On February 6, the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Assocation, Incorporated (USPAAI) signed a Memorandum of Agreement on the construction of the UP Promenade.
“The construction of the UP Promenade is a legacy project donated by the USPAAI in celebration of the fraternity’s 100th founding anniversary in 2018,” USPAAI President Jesse Andres said.
“The UP Promenade will be constructed in the area fronting Gonzales Hall in the Diliman Campus. It will consist of a 7.5 meter wide (extending to 16 meters, more or less, at certain portions) by 115 meter long pathway with internet and wifi capable facilities. The area shall serve as a promenade for the use of the University’s students, faculty and personnel,” the agreement states.
“The USPAAI shall commence construction of the project no later than April 2017 and shall be completed within a period of 12 months from issuance of permits or, effective from the date of signing of the agreement by the parties. . . .” it added.
UP President Alfredo E. Pascual said in a message, “I believe that the UP Promenade will serve exactly such a purpose. I personally envision it, first of all, to be a refuge for our students and faculty, providing a space for them to spend quality time with their friends and mentors. More importantly, I also see the UP Promenade symbolizing an ideal that the University of the Philippines has long hoped to promote–that learning and meaningful connections can be had outside the confines of our classroom, and that the ideas that will shape our country’s future can be born and shared anywhere an isko or iska is to be found–one need only give them the space to do so.”
A groundbreaking ceremony followed right after the signing of the memorandum of agreement. Also present at the event were Vice President for Development Elvira A. Zamora, USPAAI Chair Ray Orozco, and USP Centennial Commission Chair Noy Dy-Liacco.
“The Upsilon Sigma Phi, founded in 1918, is the oldest fraternity in Asia. Based in the University of the Philippines, it has had an unbroken and singular association with the premier state university. There are no chapters outside of UP Diliman and UP Los Banos,” the Upsilon Sigma Phi website states. (Stephanie S. Cabigao, UP MPRO)
