SESAM Alumni Promote Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education for Environmental Sustainability
The School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM), in cooperation with the SESAM Alumni Association, held its 10thAlumni Homecoming Symposium last October 10, 2018 at SESAM Lecture Hall with the theme “SESAM Alumni and Sustainable Development Goal 4: Ensure Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education and Promote Lifelong Learning for All”.
This year’s awardees are Dr. Ramon M. Docto (PhD in Environmental Science 2003), University President of Palawan State University, as the Outstanding SESAM Alumnus for Institutional Service; and Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera (PhD in Environmental Science 2013), Director of Marine Resource Research Division of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), as the Outstanding SESAM Alumna for Research and Development.
The awardees received a bust of Macli-ing Dulag, an environmental hero of the Philippines, to commemorate his contributions to raising the need for a more careful analysis of development projects that is anchored on social justice and sustainable development. The bust was made by Ms. Yvette Co, a local artist in Los Baños and Project Director of Ginhawa Craft Studio Café. In the coming years, the token, in honor of Macli-ing Dulag, will also be awarded to future outstanding SESAM Alumni with hopes of inspiring people through the story of sacrifice that Dulag exhibited in his life.
Dr. Decibel F. Eslava, Dean of SESAM, gave her opening remarks and welcomed the alumni, students, faculty, and staff who attended the symposium. Afterwards, Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr., Chancellor of UPLB, gave an inspirational message applauding the contributions of UPLB-SESAM Alumni.
National Scientist Lourdes J. Cruz was also invited at the symposium as a resource speaker. NS Cruz discussed her latest research program, “Future Earth Philippines Program”, which aims towards sustainability and resilience in the Philippines. SESAM Dean, Dr. Faustino-Eslava, together with Dr. Azanza, Dr. Culaba, and Dr. Sumagaysay, are also part of the research program. The urgent need for sustainability and resilience in the Philippines as it is currently running on a non-sustainable mode, wherein the ecological footprint of the country surpasses its biocapacity, was highlighted during the lecture.
SESAM faculty, staff, students and alumni during the Centennial Loyalty Day celebration last October 10, 2018.
In this year’s Alumni Homecoming, a Scientific Poster Competition was also organized to encourage scholarly work using multi- and inter-disciplinary approaches. It also served as an opportunity for students, faculty, and alumni to showcase their research, programs, and projects in the field of Environmental Science. A total of 12 posters participated in the competition that were assessed and graded by Professor Emeritus Enrique P. Pacardo, Dr. Carmelita M. Rebancos, and Dr. Hildie Maria E. Nacorda. The poster entitled “Evaluation of Satellite-Based Gridded Precipitation Datasets in Mount Makiling, Philippines” by Mr. Jonathan T. Macuroy, Dr. Decibel F. Eslava, Ms. Clarisse SV. Siababa, and Dr. Maria Victoria O. Espaldon won the poster competition and was awarded the Professor Emeritus Enrique P. Pacardo Best Poster Award.
Dr. Rico C. Ancog, President of the SESAM Alumni Association, thanked all the SESAM Alumni who participated in the event, as well as the faculty, staff, and students who attended the event and helped in preparation of the loyalty parade and other alumni homecoming activities. (Louie Paolo D. Leynes)
