Project Phoenix: Converting Declared Unserviceable Resources to Works of Art

Abstract

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) is the biggest government-run higher education institution in terms of population in the Philippines. In the recent past, some of the so-called unserviceable or junk materials of PUP were set ablaze by students who wanted to stress their indignation on current educational policies and social issues. The expression of the students drew negative reactions whereby observers gave them the moniker “advocates of the destruction.” Project Phoenix from the mythical bird conveyed activism into another form and another dimension of free expression. It was achieved by transforming junk into works of art therebybranding PUP community as prime movers of conservation, lovers of artistic creation and protectors of the environment. The challenge now of the project would lie on how committed the community is on its sustainability.