UP Cebu is 100 years old
Circa 1983 when I barely had a year of teaching experience from a sectarian school, I started as a substitute to a literatae, UP Professor Emeritus Merlie Alunan, at the UP High School Cebu, teaching Reading and Composition. I recalled the selection team composed of then Dr. Lelani Verdan, Dr. Primitivo Ereno, Prof. Fe Reyes, and Prof. Daniel Nellas. And then I was made to have a teaching demonstration before a class that challenged my classroom management ability, where after all the students were briefed to test my patience. And probably also because of my theatrical background, I got accepted. And as the popular saying goes; "the rest is history."
For 34 years at the University of the Philippines Cebu, I have seen its tremendous changes and challenges it faces until now. And for many years it took its cue as a separate unit from UP Visayas, until it has now become a constituent university.
Exactly 100 years since its establishment as it served as a satellite unit for UP Diliman, the flagship campus of the entire UP System, UP Cebu is the oldest UP campus outside Luzon.
Professor Madrileña de la Cerna, who has traced the history of the college notes that "UP Cebu was established on May 3, 1918 per resolution of the Provincial Board and was originally known as the Junior College and through the years the name changed nine times."
These last few years UP Cebu has experienced setbacks like a dispute over the property and a demonstration against an administrator, but it overcome them to get to where it is today.
For its centennial, UP Cebu has prepared various activities that would manifest its significance in the immediate as well as its wider community. Last April 4, we had our tree-planting activity at the UP SRP campus. The following day, we opened the UP Centennial celebration at the UP Oblation Garden. On May 2, the university will open all its shared facilities, such as the Digital Fabrication Laboratory, Digital Media Production Center, and Go Negosyo, among others. They will also launch the UP Store. On the same day will also be the launching of "Centenario," an exhibit of 100 artworks done by our Fine Arts alumni and guests. On May 3 will be the inauguration of the new Oblation statue and the Presidents' Gallery. We are cordially inviting every Cebu-based UP alumni to join us in the UP Cebu Centennial Ball at the Waterfront Hotel Cebu on April 27, 2018.
I was engrossed with the interactions between the students and UP Cebu alumni. As one of the speakers together with other Bisaya filmmakers in one fine Friday the 13th at the Performing Arts Hall of UP Cebu, my films as well as the films of UP students and faculty were shown. Such interest and enthusiasm that dominated the hall produced a feeling that there is really a bright future for local films. I thank those who attended and continue to believe that film is a very potent medium for social awareness and transformation.
Through the years, the academic institution has shown and lived up to the spirit of critical and independent thinking. And it continues to permeate in an environment that allows expressing views and opinions, popular or otherwise. And no student would go out without a trace of little discontent over anything, but remains proud of his origins.
Leaders, trailblazers, and innovators in all fields and disciplines from this academic institution continue to contribute significantly to the country. And for others, one or two UP alumni who have caused quite a disgrace to the very integrity of the institution, as this may result to overgeneralization for the institution. But still the inherent urge to keep the spirit of excellence and service remains impervious.
On its 100th year of excellence, integrity and service, mabuhi ang mga iskolar sa nasud! Padayon, UP Cebu!
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