The University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman held its annual University Welcome Assembly for the freshmen of academic year 2024-2025, September 16.
University officials, faculty, and staff welcomed undergraduate students from UP Diliman’s 25 academic units.
UP President Angelo Jimenez encouraged first-year students to always keep in mind the Filipino taxpayers who make their education possible.
“Today, your education is free. As you enjoy, as you prepare for your destiny, as you study, and as you struggle, I want you to remember the people who made this free education possible, who will make your future secured. Every time we study, let’s think about it,” Jimenez said.
“The Filipino people, in their wisdom, decided to set aside for the best and the brightest [with the hope that you will] serve,” he added.
UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II echoed Jimenez’s sentiments. “May you not forget that your UP education is subsidized by the Filipino people. Make the most out of it and pay it forward in due course.”
“You will be exposed to different realities that are more or less similar to what’s happening in society in general. In all these, may you gather insights and find solutions to help improve the lives of our countrymen,” Vistan said.
The Chancellor also encouraged the new students to take advantage of the University’s numerous support programs.
“You will need to have a certain level of dedication to get through your academic requirements. It doesn’t mean, however, that you will have to go through this difficult journey on your own,” he said.
“The University offers support not just for your academic concerns, but also for your extracurricular needs. I strongly encourage you to reach out, to closely coordinate with our offices—especially those that provide student services so that we can ensure that you receive the support you need in the next four or five years,” he added.
In his speech, UP Diliman Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jerwin Agpaoa urged the freshmen to use their time in college as a period of self-discovery.
“College life is a time for some of you to rebrand or to stay as you once were when you were in high school,” Agpaoa said.
“Kung ano man ang inyong timpla, kung ano man ang inyong pipiliin: magre-rebrand man kayó o mananatili bílang kayó, nandito kami upang kayó ay agapayan, alalayan, at tulungan sa lahat ng inyong mga pangangailangan,” he said.
(Whatever your preference, whatever you choose—whether you decide to rebrand or stay as you are—we are here to support, assist, and help you with all your needs.)
The freshmen were also treated to performances by UP Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino, UP Streetdance Club, and the UP Pep Squad. The UP Varsity Pep Drummers engaged the students in learning UP’s cheers.
Members of the University Freshie Council, along with other progressive student groups, also took the opportunity to advocate for social justice and share their calls for action. — with reports from Ivy Montellano