Photo by Bong Arboleda, UPS-MCO.
“Somebody next to you could become a leader of this country.”
University of the Philippines President Angelo Jimenez said this to the new students of UP Diliman during the annual University Welcome Assembly, Sept. 7 at the University Theater.
“You will be leaders, whether you like it or not, so you must accept it now. Because producing leaders for this country is hardwired into our DNA,” he added.
Photo by Bong Arboleda, UPS-MCO.
Photo by Bong Arboleda, UPS-MCO.
Photo by Bong Arboleda, UPS-MCO.
Freshmen, transferees, international students, and new graduate students were welcomed alongside the Iskarakters: Sigla, who has many friends; Divuuh, the fashionista; Ngarag, who’s not a crammer anymore; Hinahon, who is always with the cats; and Palaban, the resident activist and student journalist.
The event also emphasized the message: “May lugar ka sa UP bilang iskolar ng bayan.”
Photo by Bong Arboleda, UPS-MCO.
Photo by Bong Arboleda, UPS-MCO.
The UP Diliman Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, led by Professor Maria Vanessa Lusung-Oyzon, organized UWA 2026. UPD officials from both academic and administrative units, led by Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II, attended the event to welcome the 2026 entrants to the university.
The event featured special performances by the UP Concert Chorus and UP Streetdance Club.