Twenty-six graduates of the University of the Philippines heeded the call of the Oblation, taking on the challenge of serving as Gurong Pahinungód volunteers.
A send-off and pinning ceremony for Batch 17 volunteers was held June 5 at the Student Union Building, UP Diliman, where each volunteer was conferred with the Pahinungód pin, symbolizing the UP brand of volunteer service to the nation.
UP President Angelo Jimenez highlighted the role of GPs in bringing education to the most remote and underserved communities. He referred to the volunteers’ service as an act of justice.
Nique Jade Tarubal, a BA Communication graduate from UP Baguio, led the recitation of their oath, Panunumpa ng Pahinungód. They vowed in unison: “Ako’y sumusumpang itataguyod ang isang programa ng edukasyong naglilingkod sa bayan.” (“I solemnly swear to uphold an education that serves the nation.”)
This year’s batch of teachers to the barrios saw a 52.94% increase from last year’s 17. UP Ugnayan ng Pahinungód System Director Ervina Espina said the surge in the number of volunteers implies more people desiring to serve the communities.
The GP Batch 17 volunteers are alumni of UPD, UP Los Baños, UP Visayas, UP Mindanao, UPB, and UP Tacloban.
They will be deployed to the following areas: Butuanan Integrated School in Siruma, Camarines Sur; Calawit Quezon High School in Busuanga, Palawan; Aningalan Integrated Farm School in San Remigio, Antique; San Ricardo National High School in San Ricardo, Southern Leyte; Ummat National High School in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi; Tubig Indangan National High School in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi; and Tupig High School in Kapalawan, Special Geographic Area (North Cotabato). The GP volunteers will serve these communities for one academic year, starting in June.