Text by Martin R. Racza
Photo by Joseph A. Bautista
UP Faculty Regent Carl Marc L. Ramota (foreground, left) and UPM Chancellor Michael L. Tee (foreground, right) lead the flag-raising ceremony on behalf of UPM as part of the synchronized UP system 116th Foundation Week Opening Ceremonies.
University of the Philippines (UP) President Angelo A. Jimenez firmly set public service as the “very soul” of the University, and emphasized that it is the obligation of UP to the Filipino, “who made their education, research, advocacy work, and other endeavors possible.”
Speaking at the UP system synchronized flag-raising ceremony on June 10, 2024, President Jimenez also underscored our obligation to our “national heroes, past and present, who fought for our freedom time and again so we may live in a future where we can speak our mind freely, help others, and instill a culture of compassion and bayanihan.”
The President also informed the audience of his administration’s plans and programs for the University in line with the week-long commemoration of UP’s 116th Founding Anniversary. “We formulated 10 flagship programs that cover fronts of academic excellence in the sciences, arts and culture, digital transformation, active institutional partnerships and collaboration, and of course public service.”
Again underlining public service, President Jimenez made mention of the concept of Pahinungod, offering oneself in service. “We encourage everyone to participate in volunteer services and other activities in many different capacities.”
To make admissions to UP more inclusive, he also announced the “Lingap Scholar Program,” which aims to provide full financial assistance to hundreds of freshmen from geographically-isolated and disadvantaged areas. He also outlined various programs and awards for faculty and administrative staff of the UP system.
Reiterating the importance of UP to the nation, President Jimenez said, “We dedicate, we consecrate, and we reestablish the meaning of UP. We are not just a university–we were established for two very important reasons: to lead and to serve.”
Ending his message, the current President quoted from the first UP President, Murray S. Bartlett: “The University of the Philippines can serve the world best, if its serves best the Filipino people. Paglingkuran ang sambayanan.”
UP Faculty Regent Carl Marc L. Ramota and UPM Chancellor Michael L. Tee led the flag-raising ceremonies in UP Manila. The synchronized program also featured messages from all the Chancellors of UP’s constituent universities, as well as cultural production numbers.
