Carillon is published by the
University of the Philippines
Office of Alumni Relations
CU Hopping: UP Visayas
UP VISAYAS HOLDS FIRST EVER VIRTUAL ALUMNI HOMECOMING
By GC T. Castro
On Aug. 28, 2020, UP Visayas alumni met over the internet in the “2020 UPV Alumni Zoomcoming,” the first of its kind in the system. The event was organized by the UPV Office of Alumni Relations (OAR) to take the place of face-to-face homecoming. Zoomcoming consisted of online activities, live streaming, and virtual
reunions. Various alumni associations, colleges, and offices participated, and was viewed online by thousands of UPV alumni across the world.
Zoomcoming was formally opened in the morning with a mass and an opening program, which were streamed live from the UPV Little Theatre.
The highlight—the “Zoomcoming Virtual Reunion And Online Socials”—was held in the evening and streamed online.
UPV Chancellor Ricardo Babaran made the opening remarks and announced improvements in the campuses, including the relocation of the Oblation to the newly built Oblation Avenue facing Delgado Street. UP President Danilo Concepcion and UP System OAR Director Maria Angelica Abad delivered additional messages.
Retired Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza (UPV High School Class of 1965) gave the keynote address, paying tribute to the alumni—from the pioneering students to all alumni who contributed and continue to support UPV. Justice Jardeleza ended by announcing their donation of P300,000 for the establishment of
the Historical Preservation Initiative whose first project was the preservation of the Old High School Building and the Woman’s Club Building.
The UPAA Iloilo Chapter gave recognition to the COVID-19 initiatives done by various alumni and alumni groups in the region whose contributions have made a big impact on the pandemic response efforts.
UPV OAR Director Benmar Panaguiton made the closing remarks, highlighting that this homecoming was a fitting tribute to the alumni who responded to the challenges of the pandemic. Zoomcoming was the least the OAR could organize for the alumni. He ended by thanking everyone who joined the Zoomcoming and the various alumni who extended community service during the different levels of quarantine.
Zoomcoming nevertheless allowed alumni, including those who were otherwise unable to come home, to reunite. The online platform may continue to be a feature in future homecomings.