UP Newsletter May 2011

Wired UP

NCPAG in the news The National College of Public Administration and Governance actively figure in the news as seen through its refurbished, flashier website at www.up-ncpag.org.

Large pictures of events in and out of the college flash on the front page. Links to its Facebook and Twitter accounts, forms, and insightful essays of distinguished faculty members are also provided.

University of the Philippines Community Newspaper VOLUME XXXII NUMBER 5

DILIMAN, QUEZON CITY

MAY 2011

Read UP Newsletter online at http://www.up.edu.ph/upnewsletter.php

UP Class of 2011 is over 6,500-strong CELESTE ANN CASTILLO LLANETA Left photo: Sarah Raymundo; Right photo: Bong Arboleda

UP Diliman’s summa cum laude graduates (right photo) sing UP Naming Mahal with the traditional raised fist at the closing of the UPD general commencement exercises. Meanwhile, some activists (above photo) continue the tradition of lightning rallies during the exercises despite the tight watch of Presidential Security Group operatives and are able to unfurl a red banner at the tiers in full view of the President of the Philippines, while sympathizers among the graduates on the UPD Ampitheater ground repeat their chants.

UP graduated a total of 6,689 this year, of which there were 23 summa cum laude, 244 magna cum laude and 1,033 cum laude graduates.

UP Diliman had the most number of summa cum laude graduates for 2010-2011, with 21. John Gabriel P. Pelias set a new record with a general weighted average

(GWA) of 1.016, which beat the 1948 record of UP Professor Emeritus Emerenciana Yuvienco Arcellana.

Pelias’ GWA is the second highest in UP history. According to the records of the Office of the University Registrar (OUR), 1927 BS Commerce graduate Exequiel Sevilla’s 1.0 GWA is the highest

in UP history.

The other summa cum laude graduates of UP Diliman for 2010-2011 are: Katerina Raisa R. Timonera, BA European Languages, GWA of 1.192; Carla Nicole S. Sia, BS Business Administration, GWA of 1.060; Michelle Grace T. Acoba, BS Molecular Biology & Biotechnology,

Paggawad ng titulo kay PNoy tampok sa pangkalahatang pagtatapos JO. FLORENDO B. LONTOC

Sagana sa papuri sa UP, pagbanggit sa mga ginagawa ng kanyang administrasyon, pasaring sa mga tinuturing niyang mga latak ng lumang sistema, at paghamon sa mga nagsisipagtapos ang talumpati ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa ika100 pagtatapos ng UP noong Abril 17 sa Ampiteatro ng UP Diliman, kung saan ginawad sa kanya ng pamantasan ang titulong Doktorado ng Batas Honoris Causa.

May ilang insidente ng mga kilosprotesta mula sa mga magsisipagtapos at sa mga organisasyon ng mga estudyante’t guro. Pero napigilan ang mga ito ng UP Diliman Police at Presidential Security Group (PSG) na nagkalat sa Quezon Hall at mga kalapit na lugar.

Nauna sa seremonya ng pagtatapos ang seremonya ng paggawad ng doktorado kung saan binasa ni Alfredo Pascual, pangulo ng UP, ang pagkilala habang ibinigay kay Aquino ang diploma ni Patricia Licuanan, tagapangulo ng Lupon ng mga Rehente ng UP. Ginayakan si Aquino ng mga kasuotang pagkilala katulong ang Kalihim ng Unibersidad na si Lilian de las Llagas at ang kapatid ni Aquino na si Pinky Aquino-Abellada.

Pinagtibay ng mga Rehente ang titulo alinsunod sa rekomendasyon ng pangulo ng unibersidad at ng Komite ng Titulong Pandangal. Iginawad ang titulo bilang pagkilala “sa pagpukaw [ni Aquino] sa imahinasyon at paniniwala ng mga Filipino

na nagnanais ng pagbabago sa pamamagitan ng kaniyang napakalaking tagumpay sa eleksyon” at “pagdudulot ng pag-asa sa kinabukasan na ipinakikita sa mataas niyang marka sa halos lahat ng sarbey hinggil sa pagtitiwala ng mamamayan at sa kaniyang pagganap bilang Pangulo.”

Kinilala din si Aquino para sa pamumunong “naghikayat sa mamamayan upang labanan ang korupsyon,” at “paghirang sa mga pinunong may integridad at katapatan na maglingkod.” (Ang buong teksto ng pagkilala ay naka-upload sa seksyong Special Features ng www.up.edu.ph.)

Talumpati ni Aquino

GWA of 1.188; Dennis Ivan W. Diaz, BS Applied Physics, GWA of 1.189; Corrina P. Azarcon, BS Chemistry, GWA of 1.115; Joanne Jane C. Tan, BS Math, GWA of 1.053; Herdeline Ann M. Ardona, BS Chemistry, GWA of 1.195; Lucky Merriam T. Villegas, BS Chemistry, GWA (Continued on page 5)

BULLETIN

Four-day summer workweek UP President Alfredo Pascual announced in an April 12 memorandum that the UP System will observe a four-day workweek from April 25 to May 27. He also urged the constituent universities (CUs) to “synchronize days off on Mondays to ensure unhampered communications within the UP System.”

The units had the option to choose between two adjusted work schedules: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm or 7:30 am to 6:30 pm. Offices involved in vital public services—health, security, PABX, those involved in the advanced registration for freshmen, etc.—are not included in the

Kinilala ni Aquino ang UP bilang

(Continued on page 12)

(Continued on page 4)

I N S I D E

2

Posthumous NAST-Hugh Greenwood Award given to slain UP scientist

4

Pascual vows assistance to HS valedictorian

5

UPD students join eco-marathon in Malaysia

6

Tales from UP Diliman: fact or fiction?

2 U.P. Newslet t er

MAY 2011

Posthumous NAST-Hugh UP holds Greenwood Award given memorial for Japan to slain UP scientist ARLYN VCD PALISOC ROMUALDO

Leonardo L. Co, the UP botanist slain in Kananga, Leyte on November 15, 2010, is the 2011 recipient of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)-Hugh Greenwood Environmental Science Award.

This was announced by UP Diliman Institute of Biology Director Perry Ong

last April 15 during the send-off for the contingent that will scatter Co’s ashes in the forests of Palanan, Isabela.

A March 28 letter containing this news was sent to Ong by NAST President and former UP President Emil Javier. In the letter, Javier said that the winner will receive a plaque of recognition from NAST and

Misael Bacani

Fulfillment of a wish Linnaei Marie Co, daughter of Leonard Co, dedicates a song to her father during the send-off for the group that will fulfill one of the slain botanist’s wishes—that part of his ashes be scattered in the forests of Palanan, Isabela.

Held at the UP Diliman Institute of Biology on April 15, the program included the writing of messages to Co on paper cut in the shape of leaves and posted on a cutout of a tree. One of the last messages posted was his daughter’s (inset).

Misael Bacani

US$1,000 from Dr. Hugh Greenwood.

The winner is also “required to give a 30minute presentation on a paper in the area of environmental protection and conservation.”

His wife Glenda, daughter Linnaei Marie and other members of his family will receive the honor on his behalf on May 2 at the Hyatt Hotel. Ong, on the other hand, will deliver the presentation on Co’s work.

Co was a leading botanist, plant taxonomist and ethnobiologist. His life’s work was focused on the medicinal uses of plants in the Philippines which enabled him to publish the book Common Medicinal Plants in the Cordillera Region: A Trainor’s Manual for Community-Based Health Programs.

In 2008, a species of Rafflesia which Co discovered was named after him. Rafflesia leonardi is the eighth species found in the Philippines and the fourth in Luzon.

Mycaranthes leonardoi, a rare species of orchid, was named after him in 2009.

The annual NAST-Hugh Greenwood Environmental Science Award recognizes outstanding scientific and technological research works that contribute to environmental protection and conservation.

UST fetes Pascual, strengthens ties with UP JO. FLORENDO B. LONTOC

Executive Staff. UST representatives were led by Dela Rosa, as well as Eden Tolentino and Fr. Dexter Austria, principal and regent of the UST High School, respectively.

Among Pascual’s batchmates who attended the testimonial were Leebai Esquivas-Gamboa, president of the UST High School Alumni Association. Also in attendance was Chilean Ambassador Roberto Mayorga. The Embassy of Chile is celebrating the country’s bicentennial and has projects with UP and UST. Dela Rosa said that UST is proud to have an alumnus as UP president, whom

he described as youthful and as vibrant as the 400-year old institution. Emmanuel Cuasay, a batchmate and the founder of Capitol Industries, expressed admiration of Pascual’s well-rounded educational background consisting of attendance in Catholic and public schools.

In his response, Pascual noted how the UST campus has progressed in 45 years.

He said that commitment to truth was a value he learned in UST and this has influenced his vision for UP where he seeks to uphold transparency and accountability in governance.

KIM QUILINGUING

At exactly 1:46 in the afternoon of April 11, officials of UP and the Japanese Embassy observed a minute of silence for all the victims of the magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami which struck Japan’s Tohoku region last March 11.

UP President Alfredo Pascual said that “the university joins the rest of the world in mourning the tragic loss of lives.” He said that the government of Japan and its people have long since been partners of UP in various endeavors in the arts, engineering and sciences.

At present, UP has 68 active memoranda with the Japanese government and its educational institutions. Pascual said that many university officials, faculty, researchers and students have benefitted from the long relationship UP has with Japanese academic institutions.

Dir. Kiyoshi Takeuchi of the Japanese Embassy’s Information and Cultural Center expressed his appreciation for the assistance extended by the Philippine government to the victims of the disaster and the expression of sympathy by the UP community.

UP Linguistics student Maria Lorena Garcia and Japanese exchange student Ayaka Arai, as well as UP Center for International Studies Director Cynthia Neri-Zayas and Prof. Sylvano Dong-e Mahiwo expressed their sorrow over the loss of lives and property in the earthquake and tsunami. They all expressed faith in the capability of the Japanese people to overcome.

After the messages, flowers and paper cranes were offered by those present. A sympathy book was also given to the representatives of the Japanese Embassy.

Jonathan Madrid

UP and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) reaffirmed their partnership during a testimonial for UP President Alfredo Pascual, who is an alumnus of the UST High School.

Pascual and UST Rector Fr. Rolando dela Rosa said that they look forward to a stronger partnership between the two universities during the testimonial for Pascual last March 30 at the UST Quadricentennial Square in Manila.

The testimonial was organized for Pascual, a 1965 UST High School alumnus and class valedictorian, on the occasion of his assumption to the UP presidency. He started his six-year term last February 10.

Dela Rosa said that to symbolize this covenant to “deepen relations between UP and UST,” particularly in terms of quality education, UST made a giant marker for UP at the square. This marker has been taken to the UP Diliman campus and is currently located at the Sunken Garden.

For his part, Pascual said that a firm partnership between UP and UST will result in a more informed and ethical youth sector as both institutions work to help produce “a more prosperous and moral Philippines.”

UP Vice-President for Public Affairs Prospero De Vera, who delivered a testimonial for Pascual, said that UP looks forward to many years of engagement and collaboration with UST. He assured UST that the current UP leadership shares UST’s goals of truth, honor, and excellence. “We will uphold the very same conviction you taught [Pascual] when he was growing up.”

Pascual was accompanied by the UP

victims

(Top photo)UP Center for International Studies Director Cynthia Neri-Zayas, Dir. Kiyoshi Takeuchi of the Japanese Embassy’s Information and Cultural Center and UP President Alfredo Pascual lead the university in remembering the victims. (Right photo) A participant of the memorial pays his respect to the victims.

MAY 2011

U.P. Newslet ter 3

MAKIALAM BY JAQUELINE JOY J. EROLES Sa mga huling hakbang natin palabas ng pamantasan, kusang dadalaw ang mga alaala ng pagsisikap nating makapasok sa UP—nang kung anong kaba ang nanaig sa antas pa lang ng pamimili ng kurso (quota ba o non-quota course, arts and humanities ba o sciences?), nang kung anong dasal ang inusal natin sa araw ng UPCAT hanggang sa araw na lumabas ang mga resulta online.

Sa iilang mapalad sa atin na nakapasa sa premyadong pamantasan ng bayan, sinuong natin ang enrolment na parang isang pakikipagsapalaran, isang Amazing Race, mula sa paghahanap ng tamang mga gusali, ng tamang ruta para sa mga hinahanap nating building, hanggang sa mga tamang tao at tamang pamamaraan ng pangungutang o paghahagilap ng pera sa ating bente mil o higit pang tuition. At siyempre, ang premyo? Tumataginting na diploma sa pangalan ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas at titulo bilang Iskolar ng Bayan.

Ganito mismo ang inaasam ng mga Iskolar ng Bayan na nauna sa atin, sina Jaq, Karen, She at Ericson. Katulad natin, inasam din nila ang diploma ng unibersidad bilang susi sa mas magandang kinabukasan.

Ang magandang kinabukasan para sa marami sa atin ay kinakakitaan ng dekalidad

Full-time na pamumuhay—makapag-ambag sa gastusin sa bahay, mapag-aral ang mga kapatid, matulungan ang pamilya; kapay may sumobra—makapagsarili, mabili ang mga hindi nabibili noon, ipod, laptop, kotse kung kakayanin. Susi dito ang UP diploma.

Pero sa maagang yugto, naabot nina Jaq, Karen, She at Ericson ang kamulatan na ang magandang kinabukasan ay hindi lang, at hindi dapat umikot, sa mga bagay na materyal. At susi dito ang hindi pagkakaroon ng UP diploma.

Fulltime. Ito ang pang-uring ikinabit kina Jaqueline Gonzales, Karen Empeo, Sherlyn Cadapan at Ericson Acosta, mga Iskolar sa maikling panahon, ngunit sa pangmatagalan ay naging anak ng bayan.

Tinuldukan ni Jaq ang pag-aaral nang lisanin ang unibersidad habang nakabinbin ang kanyang thesis sa MassComm para maging isang community health worker sa Rizal bago madakip ng militar, masampahan ng mga gawa-gawang kaso, at sa kahuli-hulihan ay maabsuwelto kasama ang iba pa niyang kasamahan na mas kilala bilang Morong 43.

Sina Karen at She ay mga aktibista sa

loob ng unibersidad. Si Karen ay pinanday ng kanyang kasigasigan sa League of Filipino Students (LFS), isang pangmasang organisasyon na tutol sa pambubusabos ng Imperyalismong U.S. sa mamamayan ng daigdig habang si She Sa ganitong diwa, hindi romantiko ngunit masalimuot ang landas ng pagtalima sa esensya ng pagiging isang Iskolar ng Bayan.

Sa pinakabuod, nangangahulugan ito ng hindi lamang pagtalikod sa mga inaasahan mula sa atin bilang anak, kapatid, kaklase, estudyante—kundi sa pinakaesensya higitan ang lahat ng ito. Ang pagpapasyang maglingkod sa bayan bago sa sarili ay tunay na paglilingkod sa pamilya at maging sa kapwa Iskolar. Ngayon higit kailanman, kailangan natin ng mga full-time. Hindi sa Ortigas, Mandaluyong, Makati o kung saan mang lupalop ng mga gusaling nagpapayabangan sa tikas at tindig; kundi sa mga nayon, probinsiya, pilapil man o paggawaan. Hindi para doon maging empleyado, ngunit upang basagin ang kaisipang empleyado. Hindi para propagandahan ng ideolohiya ng merkado at kapitalista kundi para magpropaganda

hinggil sa panlipunang hustisya at panlipunang pagbabago; hindi para organisahin kundi maging susing organisador ng puwersa ng pagbabago; hindi upang pakilusin, kundi magpakilos hindi lamang ang sarili kundi kakapit-bisig ang malawak na hanay ng mamamayan.

Ngayon ang panahon ng makabuluhang pakikialam. Pinapanday ng bawat obhetibong kalagayan ang dunong ng bawat Iskolar ng Bayan at ang karunungan ay nagmumula sa hindi nasasapatan na pagsasapraktika ng mga kaalaman mula sa silid-aralan hanggang sa lansangan at iba pang larangan. Papalaot tayo ngayon, matapos ang apat, lima, anim at kahit siyam na taon sa loob ng unibersidad, pero higit kailanman, ngayon natin pasan ang bigat ng hamon ng pagiging Iskolar ng Bayan.

Para sa mga magsisipagtapos sa taong ito, isang mapagpalayang pagsisimula, saan nga pala kayo magfufull-time?

Si Jaqueline Joy J. Eroles ay ang student regent at kabilang sa mga nagsipagtapos noong Abril 17 sa UP Diliman.

Gusto mong makialam? Ipadala ang iyong sanaysay sa wikang Filipino (500-700 salita) sa UP System Information office (upsio@ up.edu.ph).

UP, California Academy of Sciences hold historic biodiversity expedition

PPP and modern biotechnology

In the wake of environmental degradation and other related problems, two institutions from the Philippines and the United States embarked on a 44-day expedition as they explore selected mountains and lakes in the Philippines.

The University of the Philippines (UP) and the California Academy of Sciences organized the historic 2011 Philippine Biodiversity Expedition from April 26 to June 8, 2011. The expedition is said to be “the first to make a comprehensive survey of both terrestrial and marine diversity” in the Philippines. The expedition will conduct studies in Mt. Banahaw, Mt. Pulag, Mt. Makiling, the Taal Lake, Batangas City, and Anilao, Batangas.

The country is considered by scientists worldwide to have “a composite of several terrestrial centers of species diversity, each supporting unique assemblage of plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, much of which remains undocumented.”

At least thirty American scientists, students and educators and experts from the UP Diliman and UP Los Baños will participate in the expedition.

Among the participants are the California Academy of Sciences’ Dean of Science and Research Collections, Dr. Terry Gosliner and Director of Teacher and Youth Education, Dr. Meg Burke. Gosliner has worked with researchers, educators, and community leaders in the Philippines, where he has also been active in conservation efforts for the country’s marine biodiversity.

Burke on the other hand has been very active in sharing knowledge on Philippine biodiversity with the Filipino-American community in San Francisco, USA but also with some counterparts in the Philippines.

Leading the team from the University of Philippines will be the Director of the Institute of Biology, Dr. Perry Ong and

The fast-paced growth of the field of biotechnology has intensified the demand for more support in the field of research and development (R & D). Unfortunately, as a developing country the Philippines cannot fully sustain R & D demands in terms of financial support and scientific resources.

Factors like high research costs, insufficiently skilled personnel and sometimes poor intellectual property measures discourage the involvement of scientists in biotechnology R & D. Moreover, the continuously declining budget allocation from the national government and dwindling international and private sector donations further make it difficult for research institutions in our country to engaged in the expensive development of biotechnology products and crops.

Insufficient funds also generate a number of problems for research institutions, such as knowledge and understanding of intellectual property rights; poor promotion and information dissemination of new technologies; and inadequate regulatory competence for biosafety, among others. In this context, partnership between the public and private sectors become important.

How does this public-private partnership (PPP) in biotechnology benefit each other? The public sector can offer the private sector its infrastructure and applied skills in technology know-how. Furthermore, this partnership greatly improves the representation of the private company especially if a research project receives a lot of criticisms and questions from the meticulous individuals, just like when Bt corn was first introduced to the general public.

For its part, the public sector can also provide the means for the private sector to use our local genetic resources for a

Dr. Edwino Fernando of the UP Los Baños College of Forestry and Natural Resources. Dr. Ong has been considered as one of the country’s leading advocates for biodiversity conservation while Dr. Fernando is considered as one of the country’s authorities on tropical rainforest biodiversity.

The expedition is composed of terrestrial and marine teams. The terrestrial team will study “flowering plants, mosses, spiders, insects, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and freshwater fishes.” The marine team, on the other hand, will “document the diversity of sea slugs, other mollusks, corals, barnacles, starfish, seahorses, eels and other fish.”

Aside from studying and documenting

the country’s biodiversity, the expedition will also “assess the current and projected impacts of global climate change and human activities, and propose mitigation” measures.

The team’s assessment and recommendations will be essential for policymakers, government agencies and educational institutions in understanding the country’s state of biodiversity and the impact of climate change and human development on the environment.

At the end of the expedition, the teams will hold a symposium and present their findings on the state of Philippine biodiversity on June 8 at the National Institute of Geological Sciences Auditorium in UP Diliman, Quezon City.

Bong Arboleda

Buha y UP Buhay Isang natatanging tanawin sa UP Diliman tuwing tag-init ang pagsaboy sa hangin ng mga malabulak na buto ng kapok. Pinupulot ng aleng ito ang mga nahulog na bunga na ginagamit sa paggawa ng unan.

KAREN G. ROSAL

(Continued on page 11)

4 U.P. Newslet t er

MAY 2011

‘Nais ko ang isang ugnayang bukas sa katotohanan’ – Pascual FRANCIS PAOLO M. QUINA

“Sa aking tingin ay magandang palatandaan na maaga pa sa aking termino ay magkaharap na tayo at magkakilala.”

Ito ang mensaheng ipinaabot ni Pangulong Alfredo Pascual sa mga kawani, guro at REPS na dumalo sa pagbubukas ng pambansang asembleya ng All-UP Workers Alliance na ginanap sa Bulwagang Isabelo de los Reyes, SOLAIR, UP Diliman noong Abril 7 at 8.

Sa kanyang mensahe, binanggit ni Pascual ang kahalagahan ng bukas na ugnayan sa pagitan ng administrasyon ng unibersidad at ng mga kawani sa pamama-

gitan ng All-UP Workers Union, pati na ang mga guro at REPS sa pamamagitan ng All-UP Academic Employees Union.

“Nais ko ang isang ugnayang bukas sa katotohanan o realidad, nakakaunawa sa mga kakulangan at limitasyon, may konsiderasyon sa bawat panig, tapat, at handang magsakripisyo para sa ikabubuti ng nakararami.”

Pinuro niya ang naging papel ng mga unyon sa unibersidad. “[N]aniniwala akong malaki na ang nagawa ng All-UP Workers Union para sa mga taga-UP, hindi lamang sa mga usaping may kinalaman sa magan-

dang pasahod at benepisyo para sa mga empleyado, kundi sa higit na aktibong partisipayon ng mga kawani sa pamamalakad ng unibersidad.”

Kasabay nito ay binanggit ni Pascual ang patuloy niyang pagsuporta sa mga kawani ng unibersidad. Sinabi niyang patuloy na sisiyasatin ng administrasyon kung paaano maibibigay ng UP ang mga benepisyong may kinalaman sa pabahay at kalusugan na nararapat para sa lahat ng mga kawani nito.

Matapos ang pambungad na programa ay nagkaroon ng mga pag-aaral sa

Paggawad ng titulo kay PNoy tampok sa pangkalahatang pagtatapos

(Continued from page 1)

ilang mga piling paksa. Ang kalagayan ng edukasyon sa bansa ay tinalakay ni Rep. Antonio Tinio ng ACT Teachers Patylist.

Ang kalagayang pangkalusugan naman ay sinuri ni Jossel Ebesate ng All-UP Workers Union. Ang kalagayan ng mga sektor sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas ay tinalakay naman ni Dr. Judy Taguiwalo, national convenor ng UP Kilos Na. Sinundan ito ng magkahiwalay na pag-uulat sa mga kasapi ng All-UP Workers Union at All-UP Academic Employees Union mula sa iba’t ibang kampus at yunit.

Bong Arboleda

Pascual vows assistance to high school valedictorian CAMILLE DELA ROSA

Inihahandog ng tagapangulo ng Lupon ng mga Rehente, Patricia Licuanan, ang diploma ng doktorado kay Pangulong Aquino.

“pugad at kanlungan ng mga malayang isip.” Pinuri niya ang UP dahil sa pagungkat nito sa anomalya ng Northrail Project at paglantad sa isyu ng plagiarism.

Binanggit din niya ang pamamayagpag ng mga dalubhasa nito sa napakaraming larangan, tulad ni Justice Meilou Sereno, tagapangulo ng Commission on Audit na si Grace Tan, at si Heidi Mendoza.

Nabanggit niya rin ang kalihim ng DPWH na si Babes Singson at ng DSWD na si Dinky Soliman.

Ibinando ni Aquino ang aniya’y mabuting balita tungkol sa kanyang administrasyon: ang pagpapasara ng mga tiwaling emission testing center, ang muling pagsubasta ng mga maanomalyang kontrata sa Department of Public Works and Highways, ang dagdag-badyet para sa batayang edukasyon, at pagbuhos ng pondo sa isang malinis na programa ng “conditional cash transfer.” Ipinagmalaki rin ni Aquino ang pagsuporta niya sa panukalang batas para sa Responsible Parenthood.

Mayroon ding hindi-hayagang pagtuligsa sa mga tinuringan niyang “latak ng lumang sistema.” Aniya, hindi dapat isipin ng mga ito na sila ay pinagkakaisahan at ang kaisipang ito ay “kapraningan” lamang.

“Walang kampo-kampo, walang partipartido sa harap ng nakapiring ng hustisya,” ani Aquino.

Sinabi niyang hindi naman ang sarili ang iniintindi sa landas na tinatahak ng kaniyang administrasyon. “Ginagawa namin ito nang hindi nagnanakaw,” sabi niya. Sa puntong ito ay hinikayat niya ang lahat na maging parte ng solusyon sa mga suliranin ng bansa.

Hamon sa Isko at Iska

“Hiling ko lang po sa inyong mga Isko at Iska: Habang umaaksyon kami at humahakbang sa pagkukumpuni sa pamahalaan, maisabuhay din sana ninyo ang inyong mga obligasyon bilang mga Iskolar ng Bayan. Malaki po ang inaasahan mula sa inyo. Masuklian po sana nang husto ang ipinuhunan sa inyo ng taumbayan,” sabi ni Aquino.

Hinamon niya ang mga magsisipagtapos na panindigan ang kanilang ideyalismo sa mga darating na panahon na sasabak sila sa mundo ng korupsyon.

“Kung puwede mong ilusot sa kalaboso ang brod, sis, o ka-org mong nagkasala naman talaga, ilulusot mo kaya? Kung kumikita ka na ng limpak-limpak na salapi sa ibang bansa, maisip mo pa kayang umuwi? Manatili kayang bulwagan ng dangal ang inyong mga puso, lalo na kung may mga uma-under the table na sa inyo, at kung hinahabol na ninyo ang quota ng pinagtatrabahuhan ninyong mga kumpanya?”

Ang sabi ng Isko

Waring tugon naman sa mga hamon ni Aquino, nagtalumpati ang valedictorian ng mga magsisipagtapos na si John Gabriel Pelias, summa cum laude, BS Mathematics, na nagtamo ng cumulative weighted average grade na 1.016, ang ikalawang pinakamataas na naitala simula nang makakuha ng panay na uno si Exequiel Sevilla, BS Commerce, noong 1927.

Ayon kay Pelias, madaling guminhawa sa buhay gamit ang diploma mula sa UP. Ang mas malaking hamon aniya ay ang pag-aambag sa lipunan na maaring makaantala sa mga adhikain tungo sa pansariling kariwasaan. “Ngayong magtatapos ako bilang summa cum laude, marami akong maaaring puntahang kumpanya kung saan madali lamang ang yumaman.

Ngunit sa kabila ng hirap na dulot marahil ng aking estadong pinansyal,… itutuloy ko pa rin ang aking balak na magturo sa aming surian.”

Ayon pa rin kay Pelias, maipagmamalaki ng isang nagtapos sa UP ang kasa-nayang tumugon sa mga krisis at pagsu-bok.

Mga pagtutol

Hindi napigilan ang ilang nagsisipagtapos at ang ilan pang militante sa hanay ng mga nanonood sa ampiteatro na (Continued on page 5)

UP President Alfredo Pascual met last April 6 with Nikki Estrada, a high school valedictorian from Pangasinan who passed the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT), upon learning from an article in the Philippine Daily Inquirer that she could not afford a UP education.

Pascual said he will extend all possible assistance to Nikki. His immediate action is consistent with his vision that a qualified student will not be denied admission to UP due to financial constraints.

Nikki asked Pascual to consider her eligibility to be classified under bracket E2 of the Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program (STFAP). Students under bracket E2 are entitled to a standard stipend currently pegged at P12,000 aside from free tuition, miscellaneous and laboratory fees.

Nikki, accompanied by her mother Gregoria, her high school teacher Janet Albaño, journalist Yolanda Sotelo and supporter Thelma Zarate, explained her family’s financial problems to Pascual.

As reported by the PDI, Gregoria is suffering from diabetic complications that led to kidney failure. Her condition has drained the family’s meager resources. “I know I can die anytime,” she said. Nikki’s STFAP application will be reviewed in light of her mother’s medical condition.

Nikki graduated valedictorian from the Calasiao Comprehensive National High School in Pangasinan. A local university has accepted her and offered her a full scholarship.

But her dream is to enroll in UP Diliman, where she was admitted into the BS Math program after taking the UPCAT. “I promise to serve the country after my studies,” she said.

UP Vice-President for Public Affairs Prospero De Vera said that Nikki is qualified and gifted. “Her application will be treated with all due consideration,” he said, adding that Nikki’s plans to be a mathematician and a teacher are a plus. De Vera said that UP is counting on mathematicians and scientists to serve the nation.

(Continued on page 5)

MAY 2011

U.P. Newslet ter 5

UP Class of 2011 is over 6,500-strong

A team of students from the Mechanical Engineering Department and the Power Electronics Laboratory (PEL) of the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute (EEEI) will compete in the Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2011 to be held at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia from July 6 to 9.

Called Team Kidlat, this is the first time that a team from UP will participate in the event which is now in its second year in Asia. The Shell Eco-Marathon challenges high school and college student teams from around the world to design, build and test energy-efficient vehicles.

The team will compete under the Urban Concept category. Its entry dubbed “Kidlat” is a car designed specifically to allow the engine to operate at its most efficient state at all times. This is achieved through a diesel-electric hybrid system designed by students with the help of their advisers and an efficient and lightweight assembly. As much as 95% of the vehicle’s chassis is made from lightweight aluminum and the body made entirely of carbon fiber materials which have a very high strength-to-weight ratio.

According to the team, this system is not only unique but versatile, and the design may also provide a starting point for a future electric-vehicle industry founded on efficiency, ease of production and concern for the environment.

A ceremonial unveiling and trial run of Kidlat was held last March 25 at the National Science Complex in Diliman.

(Continued from page 1)

Bong Arboleda

UPD students join ecomarathon in Malaysia

Officials from the UP, Shell and Meralco which sponsored the project witnessed the trial run.

Meralco President and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan promised to help develop a facility for everyday mass transportation.

The team is composed of Stanley Jordan Siahetiong, Ervian Lao, Janina Victoria Pascual, Joselito Yam Alcaraz, Rachell Ann Austero, Jonry Marquez, Samiel Louie Arrojado, Mervin Ignacio, Sulamita Flores, Francis Antonio, Cornelio Caracas, all of them students from the UP Mechanical Engineering Department.

They are joined by EEEI-PEL students Gaudan Albert Castillo, Roberto Emmanuel Carlos, Aynaranda Salazar, Rolf Emmanuel Ocampo, Adrian Jay Virata,

Rovinna Janel Cruzate, Hazel Ellaga, Francis Gabriel Roque, Cyrus Dickson Cruz and Charisse Anne de Leon. The team manager is Tito Eusebio Jr., while the advisers are Profs. Gerald Jo Denoga and Carl Michael Odulio.

The Shell Eco-Marathon began in 1939 as a friendly wager between scientists at a Shell research laboratory in the US to see who could get the most miles per gallon from their vehicles. The European version of the competition began in 1985 in France, and the Asian version, where Team Kidlat will be competing, was started in 2010.

To know more about the team, please visit http://teamup-sem.com. Team Kidlat also has a Facebook page (http:// www.facebook.com/teamupkidlat).

Pascual vows Paggawad ng titulo kay PNoy tampok sa pangkalahatang assistance to high school pagtatapos valedictorian tumayo, sumigaw, at magladlad ng mga ng Lupon ng mga Rehente ang paggawad (Continued from page 4)

(Continued from page 4)

Joy Aberin from the Office of Scholarship and Student Services (OSSS) said that her office will release STFAP bracketing results within the first week of May. Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV offered Nikki a scholarship.

Nikki has three older siblings who also relied on scholarships to be able to study at universities. Jennifer graduated with a BS Accountancy degree from the University of Luzon. Dessa is an incoming junior at UP Baguio where she is studying language and literature. Karen is taking up accounting at the University of Pangasinan.

Dessa has been on the STFAP bracket D since she was a freshman and is entitled to a 70% discount of the base tuition pegged at P200 per unit. Following protocol, her sister Nikki should be on the same bracket.

Students whose families earn an annual income of PhP135,001 to PhP250,000 are classified under STFAP bracket D. Gregoria has declared her Gross Taxable Compensation Income to be P187,046. However, this amount does not cover her medication bills. Her dialysis alone costs P10,000 every week.

banner na tumutuligsa sa administrasyong Aquino. Ayon sa isang malaking banner, wala din naman daw pagbabagong nakikita sa rehimen ni Aquino.

Bukod pa rito ang lantarang pagtuligsa ng Rehente ng mga Mag-aaral na si Jacquelyn Eroles nang bigyan siya ng pagkakataong magsalita at mag-abot ng liham ng mga mag-aaral kay Pangulong Aquino. Pagkatapos himukin ang mga magsisipagtapos na magsilbi sa bayan, ginawang ehemplo ni Eroles si Aquino ng mamamayang walang pakiramdam para sa mga mahihirap. Patunay dito ang pagbili niya ng mamahaling sasakyan habang namumuno sa bansang hikahos.

Ang titulo

Karaniwan nang ginagawaran ng titulong doktorado honoris causa ng pamantasan ang isang pangulo. Ika-13 si Aquino sa mga punongbayan na ginawaran ng UP kasunod nina Manuel L. Quezon, Sergio Osmeña, Manuel Roxas, Elpidio Quirino, Emilio Aguinaldo, Ramon Magsaysay, Carlos Garcia, Diosdado Macapagal, Ferdinand Marcos, Jose Laurel Sr., Corazon Aquino, at Fidel Ramos.

Tinanggihan ni Joseph Estrada ang alok ng paggawad ng UP. Nadesisyunan naman

kay Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo pero walang aktwal na conferment na nangyari.

Sa kanyang talumpati sa pangkalahatang pagtatapos sa UP Diliman noong 1999, sinabi ni Estrada na maaari niyang tanggapin ang titulo marahil sa huling bahagi pa ng kaniyang administrasyon kung kailan may maipakikita na siyang kabanggit-banggit na tagumpay sa pagaangat sa bansa at sa buhay ng mga tao.

Ayon kay Estrada, hindi pa sapat ang siyam na buwan niya noong panunungkulan, subalit itinuturing niyang isang malaking hamon ang alok ng UP upang magpunyagi.

Sa mga impormal na talakayan, marami ang nagpahayag ng pagtutol na gawaran ng pagkilalang doktorado si Aquino. “Since when did UP’s standards sink so low?” ang komento ni Maite Quesada sa Facebook page ng UP. “Does he deserve it?” ang tanong naman ni Jekri Preclaro Orlina. “Yun ba [ang] kapalit ng budget cut ng UP?” komento naman ni Paul Nikko Degollado.

Sabi naman ni Shai Camacho: “Why is UP giving him such honor? He hasn’t done anything concrete up to now for him to be given such honor...Parang nagiging showbiz.”

of 1.183; Paula Veronica S.J. Reyes, BS Psychology, GWA of 1.171; Jose Paolo O. Mirasol IV, BA Philosophy, GWA of 1.147; Jayson C. Aguilar, BA Political Science, GWA of 1.121; Laurence Anthony L. Go, BS Business Economics, GWA of 1.033; Jhud Mikhail O. Aberilla, BS Chemical Engineering, GWA of 1.198; John Andreu V. Hernandez, BS Computer Science, GWA of 1.182; Nicole Andrea S.A. Yazon, BS Chemical Engineering, GWA of 1.124; Marlon Jesspher B. De Vera, BS Chemical Engineering, GWA of 1.155; Justin L. Sy, BS Materials Engineering, GWA of 1.171; Stanley Jordan G. Siahetiong, BS Mechanical Engineering, GWA of 1.139; Ralph Christian C. Mancenido, BA Public Administration, GWA of 1.120; and Nino Joseph I. Paz, BS Statistics, GWA of 1.134.

UP Diliman also produced 215 magna cum laude graduates and 746 cum laude graduates this year.

Bachelor of Arts in the Social Sciences graduate, magna cum laude, Rainier Ric B. De la Cruz (GWA of 1.4411) led the year’s 348 graduates of UP Baguio.

Twenty-eight UP Baguio students graduated cum laude.

UP Cebu produced 201 graduates this year, with 26 cum laude graduates, one magna cum laude graduate—Michelle T. Gudito, BS Computer Science (GWA of 1.448)—and one summa cum laude graduate—Michelangelo S. Joaquin, BS Math (GWA of 1.2166).

One thousand seven hundred and thirteen graduated from UP Los Baños this year, led by 132 cum laude graduates, 18 magna cum laude graduates and two summa cum laude graduates: Paul John B. Bautista, BS Agribusiness Management (GWA of 1.12); and Jomuel A. Velandrez, BS Chemical Engineering (GWA of 1.19845).

UP Manila had a total of 976 graduates, with 136 graduating cum laude, 22 magna cum laude, and one summa cum laude graduate , Kevin Elissandro C. Gumabon, BS Bio-Chemistry ( with a GWA of 1.196).

UP Mindanao produced 197 graduates this year, with 12 cum laude graduates and two magna cum laude graduates: Marie Analiz April A. Limpoco, BSAM (GWA of 1.3125) and Exegesis Jedidiah N. Ebarle, BSABE (GWA of 1.4178).

The UP Open University had a total of 214 graduates for this year, although as of press time the names of the graduates who made it to the Deans’ List and Chancellor’s List were not yet available.

Finally, UP Visayas, including UP Tacloban, produced 711 graduates this year. Thirty-seven of these are cum laude graduates and three magna cum laude graduates: Hany Mae R. Villanueva, BS Accounting (GWA of 1.443); Phylla Lynne June G. Magallanes, BS Applied Math (GWA of 1.320); and Arnold C. Gaje, BS Chemistry (GWA of 1.415).

6 U.P. Newslet ter

MAY 2011

TALES FROM UP DILIMA ARLYN VCD PALISOC ROMUALDO

We have heard these stories before, and perhaps even helped spread them.

The UP seal has a parrot. The model for the Oblation is the father of the late action star. The Diliman campus is located on a fault line. The Sunken Garden and the main library are slowly sinking every year. A student will not graduate if he or she has a picture taken with the Oblation.

Upperclassmen have passed on these tales to gullible, innocent freshmen. A classmate heard it from another classmate, who then told you, and perhaps you told another. But is there any truth to these stories?

Parrot on the UP seal?

This is probably the first myth we hear when we enter UP and it usually begs the question, “Why would a parrot be on the UP seal?” But instead of asking why, perhaps a more important question should be asked: Is it really a parrot?

The answer is no. It is, in fact, an eagle. Or to be specific, an American bald eagle. We pride ourselves in being the national university, the hotbed of nationalist ideas. So why do we use a symbol of the United States of America on our university seal? The answer is simple: The Americans established UP. It is a fact that cannot be ignored. But behind this simplistic explanation is a history of the UP seal—a seal that has

been in use since the university’s early years.

The seal currently used was approved during the 77th Board of Regents meeting on February 25, 1913.

Its dimensions were re-emphasized in the Proposed Code for the University of the Philippines in 1941. On October 15, 2001, UP filed a trademark application for the UP logo with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (then IP Philippines, now IPOPHL). Its date of registration is June 8, 2006 and is effective for 10 years.

The use of the current seal was nearly discontinued when former UP President Salvador P. Lopez issued a memorandum circular on November 13, 1971 opening a competition for the design of a new official seal, with the winner getting a certificate of appreciation.

“The present seal dates from 1908 when the University was reorganized as an extension, and the apex, of the American educational system in the Philippines,” Lopez said. When a new seal was designed for the country in 1946, a new seal should have been designed for UP as well, he argued. That it did not happen was an oversight and should be remedied.

Lopez said, “The eagle appears to be particularly inappropriate as the dominant element in the seal of a university.” The competition closed on December 10, 1971.

The winning design was created by then National

Museum Director Galo B. Ocampo, who also belonged to the UP School of Fine Arts Class of 1934.

His logo featured an inverted equilateral red triangle in the middle of a green circle. The “revolutionary” triangle with the base on top, Ocampo said, focuses importance on “the masses of our people in the structure of Philippine society.”

On each corner of the triangle is a star to represent Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Also inside the triangle is a sun that symbolizes “freedom for the individual, liberty for the nation, and independence for all.”

Superimposed on the image of the sun is the Oblation, the “symbol of youth—hope of the Fatherland.”

Around the green circle, where these images are emblazoned, the words “University of the Philippines” at the top and “1908” at the bottom are written in black on a background of white.

So why was this new design not adopted? During the 818th meeting of the Board of Regents on March 23, 1972, its fate was supposed to be decided under the agenda item, “Matters recommended by the president.” The Board action: “Deferment for further study on motion of Regent [Tomas Saguitan] Fonacier duly seconded.”

Twenty-six years passed before UP used Ocampo’s logo, but not as the official seal. It was used in the celebration of UP’s 90th anniversary and the Philippine

A photo of the Sunken Garden in the 1950s. On the right side of the photo is the College of Education. On the left side is the College of Law driveway. (Source: UPD Office of the Campus Architect)

The history of the university seal PROF. ARMANDO B. BURGOS, UP DILIMAN COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS

The Seal that is in current use in the University was approved by the Board of Regents at its 77th meeting on February 25, 1913. It shows an eagle with its wings spread and perched on a shield that carries three icons representing the fields of specialization in the University, namely, agriculture, engineering, and medicine. Inscribed on the circular band that surrounds it are the words “University of the Philippines” on top and “1908” at the bottom.

An earlier seal, however, was utilized by the University before 1913. It was adapted from the coat-of-arms of the

Philippines approved by the Philippine Commission in 1905. It showed an eagle with outstretched wings on the crest of a shield that symbolized the city of Manila and the 13 colonies of America which fought for independence against Great Britain. Like the eagle in the coat-of-arms of the Philippines, the eagle in the University Seal was the American bald or white-headed

L-R: The official UP seal, the UP seal before 1913, and the obverse side of the Great Seal of USA

type. This was the same eagle which appeared on the Seal that was approved in 1913.

The eagle is among the most predominant animals used in heraldry, the art of devising or adorning insignias or coat-of-arms. It was used in the national emblems of ancient Rome, France, and the United States.

Recognized as the king of birds, it has become a favorite in heraldry as a particular symbol for courage and power. The most common attitude by which the eagle is depicted in heraldry is with its wings spread out and pointing upwards. The head is usually turned to the right, that is, to the observer’s left. The Great Seal of the United States features the eagle in this position, from which the seals of the Philippines and the University were based.

Several variations of the eagle can be gleaned, however, from the different (Continued on page 8)

Three lineament fault,” he said. or field evidenc

MAY 2011

U.P. Newslet t er 7

AN: FACT OR FICTION? Centennial in 1998. UP commemorated these historic events with the theme, “One Hundred Years of Nationalism and 90 Years of Scholarship and Service to the Nation.” A marker of the Centennial Archival Collection on the third floor of the UPD Main Library actually has Ocampo’s logo, with the color white replaced by gold.

The Oblation model could be FPJ’s father

No, we are not talking about how UP’s most famous symbol came alive and procreated. Rather, we are referring to the most common name a person hears when he or she asks who modeled for the Oblation— Fernando Poe Sr. People faced with this question, reply in varying tones, ranging from the certain, “Yung tatay ni Fernando Poe Jr.” (the father of Fernando Poe Jr.) to the unsure, “Sabi si Fernando Poe Sr. daw” (people say it was allegedly Fernando Poe Sr.).

Poe Sr. was a UP student around the time the Oblation was being created by National Artist Guillermo Tolentino who was then a professor at the UP School of Fine Arts. No one knows for sure how

the rumor started, but speculation about his involvement in the creation of the prominent UP landmark remains to this day.

His name may be the most popular answer but other names come up, too. Online queries for “model+UP Oblation” actually yield three other candidates. One is June Villanueva. Another is Ferdinand Glenn Gagarin. And finally, UP Fine Arts Prof.

Anastacio Caedo. So who really modeled for Tolentino when he was creating the Oblation?

And the winner is—drum roll, please—candidate number three, Prof. Anastacio Caedo, who was Tolentino’s student assistant at the time. He has to share the credit, however, with Virgilio Raymundo, brother of Paz Raymundo Tolentino, the creator’s wife.

Tolentino combined Caedo’s physique with Raymundo’s proportion and – voila! – The Oblation was born. This is according to the book written and designed by the late UP Diliman College of Fine Arts (UPD CFA) Prof. Rodolfo Paras-Perez titled Tolentino.

But that is not all. UP Open University (UPOU) Chancellor Grace Javier Alfonso confirmed in a

message to the UP Newsletter that she recalled Caedo, who was her teacher, telling her to keep in mind that he was the model for the UP Oblation. Alfonso is a UPD CFA graduate who created the Oblation statues located at the UPOU Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna; the UP Manila (UPM)-Philippine General Hospital compound; the UPM School of Health Sciences in Palo, Leyte; and the UPM School of Health Sciences in Koronadal, South Cotabato. Alfonso said that when she was asked to create the other Oblation monuments, she kept checking and re-checking the facial features of the Oblation and told us that “it really looks like him.”

Diliman disaster: a fault line runs through it

It has long been talked about. And with the recent spate of earthquakes in New Zealand, Japan and Myanmar, it is rearing its ugly head again. It is the fault line smack at the center of the UPD campus, cutting across the length of the Academic Oval. This mysterious and fear-inducing fault, believed by many to be the West Marikina Valley Fault, is also said to be the reason the UPD Sunken Garden is, well, sunken.

Enter Prof. Alfredo Mahar Francisco A. Lagmay, a widely-consulted, often-interviewed expert from the (Continued on page 8)

ts indicate fault lines in the UPD campus in this presentation slide by Prof. Alfredo Mahar Francisco A. Lagmay. Of the three, only the one marked “2” is a “ground verified It passes behind Kamia Residence Hall and beneath Narra Residence Hall. Lagmay clarified that the other two are referred to as “lineament features” because ground ce for faulting has not yet been found.

Discrepancies in dates: the unveiling of the UP Oblation ARLYN VCD PALISOC ROMUALDO

In the course of our research for the article “UP urban legends: fact or fiction?” we came across discrepancies on the date of the inauguration or unveiling of the UP Oblation.

Former UP President Rafael Palma commissioned then UP School of Fine Arts Prof. Guillermo Tolentino to translate the second stanza of Jose Rizal’s “Mi Ultimo Adios” into a UP monument. Palma named it the Oblation. It was also known as “Paghahandog” in Filipino and “Oblacion” in Spanish. There is no official document that indicates when it was actually commissioned. All that is known is that Palma’s term as UP President was from 1923 to 1933.

The Oblation first approved by Palma was a sculpture of a completely nude young man with arms outstretched and gazing upward. The fig leaf was later added at the suggestion of Palma’s successor to the UP presidency, Jorge C. Bocobo. He was at the helm of UP from 1933 to 1939.

National Artist Guillermo Tolentino (center) with Esteban Caedo (left) and Prof.

Anastacio Caedo (right). Photo is reprinted with permission from Tolentino's daughter, Dalisay Tolentino Mendez, through her son Manuel Mendez. It first appeared in the book “Tolentino” by Prof. Rodolfo Paras Perez.

The cornerstone of the Oblation monument was laid on November 30, 1931 by Aurora A. Quezon, the wife of then Senate President and future Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon. November 30 was celebrated as National Heroes Day then.

Between December 1948 and January 1949, UP was completing its transfer to the new campus in Diliman. On February 11, 1949, the Oblation was also transferred, accompanied by a motorcade of students, faculty and alumni.

On November 29, 1958, the new Oblation monument cast in pure bronze was unveiled. Prof.

Guillermo Tolentino supervised its casting in Italy. The original Oblation in concrete, painted to look like bronze, is now on the third floor of the UPD Main Library.

Finally, with regard to the unveiling of the original Oblation monument, the dates vary. Documents at the UPD Main Library Archives state both November 30, 1935 and November 30, 1939 as the day the

Oblation was inaugurated.

Sites and Symbols: UP Diliman Landmarks, published by the UPD Office of the Chancellor in 2000, has the following entry: “Dedicated to the country’s heroes, the Oblation was unveiled in 1939 at Padre Faura by Gregoria de Jesus de Nakpil, widow of Andres Bonifacio.”

The University of the Philippines: A University for Filipinos, meanwhile, says, “The Oblation was first erected on the old Padre Faura campus at dedication ceremonies held on National Heroes’ Day in 1935.” The book was published in 1984 by the UP Communication Research and Development Foundation, Inc., based in the Institute of Mass Communication (now College of Mass Communication) and Edwina Koch Arroyo Design for the UP Diamond Jubilee Presidential Commission.

The marker of the Oblation, however, begs to differ.

It states that the Oblation was inaugurated in March, 1936.

8 U.P. Newslet ter

MAY 2011

TALES FROM UP DILIMAN: FACT OR FICTION? (Continued from page 7)

Another myth intertwined with the fault line story is that the Sunken Garden, along with the UPD Main Library, continues to sink at rates varying from one to ten centimeters every year.

How this story started is a mystery.

There are no studies to conclude that the Sunken Garden and the library are sinking, relative to the rest of the campus. But, according to Lagmay, parts of Metro Manila are sinking—which is a more relevant fact. The maximum magnitude of subsidence is 6.1 centimeters per year, he said.

Say cheese with the Oblation, say goodbye to graduation

The creek from Philcoa goes into the campus, passes through the lagoon, is split into two around the area of the Main Library, and goes along the sides of the Sunken Garden.

(Source: Prof. Alfredo Mahar Francisco A. Lagmay)

UPD National Institute of Geological Scien-ces. When asked about the socalled fault line, he eagerly showed the UP Newsletter a presentation that will illustrate his answer. That answer being no, there is no fault line beneath the length of the Academic Oval, therefore, no fault line under the Sunken Garden.

While a fault line is not along that location, Lagmay pointed out that there are faults running across the campus.

Three of these were mapped in one of his presentation slides. None of them directly hit the Academic Oval. He also

clarified that the West Marikina Valley Fault is actually between two and a half to three kilometers away from UPD. Lagmay offered an explanation as to how the fault line myth started.

Geology students under Prof. Ernesto P. Sonido’s class were tasked to survey the Diliman campus. One or more of his students, when pondering upon the Sunken Garden’s shape, came up with the idea that its shape could be explained by a fault line running under it. Why the idea continues to thrive cannot be explained.

As to why the Sunken Garden is sunken, Lagmay suspects it is due to the campus waterway system. In another presentation slide, he pointed out that the creek from Philcoa goes into the campus, passes through the lagoon, is split into two around the area of the Main Library, and goes along the sides of the Sunken Garden.

His theory is that the creek that used to cut across the Sunken Garden was filled with soil and forced the water to divert from its original flow.

The sinking Sunken Garden

“Never have your picture taken with the Oblation while you are still a student at UP. You will not graduate.”

An ominous statement declared with such conviction that it echoes inside your head. The only thing missing is the lightning flash followed by a clap of thunder. But there was a flash of light and you blinked. You just had your picture taken with the Oblation. Will you be able to fight the curse and graduate?

This story is not exclusive to Diliman.

After all, UP campuses across the country have Oblation monuments.

This tale has no scientific basis.

We do not know when this absurd story started circulating or why it continues to this day. But blaming a photo for failing to graduate is probably one of the lamest excuses ever invented.

The history of the university seal (Continued from page 6)

instances in which the university has appeared from the 1910s to the present. These mutations include the positioning of the wings, the direction where the head turns, and the icons that represent the fields of specialization in the University.

The establishment of UP in 1908 was considered the early 1900s as the best the American educational system had to offer. The University was also seen as the foundation upon which Filipino nationalism would take root.

Conscious of its role in national development, the University initiated a move to redesign its coat-of-arms which was seen as a remnant of colonialism.

President Salvador P. Lopez opened a competition through Memorandum Circular dated November 13, 1971. He stated, “Just as a new seal was designed for the Philippines when it became independent in 1946, so a new seal for the University should have been designed and adopted at that time…. The eagle

Examples of unofficial versions of the UP seal

appears to be particularly inappropriate as the dominant element in the seal of the university.”

The winning design was made by Galo B. Ocampo, then director of the National Museum. The move to adapt it as the new university seal was deferred by the Board of Regents for further study.

Up to the present, different versions of the university seal as in existence. These are being used by the different units and offices of the University in their publications and communications. Novelty items, carrying the different versions of the seal are being sold by commercial establishments doing business inside the campus.

There is a need to standardize the seal of the University, in the light of the current proliferation. Article XV Section 83 of the Code of the University of the Philippines describes its design, its diameter, and the inscriptions “University of the Philippines” and “1908.” This is the only instance where the genus of the seal is specified (as approved in the 77th Board

of Regents meeting held in 1913). But the position of the bird, details of the icons and colors were not indicated. No records have yet been uncovered to provide for the appropriation of the university colors of forest green and maroon in the university seal.

Since the seal of an institution is not only a mark for its legal and public documents, communications, and publications, but more importantly, a symbol of the institution, then clarity in its elements must be imposed. A seal does not only feature a distinctive object that would make identification clear and easy.

More than that, it signifies the sentiments and aspirations that guide the institution and its constituents.

The current directive by the Heraldry Division of the National Historical Institute regarding the design of seals discourages the use of foreign heraldic objects and this criteria has a bearing on the university seal.

Though a change in the elements of

This was the winning seal designed by Galo B. Ocampo in 1971. It was never approved for use as the official UP seal. (Source: UPD Main Library Archives)

the seal may be considered, the study of the conception, clarification of its elements, and its standardization are of utmost need to avert the indiscriminate proliferation of the university seal.

The university seal, with the eagle as the dominant object including the icons of the fields of specialization, faithfully symbolize what the University aspires for—the highest in the field of knowledge as well as a commitment to the nation. It is only proper that the symbol of the State University be given the necessary serious attentions it deserves.

(This article is reprinted with permission from the author and publisher. It first appeared in the August-September 1998 issue of the Diliman UPDate.)

MAY 2011

U.P. Newslet ter 9

Pascual addresses peace conference Courtesy of CENPEG

CAL dean responds to gender discrimination complaint BERNICE P. VARONA

UP President Pascual (left, standing) addresses the morning session of the peace conference, as Bishop Elmer Bolocon, Dr. Dante Simbulan, IIS Dean Julkipli Wadi and National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera listen.

UP President Alfredo Pascual addressed the Peace Conference on the Bangsamoro Question last March 23 at the University Hotel, UP Diliman, Quezon City.

During the morning session of the peace conference titled “Bridging unity between the government and the MILF,” Pascual said that UP, as the country’s

A team from the UP Debate Society (UPDS) won the Philippine Intercollegiate Debating Championship 2011 (PIDC 2011) held from April 6 to 11 in UP Diliman, Quezon City. This years’s PIDC was hosted by UPDS. The winning team, UPD A, is composed of Alistair Jan Zosa, Angelique Pearl Simbulan and Carlo Raphael Borromeo.

UPDS had four other teams in the tournament. Members of semi-finalist UPD B are Candice Kimberley Chung, John Lenard Robles and Valeri Filia D’Marie Inting. Quarter-finalist UPD D has Juan Miguel Sevilla, Miguel Sevilla and Norman Cualteros. On the other hand, octo-finalist UPD E has John Cedrick de Leon , Rafael Luna III and Weston Lee. Members of the UPD contingent also got individual awards. Simbulan was named Grand Finals Best Speaker. Inting was the 2nd Best Speaker while Zosa and Chung were tied as 4th Best Speakers.

Borromeo and Lee were tied as 9th Best Speakers.

UPDS also contributed to the quality of adjudication in PIDC 2011 with Raymund Victor Vitorio as 2nd Best Adjudicator and Anna Carmela Que as 6th Best Adjudicator. Both adjudicated up to the quarter-finals with Irish Joy Deocampo. John Glenn Agbayani Jr. and alumnus Jeross Aguilar both adjudicated in the octo-finals rounds. (Anna Carmela S. Que)

Mindanao and the National Council of Churches in the Philippines. It was supported by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Office of the UP President.

More than 150 people attended the one-day conference. Ambassadors and political ministers of different embassies were also present. (CenPEG News)

ITTC ties up with Lorma Colleges JO. FLORENDO B. LONTOC Misael Bacani

UP Debate Society tops annual debating tilt

national university, will engage actively in development and public policy issues like the ongoing peace process between the government and various rebel groups.

The one-day peace conference was organized by the Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG) in partnership with the UP Institute of Islamic Studies (IIS), Pilgrims for Peace, InPeace

ITTC Director Jaime Caro shakes hands with Lorma Colleges President Rufino Macagba Jr. after the signing of the MOA.

The UP Information Technology Training Center (ITTC) has formalized its partnership with Lorma Colleges to reach out to IT students and practitioners from northern Philippines, as well as provide IT education that is industryresponsive and at par with international standards.

The UP System Information Technology Foundation (which is attached to ITTC) and the La Union-based Lorma Colleges, a center of development in IT education, signed a contract for academic partnership and mentoring signed last March 31 at UP Diliman’s Vidal Tan Hall.

ITTC Director Jaime DL Caro and Lorma Colleges President Rufino

Macagba Jr., signed the contract. Present as witnesses were ITTC’s Marketing and Business Development team leader Carol Lopez and Macagba’s wife Victoria.

Under the contract, UP will provide training services to Lorma. In the past, Lorma sent its students to the ITTC’s Y4IT (Philippine Youth Congress in Information Technology) seminars in Manila. Lorma faculty members have also enrolled in ITTC courses.

Caro recognized Lorma’s leadership in open-source software development.

Consequently, ITTC hopes to forge a multi-party partnership with the local governments of La Union to sustain the IT initiatives of Lorma Colleges and ITTC.

The UP Diliman College of Arts and Letters (CAL) Dean has ruled that a faculty member of the Department of European Languages cannot be compelled to address a student as a female. Dean Flora Elena Mirano decision was in reply to the gender discrimination complaint of a European Languages (EL) student and declared transsexual.

Hender Gercio was furnished a copy of the reply last March 25, or more than two weeks after elevating the complaint to the dean’s office last March 8.

Mirano addressed her letter to UPD Chancellor Caesar Saloma. She recalled that Gercio wrote to appeal the decision of Department of European Language (DEL) Chair Wystan de la Peña.

According to Mirano’s letter, Gercio had previously requested de la Peña, to, “exercise...(his).. professional authority over (Dominique) Del Corro, and require her to treat and address me as female in class (through the use of female pronouns, feminine forms of address, feminine adjectives, etc.)” Del Corro is Gercio’s professor who is being accused of gender discrimination.

After consulting with the Diliman Legal Office (DLO) and Diliman Gender Office (DGO), de la Peña informed Gercio that Del Corro, “could not be compelled to do what (is being demanded).”

In a related development, Mirano also received a statement signed by 24 members of the DEL faculty upholding de la Peña’s decision.

Mirano said that she recognizes the student’s demand and how it touches on serious matters such as academic freedom and gender rights. She added that matters like this must be decided at a higher level.

She said that by elevating this to the Chancellor, the situation could lead to developing a policy to help guide the UP community in this “gray area of our experience.”

Aside from de la Peña, Gercio and Del Corro, Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs Elizabeth Enriquez and Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs Lorna Paredes were given copies of Mirano’s letter to Saloma.

As of this writing, the latter has not yet replied.

10 U.P. Newslet ter

MAY 2011

UP scientists raise alarm over Aklan reclamation project BERNICE P. VARONA

A study by scientists from the UP Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) commissioned by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Boracay on the effects of the P1-billion reclamation project in mainland Aklan’s jump-off point to Boracay Island has found that the project could destroy the coral reefs in the area.

The project could also cause changes in water current patterns, especially in the northern areas of the jetty port in Barangay Caticlan in Malay town where the sea channel toward Boracay is at its narrowest.

The altered water pattern could increase the volume of sediments swept toward the island, eventually smothering and killing the coral reefs.

The UP MSI team is composed of Cesar Villanoy, Fernando Siringan, Olivia Cabrera and Riovie Ramos of UP MSI’s Marine Environmental Resources Foundation.

The team conducted field studies and tests from November 23 to 25, 2010 in Caticlan and Boracay. Computer-generated simulation models were then used to check the effects of the reclamation.

The local government began develop-

ment work in Caticlan in December 2010.

The project covers 2.64 hectares. The memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) signed on May 17, 2010 involves 40 hectares, of which 36.82 hectares are in Caticlan and 3.18 hectares are in Boracay.

The reclamation project includes expanding port facilities, recovering coastline areas and putting up commercial buildings for offices, as well as a health and wellness center. The project cost is P260 million in its initial phase and P785 million in the succeeding phases.

Results of the study

The team warned that the project could have an adverse effect on the immediate environment. “”The supply of white sand will be impaired or even stopped if the coral reefs suffocate and die,” Villanoy said.

Villanoy, the head of the study team, stressed that more intensive studies are needed to determine the comprehensive impact of the reclamation. But he nevertheless recommended the implementation of measures to ensure a steady and continuous supply of sand to the Boracay

coast. These include regulating fishing activities; rehabilitation and protection of coral reefs; and awareness campaigns on conservation methods for both the community and tourists.

Opposition to the project

Business and tourism leaders in Boracay are opposed to the reclamation due to its possible effects on the world-renowned tourist destination. This is also the reason PCCI commissioned the UP team to conduct the study.

Gov. Carlito Marquez said that the project was issued an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) on April 27, 2010 by Oscar Cabanayan, regional director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Environmental Management -Bureau (DENR-EMB). He also said in a news report that even with the UP team’s findings, there is no need to stop the reclamation.

The local government said it will consider the results and the recommendations of Villanoy et al. but it will commission its own study as part of the DENR and PRA requirements.

After Japan, PHL not necessarily ‘next’ ANDRE ENCARNACION Bong Arboleda

Catherine Abon of the UP National Institute of Geological Sciences

Is the Philippines next after Japan?

Even if. Like Japan, the Philippines is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, Catherine Abon of the UP National Institute of Geological Sciences said that the Philippines’ own unique stress system does not necessarily mean that it is “next.”

Speaking at a forum last March 23 at Balay Kalinaw in UP Diliman, Abon said that among the short-term prediction methods for earthquakes are quake recurrence, noting strange animal behavior, studying increases in seismic behavior, and taking note of known earthquake patterns.

The Advocates of Science and Technology for the People (AGHAM) organized the forum on”Earthquake, Tsunami and Nuclear Accidents: Confronting the Challenges of these Natural Calamities.”

Abon said that overall damage due to an earthquake is measured by wave amplitude, duration of vibration, the nature of the material upon which structures rest and

structural design. She also discussed the earthquake generators found in the Philippines, which include two subducting oceanic plates and active faults. She recalled how notable earthquakes over the past decades have been produced by their activity.

In the same forum, Kristine Marie Romallosa of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute discussed the harmful effects of radiation exposure, the doses of which are generally measured in sieverts (Sv). She said that when the body is exposed to abnormally high levels of radiation it can cause cell death, DNA mutation and cancer. One can be exposed to radiation acutely or chronically.

And while a typical person is only exposed to one millisievert (mSv) per annum, radiation exposure at high acute levels of above several thousand mSv is very dangerous.

In order to control radiation exposure in the event of an accident, Romallosa advised the attendees that the best course

of action was to “minimize time, maximize distance and maximize shielding.” She said that the best radiation control measures are evacuation of the population, sheltering behind sturdy structures, restrictions in food and water intake in affected areas, medical intervention and constant radiation monitoring.

She stressed that these measures are unnecessary in the Philippines at the moment. The nuclear crisis in Japan is still localized, she said, so there is no reason for people to believe in rumors of local radiation contamination. She added that radiation monitoring is ongoing in the country and that foreign goods are routinely screened for the public’s safety.

During the open forum, Engr. Charles Ramota of AGHAM answered questions regarding nuclear safety while Chris Santos, a student at Sophia University, who witnessed the destruction gave a firsthand account of what happened in Japan.

Environmentalists campaign vs deforestation through art ANDRE ENCARNACION

Cooperation among environmentalists, artists and academicians has led to the installation of a three-dimensional tree made of recycled materials overlooking a street mural as Earth Day 2011 was celebrated at the Institute of Biology, UP Diliman last April 16.

The tree symbolizes collective and creative action for environmental protection. Initially a leafless trunk, participants glued paper leaves to it with written pledges for the environment as a symbol of rebirth.

The Earth Day Art Attack with the theme “Protect Our Forests: Stop Mining Plunder! Stop Commercial Logging!” served not only as a celebration but also as a reminder of important environmental issues like the rapid destruction of Philippine forests.

Members of Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (Kalikasan-PNE), UP Artists Circle Sorority and Agham worked with representatives of UP Explore, Geology Majors Society, Junior Philippine Geographical Society, Agham Youth UP Diliman and other groups.

Precious Jewel Gamboa of the Artists Circle Sorority described nature as a vital inspiration to artists and said that the installation symbolized that “each of us can be the difference” in responsibly taking action for the environment.

Leon Dulce of UP Explore said that the widespread destruction of the environment by aggressive mining and commercial logging is already a nationwide phenomenon rarely covered by the media.

In a press release, Kalikasan PNE stressed that the destruction of forests is a major cause of several landslides and flashfloods that ravaged the Bicol region, several places in the Visayas, CARAGA, and Southern Mindanao.

These left 75 dead and 22 missing, as well as displaced almost two million families and destroyed P2 billion worth of property.

Despite the issuance of Executive Order No. 23 by President Benigno Aquino III implementing a national log ban, the group was not optimistic that it will solve the deforestation problem in the country.

According to Clemente Bautista Jr., national coordinator of Kalikasan PNE, the root problem is commercial mining, something that he says the log ban does not address. There are other laws, according to him, that are contrary to the log ban, such as the Mining Act of 1995, which gives foreign large-scale mining companies timber rights over the areas covered by their permits.

The group called on environmental activists and the youth to fight commercial logging and to demand the scrapping of the Mining Act of 1995.

MAY 2011

U.P. Newslet ter 11

CIS says ‘Gambare, Japan!’

Briones honored for gov’t service

JO. FLORENDO B. LONTOC Jonathan Madrid

CAMILLE DELA ROSA Jonathan Madrid

Gambare, Japan! (loose translation: Don’t give up the fight, Japan!)

Faculty members, staff and students of the UPD Center for International Studies (CIS) expressed their sympathy for Japan, using the above call as the theme of their various initiatives to show their support.

Last March 11, a powerful earthquake and tsunami hit Japan, triggering a nuclear crisis in the succeeding days.

Their activities during the fourth week of March included joining a multi-sectoral rally at the Japanese Embassy along Roxas Boulevard. CIS also raised funds for the victims of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident by selling beverages.

Led by CIS Director Cynthia Neri Zayas, a group of UP faculty, staff and students went to the Japanese Embassy last March 24 and joined cause-oriented groups in expressing solidarity with Japan.

Carrying banners, flowers and candles, they delivered messages of support and offered a written statement of sympathy.

This was personally received by Min. Shinsuke Shimizu, the embassy’s head of

Members of several sectoral and cause-oriented groups stage a sympathy rally in front of the Japanese Embassy along Roxas Boulevard.

chancery, who expressed gratitude in behalf of the embassy.

Zayas said UP is grateful to Japan for its generosity in sponsoring research studies, among other projects. UP also has partnerships with selected Japanese universities with which it has student and faculty exchange programs.

For several days, CIS students sold cof-

fee, tea, and other beverages to raise funds.

And in the evening of March 25, cocktails were organized at the CIS. Guests included UPD Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs Elizabeth Enriquez and UPD College of Mass Communication Dean Roland Tolentino. Filipino and Japanese students prepared musical numbers, read statements and showed slide presentations.

PPP and modern biotechnology (Continued from page 3)

“There is life for women in government service. It is a life of commitment, service, and above all, honor and integrity.”

Prof. Leonor Briones stressed this point last March 31 at Club Filipino, San Juan City as she received The Bayi Citation for Government Service conferred biennially by the Institute of Politics and Governance (IPG) and the Barangay Bayan Governance Consortium.

The citation is given to women leaders who consistently and selflessly work to empower women and to inspire more of them to take leadership roles.

In her acceptance speech, Briones said, “I have not been content with doing research, teaching and applying my professional skills in government.

Public finance is not exclusive to policymakers, academics and politicians.

It is a subject that is closest to the heart and stomach of every Filipino. Every single centavo spent by the government – whether for health, education, pork barrel, insertion, conversion, pasalubong and pabaon come from each and every Filipino…. My battle cry has always been, ‘Pera ng bayan, para sa taong bayan!’”

Briones served as secretary to the Commission on Audit, national treasurer, presidential adviser for social development and UP’s vice-president for finance.

She currently teaches at the National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG). She is lead convenor of Social Watch Philippines, an organization concerned with advocacy, awareness-building, monitoring, organizational development and networking.

wider research scope. It also plays a critical role in addressing issues on policies and guidelines that protect the interest of the private sector without sacrificing the benefits of technological innovations.

On the other hand, the private sector possesses large R & D resources that enable it to finance long-term research projects. Equally important is the private sector’s familiarity with and expertise in marketing strategies and distribution schemes. It can also provide access for the public sector to penetrate the global market.

Considering that research undertakings in biotechnology require large capital, longterm investment is necessary. The private sector, as the largest investor in a variety of research projects and owner of a big chunk of intellectual property rights, should be further pushed and encouraged to strengthen linkages with the public sector.

The public sector should, however, assure the return of investments of private com-

panies in order to maintain a sustainable and comparative advantage for both parties.

Multinational companies like Novartis, Roche, Syngenta and Monsanto are not new in this tie-up with national research institutes. In fact, the annual International Biotechnology Leadership Camp sponsored by Novartis strongly encourages scientists to come up with novel and innovative ideas in health care that the company can finance. On the other hand, Monsanto and Syngenta share their collection of rice genome sequence with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

It must be stressed that PPP is not just limited to multinational companies. Local companies equally important because they also have access to the local market and can provide distribution plans in a more direct way.

It is very important for a developing country to have a mutually beneficial and innovative PPP. Both sectors should be

able to attain their collective objectives to further widen their research scope and build a stronger partnership.

The government should take note that private institutions are not used to the slow bureaucracy in our country and cultural differences may pose some difficulties. If the government is indeed serious in reinforcing PPP, then these issues must be properly addressed. After all, President Noynoy Aquino, in his inaugural speech, promised to reduce the number of days and document requirements for government processing.

We should not look at PPP as the ultimate solution to the growing needs of biotechnology R & D. Let us not rely on charity but rather focus on building stronger and better national and international policies that will serve as the core of PPP. In this way, the Philippines can move one step further in using the benefits of modern biotechnology through PPP.

UP DECL holds free national confab on literature on May 27 To end its yearlong centennial celebration, the UP Department of English and Comparative Literature (DECL) will conduct a National Conference on Literature and Society on the centenary of its University Professor and former UP President Salvador P. Lopez.

The national roundtable conference on literary interrelations will be held on May 27, 2011, the 100th birth anniversary of Lopez, at the Claro M. Recto Hall of the Faculty Center, UP Diliman, Quezon City.

According to conference convenor and department chair Adelaida Lucero, the conference simultaneously celebrates the UP DECL socio-political commitment and commemorates Lopez’s setting an

engagé direction for writing and literary appreciation in the country. Through the conference, Lucero said that DECL will share the expertise of its scholars, faculty and alumni for free to participating faculty and scholars of other colleges and universities in the country.

The one-day conference will start at 8:30 a.m. with a musical tribute to Lopez, a keynote speech by UP President Alfredo Pascual and the book launching of the multi-lingual translation of Lopez’s seminal essay “Literature and Society.”

Speakers for the one-day conference include Dean Elena Mirano (Literature and Music); Dr. Elmer Ordonez (Literature and Politics); Dr. Vivencio Jose (Literature and

Culture Studies), Dr. Helen Lopez (Literature and History); Dr. Georgina Encanto, Dr. Emil Flores (Literature and Popular Culture); Dr. Albina Fernandez, Dr. Jose Neil Garcia (Literature and Gender); Dr. Jonathan Malicsi (Language and Literature); Prof. Emeritus Steve Villaluz (Literature and Dance); Dr. Milagros Laurel (Literature and Film) ; and Prof. Paolo Manalo (Literature and e-Technology).

Those intetested may reserve seats for the event either by calling Annie at 926-3496; or by emailing Joscar Malacaman at jgmalacaman@gmail.com or Dr. Lucero at aflucero@gmail.com. Delegates who register from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m will receive certificates of participation.

12 U.P. Newslet t er

MAY 2011

UPIS Track and Field Team wins UAAP championship RENE MATIAS

Two UPV students named Iloilo outstanding students ANNA RAZEL L. RAMIREZ

Two UP Visayas (UPV) students were recently named among the outstanding students of Iloilo.

Ariston J. Miñez III, a 5 th year Accountancy student at the UPV College of Management, and Raoul Danniel A. Manuel, a senior of the UP High School in Iloilo, were included in The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards (TOSIA).

They received the award during a ceremony last March 20 at the Cinema 6, SM City in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

UPV Chancellor Minda Formacion and College of Management Dean Joy Lizada attended the ceremony.

Miñez, an active leader and honor student, is involved in environmental causes. He was recently Bayer Young Environmental Envoy and was a delegate to the Ayala Young Leaders Congress.

Manuel, on the other hand, also has a good academic background and is active in civic and community service activities. He is the current president of the UPHSI Student Council.

TOSIA is a flagship project of the Junior Chamber International Philippines (JCI RGATTA) and ABS-CBN Iloilo.

The awards are given to the youth to encourage their involvement in community affairs and to promote responsibility and excellence among them.

Courtesy of Rene Matias

The UPIS Track and Field Team won the over-all championship in the 73rd UAAP Season held from January 26 to 31 at the ULTRA Track and Field stadium in Pasig.

So overwhelming was the onslaught of the Dashing Junior Maroons that victory was assured as early as the third day of competitions. Ateneo de Manila University was a far second while University of Santo Tomas (UST) placed third.

This is the second straight year that the UPIS Tracksters have brought home the championship trophy.

Jao Nasis was declared most valuable player (MVP) of the competitions, winning 4 gold and 3 silver medals. Other medalists are Dan Pahit with 2 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze medals; Gab Soriano with 2 silver and 2 bronze medals; Alvin Andresio with 1 silver and 3 bronze medals; Jethro Esposo, Jaime Mejia and Renzo Domingo with 1 silver and 1 bronze medals each; Kevin Rodgers with 1 silver medal; Geoff Rodriguez with 3 bronze medals; and Bien Morales and Jojo Cellona with 1 bronze medal each.

Other members of the team, though

failing to win medals, contributed valuable points to the team’s total leading to UPIS’ dominance in the over-all championship

race. These are Christian Ferrer, Macky Camagay, Armond Macariola, Kevin Domingo, Earl Mandapat, Jasper

Bongalonta, Joseph Bautista, Justin Dungo, Bryan Morales and Ryan Bugarin.

Jun Potenciano is the team’s head coach.

3 UPHSI students named `Ang Batang Lider’

UPV Forum focuses on good governance

ANNA RAZEL L. RAMIREZ

Three graduating students of the UP High School in Iloilo (UPHSI) were cited in The Outstanding Student Leaders awards in Iloilo City (TOSLIC, also known as “Ang Batang Lider”) for School Year 2010-2011. Ralph Anthony Gonzales, Raoul Danniel A. Manuel , and Fydah Marie Sabando received the awards at Robinson’s Place, Iloilo City last March 21.

The three were commended for their proactive student leadership. They are also said to have “a deep sense of social responsibility and exemplary leadership by their involvement in various school and community activities.” They all got medals, plaques of recognition, cash prizes and gift items from the sponsors of TOSLIC. Sabando is president of the Junior

Peer Counselor Club of the UPHSI and has Ms. Juvy Janeo as adviser.

Gonzales, on the other hand, is president of the Home Economics and Practical Arts (HEPA) Club who has Dr. Evelyn Ortigas and Prof. Frysian Causing as advisers.

Manuel is president of the UPHSI Student Council whose advisers are Profs.

Dominique Maquiran and Dolores Jardeleza.

This is the 9th year of the Search for Batang Lider which is sponsored by the Office of the City Mayor of Iloilo City.

The winners are selected from graduating high school presidents, chairpersons and heads of school organizations, student councils and governing bodies from high schools within the City of Iloilo.

Four-day summer workweek (Continued from page 1) four-day workweek scheme. The memo also clarified that should a holiday fall on weekday during this period, the University will observe the regular Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm work schedule.

Pascual said that the summer work schedule will allow personnel “to enjoy a three-day weekend.” The administration will closely monitor the savings in utilities as well.

New PGC executive director

Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla is the new executive director of the Philippine Genome Center (PGC). Her appointment was approved during the 1268th meeting of the UP Board of Regents. She will serve from March 1, 2011 to February 28, 2014.

Padilla is a professor and the chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the UP Philippine General Hospital. She serves as the director of the Newborn Screening Reference Center at the UP Manila National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH).

ANNA RAZEL L. RAMIREZ

The UP Visayas College of Management (UPV-CM) hosted a forum on good governance at the UPV Iloilo City campus last April 4.

The forum focused on the establishment of a working alliance of local government units (LGUs) in the Cotabato Province and good governance in privately-owned companies and corporations.

Speaking for the Pigcawayan, Pikit, Alamada, Libungan, Midsayap and Aleosan (PPALMA) Alliance, a group of six contiguous municipalities in the first congressional district of Cotabato, PPALMA project manager Orly Marasigan said that the alliance was organized to establish a strong foundation for cooperation and unity and to propel sustainable countryside development in the covered areas.

Marasigan said that the alliance has been successful in implementing programs for LGUs including the Libungan Alamada Watershed Conservation Management and Development Project and the Kabalikat PPALMA Infrastructure Project which helps member-LGUs in the delivery of infrastructure services through equitable sharing of their resources.

Joseph Ladrido, director and chief operating officer (COO) of Pacific One Aviation Services, Inc. and consultant of PLDT, shared his experience in corporate governance which, according to him, is “more than lip service.”

U.P. NEWSLETTER PROF. DANILO ARAÑA ARAO Editor-in-Chief FRANCIS PAOLO QUINA Managing Editor PROF. LUIS TEODORO Editorial Consultant CELESTE ANNE CASTILLO LLANETA, JO. FLORENDO B. LONTOC, KIM QUILINGUING, ARLYN VCD P. ROMUALDO, BERNICE P. VARONA Writers MADRID Photographers ROD P. FAJARDO III Layout OBET EUGENIO Editorial Assistant TOM MAGLAYA Circulation

CAMILLE DELA ROSA, ANDRE ENCARNACION, BONG ARBOLEDA, MISAEL BACANI, JONATHAN

The U.P. NEWSLETTER is a monthly publication of the UP System Information Office, Office of the Vice-President for Public Affairs. We welcome contributions from the faculty, non-academic staff, REPS and students. Please send your contributions to: THE EDITOR U.P. Newsletter Mezzanine Floor, Quezon Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City 926-1572, 436-7537 e-mail: upnewsletter@up.edu.ph upsio@up.edu.ph