(Mar. 21)— Flora and fauna, historical event, public arts, architecture and historical buildings highlight the Lakad-Gunita Walking Tours in UP Diliman (UPD).

Lakad-Gunita Walking Tours is part of the UPD Arts and Culture Month 2019 celebration. Organized by the UPD Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts (OICA) and the UP Asian Institute of Tourism, the free tour which begun on Feb. 11, is held from Mondays to Fridays with each day carrying a corresponding theme. 

The Diliman Fauna Tour or “Huni” is scheduled every Mondays, 6 to 9 a.m. Bird watchers get a glimpse of the vibrant endemic and migratory species thriving in the campus. Meanwhile, the Diliman Commune Revisited Tour or “Mulat” is every Tuesdays, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. The tour is a trip down memory lane of UPD campus’ historic and significant contributions to the resistance against an increasingly authoritarian regime. 

On Wednesdays, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., tour participants learn about the many artworks and architectural buildings in UPD under the Public Arts and Architecture Tour or “Hanga.” Meanwhile, nature-lovers can explore UPD’s Gubat sa Siyudad and appreciate the native tree species, vegetation and diverse plant species coexisting with structures and living spaces throughout the campus. This trip, every Thursday 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., is called Diliman Flora Tour or “Gubat.” Finally, every Friday, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., visitors revisit the stories of place and space that bore witness to the University’s important historical events.

UPD OICA director Prof. Cecilia S. De La Paz said the tour is not just nostalgic or celebratory, it is more experiential and a chance to learn more about the UPD campus.  

“The act of walking is integral in experiencing all the significant events and places in UPD. Nakikita mo sya, nadadama mo sya 70 years hence and you could see the different issues and modification in the physical aspect of the campus’ changing landscape.”

The walking tour is until Mar. 29. Interested participants are encouraged to register at https://tinyurl.com/lakadgunita. You may also visit FB page www.facebook.com/lakadgunitawalkingtours2019. — Bino Gamba, images by Benito Sanvictores Jr.