User:UPLBPLS

Project Objectives:

1. To inspire the present generation of students by instilling in them the value of social responsibility and leadership, 2. To inculcate the legacy of Philippine presidents through a critical assessment of their contributions in our society, and 3. To appreciate the continuing relevance of memory and remembrance in shaping the future of the country.

Description:

The UPLB Presidential Lecture Series is a four-year project. The inaugural lecture was held on January 12, 2008 with The Hon. Reynato S. Puno, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court as the guest of honor and speaker. The presidency of Jose P. Laurel was featured as he was the first UP alumnus to become president of the Republic of the Philippines.

Memory and remembrance are necessary tools for identity formation. Who we are depends on the past we continuously construct and interrogate. It is important to re-view our sense of history and our being Filipinos in the context of contemporary issues and problems. Dr. Jose P. Rizal captured the significance of studying the past in his essay “The Philippines: A Century Hence”, when he stressed the idea that we cannot dissociate ourselves from the antecedents of the present. It is in this context that the UPLB Presidential Lecture Series locates its timeliness and utmost relevance. It is always beneficial to evaluate the performance of past leaders and presidents for us to be on track with the general will of the citizenry. The Lecture Series is a venue for dialogue and introspection aimed at promoting historical discourse as a means towards building-up group consensus.

     The Lecture Series will feature the incumbent Philippine president, former presidents, their family members, and respected members of the academic community as speakers. They will be sharing their assessments, insights, and even revisions on the historical role of a particular administration. Their narratives will definitely be a welcome addition to the body of knowledge with regard to the emerging field of presidential history in the Philippines.

Schedule of Lectures:

Presidents Date of Lecture Tentative Resource Speaker 1. Jose P. Laurel January 12, 2008 Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno 2. Ramon Magsaysay June 30, 2008 Senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr. 3. Ferdinand Marcos Aug 2008 *Mrs. Imelda R. Marcos 4. Manuel L. Quezon Jan 2009 *Mr. Manuel Quezon III 5. Elpidio Quirino Jun 2009 **Hon. Alberto G. Romulo 7. Joseph Ejercito Estrada Aug 2009 **President Joseph E. Estrada 6. Diosdado Macapagal Sept 2009 **National Artist Alejandro Roces 8. Manuel Roxas Jan 2010 **Sen. Manuel Roxas II 9. Corazon C. Aquino Jun 2010 **Sen. Joker Arroyo 10. Emilio Aguinaldo Aug 2010 **Justice Ameurfina Herrera 11. Sergio Osmeña Nov 2010 **Dr. Resil Mojares 12. Carlos P. Garcia Jan 2011 **Mr. Hilarion Henares, Jr. 13. Fidel V. Ramos Jun 2011 **President Fidel V. Ramos 14. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Aug 2011 **President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

• has confirmed participation, exact date still to be determined
  • tentative

Benefits: The audiences are primarily students of UP Los Baños and other educational institutions in the Southern Tagalog Region and the general public. Local government officials and executives of national and international offices located in the area will also be invited. The discussions will impinge on the broadening of horizons in relation to the formulation of national and even foreign policies. Every lecture is intended to be an experiential learning experience and an alternative form of education for college and high school students. New modalities can be explored to revitalize topics on Philippine history and government. Through the UPLB Presidential Lecture Series, presidential papers, memorabilia, and other historical documents will be deposited at the UPLB Main Library, researchers will then have access to these materials. A specific area in the Library will be designated as the “Presidential Section”.

The over-all impact of the UPLB Presidential Lecture Series is the creation of network among presidential foundations, schools, national offices, and the University of the Philippines. This can facilitate exchange of ideas and resources. Future undertakings can take place because of the linkages pioneered by the lecture series.

Media Coverage:

   The project will utilize the power of modern technology to make the lecture series accessible to everyone through national and local radio stations, cable television channels, and internet facilities (YouTube). Invitation will also be given to the national media. Finally, actual footages and videos will be posted in the internet.

Documentation:

The sponsoring organization is envisioning the publication of the proceedings with the assistance of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and other institutions. The volume will be a handy reference material for students of history and politics. At the end of the series, all the pertinent papers, recordings, and other documents relative to the project will be deposited at the UPLB Main Library as part of its Presidential Section.