Submitted by Vox Bikol on
Dubbed as the Home of Global Achievers, the University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) has proven once more that it truly deserves the title when its Padunungan contenders came home all heads up after being declared over-all champion in the recent 2009 Padunungan competition held in Legazpi, Albay on October 26- 28.
The competition was organized by the University of the Philippines- Ibalon which is now on its 28th year of staging the intellectual battle. It aims to holistically develop the youth and empower them thru academic competition that will promote their intellectual capability. UP Ibalon sees this academic endeavor as an "intellectual exercise that promotes youth involvement and social awareness through group discussions, cultural presentations and academic undertakings."
Under the theme " BE LOUD, BE PROUD- advancing our country through Youth Initiative and Active Involvement", this year's competition seeks to develop an active pool of socially responsible young generation who will live up to the aspirations of the UP IBALON.
For the past 34 years, UP Ibalon has been encouraging the youth in its quest for intellectually challenging endeavors. UP Ibalon is the first regional organization in the university composed of young Bicolanos who have a common and noble cause to pursue a united mission of serving our nation. It aims to continually inspire them into becoming useful citizens of the archipelago.
UP Ibalon also aspires "to foster unity and camaraderie , encourage scholastic excellence and leadership in all fields, propagate the Bicol culture and get involved in the promotion of the social, economic, political well being of the students, the university and the nation as a whole."
Seven (7) major categories are at stake : Quiz Bee, Impromptu Speaking Contest, Essay Writing Contest, both in Filipino and in English, On-the-spot Poster Making, On-the-Spot T-shirt printing, Tigsik Writing and Cultural Presentation.
UNEP was declared over-all Champion after garnering the top score in almost all categories. UNEP contenders dominated the Essay Writing Contest, Poster Making Contest and Cultural Competition during the said academic event.
UNEP President Atty. Remelisa Alfelor-Moraleda said that this newest honor is an indication of how their students truly value competitive and challenging endeavors." Their hard work and perseverance really paid off and this feat is a clear substantiation of our student's discipline and determination to bring out the best in them,"
"I would like to congratulate our dear students, for bringing another honor to UNEP. They are truly an epitome of the leaders that we want to produce- globally competitive and responsible individuals that we can really be proud of, " Atty. Moraleda added.
The UNEP Prexy also extended its gratitude to the coaches; Mrs. Virginia M. Aguila, Mr. Joseph Laniog, Mr. Eleuterio De Lima, and Mrs. Editha Martinez for their "unwavering dedication in honing these young minds and preparing them for this competition."
The Padunungan Championship may just be another feather on their cap, but UNEP will see to it that their quest for excellence will continue to inspire other students and produce more and more competitive graduates coming from the HOME of GLOBAL Achievers - the University of Northeastern Philippines .