The UP Varrons is a student organization based in the campus of the University of the Philippines at Los Baños (UPLB). It was founded on August 26, 1962 by fourteen students of the UPLB College of Agriculture with Wilfredo Caratay as the first Grand Varron. The following year, a group of women who believed in the same ideals and aspirations formed the Varronettes. On the same year, the two groups merged into one organization, thus, the UP Varrons Ltd (UPVL) was born. More than four years later, on January 26, 1967, seven students founded the UPVL Forestry chapter in the UPLB College of Forestry.

The emphasis of the organization is in the promotion of academic excellence and scholarship, the establishment of strong leadership and high standard of professionalism, the promotion of charity, and service to society. These objectives are epitomized in the following oath that each member take on his induction:

"I am a Varron, nurtured by its ideals and nobility of purpose. I stand firm with faith, with a brilliant vision, full of courage and wisdom that I shall live a life with meaning. Selfishness shall I abhor for I do have a part in a collective dream. And wherever the UP Varrons go, there shall I go . . . I therefore stand committed in the glory of its name."

Truth. Love. Justice. Freedom. These are the guiding words and principles of the Varrons. These are the elements that we are aiming and striving for - no matter where we are and no matter how we pursue it. We believe that ultimately the quality of life and happiness for every man will emanate from the pursuance of these principles -- in our own little way, as an individual, as a group, as a member of society, we will carry these principles and we will live by the essence of these words.

The founding members named the organization after Marcus Terentius Varro, a Roman scholar and a man of letters, who embodies the basic principles of the organization on academics, scholarships, service to society, and service to the university.

The founding members are: (1) Eriberto Acuña (deceased), (2) Manuel C. Apacible, (3) Armando J.V. Atienza, (4) Maximo W. Baradas (deceased), (5) Felicisimo E. Bernal, (6) Wilfredo A. Caratay (deceased), (7) Artemio V. Cartaño (deceased), (8) Jose R. Cordero Jr., (9) Reynaldo De Sagun, (10). Romeo R. Huelgas, (11) Perfecto V. Mapusao Sr., (12) Nelson M. Mercado, (13) Patricio M. Ramirez (deceased), and (14) Cecilio F. Yayen (deceased).

Currently, the organization has more than a thousand members including the undergraduate, alumni and honorary members scattered worldwide pursuing different careers and interests. Most of these members are located in the Philippines.

If you have any question, suggestion, and/or want to communicate with the members of the UP Varrons, please go to the Contact Us page.