UP Harong AcadFest 2013

UP Harong holds AcadFest 2013

Venue: Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology
October 23 - 26, 2013
Like the AcadFest on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/acadfest?ref=stream

ACADFEST SCHEDULE
October 24 (Thursday)
8:00 – 10:00 AM
Tingog nin Rason Debate Tournament Round 2

10:00 – 12:00 PM
Heras sa Banwaan Radio Broadcasting Tournament Presentation
Harong nin Dunong Quiz Bee Eliminations 2

12:00 – 1:00 PM
Lunch Break

1:00 – 3:00 PM
Tingog nin Rason Debate Tournament Round 3
Gayon Bikolnon Poster Making Contest

3:00 – 5:00 PM
Tingog nin Rason Debate Tournament Round 4

Sural Essay Writing Contest

The University of the Philippines (UP) Harong has been upholding the values of academic excellence and social relevance in the province of Camarines Sur and the whole Bicol Region as well for 18 years now. As a duly recognized organization of students in UP Diliman coming from the province of Camarines Sur and the cities of Iriga and Naga, UP Harong continues to be an avenue for boosting individual talents, honing interpersonal skills and revitalizing societal linkage through holding a wide array of activities in order to propel change, raise awareness and rev up the development in the region. 

On the Activity: Igniting the Engine of Academic and Social Desires:

One of the activities that UP Harong holds which promotes the aforementioned ideals is the Academic Festival (AcadFest, as it is popularly known). For the previous years, the AcadFest catered only to high school students of Camarines Sur and the cities of Iriga and Naga. On its 18th year, the AcadFest 2013 was opened to all high school students of Bicol in order to better achieve its visions for the youth. It will be held at the Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST) along Peñafrancia Avenue, Naga City, and SM City Naga on October 23-26, 2013.  

On the Theme: Revving the Ride

This year’s theme for the AcadFest is “Revving the Ride: The Youth Drive for Responsible Tourism towards Sustainable Development”. AcadFest 2013 focuses on the effects of different types of tourism; may it be ecotourism, culinary tourism, religious tourism, cultural tourism, heritage tourism, and many more, in the improvement of the region and the nation as well. The responsibility does not lie solely on the government officials for whom it is commonly directed to. The youth plays a great role in achieving sustainable development through responsible tourism by breaking the apathy within themselves, igniting the fervor to be part of change, starting the will and work for the common good, and revving the ride towards the highly desired ideal society. Moreover, through the events of AcadFest 2013, students may relish their well-thought points of view and rebut amongst themselves their long-prepared arguments.

On the Events: Driving the Vehicles of Responsible Tourism towards Sustainable Development

The students inevitably have their own weaknesses, which they can improve on, and fortes, which they can use to challenge and debate with others' strengths. The choice is in their hands on which vehicle to ride on and drive towards their success. It may be the 18th Tingog nin rason Debate Tournament, 16th Boses kan Jovenes Public Speaking Contest, 12th Harong nin Dunong Quiz Bee, 11th Sural Essay Writing Competition, 10th Gayon Bikolnon Poster Making Contest, 6th Ladawan nin Kabikolan Photojournalism Contest, 4th Istoryang Suanoy Story telling Competition, Gala night, and the newest in the collection, the 1st Heras sa Banwaan Radio Broadcasting Tournament. It must be noted, however, that in any endeavor one takes, he/she must be responsible and prudent while voyaging towards his/her destination.

The journey that has long been waited for towards sustainable development is about to begin. Since each holds different views regarding tourism, each will have a unique path towards their destination. It may be a path taken by many, but then again sometimes, to do what is right you must walk alone. Whichever path it is, the important thing is not to get left behind so pack your ideas up, collect your thoughts, and get prepared for the UP Harong Academic Festival 2013!

JAY-AR R. FERNANDEZ
3rd Year, BS Civil Engineering
UP Harong Deputy for Academics and Trainings