June 30, 2019 — UP Manila held a number of activities on June 18 and 19, 2019 in celebration of the 111th founding anniversary of the University of the Philippines. The activities were guided by the theme #UP111: Mahusay, Makabuluhan, Makakapwa.
The highlight of the celebration was a lecture held on June 18, the actual founding day of UP, delivered by National Institutes of Health Executive Director Dr. Eva Maria Cutiongco-Dela Paz who shared her journey as a scientist and researcher (see article below). Dr. Dela Paz, a recipient of many awards, including the 2018 Dangal ng Bayan Award conferred by the Civil Service Commission, embodies the theme through her extensive body of work over the years.
Other activities for the celebration were a filmshowing, historical walking tour (please see separate article), dance fitness, and yoga. The film, “All Grown Up,” Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Best Documentary Film, tackles the sensitive theme of mental health with a teenage boy about to start his new life in college who was diagnosed with the disease.
Capping the day’s events was a dance fitness/Zumba that was conducted with the University Student Council and other student organizations and with Prof. Efrelyn A. Iellamo as volunteer instructor. On June 19, a yoga activity was conducted in celebration of the International Yoga Day in collaboration with the Embassy of India, Medicale Yoga Institute, and the Chancellor’s Committee for Culture and the Arts.
The celebration aimed to foster a sense of community and solidarity among the different sectors of the university with the faculty, staff, and students actively participating in all the activities. The 2019 UP Manila Foundation Celebration Committee was chaired by College of Allied Medical Professions Dean Maria Eliza Ruiz Aguila with Office of Alumni Relations Director Dr. Melfred Hernandez as Co-chair.
