Accidental Visit to 'UP Palo'

Not as if I knew that it is/was there, although I heard from long ago that there is a University of the Philippines Campus in Palo, Leyte. And we accidentally saw how it now looks, after Yolanda / Haiyan.

We came from a meeting in Tanauan (Leyte), and passing by Palo, one of my companions wanted to see the church where Love Añover was seen on her on-sight GMA news report during the height of Yolanda's wrath. So we went to the Palo Cathedral. Thereafter as we walked about, I saw an "oble"!

Yes, The Oblation monument, the symbol of University of the Philippines System...

Curious, I walked the few steps crossing the little street from the Palo Cathedral, and my companions followed me, also wondering why there was an "oble" here. Incidentally, all seven of us are UP Alumni, and we only came to know about that at this very instance! Everyone's first reaction was... silence!

Only I broke that prolonged silence when a guard came by and I asked him questions...

This is the main campus of UP Manila's School of Health Sciences (UP-SHS) previously known as the UP Institute of Health Sciences that started in Tacloban in 1976. This is the main campus of UP-SHS since 1981. They have campuses in Baler, Aurora (2008) and in Koronadal, South Cotabato (2011).

We were not allowed to enter and view more of the wreckage...

Guard said we needed a permit from the Dean... eh how could we ask a Dean for permit if we are not allowed in to see him?! Buti na lang we were running out of time and needed back in Tacloban. Hay!

We all had a "very natural human reaction" because of that guard. Instead of thinking for ways how we can 'probably' invite some help for this godforsaken campus of our alma mater unknown to many.., all of us just said "merese, we have other better things to keep busy with"! Dahil sa isang idiot of a guard!

We know anyway that UP won't leave UP-SHS like that for a long time.

In fact, if you see that new red roof, that is what they call the "UP-SHS and Palo Maternity House". I do not know yet however, if that is thanks to UP System or thanks to Mana Matin! But at least ayos na!