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H I S TO RY OF ICUP

The International Club of UP sprang from a vision shared by a group of for-


eign students in the troubled 50’s. This vision eventually led to the recognition of ICUP
as an official organization on October 24, 1956 – the same day when the UN charter was
signed to pave the way for world peace in the post war era.

Since then ICUP has resonated with the changes in the times. It served as a
bastion of peace rallies and idealism during the 50’s and 60’s. It has been silent in the
1970’s in the light of the Martial Law regime, but its activities continued to uphold its
vision of intercultural understanding in the midst of local turmoil. The 1980’s saw ICUP
engaging in activities that celebrated world cultures and raise funds for international
organizations like UNICEF and the Red Cross. In 1985, ICUP was hailed as the Most
Outstanding Student Organization in UP after single-handedly reviving the UP Fair.

The 1990’s was a time for shaky restructuring in ICUP. With the renova-
tion of the tambayan came the move for an introspection and reevaluation of the club’s
purpose and vision. In 1993, the club joined other concerned organizations to form the
UP Environmental Assembly (UPEA). It also became a founding member of the United
International Students’ Association (UISA), an alliance of foreign student organizations
from various universities. In 1995, in a bid for yet another big change, the club decided
to shed off politically-tainted ties and focused on expanding its cultural experiences
through interactive social activities.

The end of the 1990’s saw yet another restructuring process in ICUP. With
the country’s troubles in the political arena and public safety issues came the slow but
steady decline of foreign students. Coupled with the formation of UPICA, a student or-
ganization formed for the resident foreign students in International Center, ICUP once
again seemed to be losing its purpose. Fortunately, ICUP was able to recover by realizing
that, foreign students or no foreign students, we are still an organization that is dedicated
to the promotion of international awareness and goodwill, and the appreciation and love
for global culture. Therein lies our core objective that has remained intact despite all
these changes.

In its 50 years of existence, it has served as a family for its members, friends
and visitors. It has ceaselessly sought to create numerous venues in which various cul-
tures and nationalities can meet and in which the same cultures can be celebrated.

In the years to come, ICUP will be guided by the legacies of its past and the
vision of its future, both founded in the relationships between its alumni, members,
friends and acquaintances that serve as ultimate proof of how responsible social interac-
tion can transcend cultural barriers.

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