Written by Mark Herrera
The Alpha Phi Omega (APO) Fraternity Iota Eta Chapter of the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) held the the annual Oblation Run yesterday, May 14, 2024, at the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) with the theme “Krisis sa Gulong: Takbo para sa mga Komyuter at mga Hari ng Kalsada” in support of jeepney drivers and operators who will face difficulties amid the government’s continued push for the continued push for the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
The run, dubbed the “Great Dance of the Brave,” involved 10 fraternity members who lapped the Rizal Hall (RH) and Gusaling Andres Bonifacio (GAB). The program began at the Oblation Plaza at 12:40 PM with spectators and media on standby.
Prof. Laufred Hernandez from the Department of Behavioral Sciences explained that the tradition fostered by APO symbolizes the unity of the Filipino masses, urging the fight for freedom and pro-people change.
APO Fraternity Director Vince de Dios explained this year’s focal issue; the fraternity calls for mass-oriented policies in public transportation and service for the people.
Joseph Collantes, an APO alumnus, delivered a speech on the jeepney drivers’ woes if the modernization program pushes through.
“Kaya siguro binibilisan nila ang biyahe nila ay para makabiyahe ulit sila,” Collantes lamented.
(“Perhaps the reason they speed-up their travel is for them to be able to travel again,” Collantes lamented.)
Collantes further urged for a modernization program that takes account of the call of jeepney drivers and operators in formulation.
The run commenced at 12:51 PM, with the 10 APO members heading to the RH parking area, through the halls of RH, and finally concluding at GAB for the first lap. This was followed by another lap within the corridors of RH.
The third and final lap had the brothers running from RH and back into the Oblation Plaza. To signify the end of the Run, the frat members posed on the RH steps, mimicking the Oblation Statue.
APO’s Prime Chancellor Raven Villarama further emphasized the role of jeepneys to the Filipino masses and expressed the call for just programs and laws.
The program concluded with APO brothers reciting their chants and calling on the people to join them in their cause for the government to heed their calls.
This annual tradition began in September 1977 when former president and dictator Marcos Sr. banned the film, “Hubad na Bayani,” a political satire against the Marcoses. Since then, APO chapters from various UP constituent units organize their respective Oblation Run to address pressing issues.
Ang Tagamasid 