Geographic Society of the University of the Philippines

Geographic Society of the University of the Philippines (UP GeogSoc)
Established	February 2, 1963
Category	Academic
Membership	College-wide
Headquarters	Pavilion 2, Palma Hall, University of the Philippines, Diliman Quezon City, Philippines 1101
Home College	UP College of Social Sciences and Philosophy
Online Resources	Facebook Page Twitter Page Official Website Philippine Geography Olympiad IAYG Website 10th PGO Article Geog Ride
Executive Committee A.Y. 2025-2026
President	Ureil Rey A. Toledo
Vice President for Internal Affairs	Jirah A. Sombilon
Vice President for External Affairs	Fiona Marie A. Malaluan
Vice President for Membership	PJ C. Dela Cruz
Vice President for Academics and Research	Erica Gwyneth G. Galleto
Vice President for Publicity	Reynald Lawrence S. Castro
Vice President for Finance	Gabriel Jose G. Guzman
Faculty Advisers	Arra Camille D. Canare Dominique Sasha N. Amorsolo Maria Celeste H. Hermida

The Geographic Society of the University of the Philippines (UP GeogSoc) is an academic, non-profit, non-partisan college-based student organization from the UP College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP), composed of individuals that are driven together with a common goal and passion of making Geography better known in the country. The Society aims to unite the members through its principles and objectives: to promote the science of Geography and the practice of geographic inquiry in the Filipino context, and to develop camaraderie and enhance scholastic excellence among Geography majors and students from other disciplines. UP GeogSoc is guided by four main principles: Camaraderie, Academic Excellence, Service, and Advocacy.

History

UP GeogSoc was founded on 2 February 1963 by Ricardo S. Domingo, Jr., with 49 other undergraduate students from different fields, at the UP Diliman College of Arts and Sciences under the Department of Geology and Geography. UP GeogSoc was initially a social club for Geography enthusiasts but has evolved to become an interest organization that aims to promote the discipline of Geography in the country. Its guiding principles are Academic Excellence, Camaraderie, Service, and Advocacy. The founding adviser of UP GeogSoc is Domingo C. Salita. He served as UP GeogSoc’s original adviser, together with Dr. Telesforo W. Luna, Jr.. Dr. Salita was the adviser from the 1st semester of the academic year 1963 until 1970, while Dr. Luna served from the 2nd semester of 1964 until 1970. Dr. Salita continued to serve as the sole adviser of the organization from 1970 until 1972.

On 23 September 1972, nine (9) years after its foundation, UP GeogSoc was forced to cease its activities due to the declaration of Martial Law and the ban on student organizations. While at this period UP GeogSoc was de jure a defunct organization, it continued to operate underground and accepted new members, although membership became exclusive to Geography undergraduate students and activities were severely limited to the point that the organization was functionally inoperative. Renato Cerdeña, Emerson Lorenzo, and Jose Palacio, Jr. served as the figureheads of the organization as well as the Geography student body during this difficult period.

On 3 February 1980, after eight (8) years of operating clandestinely, UP GeogSoc was officially revived through the leadership and efforts of Darlene Occeña-Gutierrez, the 6th overall to hold the Society’s presidency, with the guidance of Liberty Tabigne who was a faculty member at the Department of Geography during that time. Liberty Tabigne, one of the founding members and UP GeogSoc’s 2nd president, also served as the organization’s adviser during its first revival from 1980 until 1984. UP GeogSoc relocated to the newly-formed College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) on 26 October 1983 and has been based there ever since. Dr. Luna returned as the organization’s adviser from 1984 to 1995.

Due to a decline in enrolled Geography undergraduate students in 1995, UP GeogSoc was put on hiatus for almost two (2) years. The low population of Geography students (the lowest in CSSP at that time) was unable to sustain the organization. Jonas Gaffud spearheaded the resumption of UP GeogSoc’s activities in 1997 after almost two (2) years of inactivity. He also served as the president during that time and was the 18th overall to hold the position. Since then, the organization’s membership grew, and UP GeogSoc continued to operate uninterruptedly.

In the Academic Year 2010-2011, under the presidency of Hanie Sanchez, the 32nd president of UP GeogSoc, the two flagship events of the organization were established and held for the first time: the Philippine Geography Olympiad and Geog Ride. By May 2020, the organization changed its official abbreviation to UP GeogSoc, replacing GSUP which was used ever since its foundation. On 2 February 2023, UP GeogSoc celebrated its 60th Anniversary. In the same month, the organization’s third and most recent flagship event was established and held for the first time: MAPAaralan: Geography for Kids.

Throughout its foundation, UP GeogSoc has produced student leaders and academic achievers. It has produced 27 Geography department representatives, 15 councilors, 3 vice chairpersons, and 1 chairperson in the CSSP Student Council. It has also produced 9 CSSP FST council department representatives for the past nine years. Francesca Mariae Duran, one of UP GeogSoc’s alumni, has also recently became the 41st Student Regent, the sole representative of the UP student body in the Board of Regents. Since its establishment, there have been 71 cum laude, 23 Magna Cum Laude, and 9 Summa Cum Laude graduates of UP GeogSoc.

Geography

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The organization's official tambayan or headquarters is located at the 1st floor of the Pavilion 2 Hallway right beside the CSSP Faculty Lounge.

Committees and Members

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Residents A.Y. 2024-2025 2nd Semester
President
Ureil Rey A. Toledo
Internal Affairs Committee
Jirah A. Sombilon
Kaimah F. Laurente
Djin Axel Izaak L. Gabriel
Ron Mervyn G. Garcia
Jose Antonio Miguel F. Santisteban
Eunah Kishel I. Daquila
Joaquin B. Flores
Justine Ravert R. Tan
External Affairs Committee
Fiona Marie A. Malaluan
Justin John S. Reyes
Juvirn Mae V. Garcia
Benedict John A. Manalo
Jade P. Ocab
Roan Janelle M. Punzalan
Ernest John P. Bacong
Membership Committee
PJ C. Dela Cruz
John Angelo D. Agtarap
Mark L. Bueza
Maybelle Aubine P. Soliman
Ysrael Gaffud
Reese Ysabelle A. Templora
Janneah R. Gaela
Rafael Gabriel G. Carranza
Vinz Angelo A. Imperial
Academic Affairs Committee
Erica Gwyneth G. Galleto
Paul Benedict A. Talatala
Zaeda Careema T. Wadi
Gracielle Love M. Daguimol
Rian Gio A. Maculado
Rogelio P. Bustos Jr.
Jeremy Christine B. Gayda
Renhard A. Regalario
Publicity Committee
Reynald Lawrence S. Castro
Chaela Dior R. Reyes
Key R. Mendiola
Rafael Gabriel T. Tamises
Janna Louise P. Lagman
Janna Paula A. Maltu
Angela Mae Y. Coloma
John Francis R. Valdez
Knisha Ysabelle M. Payuran
Finance Committee
Gabriel Jose G. Guzman
Arvi M. Abarientos
Taz A. Escareal
Hazelle Catena
Louise Gabrielle G. Eugenio
Kyla Anjeli V. Resurreccion
Stephen Gaius F. Buenaventura

Distinguished Members and Alumni

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• Ricardo S. Domingo Jr. - Founder & 1st President (1963-1965), Geographic Society of the University of the Philippines
• Virgilio C. Aganon - Founding member, Geographic Society of the University of the Philippines. One of the foremost geographers and researchers in the country. UP GeogSoc Public Relations Officer ('63-'64) and Vice President ('64-'65)
• Vilma S. Mascarina-Resuma, Ph.D. - Founding Member, Geographic Society of the University of the Philippines. 2022 Metrobank Outstanding Teachers. Elementary Teacher, Filipino, UP Integrated School. UP GeogSoc Secretary (1963-1964)
• Clarita R. Carlos - Former National Security Adviser, Republic of the Philippines (2022). Former President, National Defense College of the Philippines (1998-2001). Former Director, Philippine National Red Cross (2001-2006). UP GeogSoc Secretary (1965-1966; 1967-1968)
• Liberty C. Tabigne - Founding Member and 2nd President (1965-1969), Geographic Society of the University of the Philippines
• Darlene O. Gutierrez, Ph.D. - College Secretary, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of the Philippines Diliman. UP GeogSoc President ('80-'83)
• Mehretab Tekie - Forestry and Planning researcher, and former Associate Professor of Planning, UP Institute of Planning (now UP School of Urban and Regional Planning). UP GeogSoc Vice President (1971-1972)
• David Michael "Mr. Typhoon" Padua - Meteorologist and Typhoon Specialist, One of the most recognized typhoon forecasters in PH
• Jonas A. Gaffud - President & Manager, Mercator Artist & Model Mgt. UP GeogSoc President ('97-'98)
• Arnisson Andre Ortega, Ph.D. - Author, Neoliberalizing Spaces in the Philippines: Suburbanization, Transnational Migration, and Dispossession. Assistant Professor, Syracuse University. UP GeogSoc Academics and Research Committee Head ('97-'98), Vice President ('99-'00), and President (1st Semester '00)
• Joseph Palis, Ph.D. - Department Chairperson of the Geography Department. 2021 UP Centennial Professorial Chair Award. 2022 UP Centennial Faculty Grant
• David Jonathan C. Garcia - Owner, Mapmaker (Cartography Website), Digital Geographer, University of Canterbury, Founder, Ministry of Mapping
• Jasmin G. Callosa-Tarr - Asia Pacific (APAC) Technical Leader for GIS Delivery and New Zealand Spatial Lead for Jacobs. 2023 CSSP Distinguished Alumni Awardee for Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Development. UP GeogSoc President (1987-1988)
• Bernadette F. San Juan - Director, National Organic Agriculture Program, Department of Agriculture. 2023 CSSP Distinguished Alumni Awardee for Public Service and Good Governance
• Roi Anton C. Boribor - Summa Cum Laude (2018). 8th Philippine Geography Olympiad Inquisitorial Committee Head ('18)
• Arvin Jake A. Adovo - Summa Cum Laude (2022). UP GeogSoc VP for Academics and Research ('20-'21)
• Rey Edward E. Dimacuha - Summa Cum Laude (2023). UP GeogSoc OIC for Academics and Research ('21-'22) and President ('22-'23)
• Kristian Karlo C. Saguin, Ph.D. - BS Geography Magna cum Laude (2003). Philippine Social Science Council's 2018 Virginia A. Miralao Excellence in Research Award. 2021 UP Centennial Professorial Chair Award. 2022 AAG Meridian Book Award for Outstanding Scholarly Work in Geography. 2022 UP Centennial Faculty Grant
• Sandra “Andi” M. Tabinas - Founder, Mental Health AWHEREness. Founder, Saan Yan PH.
• Angelo Mari M. Pascual - Junior Remote Sensing-GIS Specialist, Manila Observatory. UP GeogSoc Academics & Research Committee Head (2017-2018)
• Mikko Tamura - Asia and the Pacific Regional Hub Community Manager, Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT), Founder, MapBeks
• Dinnah Feye H. Andal - Co-founder, UPRI YouthMappers. Asia Pacific Regional Ambassador of YouthMappers. 2nd place in Greatness in Mapping in the 2019 OSM Awards - State of the Map (SotM). UP GeogSoc Academics & Research Committee Head (2012-2013). 50 Rising Stars of 2024 list of the Geospatial World.
• Francesca Mariae M. Duran - 41st UP Student Regent

Former Presidents

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1. Ricardo S. Domingo Jr. (1963 - 1965)
2. Liberty C. Tabigne (1965 - 1969)
3. Ricardo Hemingway (1969 -1970)
4. Suzette B. Badon (1970 - June 1972)
5. Renato L. Cerdeña (1st sem June 1972 - 1st sem September 1972)
6. Darlene Occeña-Gutierrez (1980 - 1983)
7. Jose O. Sala (1983 - 1984)
8. Emrayda Q. Manikis (1984 - 1986)
9. Juancho A. Valconcha (1986 - 1987)
10. Jasmin G. Callosa-Tarr (1987 - 1988)
11. Edel Vincent F. Genato (1988 - 1989)
12. Noehl Alvena L. Dalao (1989 - 1990)
13. Theodore SJ. Honorio (1990 - 1991)
14. Ma. Lea Georgia M. Iligan (1991 - 1992)
15. Daniel L. Mabazza (1992 - 1993)
16. Trina Galido-Isorena (1993 - 1994)
17. Agustina Divina Amor G. Verdadero (1994 - 1995)
18. Jonas Gaffud (1997 - 1998)
19. Yany Lopez (1998 - 1999)
20. Alva Joi Jaranilla (1999 - 2000)
21. Arnisson Andre Ortega (1st sem June 2000 - 1st sem October 2000)
22. Joemy Borromeo Lillo (2nd sem November 2000 - 2002)
23. Salvador M. Tamor Jr. (2002 - 2003)
24. Alexandra C. Aldeguer (2003 - 2004)
25. May Liza S. Villanueve (2004 - 2005)
26. Jake Rom Cadag (1st sem June 2005 - 1st sem October 2005)
27. Jayvie H. Nadua (2nd sem November 2005 - 2006)
28. Joy Noelle T. Yumul (2006 - 2007)
29. Angelica C. Geronimo (2007 - 2008)
30. Fernand Francis Hermoso (2008 - 2009)
31. Illac Bohol (2009 - 2010)
32. Hanie Leine Sanchez (2010 - 2011)
33. Maria Celeste Hermida (2011 - 2012)
34. Ma. Celina Rosete (2012 - 2013)
35. Justine Teves (2013 - 2014)
36. Russel James Andrade (2014 - 2015)
37. Mark Angelo Cagampan (2015 - 2016)
38. Marvin Joshua Nombrado (2016 - 2017)
39. Diana Rizz Araña (2017 - 2018)
40. Jomar Espares (2018 - 2019)
41. Jacob Coby Jacela (2019 - 2020)
42. Jael Gonzales (1st sem August 2020 - 2nd sem March 2021)
43. Charles Epino (2nd sem March 2021 - July 2021)
44. Caila Marie Denielle Mariano (2021 - 2022)
45. Rey Edward E. Dimacuha (2022-2023)
46. Troy Owen P. Matavia (May 2024 - August 2024)
47. Taz A. Escareal (2024-2025)

Activities and Events

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Geog Ride

15th Geog Ride Logo (Baler-Pantabangan)

Geog Ride is a semestral event spearheaded by the Geographic Society of the University of the Philippines (UP GeogSoc). During the past years, UP GeogSoc has taken students to different places such as Pangasinan, Bataan, Zambales, and Batangas to provide experiences outside the classroom. The Geog Ride has been providing students an opportunity to gauge their understanding of the lessons, test the skills they have learned during class discussions, and apply them in real world scenarios. It also aims to make them perceptive specifically on the need for proper resource management and the advantages of sustainable tourism.

The event involves three main activities: the GeogReview, which allows the students to participate in an educational tour and discussion featuring the geography and culture of the selected province, the GeogRace, which incorporates the concepts learned from the GeogReview to a fun and challenging amazing race, and the GeogRelax, wherein the participants can unwind and enjoy the recreational activities prepared by their hosts. GeogRide is dedicated to developing the appreciation for the science of Geography, unfolding a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship among UP students, and promoting the Philippines’ beautiful landscapes and its genuine culture.

Philippine Geography Olympiad (PGO)

14th Philippine Geography Olympiad Logo

The premier nationwide inter-high school Geography competition presented by the organization and recognized by the International Geography Olympiad (iGEO) of the International Geographical Union. The competition aims to:

• Promote the discipline of Geography among high school students
• Introduce Geography as a discipline that deals with the study of the earth as one home, and a possible career path where students are taught skills in analyzing geographic patterns observed on the Earth’s surface, as well as understanding human-environment interactions
• Provide a venue for high school geography enthusiasts to share their knowledge and interests in geography.

In its recent iteration, the Philippine Geography Olympiad (PGO) returned for its 13th year last March 2-3, 2024, becoming the first face-to-face edition since the pandemic. Held at the UP Integrated School (UPIS) and UP School of Statistics Auditorium for Days 1 and 2, respectively, 124 students from 35 schools all over the country participated in the event. The 14th Philippine Geography Olympiad will be held on February 22-23, 2025 at UP Diliman, and the top scorers for the edition will be representing the Philippines in the upcoming 20th International Geography Olympiad (iGeo) in Bangkok, Thailand.

MAPAaralan: Geography for Kids

Official MAPAaralan logo

On February 27, 2023, in celebration of its 60th founding anniversary, the Geographic Society of the University of the Philippines launched its new flagship event entitled, “MAPAaralan: Geography for Kids,” which aims to teach children basic geographical concepts in a very fun and comprehensible way appropriate for their age. The program was filled with different activities about landform modeling, making simple maps, and activities teaching basic spatial concepts, which would be useful to the children as they continue to explore their environment. MAPAaralan: Geography for Kids was one of the first major face-to-face events spearheaded by the organization after conducting activities and programs online because of the pandemic. In its first three years, MAPAaralan visited students and children from Kalinga Day Care Center (February 2023), San Vicente Elementary School (December 2023), and Christian Compassion Ministries Foundation Inc. [CCMFI] (November 2024).

Perspective: The Geography Forum Series

Perspective Logo

Perspective: The Geography Forum Series is a forum that tackles various issues and discourses from a geographic point of view. Speakers are invited to talk about wide-ranging topics that are not only related to Geography but are relevant to society. Topics in the past have revolved around Studies in Aeroportality: Destinations, Trajectories, and Possibilities, Looking through the lens of the creator: The Geography of Cinematography, Senses on the Ground: The Everyday Landscapes in Music and Media, and Stories of Hope from the Margins: Efforts to Provide Socialized Housing and Rediscovering Forgotten Crops in Albay. The most recent installment of the forum held last November 2024, entitled, “Wasteful Thinking: Geographies of Waste and Waste Work on Paradise Island,” featured UP GeogSoc’s alumnus, Arvin Jake Adovo.

Former event: GSUPebrero

GSUPebrero or GeogSoc Month is a month-long celebration held during February, the month when UP GeogSoc was founded, which showcases several events organized by the organization. These events are open to everyone, especially UP students, in order to reach the largest number of people possible.

• Week-Long Exhibit

Throughout the duration of the whole event, an exhibit will be displayed in Palma Hall, one of the University's busiest lobbies where students from every college converge.

• Perspective

A newly-launched forum tackling various issues in a geographic point of view.

• Geog Alog

The ultimate mind and body challenge, a quiz show that will showcase geography in a fresh and exciting format. The event is participated by students from different colleges of the University and by our partner organizations.

• GSUPaikot

As a way of saying thanks, the organization will give free ikot jeepney rides to everyone on the last day of GeogSoc Week.

Online Releases

GeogFacts

Explores numerous concepts (and re-conceptualizations), interactions, contexts, phenomena, and trends in geography. These postings are anchored in current discourses and aim to offer broader perspectives regarding today’s issues through a geographic lens.

LUNAN logo

GeogProvFiles

Introduces the geography of the different provinces in the Philippines, serving as an online atlas exploring the physical, cultural, economic, and political landscape of all the Philippine provinces from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. So far, the provinces featured were: Ilocos Norte, Siquijor, Zamboanga Sibugay, Aurora, Negros Occidental, and Sultan Kudarat.

GeogToPick

Examines specific realms and specialties under the holistic discipline of geography in light of the numerous phenomena happening in the world today, highlighting their intricate nature and implications to the larger society.

Lunan

UP GeogSoc’s first ever literary folio, it shares and reveals the emotional landscapes geographers produce and interact with in their daily lives.

Affiliations

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International Association of Young Geographers (IAYG)

The Geographic Society of the University of the Philippines is the first official student branch of the IAYG in the Philippines located at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

The IAYG is a global nonprofit organisation taking a lead in advancing geography and geology, and access to education in these subjects. Serving students and the stakeholders that support them in geography (educators, parents, field experts, institutions, and anyone who believes in a more informed, connected future), the IAYG is empowering children and educators on five continents through free, game-changing programmes. With a global mindset, the IAYG works to open unprecedented access to education and advance this critical field for tens of thousands of students and educators. Their work is made possible by the incredible efforts of volunteers and volunteer employees worldwide – involved educators, distinguished field experts, institutions, and community stakeholders making a difference.

Ugnayang Tanggol KAPP (UTAK)

The Geographic Society of the University of the Philippines is also one of the founding member organizations of the Ugnayang Tanggol KAPP or UTAK.

Ugnayang Tanggol KAPP is a community of students, organizations, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the UP College of Social Sciences and Philosophy committed to defending academic freedom in the college.

External Links

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Facebook Page
Twitter Page
Official Website
Philippine Geography Olympiad
IAYG Website
10th PGO Article
Geog Ride index.php?title=Category:UP Dilimanindex.php?title=Category:Student Organizationsindex.php?title=Category:College-based organizations