The University of the Philippines at 100

(The UP Oblation. Photo grabbed from J. Dalisay's blog).

One hundred years ago today, June 18, 1908, the University of the Philippines (UP) was founded. It was perhaps, and still is, the best gift to a country that has always been hungry for knowledge. From the day of its founding to the present, the UP remains the premier institution of higher learning in the Philippines. It is in fact the flag bearer of Philippine education. Many of the most notable personalities of the country trace their roots to this university, among them are Presidents, scientists, senators, educators, diplomats and national artists. No person can be so proud as not to belong (or want to belong) to this institution that has produced the most eminent intellectuals and public figures.

Yet for all its glories and accomplishments, the UP has also been criticized for having nurtured the most "subversive" of minds and even those considered to be the most corrupt. The founders of the many radical political and social groups have studied here, and many powerful politicians accused of graft and corruption trace their education here as well. Some carry this case to the extreme, arguing that the Philippines would perhaps be better off without the brainy people of this university. After all, if the country is run mostly by the smart ones from the UP, why is it in so miserable a condition?

But think of the Philippines without the UP. For all its faults and deficiences, it is undeniable that this institution has done more than any other in helping the country achieve its goals for a better future. A large chunk of the country's scientific research outputs are from the UP; the most esteemed and influential scholarly journals and publications are from here as well. All these have helped push the Philippine agenda for development in more ways than one.

Perhaps it is worth noting that it is the UP alumni themselves who are the most critical of the university. This is not surprising given its strong tradition of intellectual freedom. The UP is a university that respects and adheres to the philosophy of diversity of opinions. In fact, it is known that when you pose a question in class, you get a hundred different opinions and arguments in return. Such dynamism is undoubtedly proof of the university's strong intellectual base, and this will surely continue to be its bedrock of strength in the next 100 years.

UP, ang galing mo!