Editing Oblation (section)

== Symbolism ==

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The Oblation, '''Oblacion''' in Spanish and '''Pahinungod''' or '''Paghahandog''' in Filipino, has been the major rallying point for dissent, protest actions, and social criticism, expressions of public service, nationalism, and patriotism. Its presence in all the U.P. autonomous units and other campuses symbolize unity in mission, vision, and traditions and has since become a symbol of academic freedom in the campus.<sup>17</sup>
	
<br />Here is Guillermo Tolentino's own words of the Oblation's symbolism<sup>18</sup>:
	
<blockquote>
''"The completely nude figure of a young man with outstretched arms and open hands, with tilted head, closed eyes and parted lips murmuring a prayer, with breast forward in the act of offering himself, is my interpretation of that sublime stanza. It symbolizes all the unknown heroes who fell during the night. The statue stands on a rustic base, a stylized rugged shape of the Philippine archipelago, lined with big and small rocks, each and everyone of which represents and island.''
<br /><br />''The katakataka (wonder plant) whose roots are tightly implanted on Philippine soil, is the link that binds the symbolized figure to the allegorical Philippine Group.''
<br /><br />''Katakataka is really a wonder plant. It is called siempre vivo (always alive) in Spanish. A leaf or a piece thrown anywhere will sprout into a young plant. Hence it symbolizes the deep-rooted patriotism in the heart of our heroes. Such patriotism continually and forever grows anywhere in the Philippines.''
<br /><br />''The 3.5 meter height of the statue stands for the 350 years of Spanish rule in the Philippines. The rocks on the base of the relic were taken from Montalban (Rizal) gorge, site of the fierce fighting between Filipino guerillas and the Japanese army during the Second World War."''
</blockquote>

During the unveiling of the bronze Oblation, President Vicente Sinco said in his speech<sup>19</sup>:

<blockquote>
''"It has served as a symbol of the spirit of dedication of the Univeristy of the Philippines to the ideals of service to our people and of loyalty to the cause of human betterment. It has stood for many years past the visible and tangible embodiment of purity of purpose and unhidden motives.''
<br /><br />''Heretofore, this statue has been molded in sand and portland cement, materials of lesser permanence and fragile beauty. Now it is executed in bronze so it will be more enduring and more resistant to the corroding elements of nature. As we celebrate this change, we rededicate this center of education, for which this landmark stands, to a more determined pursuit of truth in whatever shape and form, to the promotion of academic freedom, and to a tireless cultivation of love for all men regardless of race, rank, and religion. May this figure be forever stand to move those who come to this University to brighter visions of service and loyalty."''
</blockquote>

Another speech, delivered by Dr. Wenceslao Pascual, described the said event as the 'official commencement of the "bronze age"'. He likened the Oblation to Rodin's The Thinker but says that the latter is didactic compared to the more touching message that the former has. He then stated that the painting of the stone statue impressed the visitors because it did look like real bronze but to him, implied, though unintentionally, deceit, falsehood, misrepresentation, and artificiality<sup>20</sup>.