Hemmady S. Mora, News, University Center for Culture and the Arts
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines and University of the Philippines Diliman College of Music – Music Education Department have formalized a new academic and cultural partnership which will provide training, talent development, and workshop opportunities for PUP students and performing groups. The first beneficiary of this collaboration is the Harana String Company (HSC) of the University Center for Culture and the Arts (UCCA), which is now undergoing specialized music training leading to a collaborative concert this December.
The partnership was sealed during the Ceremonial Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) held on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services (VPSAS). Present at the signing were VPSAS Tomas Testor, UCCA Director Bely Ygot, UCCA Music Chief Hemmady Mora, UP College of Music proponent Janroni Max, and HSC President Michael Bato. Their presence underscored the joint commitment of UP and PUP to strengthen music education and performance opportunities for students.
As part of the agreement, trainings on conducting and instrumentation for HSC are currently being led by Janroni Max, a music education student from the UP College of Music, under the guidance of his adviser, Prof. Jesher Edrei Perez. The ongoing workshop series is designed to sharpen the ensemble’s technical skills, deepen their musical interpretation, and prepare them for a full-length collaborative concert.
These efforts will culminate in a production titled “Once Upon A Spell: Maestros in the Making,” set to be staged on December 13 at PUP Bulwagang Balagtas. The concert will showcase the growth of the Harana String Company under the mentorship program and highlight the shared musical aspirations of UP and PUP. The entire PUP community is invited to attend; admission is free.
Beyond the concert, the partnership advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, which calls for inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, which emphasizes strong collaborations across institutions to achieve sustainable development. By linking formal music training, performance opportunities, and institutional collaboration, the UP–PUP partnership positions the arts as a vital pathway for holistic education and community-building within and beyond the university.
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