Living on with the tradition of academic excellence, students from the University of Northeastern Philippines dominated most of the categories in the recently concluded 13th Academic Festival 2008 held at the Naga City Youth Center on October 23 to 25. The event was made possible thru the University of the Philippines’ Harong Organization in partnership with the local government of Naga City.
The Acad Fest was meant to reinforce the tradition of putting quality education on the forefront in the midst of these trying times. It also serves as a strong buttress in the economic turbulence now rocking the country. In his message, UP Harong President Mark Christopher Batac said that the academic festival is also a way of “celebrating Bicol’s indispensable part in honing the youth - the future generation of our nation.”
“Padunungan 2k8”, on the other hand, serves as an avenue in honing the youth to become better and responsible citizens of the country. This regionwide competition for secondary students in the region is annually being held to determine how the youth of today are handling the pressing issues besetting our country. It is also where the UP Ibalon realizes its vision of promulgating better understanding amongst their fellow Bicolanos.
The competition showcased various fields of academic enterprise, showing the rich and sundry talents of the contenders. In the Impromptu Speaking Contest, Patrick Allan Peralta of II-Narra from the University of Northeastern Philippines wowed his audience and won first place in the said category. Peralta also won third place in the Public Speaking contest, belting out his potent voice in his delivery of “Boses kan Jovenes.”
Successful challengers who also brought honor to UNEP were Casey B. Barcela, a 4th Year High School Student, 2nd placer in the Poster Making Contest and Edilyn Monique S. Villareal of III-Vinzons, landing 3rd place in the Essay Writing Contest in Filipino. Darwin G. Perez, Frederick Ian Cary L. Sirios and Celedonio M. Moran IV of IV-Rizal grabbed the 3rd prize in the Quiz Bee contest.
Equally elated member of the High School Performing Arts proudly show off their trophy as they emerge 2nd placer in the UP Padunugan 2k8 Cultural Competition. The group was also adjudged by UP Acadfest 2008 for having the Best Presentation.
Mrs. Virginia M. Aguila, UNEP ACAD Coordinator and coach was also ecstatic over the result of the competition. “Our students have worked hard for this, they have devoted their time in studiously re-inventing their creativity to improve themselves and their craft, and for that they truly deserve this honor.”
“We aim that this event will serve not only as a venue for healthy competition between schools but also as an effective mechanism to instill the values of excellence, social relevance and appreciation for culture”, Batac quipped.
UP Harong is a recognized socio-cultural organization composed of Bicolano students, specifically from the province of Camarines Sur studying or staying in the University of the Philippines-Diliman. The group was formed out of their common desire to contribute to the social and academic development of Camarines Sur by conducting academic activities in schools and universities in the province. UP Harong had been living up to this mission for the past thirteen years.
