University of the Philippines (UP) campuses marked the beginning of their celebration of the holidays with the traditional pag-iilaw or lighting ceremony, when officials turned on the holiday lanterns and decorations on campus.
UP Diliman had its pag-iilaw on December 3, 2021. It is celebrating the holidays with the theme, “Ugnayan at Pagpupugay: Tulay ng Buhay at Pag-asa Ngayong Pandemya”, roughly translated as, connecting and giving praise: bridge for life and hope in this time of pandemic.
This is reflected in the art installations of Toym Imao, consisting of the likeness of a blazing star in front of the Quezon Hall columns and “UP” in baybayin at the Oblation all the way to the Quezon Hall bridge; and of “Sambabaylaan” lanterns marking the portals and locations on campus allocated for COVID-19 response, with smaller versions lining up University Avenue and the Academic Oval.
UPD facilities dedicated to COVID-19 response include: the University Health Service; the Philippine Genome Center that has led its network in UP campuses in serving as a national center for whole genome sequencing of viral samples and for bio-informatics; Silungang Molave isolation facility and swabbing center that has sheltered around 700 patients; the Kamia community quarantine facility that has served more than 2,000; and, the College of Human Kinetics Gymnasium where some 16,000 individuals have been vaccinated.
The image of a babaylan is prominent in the lanterns. According to Imao, UP has played the role of babaylan during the pandemic. “Ang Unibersidad ay naglaan ng ugnayan para sa paghilom at nagsilbing gabay para sa sambayanan sa gitna ng pandemya” (The University has offered connections for healing and served as guide to the nation during the pandemic), according to the UPD Information Office.
This role of the University was cited in the messages of UP President Danilo Concepcion and UPD Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo.
The pag-iilaw began with a tribute to the UPD constituents who died during the pandemic. The top UPD officials recited each epitaph as it was flashed on screen and a ritual was performed at an installation in the amphitheater.
Performances in the ceremony included a pagdidiwata which referenced a babaylan ritual and songs to inspire hope, composed by National Artists Felipe de Leon and Ryan Cayabyab, and by Prof. Chino Toledo and Grace Nono, executed by Cherry Garlan Caballero, Himig Sanghaya, and the College of Music Chamber Ensemble.
UP Los Baños held its lighting ceremony on December 6, 2021, with the theme, “Paskong UPLB 2021: Salubungin Natin nang may Saya at Pag-asa” (UPLB Christmas 2021: Let us welcome it with happiness and hope). The festive online program featured carols from UPLB Choral Ensemble, Harmonya: The UPLB String Ensemble, Prof. Ronilo Jose Flores, and TikTok “funny little Christmas” productions from 19 units of the campus to launch UPLB’s TikTok account.
UP Manila held its kick-off celebration of the holidays with the program, “Kumukutikutitap mga Kulay ng Pasko sa UP Manila”, on December 2, 2021. Personally attended by UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla and Philippine General Hospital Director Gerardo Legazpi at the UP Manila Oblation grounds, the program featured songs rendered by the UP Manila Chorale and Martin Nievera, and greetings from National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab.
UP Visayas opened its lights on December 1, 2021 with Christmas celebrations following the theme, “Paghiliusa kag Pagkabalaka sa Paskua” (unity and care during Christmas). The ceremony held at the Iloilo City and Miagao campuses was highlighted by performances from Clyde Xerxes Ortencio of UPV Rhapsody, community singing, dancing, and refreshments.
UP Baguio held its lighting ceremony on December 2, 2021 after a cañao and flagpole unveiling with the UP Vanguard. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the campus under the theme, “Formations, Transformations”.
