The School of Environmental Science and Management-University of the Philippines Los Baños (SESAM-UPLB) paid tribute to its thirty-three graduates from mid-year 2019 to school year 2019-2020 last August 14, 2020, via virtual testimonial ceremonies. Among the graduates, 25 finished the degree of Master of Science in Environmental Science, while seven graduated Doctor in Philosophy in Environmental Science and one finished a Doctor in Philosophy by Research in Environmental Science.
The class valedictorian for MS graduates this year is Mr. Jan Idel Emmanuel F. Castañeda, who is a recipient of the Academic Excellence Award with his grade weighted average (GWA) of 1.18. Mr. Castañeda was a Department of Science and Technology- Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program scholar.
Meanwhile, the class valedictorian of this year’s Ph.D. class is Dr. Jayson Q. Caranza, also received an Academic Excellence Award for his outstanding academic performance with a GWA of 1.11. Dr. Caranza was a Commission on Higher Education (CHED) K to 12 Scholar.
Another recipient of the Academic Excellence Award is Dr. Neil C. Tanquilut, who has the highest distinction of attaining a grade of 1.0 in his dissertation. Dr. Tanquilut was also a CHED K to 12 scholar and the lone graduate of the Ph.D. by Research in Environmental Science this year.
This year’s testimonial program was graced by the former dean of SESAM, Dr. Ben S. Malayang III, Professor Emeritus. “Education is a moral obligation, you came to SESAM to acquire knowledge to make you a better person, one with elevated capabilities to wield power of science for human ends”, said Dr. Malayang, who also advised the graduating class that now is the time to start giving out knowledge to make a difference to the world.
Meanwhile, UPLB Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. congratulated the graduating class of 2020, who manage to finish their studies while facing unprecedented challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought. “The work to find sustainable solutions to fight climate change, environmental management, the development of affordable and clean energy, food and nutrition security and safety does not and shouldn’t stop” Chancellor Sanchez stressed.
Dr. Decibel F. Eslava, Dean of SESAM, said she is honored that SESAM was the institution of choice of the graduates and they have invested enough until this day. For his part, Dr. Enrique P. Pacardo, Professor Emeritus told the graduating class that it is now time to serve the people and the society, as well as the institutions which they came from.
This program is the first virtual testimonial ceremonies conducted for a graduating due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The university also conducted its virtual commencement exercise for this year’s graduates the following day.
