The Office of Alumni Relations (OAR) relaunches Alumni Espasyal in 2016. Espasyal is a combination of two Tagalog words, which are Espesyal and Pasyal. The title expresses the special value UPLB holds for its alumni. Likewise, it issues an invitation for them to remember and visit their Alma matter, and neighboring communities.

UPLB Alumni have directly and indirectly helped commercial establishments flourish around UPLB while they were students. Hence, the project is founded on willingness among local establishments and other interested institutions to give something back by partnering with UPLB in making its alumni feel welcome and at home during their visits through discounts on their products, services and privileges.

Started in 2008 during the latter part of the UP Centennial, the project invited establishments to partner with UPLB. Their products and services range from accommodations in hotels/resorts, beauty and wellness, food establishments, theme park, souvenir shops, internet café, book stores, school and office supplies, tutorials, printing services among others. Freebies and discounts on these services and products are offered by partner establishments.

Interested proprietors of establishments may still register with Alumni Espasyal Kayo sa UPLB Project. The discounts and services offered are voluntary in nature.

Proceeds of this project will generate student scholarships. The Project has two key elements: an Alumni Privilege Card and a partner establishment that honors the card.

The Alumni Privilege Card

The Alumni Privilege Card is a pre-numbered card containing the name, college, student number and signature of a UPLB alumnus/a. It also provides information on how the alumni can keep in touch with UPLB. The card is issued after an alumnus/a registers for the project. A minimal processing fee for the card shall be required to help sustain the project. Likewise, alumni who give donations worth Php 500 or more are automatically entitled to a card.

The card serves only as a discount card and may not be used as an identification card. It is non-transferable and is not convertible to cash. Tampering the card in any way will invalidate it. Card holders must present their cards to avail of the privileges. Some establishments may also require valid alumni identification card together with the alumni privilege card.

The card is issued along with a Partner Establishment Guide — a list of partner establishments, their addresses, contact numbers and the privileges they offer. An updated list shall be made available to the alumnus/a via email upon request or can be accessed here.

How to get your Alumni Privilege Card

UPLB Alumni may avail of their UPLB Alumni Privilege Card by following the general procedure described below:

a. You may choose to visit OAR in person to register for the Alumni Espasyal Kayo sa UPLB Project;
b. You will be given an Alumni Information Sheet to fill out, a flyer on the Project, and a copy of the UPLB Yearly Events Calendar;
c. You may also request for the card in advance by sending an email message containing your:
1. Name
2. Course and year of graduation
3. Address
4. E-mail address and
5. Contact number

to [email protected] or fax to +63-49-536-0844;
d. Upon submission of a filled out/ updated alumni information sheet, OAR shall validate your personal information with its database and process your request;
e. Alumni who donate at least P500 are automatically entitled to a card; and
f. You may claim your card immediately after registering with the Espasyal Kayo sa UPLB Project Staff.

How to become a partner establishment

The UPLB OAR shall actively invite establishments to partner with UPLB. Interested proprietors of establishments may register their business to partner with Alumni Espasyal Kayo sa UPLB Project by following the general procedure described below:

a. Project staff will give you an Establishment Registration and Confirmation Form, which you can fill up and return to us, together with other information you may wish the project to disseminate to our alumni;
b. Upon submission of the accomplished form, OAR will process and issue your establishment a partner Establishment Certificate;
c. Please post the certificate in a conspicuous place for Alumni Privilege Card holders to see.

The UPLB-OAR shall serve as the central coordinating unit for this project. Pease contact OAR for further information at 049-536-0844. (ISMariveles)