Bahay ng Pahinungód reopens during the Oblation Corps’ 31st founding anniversary
The UPLB Ugnayan ng Pahinungód reopened the Bahay ng Pahinungód to the public on February 28, 2025, as part of the office’s 31st founding anniversary celebration.
The Bahay ng Pahinungód was constructed in 1999 and scheduled for renovation in 2020. After a rigorous designing, funding, and bidding process, renovation finally commenced in February 2024.
UPLB officials led by Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Pahinungód System Office personnel led by its OIC-Director Ervina Espina, Pahinungód Visayas Director Jerry Leonida, Grace Aguiling-Dalisay, former Pahinungod System director, current and former Pahinungód staff and directors, UPLB Pahinungód personnel and volunteers led by Director Jose Limbay Lahi O. Espaldon, and guests celebrated the building’s reopening with a program.
In his opening message, Chancellor Camacho mentioned Director Espaldon’s perseverance in making the building’s renovation possible.
“If we are really dedicated and committed to provide that innately inspiring working environment, then it is just proper that we give them this environment where they can interact, ideas would flourish, and further hone their skills in volunteerism,” Chancellor Camacho added.
OIC-Director Espina congratulated the UPLB Pahinungód on the historic milestone in a message highlighting the vital role of Pahinungód in the growth of its communities and the volunteers who serve.
“Public service is at the core of being at UP. Bakit tayo pumupunta sa kanayunan? Kasi nandoon ang mga tao, kailangan nila tayo at kailangan din natin sila. It is [also] about us learning about the dynamics of the communities and sharing our skills [to them]. Sabi nga nila, service is sacrifice.”
(Public service is at the core of being at UP. Why do we go to far-flung areas? Because the people are there, they need us, and we need them. It is [also] about us learning about the dynamics of the communities and sharing our skills [with them]. As they say, service is sacrifice.)
In her inspirational message, former Pahinungod System Director Aguiling-Dalisay mentioned the significance of the Bahay ng Pahinungód to the office.
“Hindi lang na mayroong gusali ang Pahinungód, sabi nga ito ay bahay na inuuwian ng mga taong nagkakaisa ng damdamin at diwa sa paglilingkod na boluntaryo.”
(Not only does Pahinungód have a building, but also a house that people who share the same passion for voluntary service can go home to.)
The Ugnayan ng Pahinungód is the official volunteer service program of the University of the Philippines, which serves as a values formation program for UP constituents and a public service delivery program for the underserved sectors. (Kurt Ivan S. Angeles)
