Engage your role. Engage, participate, and help shape the future of our nation
The Oblation Run remains one of the most symbolic and enduring traditions in the University of the Philippines. It stands as a bold expression of freedom, protest, and nationalism that reflects the university’s commitment to critical thinking, social awareness, and service to the nation.
Rooted in the image of the Oblation, the university’s emblem of selfless offering to the country, the run reminds every Iskolar ng Bayan that genuine service requires both courage and conscience. It represents the idea that patriotism is not only about love of country but also the willingness to engage with its challenges in meaningful ways.
Each year, the event transforms into a platform for advocacy and dialogue. Runners carry banners and placards that call for reform, accountability, and unity in addressing the nation’s most pressing issues. These messages invite both the national government and the university administration to listen, respond, and work together toward genuine progress.
The calls made during the run are not meant to divide but to encourage reflection and participation. They echo the shared hope that through cooperation and open conversation, communities and institutions can move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and inclusiveness.
At its core, the Oblation Run speaks to the strength of the youth—their vision, passion, and belief that change is possible when people care enough to act. It is both a reminder and a celebration of their role as catalysts for transformation.
The tradition also highlights the importance of civic engagement. It invites everyone, regardless of age or belief, to take part in shaping a society built on fairness, compassion, and integrity. In doing so, it honors the democratic spirit that defines the Filipino people.
For those who witness the event, it is an opportunity to reflect on the values that unite rather than divide. It is a call to recognize that while perspectives may differ, the goal of nation-building remains a collective one.
More than a spectacle, the Oblation Run endures as a living expression of service and patriotism. It is a yearly reminder that love of country can take many forms, and that every act—no matter how bold or quiet—can help move the nation closer to the ideals of truth, justice, and progress.
COVID 19 SERVICE
Service Amid the Pandemic
Rising to the call of duty when the nation needed compassion, courage and community the most