University of the Philippines Diliman

The University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD; Template:Langx), also referred to as UP Diliman, is a public research university located in Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. It was established on February 12, 1949, to house the central administration of the University of the Philippines System, the national university of the Philippines.

As a member of the University of the Philippines System, it is the fourth oldest and is the largest constituent campus in terms of the number of degree-granting academic units, student population, faculty, and library resources.<ref name="Gen Catalogue 2004-10" /> There are 27 degree-granting units on campus, accounting for 26,349<ref name=UPStats2023/> students of which, 17,117 are undergraduates. UP Diliman had a complement of 1,620 regular faculty in 2023, of whom 499 have doctoral degrees.<ref name=UPStats2023/>

In addition to the units in the main campus, UP Diliman has extension programs in Angeles City, Pampanga (the Clark Freeport Zone area) and Olongapo, Zambales, as well as a marine laboratory in Bolinao, Pangasinan under the Marine Science Institute,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and a satellite campus at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The UP Diliman campus is also the site of the country's National Science Complex. UP Diliman offers academic programs in 247 major fields.<ref name="2013 calendar">Template:Cite news</ref> There are 70 programs at the undergraduate level, 109 programs at the master's level and 68 at the doctoral level.<ref name="2013 calendar" />

History

The first campus of the University of the Philippines, now University of the Philippines Manila

The University of the Philippines was founded on June 18, 1908, in Manila, offering programs in liberal arts, medicine, law, and engineering. As enrollment increased—from 67 students in 1908 to 7,849 by 1928—the need for a larger campus became evident. In 1939, the UP Board of Regents acquired a 493-hectare tract of land in Diliman, Quezon City, to accommodate the university's expansion. The site was envisioned to house modern facilities that would allow for further academic growth. Construction of the new campus commenced in 1939, but work was interrupted by World War II. During the war, many of the newly constructed buildings in Diliman were used as military barracks by the Imperial Japanese Army, delaying the relocation efforts. Following the liberation of Manila in 1945, efforts to rebuild and expand the campus resumed.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> By 1949, significant progress had been made in the development of the campus, allowing for the transfer of administrative offices, academic units, and faculty residences from UP Manila to UP Diliman. On February 12, 1949, a symbolic motorcade led by then-UP President Bienvenido Gonzales transported the Oblation statue from Padre Faura in Manila to its current location in front of Quezon Hall. This event marked the formal establishment of UP Diliman as the new primary campus of the UP System.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, UP Diliman expanded its facilities, establishing new academic buildings, research centers, and residential areas. This period saw the construction of several architecturally significant structures, including Quezon Hall (Administration Building), Gonzalez Hall (Main Library), and Benitez Hall (College of Education), designed by National Artist for Architecture Juan Nakpil. Other modernist structures, such as Palma Hall (College of Social Sciences and Philosophy) and Melchor Hall (College of Engineering), were designed by Cesar Concio, reflecting the post-war shift toward functionalist and modernist architecture.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 1985, UP Diliman was granted institutional autonomy, retroactive to 1981, in response to the university system's restructuring.

Diliman Commune

The Diliman Commune was a significant student-led uprising that occurred from February 1 to 9, 1971, at the University of the Philippines Diliman campus. Initially sparked by a three-centavo increase in oil prices, the protest escalated following violent confrontations with government forces, resulting in the death of a student, Pastor "Sonny" Mesina. In response, students, faculty members, and residents established barricades around the campus, effectively declaring it a "liberated zone" free from military intrusion. Drawing inspiration from the 1871 Paris Commune, the protesters referred to themselves as "Communards" and renamed the campus the "Malayang Komunidad ng UP Diliman" ("Free Commune of UP Diliman"). They also took control of the university's radio station, DZUP, and published their own newspaper, Bandilang Pula ("Red Flag"). The Diliman Commune stands as a testament to the university community's resistance against state repression and its commitment to academic freedom.<ref name="JSTOR">Template:Cite journal</ref>

Contemporary history

The Management Review Committee (MRC) was created by UP President Edgardo Angara in the 1980s to evaluate and recommend measures for the university's improvement. The report made by the MRC led to the decision of the Board of Regents to further decentralize the UP administration, declaring UP Diliman an autonomous unit on March 23, 1983. This also furthered the reorganization of some major units of the university, with the College of Arts and Sciences being split into three colleges: the College of Science, the College of Arts and Letters and the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy. UP Diliman was formally established as a constituent university on April 23, 1985, at the 976th Meeting of the U.P. Board of Regents.<ref name="Gen Catalogue 2004-10">Template:Cite book</ref>

Campus

Map of the main area of the University of the Philippines Diliman

The UP Diliman campus is the largest and most architecturally diverse among the constituent universities of the UP System. Spanning 493 hectares in Quezon City, it serves as the system's administrative and academic center, housing the Office of the UP President, the Office of the Chancellor, and the nation's leading research institutions. The campus reflects a rich architectural heritage, with structures ranging from neoclassical landmarks to modernist academic complexes and contemporary, sustainability-focused buildings.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

At its core is the Academic Oval, a tree-lined loop that defines the university's central academic and administrative district. Along this axis are Quezon Hall, the university's main administration building designed by Juan Nakpil; Gonzalez Hall, the University Library, also by Nakpil; and Benitez Hall and Malcolm Hall, two mirror-image neoclassical structures that house the College of Education and the College of Law, respectively. Other major colleges, including the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, the College of Engineering, and the College of Science, are strategically located within or near the Oval.

Beyond the Academic Oval, UP Diliman extends into distinct academic clusters, research hubs, residential zones, and open spaces, reflecting a well-planned balance between built and natural environments. To the east, the National Science Complex (NSC) and Engineering Complex house <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> state-of-the-art STEM research facilities. The southern sector features cultural institutions, such as the UP Film Institute, Jorge B. Vargas Museum, and Abelardo Hall, which serve as centers for artistic expression and historical preservation.

The Oblation and Academic Oval

Template:Main The U.P. Diliman campus is connected to Commonwealth Avenue via University Avenue. It stretches Template:Convert where traffic enters the campus or proceeds towards C.P. Garcia St., which connects Commonwealth Avenue to Katipunan Avenue. At the end of University Avenue, the Oblation Plaza of the Diliman campus faces the road. Behind it, the facade of Quezon Hall can be seen.Template:Citation needed The Oblation (Template:Langx) is the most iconic figure of the U.P. System. The statue was originally created by National Artist Guillermo E. Tolentino in 1935 in a collective effort by the students of the U.P. System.<ref name="michael tan"/> During the 40th anniversary of the University of the Philippines in 1949, the Oblation was transferred to Diliman in Quezon City from their original site along Padre Faura St. in Manila as a symbol of transfer of administrative seat.<ref name="Oble3">Exodus Marker, Quezon Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City. Retrieved October 6, 2007.</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Oblation was originally nude and made of concrete and stands Template:Convert in height.<ref name="michael tan">Template:Cite web</ref> For morality and censorship purposes, U.P. President Jorge Bocobo suggested to put a fig leaf to cover the genitals.<ref name="upaagc">Template:Cite web</ref> In 1950, the Board of Regents ordered the statue to be cast in true bronze. Tolentino made a trip to Italy to personally supervise the casting of his old masterpiece into bronze.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The bronze statue, unveiled on November 29, 1958, is now housed at Gonzalez Hall where the University Library is also located.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

The main and largest road in the university is the Academic Oval, informally known as "Acad Oval". This road is composed of two joining avenues, the Roxas and Osmeña Avenues. Having a total circumference of about Template:Convert, the oval connects the rest of the colleges of the university from the main University Avenue. The avenue derives its name from several colleges located around it, namely the College of Media and Communication, College of Music, College of Engineering, College of Law, School of Economics, College of Business Administration, College of Education, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy and School of Library and Information Studies. The oval also covers Quezon Hall, the U.P. Theater, National Engineering Center, Student Activity Center/Vinzons Hall, Center for International Studies and Jorge B. Vargas Museum.<ref name="acad oval">Template:Cite web</ref> Additionally, the Academic Oval is planted with over 500 acacia and fire trees.<ref name="acad oval"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Benitez Hall and Malcolm Hall

Benitez Hall and Malcolm Hall, two of the oldest and most architecturally significant buildings on the UP Diliman campus, stand as mirror images of each other at the head of the Academic Oval. Designed by Juan Marcos Arellano y de Guzmán, their construction began in 1939 and was completed between 1941 and 1949.

Benitez Hall, home of College of Education.

Benitez Hall, home to the College of Education, is named after Francisco F. Benitez, the first dean of the School of Education. Its design features a balanced facade with a prominent pediment and pilastered entrance, reinforcing its function as a center of learning and teacher training. During World War II, the building was repurposed as a military quarters by Japanese forces, and it was reportedly the site of wartime atrocities, leading to persistent stories of paranormal activity within its halls.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Standing directly across from it, Malcolm Hall houses the UP College of Law and is named after George Malcolm, a former Associate Justice of the Philippine Supreme Court and the founding dean of the College of Law. As a mirror image of Benitez Hall, Malcolm Hall exhibits the same neoclassical symmetry, with its tall Corinthian columns and arched windows.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Palma Hall and Melchor Hall

Palma Hall, informally known as "AS" (Arts and Sciences), serves as the main building for the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy at UP Diliman. Designed by Cesar Homero Rosales Concio, the university's first campus architect, it was completed in 1951. The building is named after Rafael Palma, the fourth president of the university, who was a staunch advocate for academic freedom and liberalism.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The historic facade of Palma Hall and the AS Steps, a central landmark of UP Diliman, known as a gathering place for student demonstrations and political activism.

Palma Hall exemplifies the International Style of architecture, characterized by functional design and minimalist aesthetics. Concio incorporated Filipino architectural elements to enhance natural ventilation and lighting, making the structure well-adapted to the tropical climate. The asymmetrical layout and open-air corridors facilitate airflow and natural illumination, reflecting the modernist architectural trends of the era. The building is distinguished by its exposed concrete framework, horizontal louvers, and cantilevered balconies, all of which contribute to its practical and climate-responsive design.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Gonzalez Hall

Gonzalez Hall, Main Library

Gonzalez Hall, the University Main Library of UP Diliman, was designed by National Artist for Architecture Juan Nakpil and completed in 1950. Named after Bienvenido M. Gonzalez, the university's sixth president, the building was part of the post-war expansion that established UP Diliman as the seat of administration of the University of the Philippines system. The building embodies neoclassical architectural principles, characterized by its grand facade, symmetrical proportions, and columns.

Inside, Gonzalez Hall serves as the central repository of academic and research materials, housing extensive collections, archives, and special publications.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Parish of the Holy Sacrifice

Parish of the Holy Sacrifice

The Parish of the Holy Sacrifice, commonly known as the UP Chapel, is a Catholic chapel located on the UP Diliman campus. It was designed by Leandro V. Locsin, National Artist for Architecture, and completed in 1955. It is recognized for being the first circular church in the Philippines, with the altar placed at the center and the first structure in the country to feature a thin-shell concrete dome.The chapel contains works by multiple National Artists: Arturo Luz (floor mosaic), Vicente Manansala and Ang Kiukok (15 Stations of the Cross murals) and Napoleon Abueva (crucifix and altar). The design allows natural light to enhance the interior's serene and contemplative atmosphere. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has declared it a National Historical Landmark, while the National Museum has recognized it as a Cultural Treasure.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Carillon and bell tower

The only carillon in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia that is manually played by a clavier or a wooden keyboard, the U.P. Carillon tower is about 130 feet tall.<ref name="Bells of Diliman ring again on Dec. 18">Template:Cite news</ref> The U.P. Carillon was originally constructed in 1940 by National Artist Juan Nakpil, Conservatory of Music director Ramon Tapales and UP President Bienvenido Gonzales with an initial idea of building a concrete structure that may tower the grounds of the university.<ref name="For UP the bells toll">Template:Cite news</ref> Several years later, on August 1, 1952, the tower was finished and dedicated as the U.P. Carillon. Forty-eight bells with four octaves were installed by the Dutch carillonneur Adrian Antonisse, with the efforts laid by the U.P. Alumni Association.<ref name="For UP the bells toll"/> These bells were forged by Van Bergen Co. in Netherlands and the largest of them weighs five tons, where the total cost of construction summed up to ₱200,000.<ref name="restoration">Template:Cite web</ref>

The Carillon Tower and Carillon Plaza as seen from Magsaysay Avenue

Apart from playing the U.P.'s anthem UP Naming Mahal (U.P. Beloved), the carillon tuned many music such as the Magtanim ay Di Biro (Planting Rice, a Filipino folk song) and The Beatles sounds.<ref name="restoration"/> One of the most important tunings of the carillon was when it played the socialist anthem The Internationale at the 1971 Diliman Commune.<ref name="Anthem for dedicated youth">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="The UP Carillon rings again">Template:Cite news</ref> During this time, U.P. students declared the university as a republic and as a separate entity from the Philippines.<ref name="tinig">Template:Cite web Template:Google translation</ref>

Due to age and rust, the carillon ceased to play in 1981. In 1988, the last symphonies of U.P. Naming Mahal and Push On U.P.! (U.P. Diliman's athletic cheer) from the tower was played during the December's Lantern Parade. Since then, the carillon was never tuned.<ref name="Bells of Diliman ring again on Dec. 18"/> But as late as 2001, students said that they could hear the rhymes of London Bridge Is Falling Down and Sing a Song of Six Pence, despite the carillion being closed to prevent further mishap.<ref name="Bells of Diliman ring again on Dec. 18"/>

In 2005, through the collective efforts of the U.P. Alumni Association and various private donors, the U.P. Carillon Restoration Project of the U.P. Centennial Commission launched a fund-raising program to collect ₱20 million to restore the carillon, as a projection of using the tower again in the coming 100th year of the University of the Philippines.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After two years, the Project was able to collect ₱14 million which will be used to clean up and repair the tower itself and to replace the bells.<ref name="Restoring the UP Carillon's history">Template:Cite news</ref>

In 2007, the carillon was formally reintroduced to the public after two years of restoration. The original 48 bells were put into archives and were replaced by 36 bells bought from Dutch company Petit & Fritsen for ₱12 million, for which the construction engineers were provided by the Royal Bell Philippines. According to project engineer Matthew Bergers, each bell was made from 80% bronze and 20% an admixture of zinc, magnesium and phosphorus. The largest of these bells weighs Template:Convert and the smallest Template:Convert.<ref name="Bells of Diliman ring again on Dec. 18"/> The original wood claviers were replaced by heavy-duty oakwood; all bells are designed to hold refurbished steel pipes.<ref name="Restoring the UP Carillon's history"/> Another project engineer, Eduardo Otacan, said that the new bells will have a three-octave range, and can be programmed using computers attached to the clavier.<ref name="Bells of Diliman ring again on Dec. 18"/>

At the same time, a small amphitheater named Carillon Plaza was constructed at the base of the tower. After about two decades of silence, the U.P. Carillon was heard again during the Lantern Parade of 2007.<ref name="Bells of Diliman ring again on Dec. 18"/>

Sunken Garden

The Sunken Garden in U.P. Diliman during the wet months

The Gen. Antonio Luna Parade Grounds, or commonly known as the Sunken Garden, is a Template:Convert natural depression found on the eastern side of the campus and at the end of the Academic Oval circle. Sunken Garden is enclosed by the UP Main Library, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy's Department of Psychology, College of Education, Student Activity Center/Vinzons Hall, College of Business Administration, School of Economics and College of Law. The Grounds was originally a property of the UP Reserve Officers' Training Corps when the campus was founded in 1949.<ref name="luna">Template:Cite web</ref>

Gen. Antonio Luna Parade Grounds acquired its name Sunken Garden due to its basin-shaped low-level formation that has the deepest point of 65 meters above sea level (contrary to the university's height that is over hundreds of meters above sea level).<ref name="The truth behind the myth">Template:Cite web</ref> The Sunken Garden is the venue of the annual U.P. Fair as well as for sports tournaments, including football, frisbee and volleyball. Sometimes, the Department of Military Science and Tactics hold training in the area.<ref name="luna" />

According to local lore, the Sunken Garden sinks by about two inches every year. Though this has not been verified in any study, some have posited reasons for the sinking: one is that it is because of underground trenches over the campus' sewer system that connects to the Marikina Fault Line, an active geologic structure that runs across the east of Metro Manila.<ref>Template:Cite web Template:Dead link</ref> Another theory is that the depression was due to the emptying of former streams in the Sunken Garden that were prominent in the 1950s. These streams formerly run from Katipunan Avenue, going to the garden itself and leaves the campus for Commonwealth Avenue.<ref name="The truth behind the myth"/>

Sports complex

UP College of Human Kinetics Gymnasium

The UP Diliman Sports Complex consists of various sports venues such as the an indoor gymnasium, a Template:Convert swimming pool, a four-court tennis area, a track and field oval, a baseball diamond, a football pitch and an archery range.<ref name=oica>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=chkfacilities>Template:Cite web</ref>

These are used by students of the university including members of the UP Fighting Maroons and is also rented for use to outsiders.<ref name=oica/><ref name=chkfacilities/>

The gymnasium has hosted the floorball competition of the 2019 SEA Games.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Administration

Chancellors of the University of the Philippines Diliman<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Edgardo J. Angara, LL.M., 1982–1983Template:NoteTag

Dr. Ernesto G. Tabujara Sr., 1983–1990

Dr. Jose V. Abueva, 1990–1991Template:NoteTag

Dr. Emerlinda R. Roman, 1991–1993

Dr. Roger Posadas,1993–1996

Dr. Claro T. Llaguno, 1996–1999

Dr. Emerlinda R. Roman, 1999–2005

Dr. Sergio S. Cao, 2005–2011

Dr. Caesar A. Saloma, 2011–2014

Dr. Michael L. Tan, 2014–2020

Dr. Fidel R. Nemenzo, 2020–2023

Edgardo Carlo Vistan II, 2023–present<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

U.P. Diliman is the fourth oldest and is the largest, in terms of student population, of all the seven major campuses of the University of the Philippines. The University of the Philippines is governed by the Board of Regents' 11 members, of whom five are ex officio, three are student, faculty, and staff representatives, and three are appointed by the President of the Philippines.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Each campus of the University of the Philippines is headed by a chancellor. The first chancellor of U.P. Diliman was Senator Edgardo J. Angara, whose office was created on April 26, 1982.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The chancellor is assisted by five vice chancellors — for academic affairs, administration, community affairs, research & development, and student affairs.<ref name="officials diliman">Template:Cite web</ref> The current chancellor is Edgardo Carlo Vistan II, who was appointed by the Board of Regents into position during its meeting in April 2023.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Apart from heading the university, the chancellor also holds administrative duties that represent the Board of Regents at the campus level. The chancellor also serves as chairperson of the university council, an internal coordinating body composed of the chancellor himself, the university registrar who serves as secretary, and the professorial faculty.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The vice chancellor for academic affairs, on the other hand, assists the chancellor in coordinating curricular, instructional, library, and other programs of the university. The vice chancellor for administration assists the chancellor in the administrative management of the campus. The vice-chancellor for community affairs assists the chancellor in promoting relationships within the university and in dealing with local government and safety issues, while the vice chancellor for research & development assists the chancellor in formulating guidelines and criteria for the university's research and development endeavors. Finally, the vice chancellor for student affairs assists the chancellor in promoting wellness and discipline among students in areas such as health, food services, and scholarship management.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Academics

Admission

Admission to UP Diliman is extremely competitive, primarily determined through the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT).<ref name="UPCAT">Template:Cite web</ref> This standardized examination assesses applicants' proficiency in language, reading comprehension, mathematics, and science. Applicants must not have taken any university subjects prior to the examination.  

The Palma Hall crowded with applicants during UPCAT.

The UPCAT is a five-hour examination administered annually, typically in early August, across various test centers nationwide. The exam comprises subtests in language proficiency, reading comprehension, mathematics, and science, presented in both English and Filipino. Applicants are required to specify two preferred UP campuses and, for each campus, two degree programs in order of preference. Admission decisions are based on the University Predicted Grade (UPG), a composite score derived from the weighted UPCAT score (60%) and the weighted average of high school grades (40%). Socioeconomic and geographic factors are also considered to promote a diverse student population.<ref name="UPD_Enrolment_Stats">Template:Cite web</ref>

In recent years, the university has seen a significant number of applicants. For instance, in 2023, over 111,000 students applied for admission to the UP System, with UP Diliman admitting approximately 2,000 to 3,000 students per batch, resulting in an acceptance rate of around 2 to 3 percent.

The Office of the University Registrar facilitates the admission process, ensuring that applicants meet the university's rigorous academic standards.<ref name="UP_Admissions">Template:Cite web</ref>

Degree-granting units

The university's departments are headed by department chairs, who assume the duties assigned by the dean and the chancellor. Each chair is appointed by the chancellor, as recommended by the dean or institute director, and has a tenure of three years, which may be extended for up to two terms upon reappointment.<ref name="manual p 10">Template:Cite web</ref>

Some units of the university are known as National Institutes, such as the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. The status of being an institute is determined by the Board of Regents, but recognition as a national institute is governed by Philippine legislation.<ref name="EO 889">Template:Cite web</ref> The head of a national institute, also the director, is not appointed by the chancellor but by the president of the university.<ref name="manual p 10"/>

In addition to the units in the main campus, UP Diliman has degree-granting satellite campuses (officially named extension programs) in Angeles City, Pampanga (specifically in the Clark Freeport Zone area) and in Olongapo, Zambales. These degree-granting extension programs are headed by a director, who assumes the duties assigned by the chancellor.<ref name="UPDEPPwebsite">Template:Cite web</ref>

U.P. Diliman is composed of 26 colleges, schools, and institutes. Officially, these are called degree-granting units.<ref name="diliman colleges">Template:Cite web</ref> The oldest of these colleges is the Template:Usurped, established in 1908 and originally located in Manila.<ref name="fine arts history">Template:Cite web</ref> On the other hand, the first college to operate on the Diliman campus is the College of Music (then Conservatory of Music) in 1949.

Grading system and academic calendar

Academic performance is rated from 1.00 being excellent to 5.00 as failed. Grades from 1.00 to 3.00 are separated by increments of 0.25, while 3.00 is followed immediately by 4.00 and then 5.00. Some professors use 0.50 as increments instead, and some colleges, particularly the College of Engineering do not give 4.00 grades. A grade of four (4.00) is a conditional grade and a student needs to remove the grade of 4.00 during a prescribed period (usually determined by the college where he/she is enrolled) or else it will become 5.00 once the period has lapsed. A conditional grade can only be removed by a removal exam; if the student passes the exam, he/she will obtain a grade of 3.00; otherwise, it is 5.00. An alternative for 4.00 is the rating of "INC", which means incomplete, and is given to students who have unfinished requirements for a particular subject. If a student drops the subject before the "subject dropping period" his/her record for that subject will be replaced by "DRP".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Students who attain a grade point average of 1.20 or better, 1.45 to 1.20, and 1.75 to 1.45 are awarded upon graduation as summa cum laude, magna cum laude and cum laude respectively. Up until 2014, graduation occurred every April and October, with commencement exercises being held only in April. The shift in the academic calendar moved graduation dates to June and December, with commencement exercises being done only during the month of June. U.P. Diliman had an average of 3,190 undergraduates, 627 MS graduates, and 73 Ph.D. students graduating every year. The most number of honor graduates came from the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, followed by the College of Business Administration, College of Engineering, College of Media and Communication and College of Architecture.<ref name="iskwiki.upd.edu.ph">Template:Cite web</ref>

Basic education

The University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS)<ref name="UPISOfficial">Template:Cite web</ref>  serves as the basic education unit of the University of the Philippines Diliman, offering a comprehensive curriculum from Kindergarten to Grade 12.<ref name="UPLaboratory">Template:Cite web</ref>

UPIS emerged from the integration of three distinct institutions: the UP High School, the UP Preparatory School, and the UP Elementary School. This consolidation aimed to create a unified basic education between the three institutions.<ref name="UPFacilities">Template:Cite web</ref>

Rankings and accreditation

UP Diliman holds the designation of national university under Republic Act No. 9500, also known as the UP Charter of 2008.<ref name="UPCharter2">Template:Cite web</ref> As the premier campus of the University of the Philippines (UP) System, UP Diliman is not subject to accreditation by any local accrediting body, as its academic programs undergo internal evaluation and quality assurance aligned with international standards.<ref name="UPQA2">Template:Cite web</ref>

International Rankings

In the 2025 QS World University Rankings,<ref name="QS2025">Template:Cite web</ref> UP Diliman is ranked 336th globally, securing its position as the highest-ranked Philippine university in the listing. Similarly, in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025,<ref name="THE2025">Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead link</ref> the university is placed within the 1201–1500 bracket worldwide. The US News Best Global Universities 2024 <ref name="USNews2024">Template:Cite web</ref> places UP Diliman at #1522 globally and #559 in Asia, further cementing its standing as a leading academic institution in the region.

Arts

UP Diliman has been a major center for artistic and cultural development in the Philippines. The university has produced some of the country's most influential figures in the arts, including National Artists such as Lino Brocka<ref name="NCCA_Film2">Template:Cite web</ref> Ishmael Bernal and Ricky Lee in film,<ref name="NCCA_Film2" /> Bienvenido Lumbera<ref name="NCCA_Literature2">Template:Cite web</ref> in literature, Napoleon Abueva in sculpture, and Fernando Amorsolo<ref name="NCCA_VisualArts2">Template:Cite web</ref> and José Joya in visual arts.<ref name="NCCA_Sculpture2">Template:Cite web</ref> In architecture, National Artists like Juan Nakpil and Leandro Locsin have left lasting legacies, with structures such as the Quezon Hall<ref name="UPCA2">Template:Cite web</ref> and the Church of the Holy Sacrifice <ref name="CultureTrip2">Template:Cite web</ref> shaping both the campus and modern Philippine architecture.<ref name="UP_NationalArtists2">Template:Cite web</ref>

Academic Programs and Institutions

UP Theater, formally known as Villamor Hall

The Arts and Sciences by Vicente Manansala.

UP Diliman houses several academic units dedicated to the study and practice of the arts. The College of Arts and Letters (CAL)<ref name="UPCAL">Template:Cite web</ref> offers degree programs in literature, creative writing, art studies, theater arts, and speech communication. The College of Fine Arts (CFA) provides training in painting, sculpture, industrial design, and visual communication, while the College of Music (CMu) offers programs in composition, musicology, and performance. These colleges contribute to the university's role as a center for artistic education and research. Additionally, the UP Film Institute (UPFI), under the College of Media and Communication, serves as the country's premier institution for film education, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in film and audiovisual communication.<ref name="UPFI">Template:Cite web</ref>

In addition to its academic programs, UP Diliman supports various research and cultural institutions. The Jorge B. Vargas Museum and Filipiniana Research Center <ref name="VargasMuseum">Template:Cite web</ref> houses a collection of visual art, historical artifacts, and archival materials that document Philippine history and culture. The University Theater, Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, and Abelardo Hall Auditorium <ref name="UPTheater">Template:Cite web</ref> serve as venues for theatrical productions, concerts, and performances by students, faculty, and professional artists.

Performing Arts

UP Diliman is home to numerous performing arts groups that have gained national and international recognition. Dulaang UP,<ref name="DulaangUP">Template:Cite web</ref> the university's official theater company, stages a variety of classical and contemporary plays, while the UP Repertory Company focuses on socially relevant theater productions.

Several choral groups from UP Diliman have also received international acclaim, including the UP Singing Ambassadors, the UP Concert Chorus, and the UP Madrigal Singers,<ref name="UPChoirs">Template:Cite web</ref> the latter of which has won multiple prestigious choral competitions worldwide. Meanwhile, UP Kontra-Gapi, a performing ensemble specializing in indigenous music and dance, promotes traditional Filipino musical forms.

Culture

The University of the Philippines Diliman community is colloquially known as the "Diliman Republic", reflecting its distinct identity and vibrant autonomous culture. The university is often described as a microcosm of Philippine society, mirroring the nation's diverse socio-political landscape and academic freedom. Due to the sheer size of its 493-hectare campus, UP Diliman is the only university in Metro Manila with its own jeepney transportation system. The university operates the "Ikot" and "Toki" jeepneys, which provide affordable and accessible transport within the campus and to nearby areas. The route system is designed to efficiently connect different parts of the university, including academic buildings, dormitories, and administrative offices.<ref name="SunStar">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="RapplerDiliman">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="UPDTransport">Template:Cite web</ref>  

A UP Ikot jeepney operating inside UP Diliman.

UP Diliman holds a congressional franchise to operate radio and television stations, making it the first university in the country with a licensed TV network and broadcast frequency. The university currently operates:

• DZUP 1602 – An AM radio station that serves as a teaching laboratory for Broadcast Communication studentswhile also functioning as a community-based station providing educational content and public service announcements.<ref name="DZUP1602">Template:Cite web</ref>
• TVUP – The University of the Philippines Internet Television, an online platform that broadcasts academic discussions, public service programs, and university events.<ref name="UPMediaFranchise">Template:Cite web</ref>    <ref name="TVUP">Template:Cite web</ref>

The university is home to several residential areas, including faculty housing and student dormitories, which contribute to a strong sense of solidarity between students and the wider Diliman community. Many students actively participate in local initiatives, community outreach programs, and socio-political movements, reinforcing the campus's role as a hub for civic engagement and activism.<ref name="UPDorms">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="UPCommunity">Template:Cite web</ref>    

Vinzons Hall, the student activities center of the university. Monument to the Heroes of 1896, a sculpture by Ramon Martinez y Lazaro originally sculpted in 1911 and relocated here in 1968.

Student Housing

Kalayaan Residence Hall, one of the dormitories available for students in UP Diliman. Kalayaan is reserved exclusively for freshmen students.

Among the university's dormitories, Kalayaan Residence Hall is designated for first-year students and offers full board and lodging, including meals. Upperclassmen may apply for accommodations in Molave, Yakal, and Ipil Residence Halls, which are co-educational, while Ilang-Ilang, Kamia, and Sampaguita Residence Halls are reserved for female undergraduate students. Graduate students have designated accommodations at Kamagong Residence Hall, while the International Center provides housing for foreign students, including exchange students and scholars. Additionally, the Centennial Residence Halls, comprising Concordia B. Albarracin Hall for male students and Centennial 2 for female students, were established to commemorate the university's centennial and provide additional housing facilities.<ref name="OSH">Template:Cite web</ref>

Admission to these residence halls is determined based on financial need, academic standing, and geographic origin, with priority given to students from lower-income families and those residing in distant provinces. Applications are reviewed by the Dormitory Admissions Committee, and due to the high demand for on-campus housing, students are encouraged to apply through the university's dormitory application portal.<ref name="UPD_Dorms">Template:Cite web</ref>

In addition to on-campus housing, many students seek accommodations in nearby areas such as Krus na Ligas, UP Village, and the Katipunan area, where private dormitories and apartments are available. To assist students in securing off-campus accommodations, the UP Diliman Alternative Housing Portal,<ref name="USC_Housing">Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Primary source inline an initiative of the University Student Council, provides listings and information on available housing options.

Student Organizations and Extracurricular Activities

The new Student Union Building, which serves as an extension to the older Vinzons Hall.

The University Student Council (USC), elected annually by the student body, serves as the primary representative of student interests. It organizes programs and campaigns addressing student concerns and national issues. UP Diliman has historically been known for its tradition of student activism, with students actively participating in movements related to education policies, human rights, and political reforms.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Activism and Civic Engagement

UP Diliman has been a center for student activism in the Philippines. The campus played a key role in movements such as the First Quarter Storm (1970) and the Diliman Commune (1971), which highlighted student participation in national political discourse. The university continues to be a venue for protests, mobilizations, and public forums addressing contemporary social and political issues. Students frequently engage in discussions on tuition policies, governance, human rights, and environmental advocacy, contributing to a politically active campus culture.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Activist organizations in UP Diliman in front of Palma Hall led a student walkout protest in 2019 commemorating the 47th anniversary of the declaration of martial law.

Oblation Run

The Oblation Run is an annual event organized by the Alpha Phi Omega (APO) fraternity at the University of the Philippines Diliman (UP Diliman). Established in 1977, the event features fraternity members running naked through the campus to protest social and political issues, drawing inspiration from the university's iconic Oblation statue, symbolizing selfless offering to the nation.<ref name="ABS-CBN">Template:Cite web</ref>

Members of the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity conducting the annual Oblation Run Protest on February 14, 2025, in Palma Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman

The inaugural run protested the banning of the film "Hubad na Bayani" ("Naked Hero"), which depicted human rights abuses during martial law. Over the years, the Oblation Run has evolved into a platform for advocating various causes, such as fair elections, freedom of expression, and other national concerns. Traditionally held on December 16 to mark APO's founding anniversary, the event has also been scheduled on other dates to align with specific advocacies. For instance, the 2025 Oblation Run took place on February 14, focusing on themes related to electoral integrity.<ref name="GMA">Template:Cite web</ref>

Campus events

File:Lantern Parade 2007.jpg

Lantern Parade in UP Diliman, 2007

Two of the most-awaited events inside the campus are the Lantern Parade, held in the last week before the Christmas break, and the U.P. Fair, held every February (for 2025, it will be held on April). During the Lantern Parade, the individual colleges as well as groups within U.P.D. create Christmas lanterns and floats and parade around the Academic Oval, culminating in a lengthy program held in front of the Amphitheater capped off by a massive fireworks display. In recent years the event has become so popular even outside of UP that media outlets and major Manila television networks regularly send crews to broadcast the event live.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The U.P. Fair, organized by the UP Diliman University Student Council, is a week-long event held at the Sunken Garden that features evening music concerts, booths, and amusement park rides. Typically falling during the third week of February, students and youth even from outside the U.P. System flock to the nightly concerts.

Student Politics

The university has long been a hub for political discourse, activism, and governance,<ref name="UPvsOtherSchools">Template:Cite web</ref>  with student-led movements influencing both campus policies and national affairs.<ref name="RapplerUSC">Template:Cite web</ref>  While student politics exist in other universities across the country, UP Diliman is unique in the depth, frequency, and national impact of its political activities. In contrast to private universities where student government elections tend to focus on campus-specific concerns, UP Diliman's student movements regularly intersect with national issues, drawing participation from faculty, alumni, and broader activist networks.<ref name="UPActivism">Template:Cite web</ref>

UP Fighting Maroons

UP Fighting Maroons compete in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP)

The UP Fighting Maroons is the name of the collegiate varsity teams of the University of the Philippines Diliman, which play in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), the premiere sports league in the country. The collegiate women's varsity teams are also sometimes called the Lady Maroons. The University of the Philippines Integrated School is the affiliate juniors division high school. They play as the Junior Maroons, formerly the Preps.

U.P. Diliman represents the U.P. System in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and participates in all events. The Fighting Maroons have perennially placed in the top three in the overall points race of the UAAP. One of the most popular athletic teams in the program is the U.P. Pep Squad, a heavyweight in the annual UAAP Cheerdance Competition.

Student organizations

Fraternities

• Alpha Phi Beta (ΑΦΒ): Established in 1939, APB is a law-based fraternity known for producing prominent figures such as Chief Justice Reynato Puno and Senator Francis Escudero.
• Alpha Phi Omega (ΑΦΩ): APO is an international service fraternity that has produced leaders such as COMELEC Chairperson Haydee Yorac and former Vice President Jejomar Binay.
• Alpha Sigma (ΑΣ): This fraternity has contributed significantly to various sectors, with members like former UP Law Dean and International Criminal Court Judge Raul Pangalangan.
• Beta Sigma (ΒΣ): Established in 1946, Beta Sigma has a rich history of fostering brotherhood and excellence among its members.
• Pi Sigma (ΠΣ): Known for its socio-political advocacy, Pi Sigma counts among its alumni Arnel Casanova, former CEO of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.
• Sigma Rho (ΣΡ): Founded in 1938, Sigma Rho is one of the oldest law fraternities in Asia. Notable alumni include Justice Antonio Carpio, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, and Senator Sonny Angara.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• Tau Alpha (ΤΑ): Founded in 1932, Tau Alpha is an engineering fraternity known for its contributions to the engineering field and community service initiatives.
• Tau Gamma Phi (ΤΓΦ): Also known as the Triskelions' Grand Fraternity, it was founded in 1968 and is recognized for its emphasis on leadership and community service.
• Upsilon Sigma Phi (ΥΣΦ): Established in 1918, it is the oldest Greek-letter fraternity in Asia. Its illustrious roster includes President Ferdinand Marcos, President Jose P. Laurel, Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., Senator Richard Gordon, and Senator Francis Pangilinan.

Sororities

• Alpha Sigma Nu (ΑΣΝ) The sister sorority of Alpha Sigma fraternity, it has been instrumental in various socio-civic activities within and outside the university.
• UP Delta Lambda Sigma (UP ΔΣΛ): This sorority has nurtured leaders like Senator Pia Cayetano, who has made significant contributions to legislation and women's rights.
• UP Portia: A sorority based in the UP College of Law, it boasts alumni such as former UP Law Dean Fides Cordero-Tan and Chief Justices Maria Lourdes Sereno and Teresita de Castro.
• Tau Gamma Sigma (ΤΓΣ): Established in 1969, also known as the Triskelions' Grand Sorority, it has notable members like Associate Justice Rosmari Carandang and former Marikina Mayor Marides Fernando.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Media

• The Philippine Collegian

The Philippine Collegian, also known as "Kulê", is the official student publication of UP Diliman. Established in 1922, it is one of the oldest student publications in the country. The publication is known for its progressive stance, investigative journalism, and active participation in socio-political issues. It played a crucial role during Martial Law as a medium for student activism.<ref name="UPJMA3">Template:Cite web</ref>

In popular culture

Cinema and Television

UP Diliman has been featured in several notable Filipino films and television series, often serving as a setting that enhances the narrative's themes of education, personal growth, and societal issues. I'm Drunk, I Love You (2017),<ref name="IMDrunk">Template:Cite web</ref> directed by JP Habac, follows two college best friends, Carson and Dio, as they embark on a road trip shortly before graduation. The film explores themes of unrequited love and the transition from university life to adulthood, with UP Diliman serving as a significant backdrop. Similarly, Dagitab (2014),<ref name="Dagitab">Template:Cite web</ref> directed by Giancarlo Abrahan, portrays the lives of two UP professors struggling with personal and professional dilemmas. The narrative delves into themes of love, infidelity, and existential crises, with UP Diliman's academic setting reinforcing its exploration of intellectual life.

The university has also been depicted in classic Filipino films. Dekada '70 (2002),<ref name="Dekada70">Template:Cite web</ref> directed by Chito S. Roño and based on Lualhati Bautista's novel, portrays the struggles of a middle-class family during the Marcos dictatorship. The film prominently features UP Diliman as a center of student activism, reflecting the university's historical role in resistance movements. Moral (1982),<ref name="Moral">Template:Cite web</ref> directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, captures the struggles of four women dealing with social and personal challenges, with portions of the film shot within UP Diliman to emphasize youth and activism. Mangarap Ka (1995),<ref name="MangarapKa">Template:Cite web</ref> directed by Rory B. Quintos, follows a young man's pursuit of his dreams, with the university symbolizing his aspirations for knowledge and success. Starting Over Again (2014),<ref name="StartingOverAgain">Template:Cite web</ref> directed by Olivia M. Lamasan, features a backstory involving a professor-student relationship at UP Diliman, though its university scenes were not filmed on the actual campus. Alone/Together (2019),<ref name="AloneTogether">Template:Cite news</ref> directed by Antoinette Jadaone, prominently used UP Diliman as a backdrop, following the journey of two college sweethearts as they reconnect years after their time at the university.

In television, UP Diliman played a key role in Ina, Kapatid, Anak (2012–2013),<ref name="InaKapatidAnak">Template:Cite web</ref> where central characters were depicted as students of the university. The campus setting was integral to the development of the story.

Notable alumni

Since UP was not organized as a university system until 1972, non-medical graduates of the University of the Philippines from the original campus in Manila, prior to its relocation in Diliman in 1949, are considered alumni of both UP Diliman and UP Manila. Also, graduates of what is now the University of the Philippines Baguio until 1999 are also considered alumni of UP Diliman, as the former was previously an extension college of the latter. The University of the Philippines Diliman has numerous notable alumni and faculty. UP graduated many leading figures in the country. In the country's political history, UP has produced former Philippine presidents, José Laurel, Elpidio Quirino, Diosdado Macapagal, Ferdinand E. Marcos, and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo; former Philippine vice-presidents, Salvador Laurel, Jejomar Binay and Leni Robredo; statesmen Benigno Aquino Jr., Arturo Tolentino, and Gerardo Roxas; prominent jurists such as former chief justices Querube Makalintal, Enrique Fernando; and members of Congress such as Senator Francis Pangilinan and Representative Martin Romualdez. In business, Araneta patriarch and billionaire Jorge L. Araneta graduated from UP.<ref>See List of University of the Philippines College of Law alumni</ref>

See also

• DZUP 1602
• Church of the Holy Sacrifice
• Jorge B. Vargas Museum and Filipiniana Research Center

External links

• Template:Commons category-inline
• University of the Philippines system
• University of the Philippines Diliman
• GMA NEWS.TV, video, UP students join the festive launch of the centennial year, 01/08/2008