The SURP lantern was built mainly from recycled light diffusers from the 3rd

floor of the SURP Building which is currently being renovated.

The SURP lantern embodies the planning principles the School has continuously advocated. These include the need for sustainable development and planning in consideration of the local environment’s carrying capacity and the well-being of present and future generations. NATURE depicted by the collage of drawings on the lantern embody the worldly elements of earth, water, air, and fire. The flowers nourished by the soil represent ‘earth’; the waves symbolize our planet’s ‘water resources’; the stars that are only seen clearly through an unpolluted atmosphere signify ‘air’; and the candle’s flame represents ‘fire’. Drawn together, the resplendent colors of these elements link NATURE with CHRISTMAS. The children symbolize tomorrow’s Filipinos and our country’s FUTURE. The push cart on which the SURP lantern is mounted is a common sight in Filipino society where meaningful participation in the planning process is advocated by SURP.

SURP’s lantern unites the most important principles the School considers when it plans: the environment, the people, and the future. It is fitting that the University has chosen CHRISTMAS, NATURE, and THE FUTURE as the focal point of this year’s Christmas activities, since these fit well with the classic Christmas themes of sacrifice and putting the well-being of others before our own. It is only by working to protect and rehabilitate NATURE that we can secure the FUTURE of our country and tomorrow’s Filipinos.

Merry Christmas and a Sustainable New Year to All from the School of Urban and Regional Planning!