The School of Envriomental Science and Management (SESAM) honored a total of 28 students who graduated this school year 2017-18, at SESAM Lecture Hall, last June 22, 2018. Among them are 21 Master of Science in Environmental Science; six Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science; and one Professional Master in Tropical Marine Ecosystems Management (PMTMEM).

This year’s top PhD graduate is Dr. Armi G. Torres, a researcher at Quantitative Aquatics, Inc., based at SEARCA, College, Laguna. Meanwhile, the top MS graduate is Ms. Leajim A. Villanueva, who is currently continuing her post-graduate studies, taking PhD Environmental Science.

This year also marked the graduation of the third batch of the PMTEM program, a joint offering of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), UP-Marine Science Institute and UPLB-SESAM. The lone PMTEM graduate for this school year is Mr. John Leo E. Holongbayan.

Dr. Decibel F. Eslava, Dean, SESAM and Dr. Carmelita M. Rebancos, Professor and Chair of the Program for Instruction, SESAM, led the recognition and giving of the special awards to the graduates. 

Dr. Enrique P. Pacardo, Professor Emeritus, SESAM, delivered an inspirational parting message to the graduates in closing ceremony.  “You have entered the school to learn, now you will depart to serve. As for the things and issues you will be facing when you serve, use the scientific facts you learned. But it doesn’t tell you what to do, it is always your choice and there are many options on what to do with your scientific knowledge. Spread the gospel of environmentalism”, he stressed.

Aside from SESAM faculty and staff, parents and families of the graduates were also invited to witness the recognition rites.