The test of wits, fueled by the Kapampangan spirit, is set to blaze once more as the University of the Philippines Aguman (UP Aguman) proudly presents The Pautakan 2025, carrying the theme “Saguilay: Simangan ing Gélingang Kapampángan karing Pantas ampóng Maténákan king Katalungtunğan.”
First organized in 1974, The Pautakan remains one of Pampanga’s most anticipated academic contests. It has gathered the province’s brightest students from leading elementary and high schools in a series of exciting battles of intellect. The contest stands as a tradition of excellence that celebrates both competition and camaraderie.
This year’s Pautakan will take place on November 23, 29, and 30. Day 1, November 23 at Heroes Hall, City of San Fernando, will feature the grade school division. Day 2, November 29 at St. Scholastica’s Academy, San Fernando, will host the high school eliminations, which for the first time include both junior and senior high students, expanding from previous years that only featured junior high school students. The finals for the high school division will be held on Day 3, November 30 at Heroes Hall.
Competing teams will once again vie for the highly coveted Oblation Trophy and the title of Pautakan Champion. Schools that achieve three consecutive victories in a division earn the rare honor of keeping the revolving trophy as a symbol of lasting academic excellence.
The theme “Saguilay” comes from a Kapampangan word that means “to pass through carrying something” or “to meet each other while bearing something.” It represents how learning is not kept within oneself but shared, carried forward, and exchanged among those who meet along the path of knowledge.
Beyond being a competition, The Pautakan 2025 highlights the power of collective learning. It brings together young Kapampangans who embody the values of curiosity, discipline, and teamwork. The event also reflects how education continues to connect generations, uniting learners and mentors through shared growth.
Since its founding in 1973, UP Aguman has remained dedicated to the values of truth, faith, and kinship. As a socio-civic organization based in UP Diliman, it has long served as a second home for Kapampangan students who carry pride in both their culture and their pursuit of excellence. Through The Pautakan, the organization continues to inspire the youth to value knowledge and community.
With this year’s Saguilay, UP Aguman invites everyone to witness how the Kapampangan intellect continues to move, connect, and thrive across all levels of learning.
For more information and updates, visit UP Aguman’s The Pautakan official page at fb.com/AguPautakan.
