Danilo Concepcion capped his first UP Diliman Lantern Parade as UP president by hailing the tradition as uniquely UP, reminding the UP constituents to be light sources in their own lives and communities, and announcing the grant of P10,000 cash gift to each UP employee.
“Let us be lanterns in our lives and in our communities–giving life and lighting the way as we face challenges and look for a better future–lanterns that burn bright in mind and heart, far though we wander,” Concepcion said in Filipino at the end of the Lantern Parade program on December 15, 2017, before the fireworks display.
He said the Lantern Parade is a tradition bearing the UP brand, but reflecting the Filipino spirit in the changing designs of the lanterns and in the lively participation of the community.
In announcing the Christmas cash gift, he said his administration had implemented cost-saving measures which saved money from maintenance and other operating expenses enough to give P10,000 to each employee as a Christmas gift in his first year as President.
Concepcion said he hoped to add to the amount before the end of 2018.
Participating in the 2017 UP Diliman Lantern Parade, with the “Paaralan, Palaruan” theme, were academic and administrative units of UP Diliman, the UP System, and also the UP Manila College of Medicine, as well as campus- and community based organizations. They adopted a “no-litter” policy.
The presentations at the UP Amphitheater were punctuated by performances by magicians, a vocal ensemble, a rock band, and the UP Concert Chorus. Alumni Ricci Chan and Agot Isidro were the emcees.
The College of Engineering, with its bright carousel of technologies, won the best lantern award. The College of Arts and Letters, with its puppet lantern tribute to Amelia Bonifacio, and the College of Mass Communication, with its carousel of truth versus misinformation, were runners-up.
The College of Fine Arts (CFA) lanterns were grouped under themes inspired by the rights of children. The lantern on the right to expression won the top award in the CFA category. Those representing the right to health care and the right to special needs were runners-up.
Statements against the drug war and tyranny, among others, were incorporated in a number of lanterns, mobile tableaus, and presentations. The parade was filled with images of carousels, kites, and children. (Jo. Lontoc, UP MPRO)
