When Dr. Emil Q. Javier assumed the presidency of the University of the Philippines on Aug. 3, 1993, he aimed to imbue the U. P. with his vision by putting the University in the service of the nation. Not that U. P. faculty, students and alumni have failed to serve the Filipino nation, but they have often done so in their individual capacity or in small groups that made short-term impact. The perception was that U. P. students and alumni were more concerned with their occupations and professions, and that their social consciousness-- which had set U. P. apart from other educational institutions-- apparently was at an ebb. To the public at large, the University had seemingly “lost its soul.” On September 5, 1993, a concept paper was presented to the U. P. President and two days later, a President’s Committee on Volunteer Service was constituted. By December 18, the Committee had the cooperation and input of some 80 administrators, staff, REPs, faculty and students. The idea of the Pahinungód spread, readily embraced, often with remarks about coming into being “only now.” Despite this heartwarming support, however, it was still with a little trepidation that the Ugnayan ng Pahinungód/Oblation Corps was launched as the volunteer service program of the University, on February 28, 1994. Three hundred who enthusiastically signed up that day and this has grown to more than 6,000 volunteers since then. U. P. has definitely not lost its soul!

 

Pahinungód, originally a Cebuano term, is the closest Filipino equivalent to “Oblation.” Oblation has been closely associated with U. P. since the monument with that name, symbolizing the offering of our youth to the nation, graces all U. P. campuses.