Spirits were high on the first day of classes in UPLB on June 18 as UP marked its 99th Foundation Day.

UPLB joined the systemwide launching of the UP Centennial with its own program of activities spearheaded by the Office of the Chancellor and the Office of Alumni Relations.

Following the flag raising ceremony was a motorcade that began at AG Samonte Hall and cruised through lower campus roads to the SU building. Vehicles hat joined the motorcade were adorned with green, red and white balloons.

At about nine in the morning, college deans and execom members assembled with the new freshmen at the SU building for a short parade to Baker Hall for the Freshmen Convocation. Chancellor Luis Rey I. Velasco addressed the “centennial freshmen,” warmly welcoming them to the center of learning and excellence that is UPLB and apprising them as well of the challenges of college life.

As the program finale, the Chancellor led everyone to the Freedom Park grounds for the symbolic release of the UP Centennial Logo. He was assisted by freshmen representatives Eric Ryan M. Icasas (BACA) and Francesca D. Montes (BSDC) who held the logo while he released a bunch of balloons into the sky. Everyone sang to the tune of UP Naming Mahal.

The UP Centennial Logo embodies symbols of the University such as the Oblation and the Sablay. It also features a globe, with the map of the Philippines highlighted, capturing the UP spirit and its commitment to global excellence and relevance as the country’s premier institution of higher learning while establishing a rightful place in the world as the national university.

The launch commemorated UP’s establishment through Act No. 1870, or the University Charter, by the First Philippine Legislature in 1908. It also signaled the start of activities for the year-long celebration of the University’s centennial. Among these activities are the implementation of projects and programs that aim to further define the University’s niches, culture of excellence and distinctiveness. These include faculty development and welfare enhancement, modernization of UPLB facilities, scholarships, and research and development.

The event was just a prelude to UPLB’s own launch of the Centennial Celebration during the 89th Loyalty Day and Alumni Homecoming in October.#