The beauty of the past can still be revisited.

This was showcased at Jose Burgos Hall through the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) Diorama of Christmas Village Exhibit spearheaded by the Department of Languages and Humanities (DLH) with the initiative of Mr. Benedict Bautista, DLH faculty, in coordination with the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and Students of Arts and Sciences Organization (SASO), on December 2, 2024.

“Rimat ken Ragsak ti Paskua: Ipateg iti Napalabas, Aywanan ti Agdama ti Pagadalan” was the theme of the activity. 213 students from the College of Nursing, College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, College of Criminal Justice Education, and College of Communication and Information Technology in the second semester of AY 2023-2024 crafted the miniatures of old UNP structures, fashioned with Christmas decorations.

Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna, VP Albert Tejero, Dean Remedios T. Navarro, and Assistant Dean Grace Garcia graced the opening of the exhibit.

Bautista indicated that the essence of the diorama is to let the students recall and learn about the beautiful history of UNP by displaying its former infrastructures and value the progress and improvement of the institution. He also sought to bring out the diverse talents of students, especially in the field of arts, to boost their confidence and enhance their skills.

“Through the arts, we can make wonders, letting the viewers think of what message the artwork implies. It also teaches the students to be patient, especially those inclined with arts, to be more appreciative with its details and on how this diorama was done,” he said.

According to him, this form of artistic work was the final project he instructed his students to make in their Humanities class. He wanted to show the architectural beauty and art of the university in a diorama or miniature form.

This was first established in the year 2022 and from that time, it has already been conducted annually up until today to cultivate and preserve the history, heritage, and culture of UNP.

Particularly, a total of 14 structures were presented in the diorama. The students who made the exhibit were given an estimated one-month preparation in creating the buildings.

Bautista was also thoroughly guided by UNP alumni with the ideas of the University’s old architectural designs which he then relayed to his students to replicate the institution’s long-gone construction styles.

Article by Jesame A. Villa.