The UPLB Ugnayan ng Pahinungód celebrated its 30th founding anniversary as the official volunteer service program of the University of the Philippines through various activities and projects.

Ugnayan ng Pahinungód was formally founded systemwide on February 28, 1994, during the term of former UP President Emil Q. Javier, to address the view that UP had lost its soul. Since then, Pahinungód has been above and beyond in holding activities for its stakeholders and partner communities.

Throughout the month, UPLB Pahinungód conducted activities intended for UPLB constituents and partner communities. 

Volunteer activities

As part of the Volunteer Development Program of the office, the UPLB Pahinungód held an assembly for its volunteers on February 12 to present the programs and volunteer opportunities for the current semester. The assembly was also a platform for socialization among volunteers and staff, where they shared quick stories and life updates. A total of 44 students, alumni, faculty, and staff volunteers attended the assembly.

Aside from the assembly, UPLB Pahinungód also conducted an online orientation via virtual conferencing with 60 attendees and a face-to-face orientation at the CAS Annex 2 MPH 1 with 74 attendees on February 19. 

Special orientations were held afterward to cater to those who could not attend the orientation but wished to be Pahinungód volunteers. 

Assistance to UPLB constituents

Assisting UPLB offices, student organizations, and academic programs is also part of UPLB Pahinungód’s programs and projects. 

The Department of Community and Environmental Resource Planning of the College of Human Ecology partnered with Pahinungód to conduct a team-building activity on February 7, one of the pre-deployment activities of human ecology students who will undergo their practicum.

Pahinungód is also one with the university in supporting UPLB employees to pursue professional development. In preparation for the March 2023 Civil Service Examination, the All UP Academic Employees Union Los Baños partnered with the Human Resource Development Office and UPLB Pahinungód for a week-long review session on February 19-23 to prepare 41 UPLB employees for the exam. 

Assistance to partner institutions/communities through educational enhancement programs

UPLB Pahinungód offers an educational enhancement program that aims to supplement formal school instructions through tutorial sessions for underserved students.

On February 22, the UPLB Pahinungód volunteers took part in the rapid assessment of selected Grades 4-6 pupils of Maahas Elementary School for the Reading Enhancement and Appreciation Development (READ), a project of the office and one of the components of the DepEd-UPLB Nurturing Opportunities for the Next Generation (DUNONG) Program Towards Ending Learning Poverty in the Philippines. 

After the rapid assessment, UPLB and DepEd CALABARZON signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the launching of the DUNONG Program in Laguna.

Bahay ng Pahinungód

The Bahay ng Pahinungód (BNP), the headquarters of the UPLB Ugnayan ng Pahinungód, has been home to many volunteers since 1997. After 27 years, the BNP will finally have a refreshed look and a reinvigorated environment as the renovation of the building officially commenced on February 9. 

Considered the highlight of the month, the staff, volunteers, and stakeholders alike are eager and excited as the revamped office will future-proof UPLB Pahinungód’s commitment to public service through volunteerism. (Melanie C. Ilang-Ilang and Kurt Ivan S. Angeles)