ICYMI: First-year students from various UP constituent units gathered for the UP Freshie Talks at the David M. Consunji Theater, UP Diliman yesterday. Organized by the UP Office of the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs - Office of Student Development Services, the program included discussions and talks, which aimed to inform, guide, and introduce students to the university. UP alumni Ramon Bautista, Mica Pineda and Leo Robel Jr. shared their personal survival tips for the first-year Iskolars ng Bayan as they embark on their university lives. #FreshieTalks The Freshie Talks can be watched via FB livestream: https://www.facebook.com/uposds Photos by Kathleen Isaac

ICYMI: Students visited booths on the last day of the Organization and Community Fair in front of Palma Hall along Roxas Avenue yesterday. Student organizations and advocacy groups also convened in front of Palma Hall as an invitation for UP Diliman freshies, shiftees, and transferees to participate in campaigns and activities led by student organizers during this year’s University Freshie Month. #UFM2023 #SumulongSumalubong Photos by Kathleen Isaac

JUST IN: With only three dissents against 296 yes votes, the 2024 General Appropriations (GA) Bill was approved on the third and final reading earlier tonight. All dissenting votes came from the Makabayan bloc. The national fund for the next fiscal year is set at P5.7 trillion, P10.1 billion of which is allotted for intelligence and confidential funds of several agencies. The Office of the President is set to receive P4.56 billion in confidential funds. In her speech, Gabriela party-list representative Arlene Brosas explained that the Congress rushed the 2024 budget that is "marred with corruption." Raoul Manuel of Kabataan Party-list, meanwhile, was cut off during his speech after calling out the majority bloc and the urgency certification of the GA. The 2024 GA Bill will be transmitted to the Senate before a bicameral committee drafts its amendments. The Congress will approve the final draft before it is submitted to the Malacañang. #AbolishConfidentialFunds #BantayBudget2024 ERRATUM: An earlier version of this post was updated in clarification of the budget hearing procedures. We apologize for the oversight.

LOOK: Students hold a lightning rally through this year's org fair, protesting against Vice President Sara Duterte's use of confidential intelligence funds (CIF) amid budget cuts for UP and other state universities. Follow @phkule on Twitter for live updates.

The UP Fighting Maroons kicked off the #UAAPSeason86 with fiery performances during the Pep Rally yesterday at the University Theater. The event introduced the varsity teams with the theme #Alab. The UP Men’s Basketball Team also expressed their resolute commitment to lock up its top seed in this season's championship. #UPFight #UAAPSeason86 Photos by Gie Rodenas