Pakikipamuhay: An Eye-Opener to Different Community Realities
Has UP lost its soul? The research conducted by Dr. Ma. Luisa Doronila and Dr. Ledevina Cariños entitled “The Meaning of UP Education: A Preliminary Evaluation of Knowledge Management, Attitude and Value Formation in UP Diliman Degree Programs” in 1992 reported that leadership, work ethic and academic excellence (in that order), are the leading values that UP students and faculty members consider as important, holding the social responsibility at the bottom of the list. As a direct and concrete response to the results of the study and the widespread social criticism that UP has lost its social relevance, last Februaary 1994, UP President Dr. Emil Q. Javier established the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod throughout the UP system. Its objective is to extend the students’ responsibility beyond the four corners of the classroom through engagement in volunteer work to the underserved communities. It also encouraged fostering the continuing practice of UP tradition of self-sacrifice, public service and commitment to nation building.
Today, UPLB Ugnayan ng Pahinungod is under the supervision of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. This volunteer service program aspires to perform its role in contributing to the holistic education of UPLB students. It also conducts regular community services, deploying its volunteers to underserved communities. One of its programs is the Immersion-Service Program held annually