University News

PUP celebrates 120 years of distinguished public service

Jan Vincent Lanuza, News, Communication Management Office

Vibrant. Celebratory. Sintang Paaralan @120.

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines, after more than a century of providing quality and affordable education to generations of Filipinos, has formally opened its 120th founding anniversary festivities. Anchored by its theme “PUP @120: Pagpupugay at Pasasalamat sa Labindalawang Dekada ng Makatao at Makabayang Edukasyon,” the event was held October 1 at the PUP Gymnasium.

During a special Flag Raising ceremony, University President Dr. Manuel M. Muhi marked the occasion by reflecting on the numerous accomplishments the Sintang Paaralan has achieved since its founding on October 19, 1904—ranging from the active PUP Community made up of students, alumni, faculty, and administrative staff, to generations of Iskolar ng Bayan graduates, licensure exam topnotchers, University milestones, outreach programs aimed at assisting the marginalized such as the Education on Wheels (EOW) initiative and the educational project for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL), continuous improvements in teaching strategies to foster a flexible and inclusive learning environment, and the University’s ongoing efforts to extend its services to help more Filipinos achieve their educational goals.

He remarked “120 years na po tayong sama-sama at nagbubuklod-buklod sa pagtutulungan, sa pag-unlad, at tagumpay ng ating Sintang Paaralan.”

(120 years we have been united and coming together in cooperation, in progress, and in the success of our Sintang Paaralan)

“Mula noong 1904, mula noong tayo’y pinangalanan na Manila Business School hanggang maging Polytechnic University of the Philippines, tayo po ay patuloy na nagiging bukal ng karunungan at tagumpay ng mga Pilipino.” Muhi added.

(Since 1904, from the time we were named Manila Business School until we became the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, we have continuously been a source of knowledge and success for the Filipino people.)

As he highlighted the past and present victories that the University has attained, the PUP President is aware of the ever-changing future, remaining optimistic that the Sintang Paaralan will continue to prosper: “ang PUP, tayo ay hindi dapat magpapahuli sa pagbibigay ng makabuluhang tugon hinggil dito sa hamon na ito”.

(In PUP, we must not fall behind in providing meaningful responses to this challenge)

Above all else, Muhi expressed his utmost thanks to the entire PUP community for their loyalty, care, and love for the Sintang Paaralan. Without them, he said, the University will cease to exist.

“Maraming salamat sa inyong sipag, dedikasyon, at pagmamahal sa Pamantasan. Ang inyong walang-sawang suporta ang nagbibigay lakas sa PUP upang patuloy na harapin ang mga hamon ng panahon at matagumpay sa bawat pagkakataon. Lahat ng ito ay ating ginawa hindi para sa pansariling interes lamang, ito po ay ginagawa natin sa ngalan ng public service,” he stated.

(Thank you very much for your hard work, dedication, and love for the University. Your unwavering support is what empowers PUP to continuously face the challenges of the times and succeed at every opportunity. We have done all this not for personal interests alone, but in the name of public service.)

The President then invited everyone to actively participate in the activities and occasions in store for this month in observance of the University’s founding anniversary.

As part of the 120th anniversary celebration, the PUP Campus Ministry, led by Fr. Stephen Mifsud presided over an Ecumenical Thanksgiving Mass as a means of reflection for the blessings that the University received over the past 12 decades. It was a way to express gratitude, and to reaffirm its service to the Filipino people.

Meanwhile, the University Center for Culture and the Arts (UCCA) held the traditional Cultural Night. Presentation included performances from student organizations such as PUP Bagong Himig Serenata, Harana String Company, Polysound Band, and students and faculty from the College of Human Kinetics (CHK).

“Ito ang magbibigay ingay. Ito ang magbibigay halaga sa October 1 bilang period of celebration. Itong Cultural Night natin, tatampok ang distinct PUP identity, our heritage as a distinct academic institution,” shared by UCCA Director Bely R. Ygot.

(This will bring attention. This will give significance to October 1 as a period of celebration. Our Cultural Night showcases the unique PUP identity, our heritage as a distinguished academic institution.)

Celebrations will mark the whole month of October, with several more endeavors slated towards the end of the year.

_{[Note: All English translations are generated from ChatGPT 3.5/4]}