ANGARA CHALLENGES UPCAT PASSERS: TAKE PART
IN NATION-BUILDING

The new state scholars of the University of the Philippines system have a greater role at nation-building--and they must not waste this opportunity to learn from some of the country's finest educators, according to Senator Edgardo J. Angara, former UP President.

Around 13,000 graduating high school students recently made it into the UP System for Academic year 2011-2012 after taking the notoriously difficult UPCAT last August. The passers gained entry into one of the12 UP campuses around the country. The results of the UPCAT (University of the Philippines College Admission Test) were released on Monday.

"These bright young minds deserve this chance to get good education. This is why we are working hard to improve the academic programs and facilities not just for UP, but for all the state-funded colleges and universities" said Angara, chair of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture.

According to Angara, students of state-run universities are in a unique position to help the nation.

"These students have the ability--and responsibility--to help the country by utilizing the training provided by their college or university. They must try to give back to the community so that the future state scholars get the same opportunities," he asserted.

The veteran lawmaker is a proud alumnus of the UP College of Law, as well as former president of the premier state university from 1981-87. As head of the Senate Education Committee, Angara is also a member of UP's Board of Directors.