UP Celebrates 117th Founding Year, Promotes the Theme Paglilingkod at Pasidungog sa Bayan

The University of the Philippines (UP) will hold the second run of the “Linggo ng Unibersidad”  on June 16 to 20, 2025 to celebrate 117 years of academic excellence, dedicated service, and meaningful contributions to nation building.

This year’s theme, Ani at Alay: Paglilingkod at Pasidungog sa Bayan, “embodies the narrative cycle of learning, service offering, and nation building, where “ani” is the harvest of hard work, persistence, and sacrifice and “alay” is the offering we make of our talents, our learning, and our lives in service of the Filipino people,” said UP President Angelo A. Jimenez.

 “It is a call to remember that everything we do here in UP is ultimately in pursuit of a greater purpose: paglilingkod sa bayan at pasidungog para sa sambayanan,” Jimenez added, who shared that as of this year, the national university has produced over 300,000 graduates, many of them have made their marks in every corner of the country and the world both in the arts and sciences. Among UP’s remarkable alumni include six Philippine Presidents, 14 Senate Presidents, 14 House Speakers, 16 Supreme Court Chief Justices, 44 national artists, 40 national scientists, eight national social scientists. 

The Linggo ng Unibersidad program will officially begin on June 16 with a special flag-raising ceremony at Quezon Hall in UP Diliman. Award ceremonies will be held to recognize offices and individuals for their unwavering commitment and outstanding contributions in promoting honor and excellence in service to the nation. 

 A free concert of the UP Symphony Orchestra, titled Alay sa Pamantasan ng Sambayanan, will be held at the UP Theater on June 18, 2025 to commemorate two national milestones—Philippine Independence Day and UP’s Foundation Day. Click here to reserve for the free UPSO concert ticket.

The awarding ceremony for Gawad Pangulo: Pagkilala sa Karangalan at Kahusayan sa Paglilingkod para sa Bayan”to be held on June  20, 2025, will punctuate the weeklong event. The Gawad Pangulo, the highest presidential recognition given to members of the UP community for their outstanding achievements and contributions that advance the university’s mandate as a leader in public service and academic excellence.

 “The Gawad Pangulo recognizes the extraordinary work of UP students, alumni, faculty, staff, and units who go beyond the call of duty to uplift lives, empower communities, and bring meaningful change to the country,” Jimenez emphasized. “We dedicate the celebration of the Linggo ng Unibersidad to their dedication and accomplishments, which embody the values and traditions UP has upheld for the past 117 years: honor, excellence, and public service.”

 For more information and updates about the events, visit the UP System website at [https://up.edu.ph/linggo-ng-unibersidad-2025/] or follow the University of the Philippines on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and other official social media platforms. 

Written by the UP System Media and Public Relations Office ♦ Cross-posted from UP System Website

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