Almost two years after the launch of the UPLB AGORA, UPLB is adding a new focus area that highlights culture and the arts.

As the newest addition to the UPLB AGORA, “Social Justice and Cultural Flourishing” will focus on human development to ensure a just and fair society that respects the diversity of cultures. It aims to promote a deeper understanding of the self and society to propel people to act ethically and compassionately.

Under this new focus area, UPLB will be deliberate in pursuing thrusts related to using art to raise awareness on social issues and promote diverse cultural expressions.

The new AGORA development thrust will be launched through a special program at 9 a.m. on Feb. 19, 2024, at the Dean Edelwina C. Legaspi Hall (formerly the College of Arts and Sciences Building) in time for National Arts Month. The program will officially present the new AGORA focus area to the public. It will be attended by UPLB’s community of artists, historians, cultural workers, and philosophers, among others.

Following the launching event is a symposium at the CAS Auditorium at 10 a.m., which will revolve around the theme “Social Justice and Cultural Flourishing.” Experts and faculty members from the Department of Humanities and the Department of Social Sciences will lead discussions on culture and history.

Later, at 6 p.m., the UPLB Fringe Festival will commence at the DL Umali Auditorium Steps. The art festival will feature performances and artistic events from UPLB-based and local artists and cultural organizations. It will take place from Feb. 19 to 23.The UPLB AGORA was developed to ensure that the University’s research and extension activities can directly contribute to solving the community’s most pressing and pervasive needs. It was initially launched in March 2022 with four development focus areas: food security and sovereignty, One Health, resilience and sustainability, and future communities and institutions. (Jessa Jael S. Arana)