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The SAMAHANG EKOLOHIYA NG UPLB is the first environmental organization in the Philippines.
It was formally organized last 1974 although it started earlier as a group of employees, drivers, farmers, nuns, and students of the university that has committed itself for the environment. Its previous name was UPLB Ecological Society (Eco Soc). |
One of the first that identifies the Eco Soc is its seal designed by the pioneers in 1976 of whom are Dr. Delfin Ganapin Jr., Dr. Nestor Baguinon, Prof. Raymundo Lucero and many more.
Because Eco Soc before has members that are employees, many activities were made possible because of their financial contribution, some of them were:
1. Regular conferences for the upland farmers, SUMALUP (Pantabangan Area).
2. Collecting articles relating to the environment and documenting it as a manual (Reaing on Ecology).
3. Collecting and documenting quotations about ecology (QuotEcology).
4. Making modules in ecology (Primer on Ecology).
5. Making two slide presentations : "Heartbreaks" and "Ecology is You" which until now is being used in orientations, lectures and some other activities.
6. Releasing the regular "Kalipunan", official publication of the organization.
When Martial Law was declared in 1972, Eco Soc is one of the blacklisted organizations by the Marcos Administration because of being an activist on evironmental issues especially on the destruction of forests.
In 1976, the members converted the organization's name into Filipino, thus becoming Samahang Ekolohiya ng UPLB (SAMAEKO). The constitution was also translated into Filipino.
Last September 4, 1984, the members constructed a Habitat located at one corner of the mini-forest in fron of the Forestry Residence Hall that is still used right now. Also, in 1987, a mascot that represent the organization was made based on the image of a Tarsier (Tarsius syrichta). They named it "Tarcus" and it's usually found on the t-shirt of the members with various environmental message imprinted on it.
Right now, the SAMAEKO already has more or less 500 members. In order to have funds, resident members hold income-generating activities such as Bottle-Newspaper Drive, Rummage Sale and Raffles. Also, some of their regular activities are :
1. Rumble sa Basure (RSB) - picking up non-biodegradable trash in the campus and at the creek.
2. Eat-out at the Habitat.
3. Ecology Week - one week celebration of the anniversary of the organization.
4. Ecology Quiz Contest.
5. On-the-spot Poster Making Contest.
6. Film Showing.
7. Symposium.
8. Exhibit that promotes the awareness for the environment.
9. BOSES - annual OPM singing contest.
10. Tarcus Week - one week celebration of the birthday of Tarcus.
11.Community Lecture - environmental lectures and awaress held in schools and community at various places in the Philippines.
Some of the activities of the organization were Gulayan sa Gubat, Engkuwentro sa Gubat (Debate), Search for Miss Valentine (Smokey Mountain), and many more. The organization is also active in academic reviews and guides and participates in the activity of the University and some other organizations.
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