The UPLB School of Environmental Science and Management (UPLB-SESAM) paid tribute to its 27 graduates from mid-year 2021 to 2nd Semester of the academic year 2021-2022 last August 3, 2022, via a Testimonial and Recognition Program held at UPLB Copeland Gymnasium. Among the graduates, 19 finished the degree of Master of Science in Environmental Science, five (5) graduated Doctor in Philosophy in Environmental Science and three (3) finished Professional Masters in Tropical Marine Ecosystems Management (PM-TMEM).
This year’s testimonial was graced by the UPLB Officials including Chancellor Jose V. Camacho Jr., Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Nathaniel C. Bantayan, College Deans, Dr. Rico C. Ancog (SESAM), Dr. Elpidio M. Agbisit, Jr. (College of Agriculture and Food Science), Dr. Ricardo M. Sandalo (College of Human Ecology), Dr. Jomar F. Rabajante (Graduate School), and Directors, Dir. Greg T. Pawilen (Office for Institutional Development in Higher Education), Dir. Jose Limbay Lahi O. Espaldon (Ugnayan ng Pahinungod), and Dir. Marian P. De Leon (Museum of Natural History).
In his welcome remarks, UPLB-SESAM Dean, Dr. Rico C. Ancog mentioned the United Nation General Assembly declaration that everyone on the planet has a right to a healthy environment. In line with this, he reminded the graduates that the recognition of the human right to a healthy environment must be supported by a realistic, achievable, and science-based developmental framework that is enabled by dedicated, purpose-driven, very well-trained, and solutions-oriented individuals upholding honor and excellence.
“As you go back to your respective job posts and you continue with your respective careers, be resolute with your passion and dedication as we have a country to serve, and the earth to protect and conserve, and much more now as we have the human right to a clean and healthy environment for everyone to uphold”, Dean Ancog added.
Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr also congratulates the SESAM graduates. In his inspirational message, Chancellor Camacho gave his trust to the graduates that they will bring with them the discipline they learned at SESAM in pushing forward to conserve the environment whether in research, extension, and instruction.
“Take pride but do it with humility, compassion and hope”, Chancellor Camacho said. He reminded the graduates to be a reliable steward of the environment.
The guest speaker for this year’s testimonial ceremony was Dr. Cielito F. Habito, Professor of Economics, Ateneo de Manila University. Dr. Habito said he is really honored to be invited as he congratulated the SESAM graduating class together with the parents and professors. In his speech, he illustrated the interconnectedness of all things in the world. From the problem in human resources of the country, the loss of human potential that was due to malnutrition in a very young age to the problem of increase in prices of commodities that is due to the infrastructure development in the cities. He also presented solutions on problems through looking into the interconnectivity of different factors and through understanding of this growing interconnection across different policies.
Dr. Habito shared the reason why we spent so many years in life pursuing education in general and higher education in particular which was first resonated with him from the speech of the former UP President Nemenzo by which he said “UP education is not just to obtain information, not just to expand one’s knowledge but ultimately to gain wisdom. And wisdom is defined as an ability to use knowledge to solve the world’s problem”.
“You have spent years here in UP not because you want to win quiz contest, not to impress people in your knowledge but I truly hope that you can confidently say as new Masters or Doctors in Environmental Science that you have gained the wisdom to solve the world’s many problem interlinked and interconnected as they are towards achieving a better Philippines and indeed a better world”, said Dr. Habito.
After the pinning ceremony, SESAM awarded a medal and a certificate of early career research productivity to Wencelito P. Hintural in recognition of his tireless endeavors in environmental science-related research work early on during the Master of Science in Environmental Science Program.
In recognition of their outstanding academic performance in the environmental science program and earning the highest General Weighted Average (GWA), the School also awarded plaques and medals of academic excellence to Mr. Johannes Reiner G. Asio (GWA: 1.1364) and Ms. Darlene P. Lovina (GWA: 1.1471) for MS and PhD in Environmental Science, respectively.
Certificates and medals for research productivity was also awarded to Ms. Gabrielle Ann V. Posa and Ms. Noba F. Hilvano in recognition of their research achievement and contribution to the scientific field during the MS and PhD in Environmental Science program, respectively.
The recipient of this year’s Outstanding Leadership Award was given to Kendrick Mico L. Faronilo in recognition of his leadership excellence and contribution to the national environmental science community during his Academic Program.
In his testimonial speech, Mr. Johannes Reiner G. Asio shared his experience during his stay in UPLB for the program and his learnings as a graduate student in this time of pandemic. He thanked his family, friends, adviser and committee members for their support.
“As graduates of environmental science, we have the responsibility to create ‘wicked solutions’ for various ‘wicked problems’ as we reach our goal of sustainability. We should remember that for every setback, there is opportunity”, said Mr. Asio.
Representing the PhD Graduates, Ms. Lovina reminisced her memories as a PhD student of SESAM. She said that her stay at the University was worthwhile and productive through the presence of people and institutions. She thanked SESAM for imparting its knowledge and expertise and for its guidance.
“SESAM has been a good model in upholding honor and excellence in education, research, and extension. May this strong foundation create a ripple effect emanating from us and spread to various communities. Let us find a solution for a sustainable nation”, Ms. Lovina added.
Before the closing, the SESAM Graduating Class of 2022 recited the oath of Graduating Class which was led by the President of SESAM Alumni Association, Dr. Mari-Ann Acedera. The closing message was then delivered by Dr. Maria Victoria O. Espaldon, SESAM Professor and UP Scientist.
Aside from the graduating class, their parents and friends also witnessed the testimonial and recognition program. SESAM Faculty members and Affiliate/Adjunct Faculty members, REPS, Project Researchers, Admin Staff, and Alumni also attended the event. Strict health protocols were observed during the two-hour program, requiring every attendee to weak face masks, with seats spaced a meter apart. (RDAreglado)
