“People out there need you. The world needs you,” stated University of the Philippines (UP) President Angelo Jimenez during the University Welcome Assembly (UWA) 2023 held on September 18 at UP Diliman’s University Theater.
Emphasizing the significant responsibility placed upon the shoulders of UP students, Jimenez pointed out the state’s sizable investment in their education, fully funded by taxpayers.
“There is a future to be won. Let’s not ask for another 100 years. I would like your generation to dedicate yourselves to the ideals of the University which embrace the highest hopes of our people, their deepest devotions, and their most serious aspirations,” he said.
“Every peso [invested in] your dorms, your teachers, the non-academic staff, the psychologists aiding you… is a peso [redirected] from another Filipino who may have needed it as much as you do or even more,” he continued.
“Alam ninyo po ba na more than 20% of the budget for state universities and colleges, atin, nása atin? Binigay sa atin because you are special. Everyone here is special. And the nation—a hundred years ago and up to this day—has made the political decision to support you, with the expectation that you will lead.”
(Are you aware that over 20% of the budget for state universities and colleges is designated for us here at the University? It’s granted to us because you are special. Everyone here is special. And the nation—a hundred years ago and up to this day—has made the political decision to support you, with the expectation that you will lead.)
Studying diligently, according to Jimenez, is one gesture of gratitude UP students can offer to those underwriting their education. “Please study and think about those other people who have less so that you can have this great opportunity. Remember honor, excellence and, most importantly, service to the Filipino nation.”
To the University President, critical thinking is indispensable for UP scholars to discharge their obligations. “They say you are radicals. ‘Radical’ [originates from] ‘root.’ You will be trained to look at the cause of the cause and the cause of the cause and so on—until your mind is able to grasp the root cause. Malalim ang tine-train namin na pag-iisip dito,” he said.
(They say you are radicals. ‘Radical’ originates from ‘root.’ You will be trained to look at the cause of the cause and the cause of the cause and so on—until your mind is able to grasp the root cause. Here, you are cultivated to delve deep.)
“We encourage activism because we care. You care [about] what’s happening to your community, society, country, and the world. You care [about] what’s happening to the environment. That’s why when you see something needs to be changed, you do something to change it.”
This year’s UWA featured performances from the Legato Visual Performing Arts, UP Concert Chorus, UP ConChords, UP Streetdance Club, and UP Varsity Pep Squad.
The University’s emotional support dogs also made an appearance in welcoming attendees.
UP Diliman Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jerwin Agpaoa reported that UWA 2023 saw a turnout of approximately 3,000 students.