The UP Men’s Basketball Team (UPMBT) traveled to Butuan City last weekend for a game against the University of San Carlos Warriors of Cebu and came home to Diliman as winners while also living up to the University of the Philippines’ motto, “Honor and Excellence in the Service of the Nation.”
The University of the Philippines Diliman-based basketball squad flew to the capital of Agusan del Norte for an invitational game that celebrated Butuan City’s Balangay Festival on May 18-19, 2024. The hardcourt battle which also served as star guard JD Cagulangan’s homecoming game resulted in the UP Fighting Maroons besting the USC Warriors, 90-49.
During their visit, the team exemplified the University of the Philippines’ motto by supporting local communities. Through the initiative of UP President Angelo “Jijil” Jimenez, the UP Fighting Maroons in partnership with the UP Alumni Association, One Meralco Foundation, More Power, and Chooks to Go, turned over television sets, school supplies, and machinery for the students and teachers at Mahayahay Elementary School and nearby Manobo tribal communities. The team also joined a tree-planting activity.
“Honor and Excellence has long been the motto of our beloved University. But let us not forget the root of our very existence- that is, to serve. That is why we should always remember to live by our new motto ‘Honor and Excellence in the Service of the Nation’. It’s our reason for being,” said President Jimenez, born with roots in the Manobo Tribe in Butuan City.
Butuan City native JD Cagulangan spoke for the team saying, “Syempre nakakataba ng puso and natutuwa kami na nakatulong kami sa kanila, kahit sa maliit na paraan lang ba. Nagpapasalamat kami kay President Jijil na ininvolve niya ang team dito. Sana hindi ito ang last time na makasama kami sa ganitong projects n’ya.”
(“Of course, it warms our hearts and we are happy that we were able to help them, even in a small way. We thank President Jijil for involving the team in this. We hope this won’t be the last time we join him in such projects.”)
The UP Fighting Maroons Men’s Basketball Team traveled to Butuan last weekend to participate in an invitational game and came home winners for the indigenous community cause. @upmbt @upsystem @ButuanPIO Photos from UPMBT pic.twitter.com/UL6LdRkDVz
— GoodNewsPilipinas.com (@GoodNewsPinas_) May 20, 2024
On May 14, President Jimenez introduced the university’s updated motto, highlighting the addition of “Service” to the existing values of Honor and Excellence.
The UP Men’s Basketball Team’s journey from cellar dweller to UAAP champion has caught the attention of basketball enthusiasts and was documented in the book, Nowhere To Go But UP. The team is battling to defend its title at the ongoing Filoil-EcoOil Preseason Cup.
Join us in celebrating this inspiring act of service by sharing this story and spreading the word about the UP Fighting Maroons’ commitment to making a difference.
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