Asia/Philippines/Laguna/Los Banos/University of the Philippines Los Banos/UP Isabela Society/

UP Isabela Society

UP Isabela Society (UPIS) is a duly recognized independent varsitarian organization composed of UPLB students who hail in the province of Isabela.

History

The Society was founded on February 20, 1992. It emerged to promote academic excellence, social proficiency, and unconditional service to the people.

Determined to function as agent of change, the Society provides a venue for molding individuals to be aware of their responsibilities toward community development and awaken their desire to render service to the people while upholding academic excellence and well-roundedness. It envisioned a unified, fully-functioning individuals, armored with human values, attitudes and skills, socially aware and proactive in addressing the need of the community they serve.

Because few members were left and recruitment was brought to stand still, the organization was not active then.

Finally, after four years of inactivity, the desire to revive the organization was felt. Students who are mostly from batch 2000 initiated the re-establishment of the society. On January 19, 2001, the UP Isabela Society was refounded. At present there are 20 charter members and 31 resident members.

Living up with the commitment, UP Isabela Society have spearheaded activities inside and outside the University.

Projects/Activities Conducted

The first project in 1995 was the “Kalikasan Para sa Kabataan, Kabataan Para sa Kalikasan” which is composed of a quiz contest, slogan-making contest, poster-making contest and essay writing contest for elementary students.

The second project held in 1996 was the Tree Planting and Billboard posting in the provincial Capitol, Ilagan, Isabela to advocate reforestation.

The Society also partnered with UP Kaisa of UP Baguio and UP Diliman for the 3rd Isabela-Socio Cultural Awareness Week (ISAW) held at Isabela National High School.

The Annual Literary Academic and Musical Contest (ALAM), a one-day activity consisting of poster and slogan making contest, poem and essay writing contest, musical contest, and quiz contest, is also carried out every semestral break. The 1st ALAM (2003) was held in ___; 2nd ALAM (2004) in ___; 3rd ALAM (2005) in Roxas National High School; 4th ALAM (2006) in Doña Aurora National High School; 5th ALAM (2007) at Don Mariano Marcos National High School, Echague, Isabela; 6th ALAM (2008) at Cauyan North Central School, Cauayan, Isabela. The latest was the 7th ALAM conducted last October (2009) at San Mateo Vocational and Industrial School, San Mateo, Isabela.

An annual UPCAT Review for incoming fourth year high school students is also conducted to augment UPCAT passers from the province of Isabela. This is initiated during the summer break of the members. To mark in history, there are already 8 UPCAT Reviews conducted: 1st UPCATR (2002) held in Cauyan City, Isabela; 2nd UPCATR (2003) held in Jones, Isabela; 3rd UPCATR (2004) at Northeastern College, Santiago City, Isabela; 4th UPCATR (2005) held at Isabela National High School, Ilagan, Isabela; 5th UPCATR (2006) held at Doña Aurora National High School, Aurora, Isabela; 6th UPCATR (2007) held at Isabela State University, Echague, Isabela; 7th UPCATR (2008) held at San Mateo East Central School, San Mateo, Isabela. The latest was the 8th UPCATR on May 2009 at Doña Aurora National High School, Aurora, Isabela.

The 1st Golf Tournament was also held to raise fund for the said Review last May 2007. This is in cooperation with the Isabela Golf Club where alumni members of the society are also present.

Moreover, the Society had spearheaded outreach programs at Quinagabian,Sta. Maria, Isabela (2007), Alinguigan, Ilagan, Isabela,(2008) and in Simanu Norte, San Pablo, Isabela (2009) to share some blessings during the Christmas vacation of the members. These are some of the major activities that UPIS manages.

In line to its principles--building camaraderie and boosting one's talents and leadership potentials, UP Isabela Society also conducts Leadership Training Seminars every start of the second semester. This also enables new members to bond with the old members so that in the long run, they would be able to work effectively inside the organization. In addition, UPIS usually invites its alumni to give motivational messages, inspirational and professional anecdotes in relation to the theme of the LTS. Last July 2007, the organization held its LTS at Laiya, Batangas Beach. In 2008 the organization spent the LTS at Lemery Batangas. Last year (2009), the LTS was again held in Laiya, Batangas a high number of participants from the alumni and the resident members.

UPIS, as aforementioned that is active in giving services, promoting academic execellence, etc, showcases its talents in sports and beaty pagent, unity and discipline every first semester by joining PAKUSGANAY-an annual inter varsitarian sports fest in UPLB. At present, UPIS is on its state of defending its championship title. For the record, UPIS has been consistently on top among competing organizations of the said event. To note, 2005-Over all 1st runner up; 2008- 1st runner up; 2009-Over all Champion. Ms Krinzel Pascua and Dr. Venus Alejandro also got the title of Ms. Pakusganay last 2009 and 2005, respectively.

The organization also participates in the celebration of the annual February Fair, a week-long activity of the University Student Council. During this time, the organization do fund raising activities such as selling the Isabela's famous "dinakdakan" to every student organizations in the fair. This is also the time for the UPIS brods to do some Valentine treat for the sisses.

Lastly, during the Anniversary week, the organization carried out activities such as Amazing Race, Cookfest and Fund Raising Activity Contests. These doings seek to craft the members’ creativity and enhance their diverse talents and skills as still part of the personality training the organization gives its members. These teachings on time management and creativity not learned in the four walls of the classroom are great experiences that the members share and learn from each other.