Pahinungód awards volunteers, opens photo exhibit

The University of the Philippines Ugnayan ng Pahinungód/Oblation Corps honored its newest batch of volunteer teachers and opened a photo exhibit showing Pahinungód’s community service and partnerships, Sept. 10 at Vinzons Hall, UP Diliman. These were part of Pahinungód’s 32nd founding anniversary celebrations.

Led by UP System Pahinungód Director Ervina Espina, university officials awarded certificates of recognition and Pahinungód pins to volunteer teachers who took part in the Affirmative Action Program for 2026, as well as to the top photographers who participated in the anniversary photo exhibit.

UP President Angelo Jimenez and Assistant Vice President for Public Service Mark Lester Chico delivered congratulatory messages during the program.

In a video message, Jimenez said the Oblation symbolizes the challenge for volunteers to offer their knowledge and themselves to underserved communities, and that public service is built on mutual respect and partnership toward a better life for Filipinos. He added that the photos remind viewers of the transformative impact of volunteers on communities in line with sustainable development.

Chico congratulated the volunteers, communities, and supporters of Pahinungód. He said the occasion reminds people that the university has not lost its soul, as it continues to listen, engage, and serve in areas where it matters most.

Volunteers from the College of Education and the UP Integrated School were recognized, namely: Rachel Ramirez, Anna Cristina Nadora, Edwin Conel, Eleanor Jugueta, Eric Loyd Hilario, Ericka Jane Angeles, Eugene Solla, John Denrie Jose, Joseph Carlo Guiao, Joshua Competente, Juwena Tallongan, Maesel Galapin, Mary Joyce Cocamas, Phoebe Merino, Ralph Vinze Agarcio, Regina Carla Taduran, Rowena Naquita, and Zenaida Bojo.

Volunteers from the College of Education and the UP Integrated School were recognized, namely: Rachel Ramirez, Anna Cristina Nadora, Edwin Conel, Eleanor Jugueta, Eric Loyd Hilario, Ericka Jane Angeles, Eugene Solla, John Denrie Jose, Joseph Carlo Guiao, Joshua Competente, Juwena Tallongan, Maesel Galapin, Mary Joyce Cocamas, Phoebe Merino, Ralph Vinze Agarcio, Regina Carla Taduran, Rowena Naquita, and Zenaida Bojo.

Certificates were also awarded to Pahinungód volunteers, namely Reinald Dayson of UP Open University, Dannah Lee Logronio of UP Mindanao, Brooke Eunice Montalla of UP Cebu, Joyce Anne Fulo and Melanie Dimapilis of UP Los Baños, and James Camisora of UP System. Volunteers from UP Diliman, UP Visayas, and UP Baguio who were unable to attend due to inclement weather were also recognized.

In her closing message, Espina thanked the UP offices, as well as the Pahinungód directors and staff, for the successful awarding of volunteers and the opening of the photo exhibit.

Pahinungód is a Cebuano word that means “selfless offering of oneself,” symbolized by the Oblation. It reflects UP’s mission to serve the marginalized and underserved and its identity as the national university.

The Ugnayan ng Pahinungód was formally established in 1994 under the administration of then-UP President Emil Q. Javier in response to criticism that UP had lost its soul.