I. Setting

Considered as one of the best educational institutions not only here in the

Philippines, but also in Asia, the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) is the home

of the greatest and brightest people of our country. It is still the Philippines’ top

university, moving four places from its previous ranking from no. 67 (2013) to no. 63

(2014) in the Asia’s top 300 universities. Why is the University of the Philippines Diliman

very popular and is considered as the country’s best university? It is not really a hard

question to answer. World rankings of universities will tell you why. However, we are

here to find out if the university has some recreational activities and facilities to offer to

their students for relaxation after stressful schoolwork. We all know that it is hard to

study in UPD and not all can have the opportunity to pass their entrance exam and even

become as a UPD graduate. The students would definitely experience a lot of stresses

and having a place and activities to unwind and relax for a while could definitely help

them physically, mentally, and emotionally.

1.1 Historical Background

The University of the Philippines was established in 1908 by Act No. 1870 of the

Philippine Legislature to “give advanced instruction in literature, philosophy, the

sciences and arts, and to give professional and technical training to every qualified

student regardless of age, sex, nationality, religious belief and political affiliation.” Three

colleges initially comprised UP: the College of Fine Arts, College of Liberal Arts and the

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College of Medicine and Surgery, all located along Padre Faura and R. Hidalgo streets in

the City of Manila. Another academic unit, the School of Agriculture, was established in

Los Baños, Laguna. The succeeding years saw the creation of additional academic units

in both Manila and Los Baños. As the student population continued to increase, from 67

in 1908 to 7,849 in 1928, the need for UP to create more buildings and academic units

became more apparent. The expansion would be hampered in the small location in

Manila, thus, in 1939, the Board of Regents acquired a 493-hectare land in Diliman,

Quezon City. Construction began in the same year but the development of the area was

stalled by World War II, with invading Japanese troops occupying some of the buildings

built.

By 1942, the university was forced to close down some of its colleges, with only the

Colleges of Medicine, Engineering, and Pharmacy maintaining their operations. When

the war ended in 1945, the buildings in Diliman intended to be the homes of the College

of Law and the College of Liberal Arts were left with extensive damages. The university

administration led by UP President Bienvenido Gonzales sought a P13 million-grant from

the US-Philippines War Damage Commission to restore the damaged facilities and to

construct new ones to enable the transfer of the university from Manila to Diliman.

1949 – 1983

It was amidst the rural surroundings of Diliman that UP's 40th anniversary

celebration was held in Feb. 1949, highlighted by the transfer of the Oblation from UP

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Manila on Feb. 12. On that day, a motorcade made its way from Padre Faura all the way

to the cogon-strewn expanse in Quezon City marking the university's transfer from its

original site to its new campus. The new campus would see the construction of buildings

for the university's expansion as it fulfilled its role as educator to the nation.

Administrative functions of the whole university were already relocated to the new

campus, and the governance of UP's regional units in Manila, Los Baños, Baguio and

Cebu were also located in Diliman. The first college to operate in Diliman in 1949 was

the Conservatory of Music. It was also in 1949 that general commencement exercises

were first held at the Sunken Garden.

A map of Diliman campus made in 1949 showed the areas designated for future

construction with the map recording its expansion projects. Soon after, the Diliman

landscape was dotted with new buildings – the University Library, the College of

Engineering, the Women's Residence (now Kamia Residence Hall), the Conservatory of

Music (now College of Music), the Administration Building, and the President's

Residence (now Executive House). Meanwhile, the rest of the colleges and

administrative offices had to make do with temporary shelters made of sawali and

galvanized iron.

The following decade saw the establishment of new institutes, UP's response to the

demand for more specialized fields of study the same time that it was reformulating its

approaches to tertiary education.

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1984 – 2000

In April 23, 1985, UPD was formally declared a constituent university (CU). UPD

also kept with the information-driven culture all over the globe. Installation of a fiber-

optic network linking the various colleges in the campus, or Diliman Network (DilNet),

began in the mid-1990s during the term of Chancellor Roger D. Posadas and continued

under the term of succeeding Chancellor Claro T. Llaguno. The DilNet serves as UP's

gateway to the global network of the Internet. The campus also welcomed fledgling

technology companies in its technology park.

Tasked to spearhead the development of programs to use Filipino in undergraduate

instruction, research and extension activities was the Sentro ng Wikang Filipino created

in March 1990 during UP President Jose V. Abueva’s administration. It was also to

oversee the implementation of the UP Language Policy and to coordinate the efforts of

academic units in developing teaching and research materials in Filipino. It was also in

1990 that the University Center for Women’s Studies (CWS) – the first such center in a

Philippine university – was established as a concrete step toward a more gender-

sensitive society.

In 1995, the Materials Science and Engineering Center was established in UPD to help

accelerate the development and technological capabilities in advanced materials such as

polymers, semiconductors, superconductors, ceramics, alloys and others. To promote

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engineering, UP President Emil Q. Javier initiated the establishment of the National

Graduate School of Engineering in 1997. (source: www.upd.edu.ph/)

The new millennium

Much has changed in UP over the past 100 years. From one campus in Manila, it

now has 7 constituent universities in 15 campuses all over the country; it has 258

undergraduate programs; and 438 graduate programs with students from almost every

region in the country.

On April 29, 2008, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed the new UP Charter

or Republic Act 9500. The new charter hopes to prepare UP for the challenges it will

face as the country’s leading university in the coming years. Efforts for the enactment of

a new UP Charter could go back to the term of UP President Edgardo Angara and further

studied during the term of UP President Jose Abueva. Armed with the new charter the

university prepares itself for the challenges of the 21st century. With this preparation

comes the strengthening of the different units of UP.

From the education of ordinary Filipinos under Americans at the time of UP

President Murray Bartlett to its journey onto another century under the stewardship of

President Alfredo E. Pascual, the university has produced 30 out of 31 National

Scientists; 34 out of 57 National Artists; 7 out of the 14 Presidents of the Republic; 12

Chief Justices of the Supreme Court; 15,000 doctors; 8,000 lawyers; 15, 000 engineers;

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23, 000 teachers and hundreds of thousands of graduates in other academic fields. The

UP has more than served its purpose well and has been of faithful service to the nation.

(source: www.up.edu.ph/)

1.2 Mission and Vision Statement

The UP Diliman doesn’t have a university-wide mission and vision statement,

though each college has its own. The newly elect Chancellor usually provides their own

mission and vision for UP Diliman. Dr. Micheal Lim Tan, the present UP Diliman

Chancellor, in his vision paper for UP Diliman entitled “Pride of Place, Boldness of Spirit”,

stated that he envisions UP Diliman “in terms of safe, nurturing, shared, connected and

sustainable spaces. I envision UP Diliman moving toward honor and excellence in those

spaces, rooted in the past while looking to the future with boldness, guided by

transdisciplinary tools of navigation. Finally, I envision a UP in terms of a shared culture

of academic citizenship built on collegiality, a sense of justice and fairness, and ethics. “

1.3 Best Practices Implemented

As the country’s top university, UP Diliman implemented the following best

practices and rules inside the campus:

1. Specific lanes for jogging, brisk walking, and biking around the Oval. Once you

get to UPD, you can see the yellow lines around the Oval. This is specifically for

those fitness enthusiasts, either UP or non-UP community, who would like to jog

and bike around the campus.

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2. Carless Oval scheme on Sundays. UP Diliman encourages everyone to appreciate

the natural scene of the campus by biking, jogging, strolling or even having a

picnic. The Oval is closed for all vehicles during Sundays as to enjoy the said

activities.

3. Most active students’ organizations. New buildings and centers in the campus?

Talk-of-the-town activities and fairs? National protests and rallies? As one of the

students we interviewed in UP said that most of the happenings in the University

are because of the students’ organizations.

4. Promotes academic freedom. UP students and faculty has been exercising their

right to academic freedom unlike other colleges and universities. The UP

administration did not restrict them as faculties and students can freely

communicate their ideas to controversial matters, participate in rallies and

protests, and such. This is to instill to the UP community the sense of nationalism

in their hearts.

5. No smoking and drinking of alcoholic beverages inside the campus. Even an open

university, they restrict everyone to bring alcoholic beverages in the campus.

Smoking is also prohibited.

1.4 Precautionary Measures

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The University has taken the following precautionary measures as to prevent

unwanted circumstances in the campus:

1. The College of Engineering holds the annual earthquake and fire drills.

2. Last 2009, they had postponed the opening of the classes as a precautionary

measure against the A(H1N1) virus.

3. The have their own UP DIliman Police station inside the campus located in front

of the College of Architecture.

4. Vehicles must have the UP sticker before entering and accessing the campus.

Though the main gate in the University Avenue is open for all vehicles.

1.5 How to get there

The source for directions are from the UP Diliman website in the “How to get to UP

Diliman” tab.

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BY VEHICLE

From the South

Via C-5

Coming from C-5, go straight in the direction of Diliman. After crossing Kalayaan

Avenue, Makati, take the bridge past the elevated U-turn. Go further ahead and take

the flyover that crosses Ortigas Avenue. This flyover is just past Tiendesitas, which is on

the left side. Go straight ahead. Take the Libis flyover and then take the tunnel, which is

on the left side. You are now along Katipunan Avenue. Drive along and take the

Katipunan flyover. Upon getting off the flyover, you will see Ateneo de Manila University

to your right. Go straight ahead and turn left at the traffic light just past Miriam College

and before the UP Town Center into C.P. Garcia Avenue. Drive along the avenue and

turn right at the end. You are now along the University Avenue.

Via EDSA

Drive North and turn right at East Avenue away from the GMA 7 compound. Go straight

to the end and turn right to the Elliptical Road. It goes around the Quezon City

Memorial Circle. Turn right at Commonwealth Avenue. Turn right at the fork in the

road to enter University Avenue.

From Lagro-Fairview Area

If you are coming from Fairview, go straight along Commonwealth Avenue until you

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reach the Elliptical Road. When allowed, you can make a U-turn at Philcoa to go to the

campus. If it is not allowed, you have to turn right and drive around the Quezon

Memorial Circle to go back to Commonwealth Avenue. Turn right at the fork in the road

to enter University Avenue.

From the Caloocan area

Take North Avenue. Go straight until you reach the Elliptical Road. It goes around the

Quezon City Memorial Circle. There are street signs along the Elliptical Road. Turn right

at Commonwealth Avenue. Turn right at the fork in the road to enter University

Avenue.

From the Manila Area

Take Quezon Avenue. Go straight until you reach the Elliptical Road. It goes around the

Quezon City Memorial Circle. There are street signs along the Elliptical Road. Turn right

at Commonwealth Avenue. Turn right at the fork in the road to enter University

Avenue.

From the East (Marikina, Rizal)

Take Aurora Boulevard and turn right into Katipunan Avenue. You will see Ateneo de

Manila University to your right. Go straight ahead and turn left at the traffic light just

past Miriam College and before the UP Town Center into C.P. Garcia Avenue. Drive

along the avenue and turn right at the end into the University Avenue.

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BY COMMUTE

Via Commonwealth

Take any PUV that can drop you off at Philcoa at the Petron station, before the jeep

turns right to Elliptical Road. From here you can either (1) take the UP-Philcoa jeep

which will go back inside UPD or (2) cross the overpass and ride either: UP-Philcoa, UP-

SM North or UP-Pantranco jeeps picking up passengers in the area. The jeeps will enter

the University Avenue and into the heart of the campus.

Via Katipunan

For commuters coming from the East (Marikina, Rizal), the jeepney terminal beneath

the Katipunan flyover at the corner of Katipunan Avenue and Aurora Boulevard is your

starting point. If you are coming from the LRT-2 Katipunan Station, take the North Exit

on the same side as St. Bridget, opposite PSBA (Philippine School of Business

Administration). Walk towards the jeepney terminal under the Katipunan flyover.

There are two queues calling UP at the terminal. Make sure you ride the one that goes

inside the campus (the jeep line closer to Ministop). The other jeep line (farther from

Ministop) goes to Tandang Sora and will not go inside the campus. To be sure, ask the

dispatcher before boarding. The UP-Katipunan jeep makes a left and enters UP Diliman

through the gate opposite MWSS (Manila Water). Upon entry to UP, you'll see the GT-

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Toyota Building on the left.

Via North Avenue

SM North EDSA has a terminal dedicated to the UP-SM North jeep. It’s underneath the

SM Sky Garden, labeled “UP Campus.” The jeep will go directly inside the campus.

Via Quezon Avenue

Go to the UP-MRT/Pantranco jeepney queue at Centris right next to the Northbound

Exit of MRT Quezon Avenue Station.

There is quite a number of jeepney queues there, including a taxi bay. Moreover, the

queues are unlabelled, so make sure you’re on the right one by verifying with the

dispatcher. The jeep will go directly inside the campus.

II. Facilities

2.1 Supply Analysis

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Total Number of the University’s Recreational Facilities and Activities

Volleyball court 4

Basketball court 10

Tennis court 4

Swimming pool 3

Religious chapel 2

Museum 8

Food Establishments 30

Garden 4

Parks 4

Shopping Center 1

Student Organizations 256

Events and fairs 35

University-wide Recreational facilities and activities

Facilities

Volleyball court 2 Museum 8

Basketball court 3 Garden 1

Tennis court 2 Parks 2

Swimming pool 1 Shopping Center 1

Religious chapel 2

Organizations

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Academic Cluster 122 Sorority 13

Sports and Recreation 12 Political 15

Special Interest 24 Alliance 7

Religious 21 Cause-oriented 22

Fraternity 20

Events and Fairs

Events 3

2.2 Facilities and Activities

Academic Oval/Acacia Lane - The Academic

Oval, with a perimeter of 2.2 kilometers, is

the elliptical road on campus marked by the

various academic and administrative

buildings. The Oval is made legendary by 270

acacia trees that form a lush canopy around

it. It is also a convenient route for the Lantern Parade during the Christmas Season. To

keep the campus as a haven for nature lovers, the Oval goes carless on Sundays, from 6

in the morning until 10 in the evening.

Sunken Garden - or the General del Pilar

Parade Grounds, is the wide, level, grass-

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covered expanse located behind Gonzalez Hall. To its north lies Malcolm Hall, to its

south Benitez Hall, and to its east the Vinzons Hall. It is called “Sunken” because the

place is basically a basin-shaped low level formation that has, at its deepest point, is 65

meters above sea level. It was a popular venue for outdoor activities such as football

matches, Philippine indigenous games such as sipa and patintero, frisbee and kite-flying.

It is also where the University Student Council stages its yearly UP Fair, a 5-night concert

in February as part of Diliman Month.

Tennis Courts - Located beside the Engineering building & also near the shopping mall.

Fees are charged by ball pickers for services rendered.

University gymnasium - It has two basketball courts, two dance areas, four volleyball

and nine badminton courts. It also has facilities for table tennis, weight lifting, judo-

karate-wrestling and dressing rooms and lockers.

University Hotel Gym

CHK Gym

Swimming Pool - Olympic size pool with shower and locker facilities, adjacent to the

University Arcade.

Billiard and Bowling Facilities - Eight(8) lanes of duckpin bowling and Six(6) billard

tables housed in the UPAA Recreation Hall.

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Diliman Shopping Center (SC) - Includes the

cooperative store and various commercial

establishments. The UP shopping center

provides basic needs for students, faculties

and employees such as fastfood, computer

shops, RTWs, tailoring, barber shop, hair

saloon, typing jobs, bookbinding, photocopy, a bayad center and western union.

UP Vargas Museum - Vargas Museum houses

the collection of art, stamps and coins, library,

personal papers and memorabilia of to Mr.

Jorge B. Vargas which he bequeathed to the

University in March 1, 1978.

Other Museums inside the campus

Art Circle Gallery - first floor Bahay ng Alumni

Gregorio Garza Lim Museum and Research Center

UP Anthropology Museum - 3rd Flr, Palma Hall

Coral Museum - Marine Science Institute

Herbarium Museum - Institute of Biology

Ismael Bernal Film Gallery - UP Film Institute

Museum of Musical Instruments - College of Music

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UP Film Institute - Film Institute is located on Magsaysay Ave. It has four sections

undertaking different functions: Film Archives, Cineamanthque, Research and

Information; Production and Training; and Management Services. The UP film Institute

houses the Cine Adarna and the Ishamael Bernal Gallery.

Food Establishments inside the campus

Inside Academic Oval

Beach House Canteen at the

back of UP Main Library

Long Island Pasta and Pizza,

kiosk beside UP Main Lib (left

side)

North of Academic Oval

Alumni Cafe and Restaurant

Alumni Center - specialties:

snacks

Alumni Hostel Canteen

Art Circles Trigo: Breads and

Deli (1st Floor, Right Wing,

Bahay ng Alumni)

Chocolate Kiss (2nd

Floor, Ang Bahay ng

Alumni & 1st Floor, Right

Wing, Ang Bahay ng Alumni)-

specialties: pasta, cake

Ate Dang's

Herbs Cafeteria inside

Molave Residence Hall

ROC (1st Floor, Left Wing,

Bahay ng Alumni)

Lutong Bahay in Area 2 -

popular among students on a

budget

Lutong Kapitbahay in Area 2 -

- popular among students on

a budget

Iskomai

Mashitta Korean-Japanese

Food inside the UP Shopping

Center

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Mcdok's

Rodic's - specialty: *silog

UP Coop Canteen

North East of Academic Oval

Balay Kalinaw

Khas Persian Food (inside the

University Arcade beside the

Swimming Pool)

Tinapay

East of Academic Oval

University Food Service at

Vinzon's Hall

School of Economics Canteen

Southeast of Academic Oval

Tea Room at the College of

Home Economics (also

with Figaro coffee shop)

South of Academic Oval

CASAA - specialty: fast food

Katag - Kainan at Tagpuan -

basement of Faculty Center

Museum Cafe at the Vargas

Museum

NISMED canteen

Institute of Mathematics

Canteen

West of Academic Oval

Tree House (beside ISSI)

Wi-Fi Hotspots

UP Main Library - free to people

with UP Webmail Account

UP Computer Center Lobby

UP College of Education

UP College of Engineering

UP College of Arts and

Letters Atrium

Kalayaan Residence Hall Lobby

Kamia Residence Hall Lobby

Cordillera Coffee at the School of

Economics

School of Economics Library

School of Economics Lobby

Ipil Residence Hall Lobby

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Internet Cafes

CSSP Computer Lab

UP College of Education Multimedia Lab

Isko (Vinzons Hall)

Various Internet Shops are also located at the Shopping Center and in the Krus

Na Ligas area.

Events

Oblation run

o UP lantern parad

UP Fair Oblation Run

UP Lantern Parade

University Students’ Organizations - The Office of Student Activities of the university

classifies the organizations into 11 clusters: Academic, Alliance, Cause-oriented,

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Community service, Dormitory association, Fraternity, Regional/provincial, Religious,

Sorority, Special interest, and Sports and recreation.

The notable organizations

The Philippine Collegian - official student publication in UP Diliman.

The University of the Philippines Madrigal Singers - also known as

the Philippine Madrigal Singers, 2007 grand prize winner at the European

Grand Prix for Choral Singing.

The University Student Council - the university's freely-elected student

council.

2.3 Rates

There are fees in using and visiting the facilties of the campus, such as museum,

billiards and bowling. Fees would amount to not more than 100 pesos. Swimming pools,

basketball courts and other sport centers are free of use to students however they must

write a reservation before using the facilities.

2.4 Motivation of the travelers to visit the destination

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University Philippines Diliman is the biggest campus in terms of number of

students with a number of 24, 000 students and is the physical seat of the UP System

Administration. The campus occupies 493 hectares of land in Quezon offering 152

undergraduate courses and 224 graduate courses. The university has also 256

university-based student organizations categorized as academic, alliance cause-

oriented, community service, dormitory association, fraternity, regional/provincial,

religious, special interest, sorority, sports and recreation. Examples of most recognized

events in the university are Lantern Parade celebrated during December and UP Fair on

February. It’s not only an educational institution but also serves as a destination for

recreation.

Significant facilities used inside the campus include the following: Academic

Oval/ Sunken Garden, track and field oval, tennis courts, University gymnasium,

swimming pool, Diliman shopping center, UP Vargas museum and the Lagoon. For

outsiders, most of them visit the campus during weekends and holidays. During

Sundays, many families gather inside the campus to celebrate mass, exercise and picnic.

The wonderful environment inside the campus gives the visitors a chance to unwind

during weekends with friends and families through the use of the campus’ facilities. As

for visitors, the Sunken Garden serves as a place for relaxation and exercise. Sport

activities that can be done inside the sunken garden such as football and frisbee can be

an activity for healthy living through exercise. People also chill out during the afternoons

when the sun isn’t scorching hot. Friends and families also have picnics under the trees.

Besides from picnics, visitors also dine in the available food stalls and street food inside

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the campus. Examples of the well-known food inside the campus are: Rodic’s tapsilog

and Mang Larry’s Isaw.

The academic oval outside the sunken garden also serves as a jogging and biking

area wherein people get to relieve themselves from stress through exercise. The oval is

also most populated during weekends and holidays where many groups such as friends

and families get to exercise within the shade of the naturally majestic acacia trees

landscaped within the oval.

Students of University of the Philippines Diliman make use of recreation through

organizations and the facilities and amenities offered to them by the university inside

the campus. The facilities and amenities in the campus serve as areas wherein they can

relax, relieve stress, unwind, exercise and enjoy. Most of the students make use of them

to regain a healthy physical, emotional, spiritual and social lifestyle from the heavy

school work. The students are also part of organizations. The organizations serve as

extra-curricular activities of students wherein they can engage themselves and enhance

relationships with different people from their college and other colleges within their

university. A number of organizations in the university arrange fairs and events in the

campus. These events serve as occasions wherein people gather for a purpose to

celebrate and for entertainment. These events bring people with the same interests and

goals together. These enable the participants to meet new people and engage in new

discoveries within the activities.

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The primary motivation of people in the campus, visitors and students, is their

drive for a healthy physical, spiritual, emotional and social lifestyle through activities

they engage with the community and the people through the use of student

organizations and the use of facilities and amenities available inside the campus.

2.5 Average number of guests (peak/lean season)

As of Aug 2014 the University’s population is already at 23,757 students and

2,192 faculty members based on their website (http://upd.edu.ph/facts.html) but that

does not include the outsiders who visits the campus every day. Since the University

Oval is a famous place for jogging and biking during the weekdays, there is a moderate

influx of guest. However during weekends or holidays, the group observed that there is

a high influx of guest who wants to jog, bike, and walk and sometimes have picnic inside

the campus. All year round there is students and guest inside the campus but when

there are university wide events definitely expect a larger number of guest inside the

campus.

2.6 Benefits of engaging on the activities offered in the destination

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The activities offered in the destination are educational and recreational. Both

activities can be experienced by visitors and students inside University of the Philippines

Diliman. Educational activities include academic, alliance, cause-oriented, community

service, fraternity, regional/provincial, religious, sorority, special interest, sports and

recreation. Recreational activities include the use of the natural environment and

facilities for exercise, wellness and sports.

Educational activities inside the campus can be beneficial for the growth of the

scholastic and learning aspect of the participants. Organizations that focus on culture,

art, music, science, math, etc. motivate and encourage participants to cultivate their

ideas on the different events and activities the people participate in. Most participants

are students enrolled in the university. These activities could also build and inspire

themselves in their field of interest. These learning that the participants accumulate

could be beneficial for their present and future plans for their own self, their families,

and their community and for the nation. These also benefit the students when they

engage with their organization members and build a community within themselves.

Recreational activities inside the campus focus on wellness, sports and

recreation. Sports activities such as martial arts, mountaineering, swimming, football,

basketball, etc. can develop and enhance the skills and abilities of the students. These

activities done by the organization is beneficial for every individual and as a group since

it can be where each can share their own personal talents and capabilities in the sport.

As a sport, these can develop discipline, hard work, motivation to their mental and

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emotional growth. These activities also require physical exercise which can be very

beneficial to the health of the participants. These activities as an exercise reduces the

chances of health issues and can boost their immune system from possible diseases.

These sports could also enhance and develop their balance, flexibility, critical thinking

and technique to a specific sport.

The activities, educational and recreational, in general refresh the minds and

bodies of the students and visitors. These renew their own physical, mental, emotional

and spiritual health. Through the activities available in the university, participants give

positive energy to their own body through exercise of the mind and body that could

influence the community through living a healthy and well balanced lifestyle.

2.7 How did you know about the destination?

The group knew about University of the Philippines Diliman through word of

mouth. Some of the members of the group’s family members are also alumni of the

University. The University has been the number 1 university in the country and is also

well known throughout the world through the achievements and the contribution of the

University to the nation. It is known as the University which ‘shapes the minds of the

students that shape the nation’.

' The groups’ idea of the University was generated from friends, parents and

relatives. As high school students, the members of the group aspired to be a part of the

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University since it was the top performing and influential university in the country. It

was also from the suggestions of friends, families and relatives of the group’s members

that encouraged and gave the idea of the possibility of college education in the

University. It is also without question the priority of the group’s members since the

University excels in many aspects educationally and socially. It was also known for the

community that develops relationships within the organization that does activities for

the benefit of the people.

The group knew about the events, organizations, facilities and amenities of the

university through social media, flyers, posters and brochures. With the development of

social media nowadays, some members of the group have been able to participate in

the events held in the campus.

2.8 Marketing Techniques

Given the fact that the destination, University of the Philippines Diliman, is an

established institution, the need of a marketing strategy may be minimal. The brand

itself is strength to the university and it is usually the top priority of every student’s

choice of education. The quality of education it provides and its role in the community

and the nation has since been consistent. It has been experienced by the group that it

has the largest number of examinees for college examinations.

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University of the Philippines Diliman is not just all about academics and sports.

Every year the university has several events such as the well-known UP Fair and Lantern

Festival wherein they showcase different talented artists and at the same time help

organizations raise money for the benefit of their community. When people outside the

university gather inside the campus to enjoy, they also become a part in the fulfillment

of the university’s advocacies. One way or another that is a way of promoting and

marketing the university by means of events and fairs. Student organizations make use

recruitment of incoming freshmen during the start of semesters to build up their

organization population and as well recruit students that have possible potential for

their organization.

III. SWOT Analysis

With our two-day ocular tour in the campus, the group had interviewed some of

the students of UP Diliman which had helped in examining the strengths, weaknesses,

opportunities and threats of the University. The following are:

STRENGTHS

Positive image brand

Ever since, the University of the Philippines Diliman is considered as the number

1 university in our country and it also considered as one of the best universities in

Asia. They have good reputation and that is why people have big respect for the

university and its students, especially its notable alumni/alumnae.

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Has a large space for big events, gatherings, concerts, tournaments, and other

recreational activities.

The best example for this is their Sunken Garden. The UP Sunken Garden is

always busy in the afternoons as Ultimate Frisbee, soccer and sports teams play until

dusk or until the light holds out. Picnic-goers also favor the Sunken Garden and the

Lagoon where they go to lounge and enjoy being surrounded by trees. This specific

place is a perfect place to get together with friends and have a good time at the

same time enjoy the beauty of nature.

They ensure the safety of its joggers and bikers

The Academic Oval is a popular destination for runners, joggers, and bikers as

the bike lane provides a safe path for those who engage in these activities and

separates the vehicles roaming around the campus.

They have an activity that is very uncommon for universities, like bird watching

One activity that is increasingly becoming more popular within the campus is

bird watching. UPD is home to a host of species of endemic and migratory birds, all

of which can be seen by the patient observer. Members of the Wild Bird Club of the

Philippines (WBCP) regularly organize tours for which people can sign up to watch

for the colorful and elusive birds found within the campus.

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They hold the greatest annual student fair.

They have the UP fair and Free Fall. These are not an ordinary concert with lots

of great local bands here in the Philippines but also it encourages to people to be

involved in different advocacies. Also the proceeds of this event goes to the building

funds of science libraries under PSYSC Science Library Project which will be built in a

Gawad Kalinga Site in Tandang Sora and in a remote island community in Sitio

Ronggot, Laguna. It's a concert for a cause.

They have a program specifically focusing on recreation.

The UP CHK Community Recreation Program, it is a university-wide program by

the College of Human Kinetics every summer which focuses on providing

recreational activities for all UP Students. It is a good thing to have this kind of

program because it promotes healthy lifestyle.

Availability of internet Wi-Fi access on every building

Technological advancements like this are very helpful for the people. Having an

access to the internet is like having an access to the world. This is a big help

especially for its students because it is a very handy and quick way to lots of

information (for research).

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They have a good and very informative official website

(http://www.upd.edu.ph)

Their official website is full of information. You can find there everything that you

have to know about UP Diliman. It is in here that you can see what UP Diliman has in

terms of educational facilities, recreational facilities, etc.

Affordability of fees in using the facilities of the university

Affordability of tuition fee and availability of financial aid programs for

students (scholarships)

Encourage involvement of students on the University’s recreational activities

Partnerships and support with local government units and agencies

The University of the Philippines Diliman has many notable alumni/alumnae

which could definitely help to sustain their positive image and reputation.

On the average, UPD has 24,000 students enrolled in 152 undergraduate and

224 graduate course

That is quite a good number and that signifies the trust of the people to enroll in

such a good university.

They have dormitories and accommodations inside the campus

Dormitories and accommodations are of a big help for the students who lives far

from the university. It would be very convenient for them because they will now be

near to the UPD and it would definitely lessen their travel time on going to their

classes every day.

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If the dormitory’s name is a name of a flower, it is a dormitory only for women. If

its name is a name of a tree, it is a dormitory only for men.

There are 198 university-based student organizations categorized as: academic,

alliance, cause-oriented, community service, dormitory association, fraternity,

regional/provincial, religious, special interest, sorority, and sports and

recreation. In addition, UPD has 100 college-based student organizations on

campus.

These organizations play a vital role in the enhancement of the academic,

leadership development and social well-being of students in Diliman.

They have a policy for the maintenance of the environment like Carless

Sunday.

It is a policy wherein they close the Oval for cars. It is very helpful for the

environment because it helps to lessen the carbon emission in the atmosphere.

They ensure quiet and peaceful atmosphere inside the university

Noisy tricycles, motorcycles, jeepneys, and cars are not allowed to enter the

campus.

WEAKNESSES

The whole lot area of the University of the Philippines Diliman is way too big

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for the campus guards to safeguard completely.

Because of its lot area which is too big, it is very hard for the campus guards to

completely ensure the campus’ safety and security. It will be so hard for them to do

the surveillance and to take a quick action right away if there is a crime that might

happen inside the campus.

The number of different fraternities inside the campus, which is sometimes

resulting to fraternity wars/fights.

It has a very big impact not just for the students or staffs, but also for the

recreational facilities of the campus itself because fraternity wars/fights could lead

to physical violence like throwing of pillbox, rocks, etc. on both parties which could

might harm the students, staffs, and recreational facilities of the campus.

Not so strict in terms of security check in their entrance gates.

They are very open to the public to the point that they do not strictly inspect the

belongings of the people who come inside the university (ex. further inspection on

the trunk of the car).

Poor lighting on some roads inside the campus.

It has a negative effect to the students, staffs, and basically all the people who

are walking inside the campus. Since the university is so open to the public and non-

UP students/staffs can enter the campus’ premises easily, there could be a snatcher

who could be in these poor lit roads and it could harm the people in the university.

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Some of their recreational facilities are not up-to-date anymore and they failed

to maintain it properly which results to their facilities as not being very much

presentable. (ex. UP Shopping Center)

This results to their facilities not being very appealing to make use of by the

students.

Vandalism

UP students are very expressive with regards to their views and opinions,

especially when it comes to our country’s political issues. Some walls in UP are

painted with creative murals, however, there are some walls that are painted with

illegal vandals with no message at all (like names of gangs). It has a negative effect to

the university’s image.

It might be difficult to join in a student organization

If a student wants to join an organization, he/she will go through lots of

challenges and tests before he/she can get accepted.

Some of their policies are not really strictly implemented, like their Non-

smoking policy

They have this policy which could make their students avoid smoking cigarettes.

The idea is really good, but unfortunately, we’ve seen many cigarette butts inside

the campus. It is a conclusion that this policy is not being followed strictly and there

are still people that smoke inside a non-smoking campus.

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There’s not enough parking spaces throughout the campus

OPPORTUNITIES

100 million pesos donated by Toyota for the construction of the GT Toyota

center

Inside that is an Asian museum and auditorium building, so after long day of

study student can go here and see what is inside the museum and learn and relax.

5 million pesos donated by Toyota for traffic safety model zone project

For the safety of the student who has car and safety also for the commuters.

There are Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) lines/routes. (ex: Trinoma/SM North to

UP Ikot, etc.)

This could be a very convenient way for its students to travel inside the campus

especially those who don't have private cars/bikes/motorcycles. It could also reduce

carbon emmission because it is considered as carpooling wherein many passengers

are in one vehicle.

Those people in the entertainment industry who choose UP Diliman as their

location for a photo/video shoot (ex. Shooting of a music video)

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This could be an opportunity because this is like a free advertisement on the

university's part. Since photo/video shoots are commonly published or broadcasted

publicly, the viewers could see the beauty of the landscape and looks of the campus,

which could entice them to visit the university.

QS World University Rankings ranked the University of the Philippines Diliman

as the 63rd best university all over Asia for 2014.

QS World University Rankings are annual university rankings published by British

Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). This ranking is known internationally even in other

continents and it is an honor that the University of the Philippines belonged to Asia's

top 100 universities. It is a very effective tool that could definitely attracts students

to enroll in the University of the Philippines Diliman.

THREATS

Vulnerability of the campus to the unlawful acts done by visitors and non-

students entering the university.

Heavy-traffic jam in EDSA and Katipunan area

Economic declines and inflation could have an effect to students of the

university

Inflation could have a big effect to the students because not all students/families

have a good financial capacity. Poverty is getting worse in our country and it could

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make some of the students who do not have so much money to pay for their

studies.

Chance of natural calamities that could cause power outages and damages in

the university’s facilities such as classrooms, student dormitories, employee

housing, campus landscape, etc.

We do not know when this could happen. It could happen anytime and

anywhere. The University of the Philippines Diliman is definitely not exempted from

this. If this could happen, it would definitely destroy what the university have, or

even worst, death of its people.

Possibility of economic downfall which can cause the national government to

have budget cuts to the university.

As what just became a big issue, the government cut the budget allotted for

education. This enraged not just the UP students, but also the other public

educational institutions in the Philippines. If this could happen, it would be a big

problem not just for the University of the Philippines, but also to the whole

education system of the Philippines.

Competitors such as other universities in Metro Manila that have better

educational facilities could affect the students' preferences and possibilities to

come to the university

- This could be a threat because of course if other universities have more up-to-

date educational facilities and it could be very convenient for its students, then

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they might enroll and choose that university over UPD.

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