Geographic Society of the University of the Philippines
| |
| 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 |
| Executive Committee A.Y. 2023-2024 | |
| President | Markel James C. Rivera |
| Vice President for Internal Affairs | Troy Owen P. Matavia |
| Vice President for External Affairs | Fernando Louise B. Sablay |
| Vice President for Membership | Zamuel Anthony Michael O. Pimentel |
| Vice President for Academics and Research | John Paul A. Golingan |
| Vice President for Publicity | Rovenz Vinzent G. Cortez |
| Officer-in-Charge for Finance | Pauline Jen J. Madrona |
| Faculty Advisers | 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. Dr. Salita and Dr. Telesforo W. Luna, Jr. served as UP GeogSoc’s original advisers. Dr. Salita was the adviser during the 1st semesters of the academic year from 1963 until 1970 while Dr. Luna served during the 2nd semesters from 1964 until 1970. Dr. Salita continued to serve as the sole adviser of the organization from 1970 until 1972.
On 23 September 1972, 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, UP GeogSoc was officially revived through the leadership and efforts of Darlene Occeña-Gutierrez with the guidance of Liberty Tabigne who was a faculty member at the Department of Geography during that time. Liberty Tabigne was UP GeogSoc’s 2nd president and one of its founding members. Darlene Occeña-Gutierrez served as the president of the newly revived UP GeogSoc and the 5th overall to hold the position. Liberty Tabigne 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 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 2 years of inactivity. He also served as the president during that time and was the 17th 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 31st 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. The organization changed its official abbreviation to UP GeogSoc in May 2020, 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.
UP GeogSoc has produced student leaders and academic achievers ever since its foundation. It has produced 27 Geography department representatives, 15 councilors, 3 vice chairpersons, and 1 chairperson in the CSSP Student Council. It has also produced 7 CSSP FST council department representatives for the past seven years. Since its establishment, there have been 66 cum laude graduates of UP GeogSoc. 18 out of 29 of the Magna Cum Laude BS Geography graduates are UP GeogSoc Alumni. Roi Anton Boribor, Arvin Jake Adovo, and Rey Edward Dimacuha, alumni of UP GeogSoc, are three of the only four Summa Cum Laude of the UP Department of Geography.
Geography
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
| Residents A.Y. 2022-2023 1st Semester |
|---|
| President |
| Rey Edward E. Dimacuha |
| Internal Affairs Committee |
| Markel James C. Rivera |
| Mark L. Bueza |
| Juvirn Mae V. Garcia |
| Florence Mikhail Dale Lazarte |
| Pauline Jen J. Madrona |
| Amilov Geoff R. Malabanan |
| Caila Marie Denielle B. Mariano |
| External Affairs Committee |
| Angel Nichole R. Nate |
| Erika Joy I. Del Rosario |
| Jael O. Gonzales |
| Marion Jolo M. Imperio |
| David Chester B. Reyes |
| Membership Committee |
| Arjan Dave E. Alfeche |
| Patrick Joshneil C. Dela Cruz |
| Vinz Angelo A. Imperial |
| Zamuel Anthony Michael O. Pimentel |
| Eunice Stephanie D. Samson |
| Charles Anderson D. Tiu |
| Academic Affairs Committee |
| Marvin Joshua M. Estacio |
| Ceejay T. Abilay |
| Nathaniel C. Angue |
| Shanna Rose M. Fetalino |
| John Paul A. Golingan |
| Emmanuel Reed Horton B. Viceral |
| Publicity Committee |
| Janica Kylle V. De Guzman |
| Leamsi Eniale C. Alconaba |
| Robie Lorenzo G. Co |
| Rovenz Vinzent G. Cortez |
| Francesca Mariae M. Duran |
| Marcuz Josuel S. Lugto |
| Kirsten Dane S. Mansilungan |
| Dexter C. Niño |
| Finance Committee |
| Nathanael Kent E. Rondario |
| Gracielle Love M. Daguimol |
| Troy Owen P. Matavia |
| Fernando Louise B. Sablay |
| Beanne Paula R. Salvanera |
| Basil Angelo M. Viloria |
Distinguished Members and Alumni
- 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.
Former Presidents
- Ricardo S. Domingo Jr. (1963 - 1965)
- Liberty C. Tabigne (1965 - 1969)
- Suzette B. Badon (1969 - 1972)
- Renato L. Cerdeña (1st sem June 1972 - 1st sem September 1972)
- Darlene Occeña-Gutierrez (1980 - 1983)
- Jose O. Sala (1983 - 1984)
- Emrayda Q. Manikis (1984 - 1986)
- Juancho A. Valconcha (1986 - 1987)
- Jasmin G. Callosa-Tarr (1987 - 1988)
- Edel Vincent F. Genato (1988 - 1989)
- Noehl Alvena L. Dalao (1989 - 1990)
- Theodore SJ. Honorio (1990 - 1991)
- Ma. Lea Georgia M. Iligan (1991 - 1992)
- Daniel L. Mabazza (1992 - 1993)
- Trina Galido-Isorena (1993 - 1994)
- Agustina Divina Amor G. Verdadero (1994 - 1995)
- Jonas Gaffud (1997 - 1998)
- Yany Lopez (1998 - 1999)
- Alva Joi Jaranilla (1999 - 2000)
- Arnisson Andre Ortega (1st sem June 2000 - 1st sem October 2000)
- Joemy Borromeo Lillo (2nd sem November 2000 - 2002)
- Salvador M. Tamor Jr. (2002 - 2003)
- Alexandra C. Aldeguer (2003 - 2004)
- May Liza S. Villanueve (2004 - 2005)
- Jake Rom Cadag (1st sem June 2005 - 1st sem October 2005)
- Jayvie H. Nadua (2nd sem November 2005 - 2006)
- Joy Noelle T. Yumul (2006 - 2007)
- Angelica C. Geronimo (2007 - 2008)
- Fernand Francis Hermoso (2008 - 2009)
- Illac Bohol (2009 - 2010)
- Hanie Leine Sanchez (2010 - 2011)
- Maria Celeste Hermida (2011 - 2012)
- Ma. Celina Rosete (2012 - 2013)
- Justine Teves (2013 - 2014)
- Russel James Andrade (2014 - 2015)
- Mark Angelo Cagampan (2015 - 2016)
- Marvin Joshua Nombrado (2016 - 2017)
- Diana Rizz Araña (2017 - 2018)
- Jomar Espares (2018 - 2019)
- Jacob Coby Jacela (2019 - 2020)
- Jael Gonzales (1st sem August 2020 - 2nd sem March 2021)
- Charles Epino (2nd sem March 2021 - July 2021)
- Caila Marie Denielle Mariano (2021 - 2022)
- Rey Edward E. Dimacuha (2022-2023)
Activities and Events
Geog Ride
The 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 a 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. The 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
The premier nationwide inter-high school Geography quizbee presented by the organization 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.
MAPAaralan: Geography for Kids
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 three years of conducting activities and programs online because of the pandemic.
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.
Affiliations
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
Facebook Page
Twitter Page
Official Website
Philippine Geography Olympiad
IAYG Website
10th PGO Article
Geog Ride