On May 14, 2024, University of the Philippines President Atty. Angelo “Jijil” Jimenez introduced a new motto for the university, adding “Service” to the existing values of “Honor and Excellence.”
The updated motto, “Honor and Excellence in the Service of the Nation,” underscores the university’s commitment to serving the community.
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“Honor and Excellence has long been the motto of our beloved University. But let us not forget the root of our very existence – that is, to serve,” said President Jimenez, born with roots in the Manobo Tribe in Butuan City.
“That is why we should always remember to live by our new motto ‘Honor and Excellence in the Service of the Nation.’ It’s our reason for being.”
The UP Men’s Basketball Team exemplified this new motto during their visit to Butuan City on May 18 and 19.
Spearheaded by President Jimenez and the Office of the University President, the UP Fighting Maroons – along with the UP Alumni Association, One Meralco Foundation, More Power, and Chooks-to-Go – donated television sets, school supplies, and machinery to Mahayahay Elementary School and the surrounding community.
“Syempre nakakataba ng puso and natutuwa kami na nakatulong kami sa kanila, kahit sa maliit na paraan lang ba. Nagpapasalamat kami kay President Jijil na ininvolve niya ang team dito. Sana hindi ito ang last time na makasama kami sa ganitong projects n’ya,” said Butuan City native JD Cagulangan.
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Following the donation, the Fighting Maroons participated in a tree-planting activity in the community.
The team then faced Cebu’s University of San Carlos Warriors in an invitational game held at the Fr. Saturnino Urios University Gym as part of Butuan City’s Balangay Festival 2024.
The UP Fighting Maroons triumphed over the CESAFI 2023 bronze medalists with a decisive 90-49 victory, marking a memorable homecoming game for Cagulangan.
