Text by Martin R. Racza

Photos by Erlyn May U. Pareja and Raymart N. Sagpang

The University of the Philippines (UP) Manila and the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) kicked off the 2024 Christmas Celebration on December 9, 2024, with a celebration of a Mass, followed by the lighting of the “simple yet beautiful” Christmas Tree and decorations at the PGH grounds and the main building facade.

UP system President Angelo A. Jimenez was present as the guest of honor, marking his first time to be with UP Manila during the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. Faculty Regent Carl Marc Ramota, Chancellor Michael Tee, UP Manila Vice Chancellors, PGH Director Gerardo Legaspi, and the deans of the colleges were also in attendance.

In opening the event, Associate Professor Maria Elizabeth M. Grageda, dean of the National Teacher Training Center for the Health Professions (NTTCHP) and chairperson of the UP Manila 2024 Christmas Celebration Committee, said that Christmas strengthens our bonds with each other and how we value others.

Although the celebration was a bit “toned down” in compliance with the order of the President of the Philippines for simpler celebrations this Christmas, PGH Director Gerardo Legaspi noted that “it is still fun” and that this year’s celebration brings hope and reminds us of the blessings we received this 2024.

“Beacons of Hope”

This year’s lighting ceremony was made possible through the efforts of the UP Manila administration and the donations of the Mu Sigma Phi Sorority to the PGH Department of Pediatrics as part of their “Parol Para sa Sanggol” Christmas Tree Lighting Campaign. In explaining this year’s project, Dr. Lilibeth Genuino explained that they gathered artists from all over UP Manila, as well as children from the Asosasyon de Damas de Filipinas, who crafted 12 of the parols in the UP Manila and PGH Christmas Tree. She also shared about their gift-giving of toys, which they characterize as “the giving of beacons of hope” to the child patients.

UP Manila Chancellor Michael Tee, who gave the inspirational message, thanked everyone who attended the lighting ceremony, “upang alalahanin at ipagdiwang ang kapanganakan ng Panginoon.” The lighting of the Christmas tree, which he likened to the light of the star that guided the three wise men into locating the Lord Jesus, also serves as a symbol of the university, which lights the way and will serve as a direction to our countrymen. 

Tee also touted the achievements of the university during the program: first, the 4-star rating under the Healthy University Rating System (HURS), an ASEAN-based international network of professionals and universities promoting health in educational institutions; and second, the implementation of “Aruga at Kalinga, Alay ng Pamantasan,” or the AKAP program, wherein servings of breakfast and lunch will be provided daily to 200 students, courtesy of the PGH Dietary Department. This was made possible due to various donations and the efforts of the current UP Manila administration. In awarding the symbolic calendar for the AKAP program, Jimenez and Tee were joined by Director Odessa Joson of the Office of Student Affairs and the officers of the University Student Council.

In closing the program proper, Jimenez expressed his happiness at being able to join the lighting ceremony for the first time and reiterated his commitment to UP Manila, PGH, and the health sciences. “Ang UP Manila ang pinaka-nag-e-exemplify ng spirit of service. We were the heart of the nation in fighting the pandemic. History can tell the kind of heroism made in these grounds.”

The President also made two very significant announcements: the Lingap-Aral for UPCAT passers who came from disadvantaged backgrounds and the scheduled benefits for UP Manila and PGH employees, such as the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) Incentive, the Performance Enhancement Incentive (PEI), and the Professional Development Grant. 

The UP Manila Chorale and the College of Allied Medical Professions (CAMP) Synergy provided music and entertainment during the program, belting songs such as “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” and “Star ng Pasko.” #