The University of Philippines or Universidad ng Pilipinas as it is known in Filipino is commonly called the UP, is the national university of the Philippines.It was set up in 1908 through the Act No.1870 of the First Philippine Legislature or the University Act as it is more commonly known.The Senate Resolution No.276 of Philippines acknowledges UP as the Nation’s Premier University.

The campus of the UP was shifted from Manila to the present place in 1949.The Oblation, bronzed symbol of the University was brought here amidst big fanfare.The area at that time was 493 acres which would house various colleges and schools.

UP, at present offers 94 graduate and undergraduate courses.Apart from this, there are also several research centers, many of which have been declared by the Commission on Higher Education as “National Centers of Excellence”.UP Diliman is not only the administrative seat of the system, but it is also an autonomous university in its own rights.It is also home to one of the only three schools in Asia that have received institutional recognition in the form of the Ramon Magsaysay Awards.

The education at UP is partly subsidized by the Philippine Government and the graduates are referred to as “Mga Iskolar ng Bayan” (Scholars of the Nation).This results in a stiff competition for seats to the various faculties in the university.

The University of Philippines was visualized and set up in 1908.Initially it had just three colleges, The College of Fine Arts, the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Medicine & Surgery.The institution was first started in Manila.But as time went by, the student strength increased and a dire need was felt for a bigger operative space.

By 1939, the Board of Regents had sought funding for a 493-acre of land at Diliman.But the outbreak of the WW II and the invasion of the Japanese troops resulted in the closure of some of the colleges run by the University.Only the College of Medicine, Engineering and Pharmacy was operational. By February 1949, the whole administrative had been shifted to Diliman and the University was operational from the New Campus.This was the year when the Oblation (The symbol of UP) was also transferred here.The Oblation is a figure of a naked man, arms widespread and face pointed upwards and it is based on the Second Stanza of Jose Rizal’s “Mi Ultimo Adios.”

The University completed its 100 years in 2008 and this was declared as the “UP Centennial Year” and the years 1998-2008 as the “University of the Philippines Decade.”

Apart from the academics, the University also encourages extra-curricular and sports activities among its students and staff.The Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs (OVCSA) is an organization which is concerned with all activities that concern students and student services.It deals with such services like scholarships, student housing, guidance & tutorials, student grievance & complaints, food services, health facilities and student organizations.

OVCSA also initiates and organizes student centric programmes and events like the Freshman Orientation, the Freshman Welcome Assembly, and the Recognition Rites for University Scholars and Student Achievers, The UP Pep Rally etc.

This is keeping with the century old traditions of overall development of the students and making the University a center of highest learning.Thus, the UP remains the best institution for higher learning and excellence.

Author Bio: For more information on University of Philippines and Philippines College please visit our website.

Category: Education
Keywords: university of Philippines, university of Philippines diliman, academic courses at UP,