Carillon is published by the
University of the Philippines
Office of Alumni Relations
Green Spaces at UP Tacloban
by Antonino Salvador de Veyra and Marvie Villones
Located along the scenic Magsaysay Boulevard of Tacloban City, facing San Pedro Bay, the UP Tacloban city campus
is an environmental oasis in an ever-expanding and urbanizing metropolis.
Botanical Garden and Park Marker & Botanical Garden Shore
UP Tacloban students of the 1980s to the 1990s have fond memories of the UP Botanical Garden and Park. This was their go-to place at the end of the school day. Alone or with their barkada, they would enjoy the cool breeze from San Pedro Bay and the shade from the park’s lush foliage.
The Botanical Garden now serves as a living laboratory for BS Biology students. They get water samples from the waters of the bay and document the flora and fauna in the area.
Library 1 and 2
When students need a quieter place, they go to the College Library with its air-conditioned reading areas. The library is on the second floor of the three-story Library Building, which has the Teaching and Learning Resource Center and the Student Council and UP Vista offices on the first floor, and a spacious multipurpose hall on the third floor.
Istambayan
Students pass the time between classes at the cluster of gazebos called Istambayan. Built in 2023, the Istambayan bustles with activity every time there are upcoming student organization fairs.
Butterfly Garden
Tucked between two wings of classrooms and offices in the Arts and Sciences Building is the Butterfly Garden. Visible through the classroom and office windows, the garden provides a green respite for students and faculty as they go about their tasks.
Mini Forest 1
Current students of UP Tacloban congregate at the mini forest during breaks to shoot the breeze with friends or do a little forest bathing. This pocket forest in the middle of the city campus has also served as a living art gallery for environmental art works done by ARTS 1 and PHILARTS 1 students.
Oblation and Pili Tree
From the veranda of the Arts and Sciences Building, one has a panoramic view of the AS grounds with the UP Tacloban Oblation made by National Artist Napoleon Abueva (cast from the original statue sculpted by National Artist Guillermo Tolentino). Near the Oblation is the iconic pili tree, a favorite hangout spot for students.