History of UP Catandungan

After several attempts to form an organization of UP Diliman students from the province of Catanduanes, a group headed by Gabriel Dante Rodulfo finally founded UP Catandungan on June 28, 1995.

The first task for the group was to draft a constitution and by-laws that would set forth the fundamentals to govern the organization and its members. After several days and nights, the group came out with a draft of the first constitution and by-laws. Stated in bold letters are the words academic excellence, social commitment, solidarity, and human resource development. These were the goals that the young organization envisioned to attain, bound by the members’ true interest to serve. Excellence, optimism, equality, and the ideals of the oblation were the principles upon which the organization was founded.

Under the first constitution, the organizational structure considered the General Assembly as the highest policy-making body and the executive officers as the leaders in carrying out its objectives. The Executive Committee was composed of the President, Internal Vice President, External Vice President, Executive Secretary, and the Committee Heads (Academic, Finance, Membership, Publicity, and Socials). The first election was held and Gabriel Dante Rodulfo (1995-1996) was elected as the first president.

In pursuit of its goals, the organization conducted the first Career and Course Orientation at several high schools in the province. Such program started our tradition for which the organization will be recognized in the province. Moreover, the pioneer batch of applicants went through an application process and was inducted as members after passing all the requirements.

A new set of officers was elected and Vladimir Monjardin (1996-1997) assumed the leadership as the second president. During that year, the university formally recognized the organization. All rights and privileges of a recognized organization were enjoyed by UP Catandungan. In order to raise funds to finance planned activities, it sponsored a film showing project at the UP Film Center. The second Career and Course Orientation was also held due to the success of the first one.

Under the presidency of Jose Abichuela, Jr. (1997-1998), the organization sponsored its biggest fund raising project, so far, the Parokya ni Edgar concert in CSC Gymnasium. This was UP Catandungan’s contribution to the celebration of Catandungan Festival.

Jah Atencia (1998-1999) was proclaimed new president or the next term. The second film showing was held at the UP Film Center. The proceeds from the project were used to buy relief goods for family victims of the typhoon that swept the province and consequently cancelled the traditional Career and Course Orientation.

After several deliberations on changing the constitution, the General Assembly elected a constitutional commission (ConCom) that would draft revisions on the constitution. Among the members of the ConCom ere Roselie Tubeo, Jah Atencia, Eric Briones, Jerome Ubalde, Asela Zuniega, Henry Aldave V, and Kareen Tacorda.

The ConCom’s draft went through the close scrutiny of the General Assembly. Debates were made on per line bases. The new constitution, which is more reflective of UP Catandungan’s experiences and realities, was finally ratified after rigorous process. Among the major changes made was the composition of the Executive Committee, which is now composed of the President, Vice President, Executive Secretary, Finance Officer, and the heads of the three Standing Committees (Academics, Externals, Internals).

Under the leadership of Gil Taway IV (1999-2000), the organization hosted the Karawat, a sportsfest participated by six provincial organizations from Bicol. The said activity was established to promote camaraderie among Bicolano students in UP. The organization also sponsored a film showing for the third time.

The term of Roldan Vargas (2000-2001) continued the traditional projects of the organization.

With the leadership of Neil Bryan de Luna (2001-2002), the organization sponsored the Easter Beer Plaza at Virac, the 5^th Career and Course Orientation, and a Christmas party at an orphanage in Virac.

The UP Catandungan pinned another accomplishment, for having conducted the UPCat Summer Review at CSCLHS, under the leadership of Henry Aldave V (2002-2003). The organization also sponsored the first Pauragan which was participated by other UP-based Bicol organizations. Another first, the lantern competition, a province-wide contest was held with the Sangguniang Kabataan and the Office of the Governor as co-presentors. The pioneer issue of Burabod, the official newsletter of the organization was also published.

The term of Vanessa Ann Torno (2003-2004) continued the Annual Career and Course Orientation, sponsored the 2^nd Lantern Competition and the 2^nd Pauragan. Another pioneer project was also launched, the Adopt-a-School project on May, with Calampong Elementary School as the recipient.

Under the leadership of Ma. Arlene Borja (2004-2005), the organization conducted the 3^rd UPCat Summer Review and hosted the Bicol Karawat for the 2^nd time. Another successful endeavour is the affiliation of the organization to the Academics Council for Research and Education (AcadCore) and the participation in the Alternative Classroom Experience (ACLE) in the university. An On-the-Spot Lantern Competition was sponsored on December of that year while during the February UP Fair, the organization acquired a food booth.

The momentous 10^th year anniversary celebration, the Alumni’s Night, highlighted the presidency of Domingo Vela II. Also, the 4^th UPCat Summer Review was conducted.

The term was continued by Jay-ar Sorreda. The organization joined the ACLE for the second time, as well as Karawat and the UP Fair.

With Charlyn Gurrobat’s term (2006-2007), the organization, for the first time handled the UPCat Summer Review in two venues: one in Bagamanoc RDHS serving the students from the north, and the second in CSCLHS. UP Catandungan, together with other Bicol organizations, hosted a benefit concert entitled “PAGLAOM: A United Hope for Bicol.” Proceeds from the concert went to the unfortunate victims of Typhoon Reming.

The term of Kristine Tolod (2007-2008) noted another revision of the constitution. Series of deliberations and consultations were made in accordance to this and resulted with the addition of a fourth standing committee, the Finance committee. The composition of the Executive Committee was also modified and is now composed of the President, the Executive Vice President, Executive Secretary, and the VPs for Academic Affairs, External Affairs, Finance, and Internal Affairs. This term also brought about a concert entitled “ROCK AGAINST DRUGS, Jam with Chicosci and Battle of the Bands: A Youth Awareness Campaign,” for our fellow Catandunganons. This concert was in line with the annual celebration of Catandungan Festival.

John Rhener Gianan’s term (2008-2009) was highlighted by the organizations hosting of another concert—“ROCK AGAINST DRUGS II, Jam with Urbandub: A Youth Awareness Campaign.” A gift-giving activity was also held by the organization, in celebration of the Christmas season.

At the present term of Lisa Faye Surtida, the organization had already hosted the 8^th Annual Summer Review. Furthermore, more projects are being planned as the organization prepares for its 15^th year on June 2010.