This was the advice of former University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Chancellor, Dr. Ruben L. Villareal to the 34 candidates for graduation of the School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM-UPLB). Dr. Villareal was this year’s guest speaker during the testimonial ceremony held at SEARCA Drilon Hall last August 3, 2023.

In his speech, Dr. Villareal told the graduating batch to be firm and decisive but cautioned them to be wise in making moves in their future endeavors. He added sometimes it is hard to make decisions, but an action must be made. “Better to make mistakes, than not making a decision at all” as Dr. Villareal dared the graduating students.

Dr. Villareal, who is a professor of agriculture, is recognized for his significant contributions in tropical vegetable breeding and promotion of modernization of agriculture and vegetable gardening. An Academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), Dr. Villareal served as UPLB chancellor from 1993 to 1999.

Dr. Rico C. Ancog, Dean of SESAM, congratulated not only thegraduating students, but also their families as well. “This year’s graduates are living testaments of what UPLB, specifically what the school can offer” Dr. Ancog said.  He added that the faculty and staff of SESAM had the noble task of being the instruments of each of the graduates’ journey to earn to their respective degrees.

For his part, Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr., UPLB Chancellor, send his warm congratulations to the 34 graduates. “I am so profoundly delighted to join you in celebrating this day today, celebrating the end of an enriching academic journey but also a commencement of an inspiring mission”, Dr. Camacho said.

This year’s achievers who received academic excellence awardswere Mr. Ronnel C. Nolos and Ms. Julienne B. Elca, who both have obtained the highest General Weighted Average or GWAfor the masters and PhD, respectively. Mr. Nolos also received the outstanding leadership award, for his contribution to the national environmental science community.

Meanwhile, the research productivity awards were given to Ms. Richelle Marie B. Legazpi and Ms. Charisma T. Malenab for MS and PhD, respectively. Both were acknowledged for their potential to do cutting edge research works that provided contributions in the field of environmental science.

In his testimonial speech, Mr. Nolos reflected on his journey in accomplishing his graduate course. “Here I stand at the end of another journey, having pursued a masters degree on environmental science, I take pride in having overcome the initial challenges of treading the less travelled path”, Mr. Nolos stressed.

For her reflection, Ms. Elca shared that she learned the essence of collaboration in the field of environmental science. “With the environmental lens we worked hard to develop during the past years, we must remember the importance of working together- transdisciplinary collaboration indeed is necessary for us”, Ms. Elca said.

In closing, Dr. Jomar F. Rabajante, Dean of UPLB Graduate School said he is immensely proud of this batch for overcoming many challenges. “We congratulate you, class of 2023, we are united to pursue excellence and we are one in pursuing the impact of science and research”, Dr. Rabajante stressed.

This year, SESAM had a total of 34 graduates- 22 Master of Science in Environmental Science; 11 Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science; and one Professional Masters in MarineEcosystems Management (PMTMEM).