The UP General Education Program is liberal, holistic and integrative (non-specialist), and non-utilitarian in orientation. It develops in students not only measurable skills or competencies but, more importantly, the capacity for and capabilities in both critical and creative thinking and action.

It reflects and promotes the loftiest principles at the core of a UP education. It goes beyond inculcating habits of thought and ways of perceiving to the ideals of humanism and nationalism (pagiging makatao at pagiging makabayan).

It is a transformative education, enabling students to change themselves, their worldview, and their world. It encourages creative and constructive action that contributes to the improvement of the student’s community, the nation, and the world, based on a deep understanding of being Filipino in the 21st century — that is, with a strong sense of one’s cultural and historical identity as well as a sense of a shared humanity.