Orgs, Orgs, Orgs: A (Brief) Guide

WRITTEN AND COMPILED BY JERSEY GANDING, NIKKA MACASA, JALEN TADEJA

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FORWARD to an academic life with a wide room for social growth and fulfilling activities, joining an organization is a great option. Providing projects for the development of its members and their relationship with their society and environment, organizations could satisfy a significant part in the college experience of students who thirst for new friendships and opportunities.

Orgs are places where people of similar interests could meet and discover new interests together, provide help and support from academics to personal problems and share experiences about life in and out of the campus. Every org has its unique culture and tradition and its own mission and services dedicated to the enrichment of members and other students, their chosen field, their future and, by extension, their society as a whole.

Surviving college could be easier with an org at your back, with more experienced peers pushing you forward. As a start, do your research about the application process, goal and events organized by the different orgs in the campus. Pick an org whose services and mission interest you and could provide you with an environment you are comfortable to work with. Then, brace yourself and remember that, like almost anything in life, applying to an org requires dedication and responsibility. If you are successful in this, then, maybe, all is well. (If not and you somewhat felt like this org is not for you, try another org! Successful discoveries are sometimes paved by lots of trial-and -error.)

And so, to help ease this journey for the freshies and other students still finding an org to join, we provide you with a brief description of the following organizations based in the College of Science:

Agham Youth UPD is the local youth chapter of the mass organization, AGHAM. Its advocacy centers on integrating science in the struggle of the masses to forward national industrialization in the face of institutional problems. It is affiliated YACAP or Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines, an alliance of youth environmental advocates, and is part of climate justice movement. It also conducts educational discussions, community integrations and People’s Science School, a program wherein volunteers bring S&T education to grassroots communities.

Anakbayan — College of Science is the local chapter of the national democratic mass organization from the youth sector, Anakbayan. In line with the objectives of its parent organization, it seeks to arouse, organize and mobilize studentscientists towards its comprehensive goal of uniting the youth to fight for TLEKS (Trabaho, Lupa, Edukasyon, Karapatang sibil at Serbisyong Panlipunan). It conducts educational discussions, forums, workshops and basic mass integration programs to uphold the democratic interests of the youth. The Iuvenis Orbis Geological Fraternity (IOGF), the only dulyrecognized fraternity in the college, is directed towards cultivating excellence, integrity and brotherhood in the geosciences profession through sponsoring the Alberto Llamas Education Assistance Fund for its members and the UP Geology Merit Awards. Established in 1972, the fraternity also continually upholds these values through events such as the semestral Taal Volcano field trip, the Geosciences Educational Tour, and the NIGS Lecture Series.

is the official student publication of the College of Science. Founded in 1988, Scientia uses journalism to forward the local and national problems and issues in science and technology. Scientia reflects the struggle to fight against these issues, discusses its relation to our political and economical environment, and writes about possible solutions to these problems. As training for their writers and editors, Scientia conducts educational discussions about the current issues of science and technology and holds writing workshops to further hone journalistic skills.

The UP Association of Biology Majors (UP ABM) was started by students enlisted in a class of Field Botany during the summer of 1975. The same year, the group formalized as UP ABM, was duly recognized as a socioacademic organization in the University, dedicating itself towards promoting Biology “as a subject and as an institution relevant to our nation’s future.” Throughout the year, UP ABM organizes events such as the BioLOGIC high school quiz bee, the Pencil Project wherein members collect used pencils during UPCAT for donation, and other numerous medical, dental and tuli missions.

The UP Association of Chemistry Majors and Enthusiasts (UP ACME) is an academic organization that upholds the spirit of camaraderie and integrity among its members while promoting academic excellence in the field of Chemistry. Established in 1997 and refounded in 2008, UP ACME continues to forward these through quiz bees like HSM: Hanep sa Science at Math, Are You Ready to CHEMpete?, Oh CHEM Gee!, and other projects such as the Chem Immersion, the Undergraduate Thesis Symposium, PatiCHEM, Kimikain and Akapnayan.

The UP Astronomical Society (UP AstroSoc), residing in the PAGASA Astronomical Observatory inside the campus, is dedicated to the promotion and study of astronomy among students. Throughout the year, UP AstroSoc holds events such as an annual Astronomy quiz bee for UP students and conducts workshops which aims to help students discover the wonders of astronomy through theory and application. During significant astronomical phenomenon, UP AstroSoc often facilitates a public viewing which attendees can use telescopes provided.

The UP Career Assistance Program for Scientists (UP CAPS) aims to present CS students with opportunities in their respective fields by “introducing possible careers in the realm of science and technology and providing avenues to develop and apply necessary skills and tools to their chosen career paths”. To fulfill this goal, UP CAPS holds various events throughout the year following under three major categories: career exposure, career preparedness, and career application.

The UP Chemistry Society (UP ChemSoc) is an organization recognized as an official member of the Philippine Association of Chemistry Students, Inc. It aims to achieve the “highest level of academic superiority and competence in chemistry as well as its related fields.” The organization holds the Philippine National Chemistry Olympiad NCR, a regional chemistry quiz bee for high school students, and sponsors the Pasinaya and the Baldomero Olivera and Lourdes Cruz Awarding Ceremony for the board passers and the top two students of the graduating batch, respectively.

UP Cwm Zena’na is an all-female organization, established in 1980, that is dedicated to the empowerment and the protection of the rights of female students and practitioners in the field of geology. It holds a number of events yearround which include the annual Geology Board Review, Earth Cwiz, NIGS Idol and a month-long event-packed anniversary celebration.

The UP DOST Scholars’ Association (UP DOST SA) is a socio-academic organization comprised of DOST scholars in the campus. Founded in 1979, UP DOST SA involves its members in different programs and activities, promoting national development through science and technology. The organization holds yearly events such as the Summer Orientation and Enrichment Program for incoming freshie DOST scholars and the AgHamon math and science competition.

iThe UP Environmental Science and Meteorology Society is a newlyrecognized all-graduate academic organization. UP ESMS is devoted to the pursuit of excellence in the fields of environmental science and meteorology. The organization is also interested in the “investigation of natural phenomenon including human-nature interaction and in contributing to major decisions towards a sustainable development in the country and in the Asia-Pacific region.” UP ESMS organizes activities which aims to develop the research and critical thinking skills of its institute’s studentry.

The UP Geological Society (UP GeoSoc)is the oldest organization based in the National Institute of Geological Sciences. As an academic organization, it is devoted to the “pursuit of honor and excellence in the field of geology” and the promotion of the geosciences. In line with this, UP GeoSoc conducts events such as the National Geology Congress and Geologs annually. Founded in 1975, the UP Geology Majors’ Society is an organization that advocates for scholastic excellence and the protection of the environment. Adhering to its objectives, it holds activities such as Sasablay Ka Ba?, a general information quiz bee, EnviTalks, a seminar related to the environment, cleanup drives and a monthlong series of events that promotes the geosciences and environmental protection. It also cosupervises the National Geology and Mining Engineering Convention, along with the UP Mining Engineering Society.

The UP Marine Biological Society (UP MBS) is the only organization in the university which uses the sport of skin diving to promote marine awareness and environmentalism. As part of their adherence to the principles of environmentalism, UP MBS organizes activities such as open dives, environmental talks and recyclables fair along with participating in coastal clean-ups and mangrove planting. Furthermore, UP MBS is open for all students from different colleges and institutions who are willing to be part of their advocacy.

The UP Marine Science Society (UP MaSS) is an academic, sociocivic and environmental organization based in the Marine Science Institute comprised of graduate students and researchers. UP MaSS conducts various research and activities which adheres to its mission in promoting the “advancement and application of marine science,” as well as in promoting awareness about the situation of the country’s marine environment to the Filipino people.

The UP Mathematics Club, established in 1921, is the oldest academic organization in the University. UP Math Club aims to promote and develop mathematics in the country through the means of “competitive but friendly activities.” Accordingly, UP Math Club provides major math competitions throughout the country which provides a place for different students to interact and to use their math skills and knowledge — some of these competitions like the Nationwide Search for the Math Wizard and the Freshman Math Quiz are held annually.

The University of the Philippines Mathematics Majors’ Circle (UPMMC) was founded in 1974 and is mainly dedicated to “scientific, intellectual, and educational pursuits, particularly in the field of mathematics.” UPMMC holds services such as AgiMath which is focused on giving students assistance in their math subjects and for tutorials in using the LaTeX software. Since 1988, UPMMC also has their annual mathematics competition for high school students, MATHirang MATHibay, with an average of 60 participating teams each year.

Founded in 1989, the UP Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Society (UP MBBS) is the only organization based in NIMBB. It is known for holding the Biosciences Quiz Bee, a national competition for high school students, and MBB Week, promoting the org mainly to UPD students and faculty. The organization has since promoted research in the field of molecular biology and biotechnology. Moreover, it caters to the holistic development of the members through extra-curricular activities in sports, entertainment and the like.

The UP Physics Association (UPPA) is the only academic student organization based in the National Institute of Physics (NIP). UPPA was founded in 1980 with an aim to promote and advance Physics in the University and throughout the country. An annual Physics Month is organized by UPPA which includes activities such as Pisikaalaman, which is a quiz bee for senior high school students, an NIP Open House, a grand pakain and a career talk given by some of the country’s top scientists.

The UP Pre-Medical Honor Society (UP PMHS) was established in 1955 and was given its title by the Philippine Alpha Chapter of the Alpha Epsilon Delta. UP PMHS comprises of students from different courses and degree programs who aim to enter the medical field. Accordingly, UP PMHS holds programs such as free clinics and Gawad Kalinga as part of their mission in “instilling social awareness and community service among [its] members in preparation for a profession that demands self-commitment to humanity.”

UP Rockhounds is an all-male organization based in NIGS which aims to promote awareness and appreciation for the geosciences. Founded in 1992, it upholds its objectives through activities like the annual field trip to Camara Island, Zambales.

UPZS, established in 1952, is an academic, sociocivic and environmental organization promoting “unity, service and environmental awareness to the Filipino people.” UPZS holds biology tutorials and academic competitions while also conducting projects such as medical missions and outreach programs as part of their advocacy. For the environment, UPZS participates in various environmental seminars and causes, in clean-up drives and in adhering to a “No Styrofoam” policy.