Seventeen volunteer educators — Batch 16 of the UP Ugnayan ng Pahinungód Gurong Pahinungód Program — were recognized in a homecoming program, April 10 at the Executive House, University of the Philippines Diliman.
Their families joined university officials in celebrating and honoring their dedication and impact on the communities and young Filipinos they served in Cordillera, Palawan, North Cotabato, Tawi-Tawi, and Antique.
UP System Pahinungód Director Ervina Espina acknowledged the commitment, courage, and grit of the volunteers in advancing UP’s mission of service. UP President Angelo Jimenez commended the batch, and the Pahinungód program as well, for embodying the university’s ideals through volunteerism and community immersion.
Department of Education Assistant Secretary Jerome Buenviaje, former dean of the UP College of Education, highlighted the role of volunteer educators in nation-building and addressing gaps in underserved communities and in inspiring future generations. GP Core Group member Francis Grace Duka-Pante read the citations presented to the volunteers in recognition of their achievements.
Jimenez, Buenviaje, Espina, constituent university chancellors and Pahinungód directors, and UP Vice President for Public Affairs Marian Coquia-Regidor awarded UP Oblation statuettes to the volunteers. The statuettes symbolize selfless service and unwavering commitment to the Filipino people.
The 17 GP volunteers who received their tokens of recognition, presented by officials and accompanied by their respective CU heads, were: Maria Jenica Baguilat, Micah Sophia Louis Robledo, and Giona Tibule of UP Baguio, with Chancellor Joel Addawe; Maria Isabel Bueno and Joseph Zabala of UP Diliman, with Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II; Ma. Albert Camille Bayoneta, Chlea Anzel Esplana, and Joyce Anne Fulo of UP Los Baños, with Chancellor Jose Camacho Jr.; Gwyn Ann Aldip, Reggie Faye Canarias, and Charis Anne Canceran of UP Mindanao, with Chancellor Lyre Anni Murao; Macy Baxinela, Cleofe Mae Bernal, Christine Marie Garzon, Allen Patrick Araneta, and James Camisora of UP Visayas with Chancellor Clement Camposano; and Limar Carola of UP Tacloban, with Dean Patricia Arinto.
Coquia-Regidor, in her closing message, emphasized the extraordinary impact of GP’s volunteers.
The homecoming program was hosted by Terrence Masigo of GP Batch 15.
