UP fulfills updated motto with charitable effort in Butuan

c/o UP

It was a few days ago that the University of the Philippines updated its school motto, adding Service to the current values of Honor and Excellence.

School President Atty. Angelo Jimenez said when he made the announcement, "Honor and Excellence has long been the motto of our beloved University. But let us not forget the root of our very existence- that is, to serve. That is why we should always remember to live by our new motto 'Honor and Excellence in the Service of the Nation'. It's our reason for being."

And when the UP men's basketball team made the trip to Butuan City this past weekend, it provided for an opportunity to highlight these updated values.

The team was part of the turnover ceremony of television sets, school supplies, machineries, and other items that are set to benefit the students and teachers of the Mahayhay Elementary School and the nearby communities.

Said activity was an initiative of Jimenez, who has roots from the Manobo tribe in the city, and his office, as well as the UP Fighting Maroons in partnership with the UP Alumni Association, the One Meralco Foundation, More Power, and Chooks-to-Go, whose boss Ronald Mascarinas also has roots in Butuan.

In addition, the squad also participated in a tree-planting activity nearby.

When asked about the activities, Butuan native JD Cagulangan says, "Syempre nakakataba ng puso and natutuwa kami na nakatulong kami sa kanila, kahit sa maliit na paraan lang ba. Nagpapasalamat kami kay President Jijil  na ininvolve niya ang team dito. Sana hindi ito ang last time na makasama kami sa ganitong projects n'ya."

Invited for the city's Balangay Festival, the Maroons faced off in an exhibition against the University of San Carlos at the Fr. Saturnino Urios University Gym, with the UAAP side besting their CESAFI counterpart, 90-49.