Students, faculty, staff, and other campus community members gathered to honor the occasion of a flag-raising ceremony that celebrated national pride and the values that unite the campus. The ceremony, originally slated for the campus rotunda, was successfully held in the gymnasium today due to intermittent weather conditions.
The College of Human Kinetics, the host college, focused on the theme of resilience in their "Thought of the Month" initiative. Professor Camacam reminded everyone to cultivate a culture of resilience on campus, pointing out that there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow even in the face of adversity.
CEO Rumpon also emphasized the importance of nationalism and patriotism in his address. According to him, these serve as a timely reminder of the importance of civic engagement and collective responsibility in shaping a united and thriving nation.
He further drew connections between the historic "Bagong Lipunan" hymn, composed during the regime of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., and the newly popular "Bagong Pilipinas" hymn associated with the current administration under Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
He recounted how the "Bagong Lipunan" hymn served as a rallying cry during a tumultuous period in Philippine history, aiming to inspire hope and a sense of collective responsibility among citizens. "It is essential to remember our past and the ideals encapsulated in 'Bagong Lipunan' as we embrace the new vision presented in 'Bagong Pilipinas,'" he stated.
A comprehensive perspective on resilience was likewise amplified as a reminder that well-being is interconnected and requires attention to all aspects of oneself. According to CEO Rumpon, “To be truly resilient, we must nurture our bodies, nourish our souls, and uplift our spirits.”
The ceremony featured performances that added a touch to the proceedings. While the rain may have altered the location, it did not dampen the enthusiasm of those present.