It’s common to see teenagers camping out for concerts but today, young Filipinos are gathering in a totally different kind of queue.
Thousands are currently lined up outside the University of the Philippines’ (UP) registrar’s office because today is the last day for private high school students in Metro Manila to submit their application requirements.
In a Facebook message with Coconuts Manila, current UP architecture student Marc Joseph Capili Espino said that some of those in line have been there since last night.
Espino, who waited with his cousin this morning, even posted a video of the scene taken yesterday.
“Wtf! UPCAT application line as of now,” his tweet reads. According to Espino, the video was taken at around 9pm.
https://twitter.com/marcjespino/status/1023576532197892096
He also sent Coconuts Manila photos of the line from this morning.
“At first, I was shocked and laughed a bit since I really don’t know why so many people are applying to UPCAT (University of the Philippines College Admission Test) this year,” Espino said in Filipino and English.
With the help of Google maps, he estimates that the line was at about 1.15 kilometers long. UP police said that about 10,000 people are in line.
What’s everyone doing during the long wait? Espino said some students were reviewing for their exams while others were playing Uno cards.
“It also saddens me to see these parents sitting on cement,” he said.
He said things also got a little chaotic this morning.
“The line was ruined this morning because the moment the gates of the registration office were opened, students and parents gathered in front.”
Although long lines are common in UP when students register for classes, Espino said he had never seen such a long line for university applicants before. “It’s very unusual,” he said.
UP is the highest ranked university in the Philippines and is considered one of the best schools in the country. Because it is a public university, it receives government subsidy, making tuition relatively lower than other top schools such as Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University.
According to GMA News, public school students in Metro Manila have until Friday to submit their applications. Those from provinces and foreign schools have until next Friday.
As of this article’s posting, Espino said his cousin is still waiting in line.
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