Bigger than basketball: Fighting Maroons give back to indigenous communities in Butuan

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On May 14, 2024 UP President Atty. Angelo "Jijil" Jimenez unveiled the new motto of the University of the Philippines, adding "Service" to the current values each Iskolar ng Bayan is expected to live up to - Honor and Excellence.

"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 from the Manobo Tribe in Butuan City.

And that is what the UP Men's Basketball Team did during their weekend trip to Butuan City on May 18 and 19. 

Through the initiative of UP President Jimenez and the Office of the University President, 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 machineries that will benefit the students and teachers at Mahayahay Elementary School and nearby community.

"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," said Butuan City native JD Cagulangan. 

The Fighting Maroons then took part in a tree planting activity in the said community.

The Diliman-based squad flew to Butuan City to play against Cebu’s University of San Carlos Warriors in an invitational game that celebrated Butuan City’s Balangay Festival 2024 at the Fr. Saturnino Urios University Gym.

The Fighting Maroons bested the CESAFI 2023 bronze medalists, 90-49, in Cagulangan's homecoming game.

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