. For “Concerto in F” by George Gershwin, they were joined by renowned pianist Raul Sunico. National Artist for Music and UP University Professor Emeritus Ramon Santos introduces his piece and the concert finale, “Awit ng Pagdiriwang.” (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) The night ended with National Artist for Music and UP University Professor Emeritus Ramon Santos conducting the PPO, soprano Stefanie Quintin, tenor Conrado Calnea Ong III, the UP Concert Chorus, UP Cherubim and Seraphim, and the UP Singing Ambassadors in a special performance of “Awit ng Pagdiriwang” (Song of Celebration). The music and lyrics of the piece were composed by Santos, who was then UP Diliman College of Music dean, for Angara’s investiture as the 15th UP president in 1982. (Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo, UP MPRO)
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https://up.edu.ph/upd-celebrates-70th-year-since-exodus-from-manila/
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UPD celebrates 70th year since Exodus from Manila – University of the Philippines
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UPD celebrates 70th year since Exodus from Manila UPD celebrates 70th year since Exodus from Manila April 4, 2019 | Written by Fred Dabu A grand fireworks display caps the UP Diliman Arts and Culture Month 2019 opening program. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO. February 2019 marked the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) community’s month-long celebration of its 70th year since the University’s transfer or exodus from its original campus or birthplace in Ermita, Manila to the flagship Diliman campus in Quezon City. The actual transfer of the UP Oblation statue by members of the UP faculty and students on February 11, 1949 symbolized the community’s exodus. With the theme, “Lakad-Gunita sa Lupang Hinirang”, the series of activities featured a cultural program, an exhibit, a national conference, a theatrical play, film screenings, walking tours, and an open-air concert commemorating the UPD community’s shared history, national relevance, and social engagements throughout the past seven decades. The UP Symphonic Band performs during the “Pag-alala at Paglulunsad” on Feb. 11, 2019. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO. “Pag-alala at Paglulunsad” UPD’s Quezon Hall lobby and Oblation Plaza served as the center of festivities during “Pag-alala at Paglulunsad”, the grand opening ceremony of UP Diliman Arts and Culture Month 2019 held on February 11, 2019. The night’s program was divided into four parts: Exodus (Pag-alis sa Lugar), Home (Paghubog ng Tahanan), Activism (Lakaran) and New Directions (Liwasan); and it showcased the most significant events in the life of UPD constituents through messages, poetry, imagery, music, and dance performances. UP Diliman Chancellor Michael L. Tan delivers his message for the “Pag-alala at Paglulunsad” on Feb. 11, 2019. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO. Among the UP officials and performing groups who made the event more memorable were: UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, UP Diliman Chancellor Michael L. Tan; Professor Emeritus and former UP President Emerlinda R. Roman; Dr. Olympia Q. Malanyaon (director of the Information, Publication, and Public Affairs Office of UP Manila, representing UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita D. Padilla); Professor Emeritus and former College of Arts and Letters Dean Flora R. Mirano; the UP Filipiniana Dance Group; the UP Dance Company; the UP Varsity Pep Squad; the UP Repertory Company; the UP Symphonic Band; the UP Concert Chorus; the UP Cherubim and Seraphim; the UP Chorus Classes; and, the UP Manila Chorale. Music, movement and imagery give the audience a chance to experience UPD history during the “Pag-alala at Paglulunsad” on Feb. 11, 2019. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO. Activism (Lakaran) and New Directions (Liwasan) of the “Pag-alala at Paglulunsad” program dramatize the UPD community’s many social issues and dynamic transitions from the 1980s to the present. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO. Activism (Lakaran) and New Directions (Liwasan) of the “Pag-alala at Paglulunsad” program dramatize the UPD community’s many social issues and dynamic transitions from the 1980s to the present. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO. “Lupang Hinirang: Mga Kuwento ng Pagsasalugar ng UP Diliman” At the Bulwagan ng Dangal University Heritage Museum, the “Lupang Hinirang: Mga Kuwento ng Pagsasalugar ng UP Diliman” exhibit showed UPD as “a place of dwelling, learning, and doing” as well as “an active heritage site” by combining archival research and installation art. The exhibit ran from February 15 to March 29 and was capped with a forum on “Memories and History of UP Manila and UP Diliman” on its last day. “Pagpunla at pag-ani” was held at the NISMED Auditorium on Feb. 22, 2019. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO. “Pagpunla at pag-ani” “Pagpunla at pag-ani: A national conference to commemorate the 70 years of UP Diliman” was held at the NISMED Auditorium on February 22. The day-long conference gathered some of the renowned academics of UPD to share memories of their experiences and lessons gained as students, educators, and residents of the campus. Leading the roster of speakers were: historian Reynaldo Ileto, National Artist Ramon Santos, National Scientist Lourdes Cruz, Professor Emeritus Randy David, Professor Belen Medina, and Professor Ricardo Jose, director of the Third World Studies Center of UPD. Historian Reynaldo Ileto shares lessons he learned from the 1970s during the “Pagpunla at pag-ani” conference held at the NISMED Auditorium on Feb. 22, 2019. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO. National Artist Ramon Santos and National Scientist Lourdes Cruz talk about the importance of the Sciences and the Arts in developing well-rounded citizens during the “Pagpunla at pag-ani” conference held at the NISMED Auditorium on Feb. 22, 2019. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO. Ileto talked about life in the Department of History and recalled how he and his fellow teachers faced the challenges of the 1970s. Santos discussed the development of education in modern music and culture at UPD, concluding that the University experience aims to shape students into well-rounded individuals, academics, humanists, artists, and citizens of a global community. Cruz emphasized the importance of rigorous training in science, multi-disciplinary collaboration, advocating for sustainability, and turning knowledge into science-based policies and action programs. David focused on the physical and political transformations of Diliman from a “wilderness” in the 1930s into the community that it is known today, while relating his journeys as a student and an educator in the Department of Sociology in the 1960s up to the present. Medina shared happy memories about life in campus from 1949 when she entered as a college freshman, joined the academe after graduating in 1953, and until her retirement from teaching in 1997, adding that her family now has four generations of well-rounded and loyal UP alumni. Jose highlighted the value of recognizing the greatness and history of the people, buildings, places, and events unique to UP, urging the audience not to take them for granted, and to link the past with the present as we move forward to the future. Sociologist Randy David discusses the political and physical transformations he witnessed in UP Diliman during the “Pagpunla at pag-ani” conference held at the NISMED Auditorium on Feb. 22, 2019. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO. Professor Ricardo Jose of the Department of History talks of the greatness and the history that can be found in UP Diliman during the “Pagpunla at pag-ani” conference held at the NISMED Auditorium on Feb. 22, 2019. Photo by Jun Madrid, UP MPRO. “Nana Rosa” and “Tahan(an): Pista Pelikula” The line-up of activities for the UP Diliman Arts and Culture Month 2019 included: “Nana Rosa”, a play that explores the story of the first Filipino who publicly came out as a World War 2 comfort woman; and “Tahan(an): Pista Pelikula”, screenings of selected films with the themes of displacement and struggle. “Nana Rosa” was made possible by the UP Playwrights’ Theatre of the College of Arts and Letters, Rody Vera, and Jose Estrella, and was staged at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater from February 20 to March 10. “Tahan(an): Pista Pelikula” included the films, Tu Pug Imatuy (Arbi Barbarona), Pureza (Jay Abello), Tundong Magiliw (Jewel Maranan), and others that were screened at the Cine Adarna, UP Film Institute. “Lakad-Gunita” and “Himigsikan” The Walking Tours around the campus were managed by the Asian Institute of Tourism so as to engage participants in appreciating the history and environment of UPD. The “Lakad-Gunita” tours were held around the themes: Fauna (birds of UPD), History (Diliman Commune Revisited), Public Arts and Architecture, Flora (plants and trees of UPD), and Historical Buildings. The open-air live music concert, “Himigsikan”, was held on February 24 at the UP Theater Canopy. The month-long celebration was spearheaded by the UPD Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts (OICA).
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https://up.edu.ph/up-weighs-options-for-ay-2021-2022-admissions/
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UP weighs options for AY 2021-2022 admissions – University of the Philippines
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UP weighs options for AY 2021-2022 admissions UP weighs options for AY 2021-2022 admissions October 27, 2020 | Written by Jo. Florendo Lontoc File photo / Jun Madrid, UP MPRO The University of the Philippines is set to come out with a system of freshmen admissions unique to the pandemic situation, following a series of consultations with stakeholders. UP experts had earlier come up with five options or scenarios, UP Office of Admissions Director Francisco de los Reyes, a data scientist, told UP News in an online meeting on October 20, 2020. The scenarios are the following: 1) A paper-and-pen administration of the UPCAT, subject to IATF and LGU Covid19 protocols and coordination; 2) An online UPCAT; 3) A hybrid paper-and-pen and online mode for UPCAT; 4) A no-UPCAT scenario where UP may mine data from the applicant’s personal data sheet, high school records, the specific high school and performance of its graduates in UP, etc., to arrive at the University Predicted Grade (UPG); 5) A moratorium on freshmen admissions. The Office of Admissions is holding discussions at every level over which option would be the best for all stakeholders involved. This decision, which is projected to be made during the next meeting of the UP Board of Regents on October 29, will ultimately be based on consultations currently being held with the UP faculty, high schools, UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) contact persons, testing centers, and volunteers. With a go-signal on any of Options 1 to 4, UP may accept applications by November 2020. The University aims to keep with the usual schedule of releasing the qualifiers list by April each year. Based on the recent trend, the University expects over 100,000 applicants to be considered for freshmen admission for academic year (AY) 2021-2022. De los Reyes assures the public that UP remains steadfast to the guiding principle of excellence and equity, whatever option will be taken; and that it will not compromise standardization or waver on the commitment not to disenfranchise any candidate for admission. “Ultimately, planning for our next round of admissions will be inclusive, with the acknowledgment that some applicants do have the economic privilege, and with empathy for the marginalized,” de los Reyes says in a presentation. In the meantime, the UP Office of Admissions is beefing up its automation program and IT infrastructure, in cooperation with the UP Information Technology Development Center and Data Privacy Office, which will greatly help it to cope with the pandemic. Foremost in development are dedicated portals for UPCAT inquiries and fully online applications.
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https://up.edu.ph/statement-of-the-up-diliman-executive-committee-on-the-shutdown-of-abs-cbn/
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Statement of the UP Diliman Executive Committee on the Shutdown of ABS-CBN – University of the Philippines
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Statement of the UP Diliman Executive Committee on the Shutdown of ABS-CBN Statement of the UP Diliman Executive Committee on the Shutdown of ABS-CBN May 11, 2020 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office The shutdown of ABS-CBN, especially in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, is a disservice to the Filipino people. We consider all broadcast media organizations, including ABS-CBN, as partners in engaging the public. They provide channels and platforms for bringing vital information to communities and other places which schools and universities are not able to reach. They offer platforms for the university’s scholars, researchers, scientists, and artists to speak to broader audiences, translating expert knowledge into popular forms and transmitting ideas and discourse into the wider public arenas. For the truth to stand above mendacity, a university provides an arena for contending views to debate. The conditions for academic excellence are the same for media integrity. They require conditions of openness and respect for diversity. This means that the freedom to question, to think, to write, and to speak should be safeguarded for all, regardless of beliefs and background. While ABS-CBN has been criticized for its political biases, it has also given space for diverse political views, a process that is fundamental to democracy. The shutdown of the network on May 5, two days after the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, was a stunning blow against the freedom of the press and people’s right to information. We cannot stress how important and critical a role mass media plays during this time of crisis. As COVID-19 spreads and worsens at the national and global scale, it is wrong to silence a vital channel of information such as ABS-CBN, which has become, after years of public service, a significant pillar of the media establishment. Moreover, the shutdown has resulted in the loss of jobs for 11 thousand employees, aggravating further the precarious situation of growing economic instability and hunger resulting from containment measures of the pandemic. UP Diliman stands with the workers of ABS-CBN. UP Diliman stands for press freedom. The statement was originally posted by UP Diliman on May 9, 2020 here: https://upd.edu.ph/statement-of-the-upd-execom-on-the-shutdown-of-abs-cbn/.
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https://up.edu.ph/compassion-our-common-ground-investiture-speech-of-danilo-l-concepcion/
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Compassion, Our Common Ground: The Investiture Speech of Danilo L. Concepción – University of the Philippines
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Compassion, Our Common Ground: The Investiture Speech of Danilo L. Concepción Compassion, Our Common Ground: The Investiture Speech of Danilo L. Concepción September 20, 2017 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office “UP must be that special place within which it should still be possible—despite all divisions and distractions—to work together with the University’s and the nation’s strategic interests in mind.” (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Compassion, Our Common Ground Investiture Speech of Danilo L. Concepción 21st President, University of the Philippines 20 September 2017, 5:00 p.m., University Theater I stand before you today as a student trained in two disciplines: that of science, which taught me the measure of Nature, and that of the law, which taught me the measure of Man. I cannot claim that I have learned enough because education is a lifelong process, and I expect to live a little longer. But this I have surely come to realize: that while Nature may be bewilderingly complex, Man is infinitely more so. If I had remained an agricultural engineer, I might have been happy designing new tools for farming or more effective irrigation systems. But ultimately, I found law more challenging, that which is the calibration and codification of human and social behavior. And as if that were not enough, and even before UP, I took on teaching and university administration—which, in a strange but logical way, draw on all these threads of thought and experience to form a coherent wholeness of purpose. Indeed the university is probably the one institution in society—with the possible exception of Congress—where diversity and difference are its very nature and intrinsic to its success. Today, with nearly 200 undergraduate and almost 350 graduate programs, UP can proudly claim to offer the broadest canopy under which Filipino students and scholars can learn. Nowhere else in this country can you take such diverse courses as Archeology, Geomatics Engineering, Tropical Landscape Architecture, and Women and Development. That is what a national university is for, and that is why UP is one. We recognize that a national university exists not to profit the pocket, but to enrich the mind and to enlarge the soul of our people. We stand firm in the belief that all forms of knowledge benefit humanity, and that part of our mission is to employ that knowledge for social transformation. At his investiture in 1911, our first President, Dr. Murray Bartlett, made it clear that the new University of the Philippines was not merely going to be a copy of its models in the West but would be a “University for Filipinos” devoted to providing “the intellectual and moral leadership essential to social salvation and progressive national development.” It seems ironic today—given our much-vaunted nationalism and secularism—to remark that Dr. Bartlett was an American and a Protestant pastor. But that irony offers vivid proof that our founders understood that creating a great university would mean stepping out of one’s own moorings into a true community of minds. And so, difference and diversity have been with us since the beginning—and of course, dissension and debate, especially since the University Council was first set up. But again, and notably, we have managed to harmonize our differences over more than a century of discourse to forge a way forward—whether it be in terms of crafting a curriculum for general education, or rewarding performance and productivity. Therein lies our University’s vitality—not in the fact that we argue, because argue we must, but in the fact that we have always managed at some point to agree, because agree we also must. Dissent has been coded into our DNA, the most familiar expression of the critical thinking we have sought to imbue every UP student with. But we also know that between academic inquiry and practical necessity lies much common ground to explore and to inhabit. On June 8, 1933, students at the College of Education boycotted their classes in the first protest ever against a tuition fee increase, from P30 to P50 per semester. Among the leaders of the mass action was none other than Fe Palma, daughter of then UP President Rafael Palma. History does not record what President Palma said to his daughter afterwards, but I suppose he should have been proud, as she was a product of the liberal education that he himself espoused in his inaugural address. Four years later in 1937, when President Quezon pushed for the transfer of UP from Padre Faura to Diliman, UP students led by a young editor named Armando Malay held a straw vote that resoundingly rejected the move by 84 percent. The critics complained that Diliman was a dark and mountainous territory teeming with snakes, monkeys, and mosquitoes. Then UP President Bienvenido Gonzalez was crucified. But twelve years later, when the move had finally happened, Malay spoke again, but this time in Diliman, and acknowledged that it was time “for a closing of the ranks.” These instances of dissent were classically and uniquely UP. We ourselves have made this possible, empowering and emboldening generations of students with reason, enabling them, as Palma put it, “to react properly to the promptings of truth and to the world.” We—and perhaps we alone—have justly and proudly held reason above all other considerations in our academic life: considerations such as creed, kinship, privilege, authority. And it is this supremely valuable faculty to which I appeal today, as I grasp the helm of this great enterprise we call the University of the Philippines. Let reason guide us, but not reason alone; let it be reason tempered with respect, responsibility, and collegiality. Both at the national and university levels, it is becoming difficult to push any agenda forward without being subjected to intense, sometimes malicious, but also often necessary scrutiny. In many instances, we have stopped talking to one another as a people sharing the same future. Truth, reason, and respect have been the prime casualties in these exchanges, which I am sure you have witnessed—if not participated in—online. The phrase “social media” has almost become an oxymoron, as it has become the stalking ground of some of the most unsociable people you could come across. Sad to say, some of that caustic and deeply divisive rhetoric has come to infect our University, not just our students but our faculty, staff, and administrators as well. This is perhaps to be expected, as a university remains, in many ways, merely a microcosm of a much larger society. Our strength lies in our collegiality. If we allow our reason and our rhetoric to be clouded by intolerance, then we will be no more and no better than a gang, indeed than any other collection of ill-tempered individuals. At his investiture in 1975, another of my predecessors, President Onofre D. Corpuz, openly took issue with the University’s characterization as “a battleground of ideas,” calling it a “romantic notion” that the people could ill afford to pay for with their taxes. Rather than a battleground, I prefer to focus on finding, in this University, a common ground, a clearing—a safe, free, and congenial space within which its constituents can teach, study, and work productively to their full potential. UP must be that special place within which it should still be possible—despite all divisions and distractions—to work together with the University’s and the nation’s strategic interests in mind. For this we must promote consensus over conflict, civility over calumny, and collaboration over confrontation. We must foster strategic thinking over short-sightedness, honest labor over opportunism, and shared effort over self-promotion. There should be no better place in this country than UP for the expression of ideas without fear, without fear of violent retribution from one’s colleagues or from the State itself. There should be no environment more welcoming than UP for cutting-edge research, timely policy studies, exciting new exhibits and productions, and provocative art and literature—in other words, the work we have always meant to do, and do best. We will be guided by the overarching vision of UP as a leading regional and global university in an environment that sustains 21st century learning, knowledge creation, and public service for society and humanity. Where our University is situated today would not have been possible without the foundations laid by my esteemed predecessors, whom I acknowledge and thank today, and to whom I make a personal pledge to do my best to live up to their example. President Edgardo Angara, who was not able to make it today, Presidents Emanuel Soriano, Emil Javier, Jose Abueva, Francisco Nemenzo, Emerlinda Roman, and Alfredo Pascual—sa inyo pong lahat, tanggapin ninyo ang aming taos pusong pasasalamat, paggalang, at pagpupugay! Bunsod ng ating hangaring ituloy ang mga mahahalaga at makabuluhang pagbabago, at sa paniniwalang mayroon tayong maia-ambag sa hangaring ito, ini-alay po natin ang ating sarili upang maglingkod bilang Pangulo. Nagsama-sama po tayo sa ating pakay at galaw, at dahil dito, tayo po ay nanaig at nagtagumpay. Ngayon, ang tagumpay na ito ang simula ng ating pagkilos upang patunayan sa lahat na ang mga pangarap at adhikain na sinampalatayaan at pinanghawakan ng ating mga kasama, kakampi man o katunggali, ay kaya nating maisakatuparan at makamtan. Lahat po ng ating balak at panukala ay matutupad at matatapos kung tayo po ay magsa-sama-samang muli sa pagpaplano, pagpapasya, at pagpapapatupad sa lahat ng ating gagawin para sa pagsusulong ng minimithing pagbabago. Upang tayo ay magtagumpay, ang tatlong sangkap ng ating Unibersidad: ang mga mag-aaral, ang kaguruan, at ang mga kawani, ay dapat na magkabigkis-bigkis tungo sa isang layunin. Nasa pagkakaisa nating lahat lamang ang susi ng tagumpay. Totoo, ang pagkakaisa ay tunay na mailap at mahirap makamit sapagkat lubhang maraming pagkakaiba ang ating mga pangangailangan, paniniwala, at pamantayan. Subalit tayo ay nananalig na mayroong isang tagpuan kung saan lahat tayo ay maaring tumayong sama-sama na parang isang katawan. Bilang isang katawan, tiyak nating mapagtatanto at madarama na ang sakit ng kalingkingan ay sakit ng buong katawan. Ang sakit na iniinda ng sinuman sa atin, ay sakit na iindahin ng lahat natin. Hindi natin marahil napapansin subalit ang tagpuang ito ay nasa mga puso na natin. Kailangan lamang po nating itong mapagtanto at madama. At upang tayo ay manatiling magkakayakap sa ating tagpuan, tayo po bilang Pangulo, ang magsisilbing isang pagkit na sa ating lahat ay hahatak at magdi-dikit upang wala ni-isa man sa atin ang mawalay o malisya. Tayo po ay nakalaang makinig kanino man upang malaman ang inyong mga loobin, balak, at pangangailangan upang tayo po ay magabayan sa ating pag-ugit. Sa atin pong pamumuno, mas mahalaga ang kagalingan ng lahat kaysa sa ating personal na pananaw o kagustuhan. Sa ating pagpapasya sa mga hakbang na ating tatahakin, ang ating gabay at panuntunan ay pagmamalasakit. Pagmamalasakit sa ating Unibersidad, pagmamalasakit sa ating mga propesyon, pagmamalasakit sa ating mga sarili, at pagmamalasakit sa isa’t isa. Kung tayo po ay nagmamalasakit, tayo ay lubos na nag-iingat; nag-iingat na ang ating bawat kilos at galaw ay hindi makasasakit o makasasama sa bawat isa sa atin. Kung pagkakaisa ang susi sa tagumpay ng ating mga mithiin, pagmamalasakit naman ang susi tungo sa isang samahang wagas at pangmatagalan. Sa susunod na anim na taon na ating hahawakan ang timon, ito po ay ating hahawakan nang mahigpit at maingat sapagkat maraming hamon at balakid ang ating haharapin, bubunuin, at gagapiin. Sa simula pa lamang ng ating pag-ugit, isang malaking hamon ang agad ay sumalubong sa atin: ang libreng matrikula sa kolehiyo. Tunay po na ito ay isang malaking hamon sapagkat animnapung porsyento ng ating koleksyon mula sa matrikula ay nakalaan para sa ating mga faculty development programs. Kung hindi po ibibigay sa atin ng national government ang katumbas ng dapat ay ating koleksyon, wala po tayong malilikom na pondo na sadyang ilalaan sa mga programang magpapaunlad sa katayuan ng ating kaguruan. Bukod dito, bagama’t totoong libre na nga ang tuition sa UP, makapasa naman kaya sa UPCAT ang mga kapus-palad na kabataan na sa UP ay nais makapag-aral? Wala pong saysay at kabuluhan ang programang libreng matrikula kung sa UPCAT ang estudyante ay di naman papasa. Sa mga nakalipas na pagsasaliksik at pag-aaral, napag-alaman na maliit na bahagi lamang ng mga nagtatapos sa maraming public high schools sa labas ng Metro Manila ang pumapasa sa UPCAT. Ang sinisisi pong dahilan ay ang mababang kalidad ng pagtuturo sa mga public high schools na ito. Dahil dito, panukala po natin na gawing kondisyon sa pagtanggap sa isang estudyante ang pagbibigay ng balik-serbisyo sa ating bayan; balik-serbisyong isang taon pagkaraang makatapos ang estudyante sa kanyang kurso. Sa loob nang isang taon, siya po ay ating pagtuturuin sa senior high school sa mga public schools na ito upang kahit-manawari ay tumaas ang kalidad ng kanilang edukasyon. Ang kondisyong balik-serbisyo ay hindi naman po sapilitan. Malaya po ang estudyante na hindi magbalik-serbisyo, dangan siya po sa halip ay magbabayad ng matrikula kung siya po ay tatanggi bago makatapos, o ang buong halaga ng kanyang edukasyon kung siya ay tatanggi kapag siya ay nakapagtapos na. Hindi rin po libre ang pag-babalik-serbisyo. May bayad po sila habang sila ay nagtuturo. Ganoon pa man, tayo po ay lubos na umaasa na magbabalik-serbisyo ang ating mga iskolar ng bayan. Ito na po ang kanilang pagkakataon na isabuhay ang kanilang isinisigaw na pagmamahal sa bayan. Ito na po ang pagkakataon na patunayan nila sa kanilang mga sarili ang panawagan nilang maglingkod sa kapus-palad nating mga kababayan. Madalas pong magmartsa ang ating mga estudyante, sumisigaw ng pagbabago. Kung ating pong wawariin, parang wala nang katapusan ang kanilang mga reklamo at kahilingan; parang ibig nilang sila na ang magpalakad sa ating Unibersidad, at sila ay mag-aral nang sang-ayon tangi sa kanilang pasya at kagustuhan. Subalit sinasabi natin ngayon sa kanila, na hinding-hindi natin sila pipigilan sa kanilang pagpapahayag ng kanilang mga kaisipan at paniniwala; hinding hindi natin sila bubusalan sa kanilang mga hinaing. Bagkus, sila ay ating pakikinggan, uunawain, at gagabayan. Hindi po natin hinuhubog ang ating mga estudyante sa isang hulmahan. Hinuhubog po natin sila upang magkaroon ng isang malaya, mapanuri, mapagtanong, at malikhaing pag-iisip; upang sila ay magtaglay ng diwang walang takot, ng tinig na hindi pasusupil; at upang sila ay manindigan para sa katwiran at katarungan. Sa ating kaguruan, ang lakas natin ay nasa ating kakayahang mag-talo at magpasya bilang isang kalipunan. Ang kakayahang ito ay ating itataguyod at pag-iibayuhin nang marubdob. Pagsisikapan nating malikom ang pondong kailangan ng ating faculty development programs upang hindi maputol ang mga programang nasimulan na, at upang madagdagan pa. At upang manatili sa Unibersidad ang ating mahuhusay na kaguruan, pag-aaralan po natin na luwagan ang mga regulasyon sa tenure at promotion upang ang mga ito ay maging mas patas at mas makatarungan. Marapat din na sila ay bigyan natin ng magandang working condition, at masaya at masiglang buhay-akademiko sa ating mga campus. Titiyakin po natin na maitayo muli ang nasunog na Facuty Center sa loob ng 3 taon. Ang bagong Faculty Center po na ito ay magiging mas malaki, mas moderno, at mas faculty-friendly. Ang ating pong kaguruan ay binibigyan ng lipunan ng pinakamataas na pagkilala at paggalang habang sila ay nagtuturo sa ating Unibersidad. Hindi po natin papayagan na sila ay mawalan ng dignidad matapos na sila ay magretiro sa pagtuturo. Marahil, dapat tayong magtayo ng isang opisina na walang gagawin kung hindi ihanda ang ating kaguruan para sa kanilang pag-reretiro, at upang sila ay gabayan at tulungan sa kanilang mga pangangailangan, lalong-lalo na sa usapin ng pabahay. Nakalista po sa ating priority projects ang pagpapaganda sa ating mga campuses. Nangangailangan na po ng rehabilitasyon ang ating mga gusali at mga dormitoryo. Dapat na po nating wakasan ang masakit na biro na walang malinis at mabangong CR dito sa UP. Tayo po ay nananawagan sa ating mga alumni na sana tayo ay tulungan at damayan sa krusadang ito. Sa mga matagumpay nating alumni na tumira at nakinabang sa murang bayad sa ating mga dormitoryo, sana’y masumpungan nila sa kanilang mga puso ang magsukli at tumulong sa ating pagbabangong-anyo. Pagsisikapan din po nating magtayo ng pangalawang Philippine General Hospital dito sa UP Diliman. Kasama po sa itatayo ang kakambal nitong College of Medicine at Genomic Cancer Research Institute. Ang medical complex po na ito ay magbibigay-serbisyo sa komunidad ng UP Diliman at ng hilagang Metro-Manila. Ang College of Medicine ay magdaragdag ng mga duktor sa ating bansa at ang Institute po naman ay tutuklas ng lunas sa cancer gamit ang makabagong siyensya ng genomics. Pangarap po natin na ang PGH na ito ay maging pinaka moderno at pinaka magandang ospital sa buong bansa. Naniniwala po tayo na kaya nating isakatuparan ang pangarap na ito sa tulong ninyong lahat at ng lokal at pambansang pamahalaan. Para naman po sa ating mga kawani, sinimulan na po natin ang proseso upang gawing regular ang mga kawaning matatagal na sa serbisyo. Sapagkat mangangailangan ito ng mga karagdang plantilla positions, ang proceso po ay inaasahan nating magtatagal. Subalit habang tayo po ay naghihintay, itataas na po natin ang mga non-UP contractuals, yaong matatagal na po sa serbisyo, sa antas ng UP Contractuals upang sila ay tumanggap na ng lahat ng benepisyo ng isang regular na empleyado. Ganoon pa man, inaasahan natin na ang mga kawani ay magmamalasakit din para sa kapakanan ng ating Unibersidad. Huwag sana nilang igiit ang kanilang mga kahilingan kung ito ay hindi kayang pasanin ng ating kabang-yaman. Kasabay nito, kailangan po nating suriing mabuti ang pangangailangan ng ating operasyon upang ang laki ng ating administrative workforce ay maging tugma rito, at hindi tuluyang lumobo. Ang salop na umaapaw ay di na po dapat dagdagan. Sa ibabaw po ng lahat nang ito, i-aangkas natin ang ating mga reporma sa ating procurement system, sa automation ng ating mga operating systems, at sa paggamit ng ating mga pondo at resources. Tayo po sa ngayon ang nag-iisang Pambansang Unibersidad. Subalit ang karangalan pong ito ay may kaakibat na tungkulin para sa mga unibersidad at kolehiyo sa buong bansa, pribado man o pambupliko. Sa ilalim po ng ating pagmamasid, itataguyod natin ang tambalan ng UP sa mga unibersidad at kolehiyo na ibig makipagtulungan sa ating mga gawaing akademiko at pananaliksik. Pag-aaralan po natin ang pagbalangkas sa isang facility-sharing scheme para sa ating mga SUCs. Dumako naman po tayo sa usaping informal settlers. Lingid sa karamihan, ang pamilya po natin, minsan, ay naging informal settler din. Kung kaya po damang-dama rin natin ang nararamdaman ng ating mga kababayang nakikitirik sa ating mga lupain. Bibigyan po natin ng tamang pansin ang kanilang kapakanan. Ang kanilang kagalingan ay lagi po nating ilalahok sa lahat ng balak at pagpa-plano sa pagsasa-ayos ng ating mga campus. Hindi po tayo gigiba ng bahay kung ito ay gigiba ng buhay. Ang tanging dasal po natin, sana’y magmalasakit din naman sila sa ating Unibersidad at sa ating komunidad. Hindi po natin ikinahiya kailanman na tayo ay galing din sa hirap. Dala po ng kahirapan sa buhay tayo po ay nangailangang tumulong sa ating mga magulang sa pagtataguyod sa pamilya. Tumulong po tayo na magpa-aral sa ating mga kapatid upang magbago ang kanilang mga kapalaran at ng ating mga mahal sa buhay. Sa ating pagtulong, nangailangan pong humingi tayo ng awa sa Panginoon. At upang patunayan na ang ating panalangin ay taimtim, tayo po ay nagbitaw ng isang panata. Panata na tayo po ay hindi hahanap ng kabiyak sa buhay hanggat hindi natatapos ng kolehiyo ang lahat ng ating mga kapatid. Dininig po ng Maykapal ang ating panalangin at malugod naman po nating tinupad ang ating panata. Hindi po tayo nakipag-isang dibdib kay Atty. Gaby hanggat hindi po tapos ng medisina ang bunso nating kapatid. Ngayong hapon, saksi kayong lahat at ang Dakilang Lumikha, tayo po ay gumagawa muli ng isang panata. Panata na tayo po ay maglilingkod ng wagas, sa sukdulan ng ating kakayahan, nang patas at makatarungan, nang buong puso at pagmamahal, nang walang iwanan at laglagan, at higit sa lahat, na walang halong biro! Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat! Mabuhay and Unibersidad ng Pilipinas! (The English translation of the Filipino portion follows below.) Driven by the sincerest and noblest desire to continue accomplishing meaningful and necessary changes in the University, and with the firm belief that I could contribute to achieve this dream, I humbly offered myself to serve our University as its President. And because we were brought and bound together by our common selfless intentions and pursuits, we prevailed, we succeeded. This success signals the beginning of the more important task of proving to our colleagues—friends and detractors alike—and to those who rely on and believe in us that we will fulfill and deliver the reforms we have committed to achieve. This we will realize through a renewal of our collective and united efforts to plan, decide, and act toward the needed change we have envisioned together. For us to triumph, the three vital components of our University—the students, the faculty, and the administrative staff—should aim as one to hit our targets. Our unity is the key to our success. True, unity is elusive because we fully acknowledge and accept the complexity and diversity of our respective needs, beliefs, and standards. However, we believe that there is a common ground where all of the three components can stand together as one body. We have to act as one body, so that pain endured by one of us will be pain felt by all of us. That common ground is right here in our hearts; we simply have to feel it to realize it. To ensure that all of us will stay in that common ground together as one, I, as your President, shall act as the adhesive that will keep us fastened and bound together, so that no one will fall out, or be left out. I am committed to listen to anyone who needs my attention, so I would know what he or she feels, plans, and needs in order to guide me in my work. Under my leadership, the common good is far more important than my personal views or desire. The road to change is treacherous to say the least. But to guide us in every step of the way, compassion is what shall set our bearings. It is compassion when we feel genuine care for our University, genuine care for our professions, genuine care for ourselves, and genuine care for each other. When we genuinely feel compassion, we are truly careful with our words and deeds; very careful of our every move so as not to hurt or harm the things we value and care for. If our unity is the key to our success, compassion is the key to our solidarity and lasting camaraderie. In the next six years that I will steer the helm of this administration, rest assured that I will hold it firmly and with vigilance, for there will be great obstacles ahead to confront and overcome. Just at the start of my term as President, we already met a major challenge: tuition-free college education. It is a major concern because we have been allocating sixty percent of our collection from tuition fees for faculty development programs. If the national government will not replace the tuition collection we will forego, there will be no funds to finance the programs that develop and uplift the conditions of our faculty. Apart from this, we have to address another concern. While studying in UP may be free, can the students belonging to the less-privileged and marginalized families pass the UPCAT if they intend or wish to study in UP? The free-tuition program will clearly be pointless, senseless, and useless if the students from poor families will not pass the UPCAT. Based on previous studies, only a small percentage of graduates from public high schools outside Metro Manila pass the UPCAT. This low turnout is being blamed on the low quality of instruction in those public high schools. This reality has given rise to our proposal to impose return service as a condition for the admission of students to UP. This return service will be for one year after graduation. Our graduates will be required to teach senior high school students in public high schools that we will identify as UP feeder schools. This scheme, we hope, will uplift the quality of the graduates from these feeder schools. The return-service condition, however, will be voluntary. Any student may opt out from this condition before graduation by paying his tuition, or the cost of his education if he will opt out after graduation. The return service to be rendered by our graduates will not be for free. Our students who will decide to teach will be compensated properly. While it is voluntary, we are very optimistic that our students, the scholars of the nation, will choose to render return service. That is because it will be a perfect opportunity for them to live out their professed love for our country, and their advocacy to serve our poor countrymen. Our students often march on the streets to demand change. Sometimes it seems that their clamors and complaints will never end; that they want to run the University themselves; and that they wish to study as they please or solely what they desire. Nevertheless, we shall guarantee their right and freedom to express their ideas, beliefs, and principles. We will never even attempt to suppress what they want to say, or oppress them for what they fight for. Instead, we shall listen to them, understand them, and guide them. We do not mold them to think one way or another. On the contrary, we mold them to think freely; to develop inquisitive, discerning, and creative minds; to be fearless and assertive; and to uphold what is right and just. For our faculty, our strength lies in our ability to discourse and resolve our differences collegially. We will value and nurture this ability intensely. We will vigorously pursue and secure the funding needed to continue and improve our faculty development programs. In order to retain our valued faculty in our University, we will study how to ease the rules on tenure and promotion to make them fair and just. We will also upgrade their working conditions and provide them with a happy and vibrant academic life in our campuses. After it burned down last year, a bigger, more modern, and faculty-friendly Faculty Center will rise up again in three years. The community bestows utmost recognition and respect to the members of our faculty while they are in the University. We will never allow the loss of that dignity after their retirement from teaching. To accomplish this, we will create an office specifically dedicated to prepare our faculty for a well-deserved retirement life and to assist them with their needs, especially in housing. Included in the list of our priority projects is the rehabilitation of our campuses. It entails the repair, restoration and improvement of our buildings and dormitories. The time has come to put an end to the not-so-amusing joke that there is no clean or decent toilet in UP. I appeal to our alumni for compassion by helping us in this crusade. I am reaching out to our successful alumni who stayed in the dormitories and enjoyed the benefits of living on campus, paying very cheap dormitory fees. I hope they find in their hearts the generosity to pay it forward and help us in the makeover of their dorms. We shall strive to build a second Philippine General Hospital in UP Diliman. With it, we shall establish its complement: the College of Medicine and the Genomic Cancer Research Institute. This medical complex will serve the UP Diliman community and the north of Metro Manila. On the one hand, the College of Medicine will result in a substantial increase in the number of medical students we shall train to increase the number of doctors in our country. And on the other, the Genomic Cancer Research Institute will focus on finding cures for cancer, using the science of genomics as a major tool. We conceive of PGH-Diliman to be the most modern, well-equipped, and excellent hospital in the country. We believe that we can make this dream happen with your support and the help of our national and local governments. For our contractual personnel who have served the University for a long time, we have begun the process of making them regular employees. However, inasmuch as doing it will require the creation of new plantilla positions, the process will take some time. In the meantime, we shall move up our non-UP contractuals, those who have rendered many years of service, to the level of UP contractual so they can be entitled to all the benefits that a regular employee receives. With this, I hope that our staff would feel that we care. We believe that they, too, have compassion for the welfare of our University. I expect them to understand and not to insist on their demands if our coffers cannot afford these benefits. Alongside this, we need to take stock of and examine our operations to ensure a match between the size of our administrative workforce and our operational requirements. We will ensure that its size no longer balloons unchecked. In a larger perspective, we will institute reforms in our procurement system, in the automation of our operating systems, and in the allocation and use of our funds and resources. As the national university, we have an obligation in our Charter towards other universities and colleges, private and public. Under our watch, we shall comply with that mandate. We shall foster cooperation and collaboration with schools that wish to partner with us in academic and research initiatives. We shall study and consider the establishment and operationalization of a facility-sharing scheme. In addressing the concern on the informal settlers in the University, many do not know that my family was also once an informal settler. This is why I know how it feels to be one. We shall give proper attention to their needs and well-being. Their welfare will be included in all of our plans to put in order our campuses. We will not destroy houses if it will destroy lives. My sincere prayer and hope is for them to also have compassion for our University and our community. I was never ashamed of my humble origins. We were so poor that I had to help my parents in supporting our family. I helped them by ensuring that my siblings could finish their schooling to change their lives and futures for the better. To accomplish this, I had to ask a big favor from God. To prove how fervent my prayer was, I made a vow that if God granted my request, I would not marry until all my siblings had finished college. God answered my prayer and I faithfully fulfilled my vow. I did not get married to Atty. Gaby until my youngest sibling had finished medicine. Today, with all of you and God Almighty as my witnesses, I once again make a solemn pledge to serve you faithfully, to the best of my ability, with fairness and justice, with all my heart and soul, leaving no one behind, and with utmost seriousness of purpose. Thank you all! Long live the University of the Philippines! You may watch the video of his speech below:
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https://up.edu.ph/up-webinar-to-focus-on-seizures-neurological-symptoms-and-covid-19/
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UP webinar to focus on seizures, neurological symptoms, and COVID-19 – University of the Philippines
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UP webinar to focus on seizures, neurological symptoms, and COVID-19 UP webinar to focus on seizures, neurological symptoms, and COVID-19 November 11, 2020 | Posted by UP Media and Public Relations Office Nine months into the COVID-19 pandemic, and researchers are still learning about all the different ways that the viral disease can affect the body. One of these is the impact of COVID-19 on the brain and the neurological system. It has been found that patients who test positive for SARS-CoV-2 may also suffer neurological symptoms such as delirium, brain inflammation, nerve damage, stroke and others. These neurological problems pose particular challenges to clinical management. Another factor is the delay in emergency care for patients with neurological symptoms because of COVID-19 infection, leading to hypoxia or the deprivation of oxygen to a region of the body, and an increased risk of seizure recurrence or the development of new onset and acute symptomatic seizures. For the 30th installment of the University of the Philippines’ webinar series “STOP COVID DEATHS: VIRTUAL GRAND ROUNDS”, which will be held on November 13, 2020, at 12:00 noon, the focus will be on “Seizures in a COVID-19 Patient”. The case to be studied will be that of a 90-year-old man who showed neurological signs and tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Several attempts were made to give the patient emergency care after he was turned down by seven hospitals, but the patient continued to deteriorate and developed seizures. How the seizures were related to COVID-19 will be discussed. The presenter for this webinar is Dr. Athena Antonio, an EEG and Epilepsy Fellow at the Department of Neurosciences, UP Philippine General Hospital (UP PGH). Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa, UP System Executive Vice President and Special Adviser to the National Task Force on COVID-19 is the guest speaker. Dr. Marc Fernandez, Associate Professor at the UP College of Medicine, will be the clinical discussant; while Dr. Leopoldo Vega, Health Undersecretary and Treatment Czar as well as head of the One Hospital Command Center, will be the health systems discussant. The UP webinar series, “STOP COVID DEATHS: VIRTUAL GRAND ROUNDS”, the very first online medical grand rounds in the Philippines, is organized by UP in partnership with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the UP Manila NIH National Telehealth Center, in cooperation with the UP Manila College of Medicine and UP PGH. To participate in this webinar, please register at: bit.ly/StopCOVIDDeathsWebinar30.
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https://up.edu.ph/upv-isat-u-pursue-collaboration/
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UPV, ISAT-U pursue collaboration – University of the Philippines
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UPV, ISAT-U pursue collaboration UPV, ISAT-U pursue collaboration August 22, 2017 | Written by UP Media and Public Relations Office UP Visayas (UPV) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U) on August 14 following the inauguration of the new College of Management building at the UPV Iloilo City campus. The MOU involves “collaborative graduate level instruction, research, training, and public service or extension programs.” With their shared interests in knowledge generation through “innovative capacity-building programs in fisheries and aquatic sciences” and in the sustained development of technologies, both institutions have seen fit to join forces and use their expertise, resources, and facilities to plan and implement relevant programs. The partnership also aims to strengthen each party’s capabilities in the conduct of research in emerging inter-, multi-, and transdisciplinary fields. The new UP Visayas College of Management building in the Iloilo City Campus. (Photo by Misael A. Bacani, UP MPRO) The memorandum notes that any student working on his thesis or dissertation through the MOU “shall be given priority to use any data generated to complete thesis or dissertation and to ensure timely graduation.” In addition, all publications resulting from these theses or dissertations “shall be co-authored by UPV and ISAT-U collaborators, and must always include the student,” although the assignment of primary author must be agreed upon by both universities. A scientist who has published research as part of the MOU “shall be given the right to be the primary author,” should he desire to include the said publication in his application for tenure. UPV and ISAT-U ink a memorandum of understanding for collaborative graduate research, instruction, training, and public service or extension work. Standing from left to right are CHED Commissioner J. Prospero De Vera III and UP President Danilo Concepcion. Seated from left to right are ISAT-U VP for Research and Extension Carmelo Ambut, ISAt-U President Raul Muyong, UPV Chancellor Rommel Espinosa, and UPV VC for Research and Extension Ricardo Babaran. (Photo by Misael A. Bacani, UP MPRO) UPV Chancellor Rommel Espinosa and ISAT-U President Raul F. Muyong signed the MOU with Commission on Higher Education Commissioner J. Prospero De Vera III, UP President Danilo Concepcion, UPV Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Ricardo Babaran, and ISAT-U Vice President for Research and Extension Carmelo Ambut as witnesses. The partnership became effective upon signing. (Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo, UP MPRO)
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https://up.edu.ph/for-the-love-of-cinema/
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For the Love of Cinema – University of the Philippines
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For the Love of Cinema For the Love of Cinema October 18, 2017 | Written by Arlyn VCD Palisoc Romualdo You’ll recognize it from Giuseppe Tornatore’s film, Cinema Paradiso. It’s the UP Visayas (UPV) Cinematheque in the Iloilo City campus. It currently houses the 77-seater Cinema Exmundo, and a film museum which are open to the public. UP Visayas – Iloilo campus Cinematheque (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) “It’s not big like UP Diliman’s Film Center but also not as small as its Videotheque. It’s our own little intimate film theater,” said Prof. Martin Genodepa, Special Assistant to the Chancellor for Culture and the Arts and former Cinematheque faculty-in-charge (FIC). It has that old movie house feel, emphasized by refurbished seats salvaged from Allegro Theater, one of the city’s “vintage” cinemas. Flash back: The origins Funded by UP alumni, the Cinematheque was launched in 2008 as a UP Centennial project and inaugurated in December 2009. It later closed for repairs to the leaking roof and reopened when the work was done. Cinema Exmundo is named after alumni donors Solomon Exmundo and Nilda Lopez-Exmundo, who, along with their son Oliver, furnished the Cinematheque’s interior. Genodepa said the Exmundos are film lovers and wanted to share that love with the UPV community. Prof. Alfredo Diaz, the present FIC, added that Cinema Paradiso is the donors’ favorite movie, which not only explains the building’s design but also the sharing of their passion for cinema. But the Exmundos are not the only alumni responsible for the existence of the Cinematheque. Former Antique Governor Salvacion Zaldivar-Perez is also instrumental in the sourcing of funds for the P3-million building. The 77-seater Cinema Exmundo (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) Now showing: a gathering place Diaz told the UP Forum that Cinema Exmundo not only screens classic and independent feature films and documentaries, but is also a venue for lectures. It naturally beckons film enthusiasts in and out of UPV to come together, enjoy movies, and listen to film scholars and practitioners. The engagement of the UPV community has improved, he said. “I’m happy that students have become very active in acquiring rights to movies that they want to be shown here. And if they’re screening it for free, we don’t charge them.” He explained that in the beginning, deciding on the films to be featured fell on the management’s shoulders. The Cinematheque is also rented by alumni to hold private screenings and events. “It’s often nostalgia. They would watch movies that were popular during their high school or college days,” Genodepa said. Even Diaz’s high school batch has scheduled a screening of Bagets to celebrate its silver anniversary this year. Next attraction: The museum The Cinematheque film museum was inaugurated in 2013 and currently exhibits items like an original helmet from Ben Hur, a first issue Mickey Mouse figure, face casts of celebrities famous for their roles as movie monsters, a newspaper used in Titanic, a zoetrope, a praxinoscope, and Han Solo in Carbonite. Right at the entrance of the cinema is a huge old film projector from the Allegro Theater. Prof. Alfredo Diaz (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) While Oliver Exmundo is not an alumnus of UP, he has been supportive of his parents’ initiative. He is recognized by UPV as a major donor and is responsible for the museum’s permanent collection. Genodepa revealed that he regularly adds memorabilia to be displayed. The younger Exmundo was a senior animator at Weta Digital and worked on visual effects for movies such as The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Avatar, Maleficent, The Adventures of Tintin, X-Men: The Last Stand, and Ant-Man, among others. Coming soon: Film workshops When it was inaugurated at the end of 2009, future plans for the Cinematheque included the conduct of courses in digital filmmaking, film theory and history, and workshops for those who want to embark on filmmaking. Prof. Martin Genodepa talking about the pieces in the film museum (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO) These plans have not been abandoned, UPV is simply ensuring that the conditions are right before moving on to the next stage of the Cinematheque’s development. For now, Genodepa said the building’s second level still needs work. This is to ensure an appropriate space for film-related workshops. While the timeline for the offering of more advanced courses has yet to be determined, it certainly remains part of the Cinematheque’s future. The UPV Cinematheque is almost eight years old. Like a child of the same age, it has a lot of growing up to do before it reaches maturity. But with the support of the whole UPV community—the administration, faculty, staff, students, and alumni—things bode well for its future. ——————– Email the author at upforum@up.edu.ph.
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