1. What does it mean to you to be a UPD student?
I have always believed that holistic education (intellectual, spiritual, moral, scientific, societal etc.) is one of the keys to the improvement and betterment of our country. UPD comes close enough in offering that and being here in this prestigious school is both a privilege and a responsibility for me. It is a privilege because I can get the best education that the Philippines could offer. It is a responsibility because I should properly use the knowledge I get to help the development and progress of the nation.
2. How has being a UPD student contributed to your identity and formation?
Being a UPD student has encouraged me to think outside the box and has opened my eyes to the needs of the society. UPD has increased greatly my love for the Philippines and my desire to aid its growth and development. UPD has also shown me the reality of life and has helped me care more about people. Moreover, UPD has helped my faith in God to grow stronger as I am faced with aggressive people who actively insult Christianity on a regular basis.
3. In what way has your identity as a UPD student been relevant to society?
In UPD, my values were strengthened as I have mentioned in the previous number. This strengthening of values has given me the power to act out on my beliefs and in turn, help the society. For example, during the Yolanda tragedy, I helped my father give out building materials to those who had their houses broken (as part of a Church program) when I got back to my province. In this sense, being a UPD student has instilled in me a constant reminder that being in UP is not just something to enjoy. Rather, it is something that carries in itself a responsibility to God, to the country and to the people.
