I. Setting
Considered as one of the best educational institutions not only here in the
Philippines, but also in Asia, the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) is the home
of the greatest and brightest people of our country. It is still the Philippines’ top
university, moving four places from its previous ranking from no. 67 (2013) to no. 63
(2014) in the Asia’s top 300 universities. Why is the University of the Philippines Diliman
very popular and is considered as the country’s best university? It is not really a hard
question to answer. World rankings of universities will tell you why. However, we are
here to find out if the university has some recreational activities and facilities to offer to
their students for relaxation after stressful schoolwork. We all know that it is hard to
study in UPD and not all can have the opportunity to pass their entrance exam and even
become as a UPD graduate. The students would definitely experience a lot of stresses
and having a place and activities to unwind and relax for a while could definitely help
them physically, mentally, and emotionally.
1.1 Historical Background
The University of the Philippines was established in 1908 by Act No. 1870 of the
Philippine Legislature to “give advanced instruction in literature, philosophy, the
sciences and arts, and to give professional and technical training to every qualified
student regardless of age, sex, nationality, religious belief and political affiliation.” Three
colleges initially comprised UP: the College of Fine Arts, College of Liberal Arts and the
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College of Medicine and Surgery, all located along Padre Faura and R. Hidalgo streets in
the City of Manila. Another academic unit, the School of Agriculture, was established in
Los Baños, Laguna. The succeeding years saw the creation of additional academic units
in both Manila and Los Baños. As the student population continued to increase, from 67
in 1908 to 7,849 in 1928, the need for UP to create more buildings and academic units
became more apparent. The expansion would be hampered in the small location in
Manila, thus, in 1939, the Board of Regents acquired a 493-hectare land in Diliman,
Quezon City. Construction began in the same year but the development of the area was
stalled by World War II, with invading Japanese troops occupying some of the buildings
built.
By 1942, the university was forced to close down some of its colleges, with only the
Colleges of Medicine, Engineering, and Pharmacy maintaining their operations. When
the war ended in 1945, the buildings in Diliman intended to be the homes of the College
of Law and the College of Liberal Arts were left with extensive damages. The university
administration led by UP President Bienvenido Gonzales sought a P13 million-grant from
the US-Philippines War Damage Commission to restore the damaged facilities and to
construct new ones to enable the transfer of the university from Manila to Diliman.
1949 – 1983
It was amidst the rural surroundings of Diliman that UP's 40th anniversary
celebration was held in Feb. 1949, highlighted by the transfer of the Oblation from UP
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Manila on Feb. 12. On that day, a motorcade made its way from Padre Faura all the way
to the cogon-strewn expanse in Quezon City marking the university's transfer from its
original site to its new campus. The new campus would see the construction of buildings
for the university's expansion as it fulfilled its role as educator to the nation.
Administrative functions of the whole university were already relocated to the new
campus, and the governance of UP's regional units in Manila, Los Baños, Baguio and
Cebu were also located in Diliman. The first college to operate in Diliman in 1949 was
the Conservatory of Music. It was also in 1949 that general commencement exercises
were first held at the Sunken Garden.
A map of Diliman campus made in 1949 showed the areas designated for future
construction with the map recording its expansion projects. Soon after, the Diliman
landscape was dotted with new buildings – the University Library, the College of
Engineering, the Women's Residence (now Kamia Residence Hall), the Conservatory of
Music (now College of Music), the Administration Building, and the President's
Residence (now Executive House). Meanwhile, the rest of the colleges and
administrative offices had to make do with temporary shelters made of sawali and
galvanized iron.
The following decade saw the establishment of new institutes, UP's response to the
demand for more specialized fields of study the same time that it was reformulating its
approaches to tertiary education.
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1984 – 2000
In April 23, 1985, UPD was formally declared a constituent university (CU). UPD
also kept with the information-driven culture all over the globe. Installation of a fiber-
optic network linking the various colleges in the campus, or Diliman Network (DilNet),
began in the mid-1990s during the term of Chancellor Roger D. Posadas and continued
under the term of succeeding Chancellor Claro T. Llaguno. The DilNet serves as UP's
gateway to the global network of the Internet. The campus also welcomed fledgling
technology companies in its technology park.
Tasked to spearhead the development of programs to use Filipino in undergraduate
instruction, research and extension activities was the Sentro ng Wikang Filipino created
in March 1990 during UP President Jose V. Abueva’s administration. It was also to
oversee the implementation of the UP Language Policy and to coordinate the efforts of
academic units in developing teaching and research materials in Filipino. It was also in
1990 that the University Center for Women’s Studies (CWS) – the first such center in a
Philippine university – was established as a concrete step toward a more gender-
sensitive society.
In 1995, the Materials Science and Engineering Center was established in UPD to help
accelerate the development and technological capabilities in advanced materials such as
polymers, semiconductors, superconductors, ceramics, alloys and others. To promote
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engineering, UP President Emil Q. Javier initiated the establishment of the National
Graduate School of Engineering in 1997. (source: www.upd.edu.ph/)
The new millennium
Much has changed in UP over the past 100 years. From one campus in Manila, it
now has 7 constituent universities in 15 campuses all over the country; it has 258
undergraduate programs; and 438 graduate programs with students from almost every
region in the country.
On April 29, 2008, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed the new UP Charter
or Republic Act 9500. The new charter hopes to prepare UP for the challenges it will
face as the country’s leading university in the coming years. Efforts for the enactment of
a new UP Charter could go back to the term of UP President Edgardo Angara and further
studied during the term of UP President Jose Abueva. Armed with the new charter the
university prepares itself for the challenges of the 21st century. With this preparation
comes the strengthening of the different units of UP.
From the education of ordinary Filipinos under Americans at the time of UP
President Murray Bartlett to its journey onto another century under the stewardship of
President Alfredo E. Pascual, the university has produced 30 out of 31 National
Scientists; 34 out of 57 National Artists; 7 out of the 14 Presidents of the Republic; 12
Chief Justices of the Supreme Court; 15,000 doctors; 8,000 lawyers; 15, 000 engineers;
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23, 000 teachers and hundreds of thousands of graduates in other academic fields. The
UP has more than served its purpose well and has been of faithful service to the nation.
(source: www.up.edu.ph/)
1.2 Mission and Vision Statement
The UP Diliman doesn’t have a university-wide mission and vision statement,
though each college has its own. The newly elect Chancellor usually provides their own
mission and vision for UP Diliman. Dr. Micheal Lim Tan, the present UP Diliman
Chancellor, in his vision paper for UP Diliman entitled “Pride of Place, Boldness of Spirit”,
stated that he envisions UP Diliman “in terms of safe, nurturing, shared, connected and
sustainable spaces. I envision UP Diliman moving toward honor and excellence in those
spaces, rooted in the past while looking to the future with boldness, guided by
transdisciplinary tools of navigation. Finally, I envision a UP in terms of a shared culture
of academic citizenship built on collegiality, a sense of justice and fairness, and ethics. “
1.3 Best Practices Implemented
As the country’s top university, UP Diliman implemented the following best
practices and rules inside the campus:
1. Specific lanes for jogging, brisk walking, and biking around the Oval. Once you
get to UPD, you can see the yellow lines around the Oval. This is specifically for
those fitness enthusiasts, either UP or non-UP community, who would like to jog
and bike around the campus.
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2. Carless Oval scheme on Sundays. UP Diliman encourages everyone to appreciate
the natural scene of the campus by biking, jogging, strolling or even having a
picnic. The Oval is closed for all vehicles during Sundays as to enjoy the said
activities.
3. Most active students’ organizations. New buildings and centers in the campus?
Talk-of-the-town activities and fairs? National protests and rallies? As one of the
students we interviewed in UP said that most of the happenings in the University
are because of the students’ organizations.
4. Promotes academic freedom. UP students and faculty has been exercising their
right to academic freedom unlike other colleges and universities. The UP
administration did not restrict them as faculties and students can freely
communicate their ideas to controversial matters, participate in rallies and
protests, and such. This is to instill to the UP community the sense of nationalism
in their hearts.
5. No smoking and drinking of alcoholic beverages inside the campus. Even an open
university, they restrict everyone to bring alcoholic beverages in the campus.
Smoking is also prohibited.
1.4 Precautionary Measures
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The University has taken the following precautionary measures as to prevent
unwanted circumstances in the campus:
1. The College of Engineering holds the annual earthquake and fire drills.
2. Last 2009, they had postponed the opening of the classes as a precautionary
measure against the A(H1N1) virus.
3. The have their own UP DIliman Police station inside the campus located in front
of the College of Architecture.
4. Vehicles must have the UP sticker before entering and accessing the campus.
Though the main gate in the University Avenue is open for all vehicles.
1.5 How to get there
The source for directions are from the UP Diliman website in the “How to get to UP
Diliman” tab.
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BY VEHICLE
From the South
Via C-5
Coming from C-5, go straight in the direction of Diliman. After crossing Kalayaan
Avenue, Makati, take the bridge past the elevated U-turn. Go further ahead and take
the flyover that crosses Ortigas Avenue. This flyover is just past Tiendesitas, which is on
the left side. Go straight ahead. Take the Libis flyover and then take the tunnel, which is
on the left side. You are now along Katipunan Avenue. Drive along and take the
Katipunan flyover. Upon getting off the flyover, you will see Ateneo de Manila University
to your right. Go straight ahead and turn left at the traffic light just past Miriam College
and before the UP Town Center into C.P. Garcia Avenue. Drive along the avenue and
turn right at the end. You are now along the University Avenue.
Via EDSA
Drive North and turn right at East Avenue away from the GMA 7 compound. Go straight
to the end and turn right to the Elliptical Road. It goes around the Quezon City
Memorial Circle. Turn right at Commonwealth Avenue. Turn right at the fork in the
road to enter University Avenue.
From Lagro-Fairview Area
If you are coming from Fairview, go straight along Commonwealth Avenue until you
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reach the Elliptical Road. When allowed, you can make a U-turn at Philcoa to go to the
campus. If it is not allowed, you have to turn right and drive around the Quezon
Memorial Circle to go back to Commonwealth Avenue. Turn right at the fork in the road
to enter University Avenue.
From the Caloocan area
Take North Avenue. Go straight until you reach the Elliptical Road. It goes around the
Quezon City Memorial Circle. There are street signs along the Elliptical Road. Turn right
at Commonwealth Avenue. Turn right at the fork in the road to enter University
Avenue.
From the Manila Area
Take Quezon Avenue. Go straight until you reach the Elliptical Road. It goes around the
Quezon City Memorial Circle. There are street signs along the Elliptical Road. Turn right
at Commonwealth Avenue. Turn right at the fork in the road to enter University
Avenue.
From the East (Marikina, Rizal)
Take Aurora Boulevard and turn right into Katipunan Avenue. You will see Ateneo de
Manila University to your right. Go straight ahead and turn left at the traffic light just
past Miriam College and before the UP Town Center into C.P. Garcia Avenue. Drive
along the avenue and turn right at the end into the University Avenue.
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BY COMMUTE
Via Commonwealth
Take any PUV that can drop you off at Philcoa at the Petron station, before the jeep
turns right to Elliptical Road. From here you can either (1) take the UP-Philcoa jeep
which will go back inside UPD or (2) cross the overpass and ride either: UP-Philcoa, UP-
SM North or UP-Pantranco jeeps picking up passengers in the area. The jeeps will enter
the University Avenue and into the heart of the campus.
Via Katipunan
For commuters coming from the East (Marikina, Rizal), the jeepney terminal beneath
the Katipunan flyover at the corner of Katipunan Avenue and Aurora Boulevard is your
starting point. If you are coming from the LRT-2 Katipunan Station, take the North Exit
on the same side as St. Bridget, opposite PSBA (Philippine School of Business
Administration). Walk towards the jeepney terminal under the Katipunan flyover.
There are two queues calling UP at the terminal. Make sure you ride the one that goes
inside the campus (the jeep line closer to Ministop). The other jeep line (farther from
Ministop) goes to Tandang Sora and will not go inside the campus. To be sure, ask the
dispatcher before boarding. The UP-Katipunan jeep makes a left and enters UP Diliman
through the gate opposite MWSS (Manila Water). Upon entry to UP, you'll see the GT-
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Toyota Building on the left.
Via North Avenue
SM North EDSA has a terminal dedicated to the UP-SM North jeep. It’s underneath the
SM Sky Garden, labeled “UP Campus.” The jeep will go directly inside the campus.
Via Quezon Avenue
Go to the UP-MRT/Pantranco jeepney queue at Centris right next to the Northbound
Exit of MRT Quezon Avenue Station.
There is quite a number of jeepney queues there, including a taxi bay. Moreover, the
queues are unlabelled, so make sure you’re on the right one by verifying with the
dispatcher. The jeep will go directly inside the campus.
II. Facilities
2.1 Supply Analysis
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Total Number of the University’s Recreational Facilities and Activities
Volleyball court 4
Basketball court 10
Tennis court 4
Swimming pool 3
Religious chapel 2
Museum 8
Food Establishments 30
Garden 4
Parks 4
Shopping Center 1
Student Organizations 256
Events and fairs 35
University-wide Recreational facilities and activities
Facilities
Volleyball court 2 Museum 8
Basketball court 3 Garden 1
Tennis court 2 Parks 2
Swimming pool 1 Shopping Center 1
Religious chapel 2
Organizations
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Academic Cluster 122 Sorority 13
Sports and Recreation 12 Political 15
Special Interest 24 Alliance 7
Religious 21 Cause-oriented 22
Fraternity 20
Events and Fairs
Events 3
2.2 Facilities and Activities
Academic Oval/Acacia Lane - The Academic
Oval, with a perimeter of 2.2 kilometers, is
the elliptical road on campus marked by the
various academic and administrative
buildings. The Oval is made legendary by 270
acacia trees that form a lush canopy around
it. It is also a convenient route for the Lantern Parade during the Christmas Season. To
keep the campus as a haven for nature lovers, the Oval goes carless on Sundays, from 6
in the morning until 10 in the evening.
Sunken Garden - or the General del Pilar
Parade Grounds, is the wide, level, grass-
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covered expanse located behind Gonzalez Hall. To its north lies Malcolm Hall, to its
south Benitez Hall, and to its east the Vinzons Hall. It is called “Sunken” because the
place is basically a basin-shaped low level formation that has, at its deepest point, is 65
meters above sea level. It was a popular venue for outdoor activities such as football
matches, Philippine indigenous games such as sipa and patintero, frisbee and kite-flying.
It is also where the University Student Council stages its yearly UP Fair, a 5-night concert
in February as part of Diliman Month.
Tennis Courts - Located beside the Engineering building & also near the shopping mall.
Fees are charged by ball pickers for services rendered.
University gymnasium - It has two basketball courts, two dance areas, four volleyball
and nine badminton courts. It also has facilities for table tennis, weight lifting, judo-
karate-wrestling and dressing rooms and lockers.
University Hotel Gym
CHK Gym
Swimming Pool - Olympic size pool with shower and locker facilities, adjacent to the
University Arcade.
Billiard and Bowling Facilities - Eight(8) lanes of duckpin bowling and Six(6) billard
tables housed in the UPAA Recreation Hall.
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Diliman Shopping Center (SC) - Includes the
cooperative store and various commercial
establishments. The UP shopping center
provides basic needs for students, faculties
and employees such as fastfood, computer
shops, RTWs, tailoring, barber shop, hair
saloon, typing jobs, bookbinding, photocopy, a bayad center and western union.
UP Vargas Museum - Vargas Museum houses
the collection of art, stamps and coins, library,
personal papers and memorabilia of to Mr.
Jorge B. Vargas which he bequeathed to the
University in March 1, 1978.
Other Museums inside the campus
Art Circle Gallery - first floor Bahay ng Alumni
Gregorio Garza Lim Museum and Research Center
UP Anthropology Museum - 3rd Flr, Palma Hall
Coral Museum - Marine Science Institute
Herbarium Museum - Institute of Biology
Ismael Bernal Film Gallery - UP Film Institute
Museum of Musical Instruments - College of Music
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UP Film Institute - Film Institute is located on Magsaysay Ave. It has four sections
undertaking different functions: Film Archives, Cineamanthque, Research and
Information; Production and Training; and Management Services. The UP film Institute
houses the Cine Adarna and the Ishamael Bernal Gallery.
Food Establishments inside the campus
Inside Academic Oval
Beach House Canteen at the
back of UP Main Library
Long Island Pasta and Pizza,
kiosk beside UP Main Lib (left
side)
North of Academic Oval
Alumni Cafe and Restaurant
Alumni Center - specialties:
snacks
Alumni Hostel Canteen
Art Circles Trigo: Breads and
Deli (1st Floor, Right Wing,
Bahay ng Alumni)
Chocolate Kiss (2nd
Floor, Ang Bahay ng
Alumni & 1st Floor, Right
Wing, Ang Bahay ng Alumni)-
specialties: pasta, cake
Ate Dang's
Herbs Cafeteria inside
Molave Residence Hall
ROC (1st Floor, Left Wing,
Bahay ng Alumni)
Lutong Bahay in Area 2 -
popular among students on a
budget
Lutong Kapitbahay in Area 2 -
- popular among students on
a budget
Iskomai
Mashitta Korean-Japanese
Food inside the UP Shopping
Center
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Mcdok's
Rodic's - specialty: *silog
UP Coop Canteen
North East of Academic Oval
Balay Kalinaw
Khas Persian Food (inside the
University Arcade beside the
Swimming Pool)
Tinapay
East of Academic Oval
University Food Service at
Vinzon's Hall
School of Economics Canteen
Southeast of Academic Oval
Tea Room at the College of
Home Economics (also
with Figaro coffee shop)
South of Academic Oval
CASAA - specialty: fast food
Katag - Kainan at Tagpuan -
basement of Faculty Center
Museum Cafe at the Vargas
Museum
NISMED canteen
Institute of Mathematics
Canteen
West of Academic Oval
Tree House (beside ISSI)
Wi-Fi Hotspots
UP Main Library - free to people
with UP Webmail Account
UP Computer Center Lobby
UP College of Education
UP College of Engineering
UP College of Arts and
Letters Atrium
Kalayaan Residence Hall Lobby
Kamia Residence Hall Lobby
Cordillera Coffee at the School of
Economics
School of Economics Library
School of Economics Lobby
Ipil Residence Hall Lobby
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Internet Cafes
CSSP Computer Lab
UP College of Education Multimedia Lab
Isko (Vinzons Hall)
Various Internet Shops are also located at the Shopping Center and in the Krus
Na Ligas area.
Events
Oblation run
o UP lantern parad
UP Fair Oblation Run
UP Lantern Parade
University Students’ Organizations - The Office of Student Activities of the university
classifies the organizations into 11 clusters: Academic, Alliance, Cause-oriented,
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Community service, Dormitory association, Fraternity, Regional/provincial, Religious,
Sorority, Special interest, and Sports and recreation.
The notable organizations
The Philippine Collegian - official student publication in UP Diliman.
The University of the Philippines Madrigal Singers - also known as
the Philippine Madrigal Singers, 2007 grand prize winner at the European
Grand Prix for Choral Singing.
The University Student Council - the university's freely-elected student
council.
2.3 Rates
There are fees in using and visiting the facilties of the campus, such as museum,
billiards and bowling. Fees would amount to not more than 100 pesos. Swimming pools,
basketball courts and other sport centers are free of use to students however they must
write a reservation before using the facilities.
2.4 Motivation of the travelers to visit the destination
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University Philippines Diliman is the biggest campus in terms of number of
students with a number of 24, 000 students and is the physical seat of the UP System
Administration. The campus occupies 493 hectares of land in Quezon offering 152
undergraduate courses and 224 graduate courses. The university has also 256
university-based student organizations categorized as academic, alliance cause-
oriented, community service, dormitory association, fraternity, regional/provincial,
religious, special interest, sorority, sports and recreation. Examples of most recognized
events in the university are Lantern Parade celebrated during December and UP Fair on
February. It’s not only an educational institution but also serves as a destination for
recreation.
Significant facilities used inside the campus include the following: Academic
Oval/ Sunken Garden, track and field oval, tennis courts, University gymnasium,
swimming pool, Diliman shopping center, UP Vargas museum and the Lagoon. For
outsiders, most of them visit the campus during weekends and holidays. During
Sundays, many families gather inside the campus to celebrate mass, exercise and picnic.
The wonderful environment inside the campus gives the visitors a chance to unwind
during weekends with friends and families through the use of the campus’ facilities. As
for visitors, the Sunken Garden serves as a place for relaxation and exercise. Sport
activities that can be done inside the sunken garden such as football and frisbee can be
an activity for healthy living through exercise. People also chill out during the afternoons
when the sun isn’t scorching hot. Friends and families also have picnics under the trees.
Besides from picnics, visitors also dine in the available food stalls and street food inside
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the campus. Examples of the well-known food inside the campus are: Rodic’s tapsilog
and Mang Larry’s Isaw.
The academic oval outside the sunken garden also serves as a jogging and biking
area wherein people get to relieve themselves from stress through exercise. The oval is
also most populated during weekends and holidays where many groups such as friends
and families get to exercise within the shade of the naturally majestic acacia trees
landscaped within the oval.
Students of University of the Philippines Diliman make use of recreation through
organizations and the facilities and amenities offered to them by the university inside
the campus. The facilities and amenities in the campus serve as areas wherein they can
relax, relieve stress, unwind, exercise and enjoy. Most of the students make use of them
to regain a healthy physical, emotional, spiritual and social lifestyle from the heavy
school work. The students are also part of organizations. The organizations serve as
extra-curricular activities of students wherein they can engage themselves and enhance
relationships with different people from their college and other colleges within their
university. A number of organizations in the university arrange fairs and events in the
campus. These events serve as occasions wherein people gather for a purpose to
celebrate and for entertainment. These events bring people with the same interests and
goals together. These enable the participants to meet new people and engage in new
discoveries within the activities.
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The primary motivation of people in the campus, visitors and students, is their
drive for a healthy physical, spiritual, emotional and social lifestyle through activities
they engage with the community and the people through the use of student
organizations and the use of facilities and amenities available inside the campus.
2.5 Average number of guests (peak/lean season)
As of Aug 2014 the University’s population is already at 23,757 students and
2,192 faculty members based on their website (http://upd.edu.ph/facts.html) but that
does not include the outsiders who visits the campus every day. Since the University
Oval is a famous place for jogging and biking during the weekdays, there is a moderate
influx of guest. However during weekends or holidays, the group observed that there is
a high influx of guest who wants to jog, bike, and walk and sometimes have picnic inside
the campus. All year round there is students and guest inside the campus but when
there are university wide events definitely expect a larger number of guest inside the
campus.
2.6 Benefits of engaging on the activities offered in the destination
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The activities offered in the destination are educational and recreational. Both
activities can be experienced by visitors and students inside University of the Philippines
Diliman. Educational activities include academic, alliance, cause-oriented, community
service, fraternity, regional/provincial, religious, sorority, special interest, sports and
recreation. Recreational activities include the use of the natural environment and
facilities for exercise, wellness and sports.
Educational activities inside the campus can be beneficial for the growth of the
scholastic and learning aspect of the participants. Organizations that focus on culture,
art, music, science, math, etc. motivate and encourage participants to cultivate their
ideas on the different events and activities the people participate in. Most participants
are students enrolled in the university. These activities could also build and inspire
themselves in their field of interest. These learning that the participants accumulate
could be beneficial for their present and future plans for their own self, their families,
and their community and for the nation. These also benefit the students when they
engage with their organization members and build a community within themselves.
Recreational activities inside the campus focus on wellness, sports and
recreation. Sports activities such as martial arts, mountaineering, swimming, football,
basketball, etc. can develop and enhance the skills and abilities of the students. These
activities done by the organization is beneficial for every individual and as a group since
it can be where each can share their own personal talents and capabilities in the sport.
As a sport, these can develop discipline, hard work, motivation to their mental and
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emotional growth. These activities also require physical exercise which can be very
beneficial to the health of the participants. These activities as an exercise reduces the
chances of health issues and can boost their immune system from possible diseases.
These sports could also enhance and develop their balance, flexibility, critical thinking
and technique to a specific sport.
The activities, educational and recreational, in general refresh the minds and
bodies of the students and visitors. These renew their own physical, mental, emotional
and spiritual health. Through the activities available in the university, participants give
positive energy to their own body through exercise of the mind and body that could
influence the community through living a healthy and well balanced lifestyle.
2.7 How did you know about the destination?
The group knew about University of the Philippines Diliman through word of
mouth. Some of the members of the group’s family members are also alumni of the
University. The University has been the number 1 university in the country and is also
well known throughout the world through the achievements and the contribution of the
University to the nation. It is known as the University which ‘shapes the minds of the
students that shape the nation’.
' The groups’ idea of the University was generated from friends, parents and
relatives. As high school students, the members of the group aspired to be a part of the
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University since it was the top performing and influential university in the country. It
was also from the suggestions of friends, families and relatives of the group’s members
that encouraged and gave the idea of the possibility of college education in the
University. It is also without question the priority of the group’s members since the
University excels in many aspects educationally and socially. It was also known for the
community that develops relationships within the organization that does activities for
the benefit of the people.
The group knew about the events, organizations, facilities and amenities of the
university through social media, flyers, posters and brochures. With the development of
social media nowadays, some members of the group have been able to participate in
the events held in the campus.
2.8 Marketing Techniques
Given the fact that the destination, University of the Philippines Diliman, is an
established institution, the need of a marketing strategy may be minimal. The brand
itself is strength to the university and it is usually the top priority of every student’s
choice of education. The quality of education it provides and its role in the community
and the nation has since been consistent. It has been experienced by the group that it
has the largest number of examinees for college examinations.
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University of the Philippines Diliman is not just all about academics and sports.
Every year the university has several events such as the well-known UP Fair and Lantern
Festival wherein they showcase different talented artists and at the same time help
organizations raise money for the benefit of their community. When people outside the
university gather inside the campus to enjoy, they also become a part in the fulfillment
of the university’s advocacies. One way or another that is a way of promoting and
marketing the university by means of events and fairs. Student organizations make use
recruitment of incoming freshmen during the start of semesters to build up their
organization population and as well recruit students that have possible potential for
their organization.
III. SWOT Analysis
With our two-day ocular tour in the campus, the group had interviewed some of
the students of UP Diliman which had helped in examining the strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities and threats of the University. The following are:
STRENGTHS
Positive image brand
Ever since, the University of the Philippines Diliman is considered as the number
1 university in our country and it also considered as one of the best universities in
Asia. They have good reputation and that is why people have big respect for the
university and its students, especially its notable alumni/alumnae.
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Has a large space for big events, gatherings, concerts, tournaments, and other
recreational activities.
The best example for this is their Sunken Garden. The UP Sunken Garden is
always busy in the afternoons as Ultimate Frisbee, soccer and sports teams play until
dusk or until the light holds out. Picnic-goers also favor the Sunken Garden and the
Lagoon where they go to lounge and enjoy being surrounded by trees. This specific
place is a perfect place to get together with friends and have a good time at the
same time enjoy the beauty of nature.
They ensure the safety of its joggers and bikers
The Academic Oval is a popular destination for runners, joggers, and bikers as
the bike lane provides a safe path for those who engage in these activities and
separates the vehicles roaming around the campus.
They have an activity that is very uncommon for universities, like bird watching
One activity that is increasingly becoming more popular within the campus is
bird watching. UPD is home to a host of species of endemic and migratory birds, all
of which can be seen by the patient observer. Members of the Wild Bird Club of the
Philippines (WBCP) regularly organize tours for which people can sign up to watch
for the colorful and elusive birds found within the campus.
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They hold the greatest annual student fair.
They have the UP fair and Free Fall. These are not an ordinary concert with lots
of great local bands here in the Philippines but also it encourages to people to be
involved in different advocacies. Also the proceeds of this event goes to the building
funds of science libraries under PSYSC Science Library Project which will be built in a
Gawad Kalinga Site in Tandang Sora and in a remote island community in Sitio
Ronggot, Laguna. It's a concert for a cause.
They have a program specifically focusing on recreation.
The UP CHK Community Recreation Program, it is a university-wide program by
the College of Human Kinetics every summer which focuses on providing
recreational activities for all UP Students. It is a good thing to have this kind of
program because it promotes healthy lifestyle.
Availability of internet Wi-Fi access on every building
Technological advancements like this are very helpful for the people. Having an
access to the internet is like having an access to the world. This is a big help
especially for its students because it is a very handy and quick way to lots of
information (for research).
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They have a good and very informative official website
(http://www.upd.edu.ph)
Their official website is full of information. You can find there everything that you
have to know about UP Diliman. It is in here that you can see what UP Diliman has in
terms of educational facilities, recreational facilities, etc.
Affordability of fees in using the facilities of the university
Affordability of tuition fee and availability of financial aid programs for
students (scholarships)
Encourage involvement of students on the University’s recreational activities
Partnerships and support with local government units and agencies
The University of the Philippines Diliman has many notable alumni/alumnae
which could definitely help to sustain their positive image and reputation.
On the average, UPD has 24,000 students enrolled in 152 undergraduate and
224 graduate course
That is quite a good number and that signifies the trust of the people to enroll in
such a good university.
They have dormitories and accommodations inside the campus
Dormitories and accommodations are of a big help for the students who lives far
from the university. It would be very convenient for them because they will now be
near to the UPD and it would definitely lessen their travel time on going to their
classes every day.
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If the dormitory’s name is a name of a flower, it is a dormitory only for women. If
its name is a name of a tree, it is a dormitory only for men.
There are 198 university-based student organizations categorized as: academic,
alliance, cause-oriented, community service, dormitory association, fraternity,
regional/provincial, religious, special interest, sorority, and sports and
recreation. In addition, UPD has 100 college-based student organizations on
campus.
These organizations play a vital role in the enhancement of the academic,
leadership development and social well-being of students in Diliman.
They have a policy for the maintenance of the environment like Carless
Sunday.
It is a policy wherein they close the Oval for cars. It is very helpful for the
environment because it helps to lessen the carbon emission in the atmosphere.
They ensure quiet and peaceful atmosphere inside the university
Noisy tricycles, motorcycles, jeepneys, and cars are not allowed to enter the
campus.
WEAKNESSES
The whole lot area of the University of the Philippines Diliman is way too big
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for the campus guards to safeguard completely.
Because of its lot area which is too big, it is very hard for the campus guards to
completely ensure the campus’ safety and security. It will be so hard for them to do
the surveillance and to take a quick action right away if there is a crime that might
happen inside the campus.
The number of different fraternities inside the campus, which is sometimes
resulting to fraternity wars/fights.
It has a very big impact not just for the students or staffs, but also for the
recreational facilities of the campus itself because fraternity wars/fights could lead
to physical violence like throwing of pillbox, rocks, etc. on both parties which could
might harm the students, staffs, and recreational facilities of the campus.
Not so strict in terms of security check in their entrance gates.
They are very open to the public to the point that they do not strictly inspect the
belongings of the people who come inside the university (ex. further inspection on
the trunk of the car).
Poor lighting on some roads inside the campus.
It has a negative effect to the students, staffs, and basically all the people who
are walking inside the campus. Since the university is so open to the public and non-
UP students/staffs can enter the campus’ premises easily, there could be a snatcher
who could be in these poor lit roads and it could harm the people in the university.
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Some of their recreational facilities are not up-to-date anymore and they failed
to maintain it properly which results to their facilities as not being very much
presentable. (ex. UP Shopping Center)
This results to their facilities not being very appealing to make use of by the
students.
Vandalism
UP students are very expressive with regards to their views and opinions,
especially when it comes to our country’s political issues. Some walls in UP are
painted with creative murals, however, there are some walls that are painted with
illegal vandals with no message at all (like names of gangs). It has a negative effect to
the university’s image.
It might be difficult to join in a student organization
If a student wants to join an organization, he/she will go through lots of
challenges and tests before he/she can get accepted.
Some of their policies are not really strictly implemented, like their Non-
smoking policy
They have this policy which could make their students avoid smoking cigarettes.
The idea is really good, but unfortunately, we’ve seen many cigarette butts inside
the campus. It is a conclusion that this policy is not being followed strictly and there
are still people that smoke inside a non-smoking campus.
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There’s not enough parking spaces throughout the campus
OPPORTUNITIES
100 million pesos donated by Toyota for the construction of the GT Toyota
center
Inside that is an Asian museum and auditorium building, so after long day of
study student can go here and see what is inside the museum and learn and relax.
5 million pesos donated by Toyota for traffic safety model zone project
For the safety of the student who has car and safety also for the commuters.
There are Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) lines/routes. (ex: Trinoma/SM North to
UP Ikot, etc.)
This could be a very convenient way for its students to travel inside the campus
especially those who don't have private cars/bikes/motorcycles. It could also reduce
carbon emmission because it is considered as carpooling wherein many passengers
are in one vehicle.
Those people in the entertainment industry who choose UP Diliman as their
location for a photo/video shoot (ex. Shooting of a music video)
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This could be an opportunity because this is like a free advertisement on the
university's part. Since photo/video shoots are commonly published or broadcasted
publicly, the viewers could see the beauty of the landscape and looks of the campus,
which could entice them to visit the university.
QS World University Rankings ranked the University of the Philippines Diliman
as the 63rd best university all over Asia for 2014.
QS World University Rankings are annual university rankings published by British
Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). This ranking is known internationally even in other
continents and it is an honor that the University of the Philippines belonged to Asia's
top 100 universities. It is a very effective tool that could definitely attracts students
to enroll in the University of the Philippines Diliman.
THREATS
Vulnerability of the campus to the unlawful acts done by visitors and non-
students entering the university.
Heavy-traffic jam in EDSA and Katipunan area
Economic declines and inflation could have an effect to students of the
university
Inflation could have a big effect to the students because not all students/families
have a good financial capacity. Poverty is getting worse in our country and it could
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make some of the students who do not have so much money to pay for their
studies.
Chance of natural calamities that could cause power outages and damages in
the university’s facilities such as classrooms, student dormitories, employee
housing, campus landscape, etc.
We do not know when this could happen. It could happen anytime and
anywhere. The University of the Philippines Diliman is definitely not exempted from
this. If this could happen, it would definitely destroy what the university have, or
even worst, death of its people.
Possibility of economic downfall which can cause the national government to
have budget cuts to the university.
As what just became a big issue, the government cut the budget allotted for
education. This enraged not just the UP students, but also the other public
educational institutions in the Philippines. If this could happen, it would be a big
problem not just for the University of the Philippines, but also to the whole
education system of the Philippines.
Competitors such as other universities in Metro Manila that have better
educational facilities could affect the students' preferences and possibilities to
come to the university
- This could be a threat because of course if other universities have more up-to-
date educational facilities and it could be very convenient for its students, then
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they might enroll and choose that university over UPD.
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