UP took the name Iskolar ng Bayan or Scholars of the people from
the University’s original purpose: “A university conceived for the Filipino and
funded by the nation.” Given that, a UP student then is different from an Iskolar
ng Bayan.
Buying
a UP shirt that everyone wears defines you as a UP student, but wearing it with
pride and honor makes you a real Iskolar ng Bayan. It needs a bit more than
just passing and studying in the university to be called an Iskolar ng Bayan.
First,
have the “change the world” dream. You do not go to this university to get a
high paying job or to brag that you are a UP student. You need to set a goal
for the people. An Iskolar ng Bayan is not satisfied, so he wants change. He does
not wait for the government or anyone else but he takes the action himself. UP
has given us what they want, “Shaping the minds that shape the nation.” It is
time to serve the people for the years that they funded your studies. Help the
country rise up. We need to fulfill the changes needed using willpower,
knowledge and more.
Second,
stand for what you believe in. A lot of people say, “Ayan na naman ang Up. Nagrarally na naman.” For we believe,
therefore we do everything for the change that we want. Most of the professors
encourage students to debate and voice out. Do not be afraid to speak. You will
have to endure people telling you what is right and wrong, because you were too
shy. You cannot forever disagree with them in your mind, so make them believe
that you are right.
Respect.
Do not bad mouth the opinions and beliefs of others even if you are definite
with yours, because yours are opinions too. Those who defend by using insult
are usually at the brink of losing.
UP –
University of Pila. You have waited in line for enrollment, getting your photo
taken, dorm application, tuition paying, medical and so much more, before you
entered the UP gates. The deeper meaning of this is as long as you get your
goal, then you do not mind the hardships. Professors and upperclassmen joke
about the possibility of staying here longer during orientations. Do not give
up no matter how long it takes. It already took us this far. Especially when
you were a wait listed and had to do more waiting. Not only with the
enrollment, but for signing up for new subjects for the new semester. When you’ve
experienced this, then you are an Iskolar ng Bayan.
Seeing
eye to eye. Understanding equality is a yes for being an Iskolar ng Bayan. Do
not brag what you have. We are equal here, even if whoever you were in your
high school life. We all passed the UPCAT, so we are just as good as you are.
You are a forever UP student for it does not end in the walls of the
university. Do not boast about it, instead use it to educate other people what
you have learned. Together we can change the world for the better.
People
choose UP, because of the high quality of education and low costs. UP is
different from other universities who have high facilities. Real Iskolars ng
Bayan are used to simple lives and not being lavished, because we are witty and
look for alternatives.
Learning
to love learning and being eager for more knowledge drives the mind of an
Iskolar ng Bayan. That’s why we are diligent in studying. We have the humility
to pay the country back more than the knowledge we are ready to offer.
An
Iskolar ng Bayan knows, not the answers to the Stat 1 exam but to the ways of
the university. Organizations orientations for free dinners, the cheapest karinderyas, landmarks, University
pranks, tambayans, the number of lines
on the pedestrian lane, and different tips for the UP life (eg. Pakulos to present so the teacher will
accept pre-rogs). But most importantly, he knows the country struggles that he
needs to solve when he graduates.
These
may also be goals you set for yourself when you enter the University of the
Philippines, just like how I did from the years I’ve spent observing UP. I am
hungry for more even though it’s only been my first semester here. They say
that, that the University life is scary in a sense with the activities you do,
such as budgeting and being careful to the people you talk to. But
education-wise, it is an amazing experience. These experiences will help you
answer the questions you have to ask yourself – how am I to help my people in
the future?
Iskolar
ng Bayan. We are being funded by the nation for the nation. He carries the
Iskolar ng Bayan name until his deathbed. He serves and changes the people for
the better. People should see hope and change, and not arrogance, when they see
you wear the UP logo. Because, that is what a real Iskolar ng Bayan is, he
works for the people and not for acknowledgement. They realize that they owe
the people a better future using “Honor and Excellence.”
And freshie tips for
those entering UPLB. Remember, the umbrella is your life line for our
university is the University of Pila and Lakad ng Bongga.
