Nationalism amid modernization pushed as the University of the Philippines turns 106

Nationalism amid modernization. These were stressed by University of the Philippines president Alfredo Pascual as the premier state university marked its 106th anniversary Wednesday.

"Nasyonalismo ang ideolohiyang nanalaytay sa ating diwa bilang mga mag-aaral at nagtapos sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas ... Higit kailanman, lalong kailangan ang ganitong pananaw sa harap ng modernization (Nationalism is the ideology behind the students and graduates of UP. We need this nationalism in the face of modernization)," Pascual said at the anniversary rites at the UP Diliman campus in Quezon City.

He added that while UP extends its reach to the international community, it does not forget its roots.

"Tulad ng laging inaawit natin sa ating UP Nating Mahal, matungo man sa ibang bayan, hindi makakalimutan ang ating pamantasang mahal," he said.

But Pascual said that while there is much to celebrate in the UP's 106 years, there is also still much to be done to address the problems facing the country.

Still, he said the UP continues to find ways to keep in step with its counterparts abroad.

"Marami pang kailangang gawin upang tugunan ang mga malalang suliranin ng ating bansa. At patuloy tayong gumagawa ng paraan upang makipagsabayan sa pinakamagagaling na pamantasan sa isang mundo at panahong tumatahak sa integrasyon," he said.

"Nguni't wala akong pangamba sa kakayahan ng unibersidad. Ang isandaan at anim na taon na kasaysayan ng UP ay sapat nang katibayan na ito’y magpapatuloy, magpupunyagi at mananagumpay," he added.

Pascual also noted the UP's founding on June 18—a day before National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal's birth date—was no accident as American colonizers then had sought to win over Filipino intellectuals.

Yet, he said the task was not completed since Rizal remained a symbol of nationalism.

"Nanatili ang kritikal na tindig ng ating mga ninunong intelektuwal na makikita sa listahan ng ating mga Iskolar ng Bayan na naging halimbawa ng mga makabayang intelektuwal bago ang ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig," Pascual explained.

He added that while some products of UP failed to follow the institution's standards, most have done it proud of their sacrifice and service.

New traditions

Pascual also said there is much cause to celebrate the UP's 106th anniversary, since it continues to develop new ways to serve the nation and leave its mark in the international scene.

He noted UP graduates fared prominently in the Board and Bar Exams, while the UP improved its ranking among the leading universities in the region.

On the other hand, he said the UP continues to help government especially in the field of disaster and risk reduction management.

"Nagawa nating rumisponde sa pagyabong ng mga sentro ng negosyo at pag-unlad at nakakapagtayo tayo ng mga bagong kampus sa Cebu, sa Bonifacio Global City, at sa itinatayong Clark Green City sa Gitnang Luzon," he added.

In the UP campus itself, he said new buildings and laboratories have been constructed, even as he expects the eUP project—a unified UP system featuring the digital exchange of information, sharing of data and electronic processing of transactions—to continue growing.

Pascual also said he is confident in the vision of Chancellor Michael Tan for the UP. — Joel Locsin/VC, GMA News