MANILA, Philippines — The University of the Philippines (UP) has restored the iconic Oblation plaza in its flagship campus in Diliman, Quezon City.
The restored plaza, which was opened last week, features fountains and multi-colored lighting. Steady jets of water forming parabolic arches are lit with the university’s colors – maroon and green – at night.
An unveiling slated last Feb. 23 was postponed to a later date, the university said in an earlier statement.
A known symbol of the university, the Oblation statue, made by National Artist Guillermo Tolentino, features a naked man with outstretched arms and open hands in the act of offering himself. The statue symbolizes the university’s commitment to serve the country.
The original statue was first erected at the UP campus in Manila before it was transferred to Diliman in 1949.
The bronze statue at the Oblation plaza is a reproduction of the original, which is currently located at the main library building of UP Diliman.