Here are some things you need to know about this group of committed, talented, dynamic-minded and socially-responsible Iskolar ng Bayan from the Ilocos region and neighboring provinces:
UP Namnama is the first and only true-blooded Ilocano organization at the University of the Philippines with the purpose of providing academic and social growth among the Ilocano youth through its various projects
such as SURO and Sirib ken Saririt to name a few. It aspires to widen the awareness and appreciation of our region's unique heritage and culture among our fellow Filipinos. Angara emphasized the call for social responsibility among the youth during UP Namnama SIRIB ‘85. Even in the midst of a pandemic, UP Namnama strives to offer unrelentless service, passion, and commitment. Together with its chapter at UP Baguio, this organization hosted and organized the first-ever virtual Sirib ken Saririt and SURO 2020. Aside from that, UP Namnama maintains its call for a humane government and a genuine response to the pandemic. During the high tumultuous period in then President Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorial government, UP Namnama was established to go against the aforementioned government’s violations in human rights. Having been an active participant in the "parliament of the street" almost daily alongside with other UP students and protesters, UP Namnama became politically involved in and out of the university. This organization, at the same time, became a pioneer member of the Ilocandia Forum, a coalition of Ilocanos from different sectors, such as the academe, clergy, judiciary, business, and labor, among others. Having a deep sense of nationalism and genuine selflessness, UP Namnama members fought long and hard for the release of political detainees which included its former president, Lenville Salvador. With the continuous efforts of the organization within the years, UP Namnama has successfully built a solid and valuable presence in the provinces of Abra, La Union, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and the city of Baguio. The Annual Sirib and Saririt Cultural Festival has been participated in by hundreds of schools within the said provinces as it provides an avenue for the students to showcase their talents and abilities. Furthermore, UP Namnama has been a member of UP Sanlahi Alliance, a duly recognized group of various regional, provincial, and ethnolinguistic organizations in UP Diliman. Aside from its goal in providing academic and social growth among the Ilocano youth, this organization has indeed contributed for the holistic development of its own members and alumni. Among the thousands of alumni of UP Namnama are Jessica Soho, who is a multi-awarded broadcast journalist, Jose Fernando Alcantara and Kristian Michel Ablan, who were both former University Council chairpersons. A milestone of the organization was achieved in January of 2014 as UP Namnama Baguio Chapter was formed. In June and July of 2014, UP Namnama and UP Namnama- Baguio simultaneously launched Suro: an Annual UPCAT Review Series aimed originally for the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Abra. At this point, the said events have now reached thousands of students across the country. Now in its 47th year this 2021, as the entire nation and the whole world face COVID-19 crisis, UP Namnama vows to continue to serve the Ilocano youth and promote the Ilocano heritage and culture through its established social, cultural and academic-oriented projects. Above all, it is dedicated to serve as a symbol of hope- of Namnama. Two revolutions, one breakaway group, one additional chapter, and nearly five decades after inception, UP Namnama is here to stay.
