The University of the Philippines

In just 20 years after the thomasite Marius John have learned about “I am (Ayam) is a dog” from Baao children, the Baaeños started tuning the lyre. This poem written by Rodolfo Dato, published on the Philippine Collegian (the official student publication of the University of the Philippines) in September 1, 1922, was one of the earliest proofs of the Baaeños resilience to the new language.

THE U. P.
By RODOLFO DATO

Behold Athena’s Temple towering straight and high
Towards the Infinite where its ideals lie,
Erected to tie cause of Wisdom and of Right
With its colossal pillars splendid to the sight.
It will forever stay for its foundations rest
Upon the nation’s heart for centuries in quest
Of Wisdom’s Light, of Truth and glorious Liberty
While others long had reached their joyful destiny.
It is the hope, the vanguard of this struggling race
Which in the years to come alone must bravely face
Encroachment of despotic estates whose every word
Is followed by the glaring point of the sword.
Its flaming Torch must throw its brilliant rays from high
Upon the nations all beneath the tropic sky,
That they may see the light of true democracy
And put to end the rule of grim autocracy.
Behold Athena’s Temple tow’ring straight and high
Towards the Infinite where its ideals lie,
And let its motto be: democracy for all
The peoples of the East and nations great or small.