There was a lot to celebrate as the year 2022 marks the 25th anniversary of the University of the Philippines Los Baños – School of Environmental Science and Management (UPLB-SESAM) as a School. In line with this, the School organized a series of events for its 7-month long celebration to showcase its evolution, significant roles, and contributions in the attainment of Sustainable Development with anniversary theme, “From Strength to Strength: Sustainability and Accelerated Integrative Learning Innovations for the Next Generation” or SAILING.

In the evening of 19 December 2022, SESAM Faculty and Staff including project-based researchers, SESAM Pillars, UPLB Officials, and Guests including students and alumni gathered at the UPLB Charles Fuller Baker Hall to culminate the 7-month long celebration of commemorating the 25^th year since SESAM was elevated as a School.

The SESAM Pillars who attended the event were Dr. Enrique P. Pacardo, Dr. Percy E. Sajise, Dr. Nicomedes D. Briones, Dr. Antonio J. Alcantara, and Dr. Leonardo M. Florece. This gave the chance to the attendees, especially the students to meet and greet the Pillars who started the very first graduate study program in environmental science in Southeast Asia. 

SESAM adjunct and affiliated faculty were also invited to the event. Present also were UPLB Officials including the Chancellor, Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr., UPLB Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs, Prof. Roberto P. Cereno, and the Deans, Dr. Agham C. Cuevas (College of Economics and Management), Dr. Maribel L. Dionisio-Sese (College of Arts and Sciences), Dr. Rowena dT. Baconguis (College of Public Affairs and Development), Dr. Ricardo M. Sandalo (College of Human Ecology), Dr. Elpidio M. Agbisit, Jr. (College of Agriculture and Food Science), Prof. Marlo D. Mendoza (College of Forestry and Natural Resources), and Dr. Jomar F. Rabajante (Graduate School).

Former UP President, Dr. Emil Q. Javier, SEARCA Director, Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio, CAS Former Dean and current Editor-in-Chief of JESAM, Dr. Felino P. Lansigan, and Dr. Roberto Ranola, former UPLB Vice Chancellor and current LGU-Los Banos adviser, the UPLB Environmental Science Society, and SESAM Alumni also graced the event. 

In his opening message, SESAM Dean, Dr. Rico C. Ancog expressed his gratitude to SESAM Pillars, UPLB Officials, SESAM Faculty and Staff, Students, Alumni and other Guests for taking time to join the School in this silver celebration. 

This celebration would also like to remind everyone that the full meaning of the anniversary are the people that comprised SESAM and each and every one that currently comprise SESAM.

As the Dr. Ancog mentioned, “We really hope that as we reflect on what we have done for the past years and what we can achieve today and the coming years, we remain to be very proud and very steadfast on what we can achieve more together.”

SESAM Pillar and Professor Emeritus, Dr. Enrique P. Pacardo led the crowd for the memorable toast to SESAM’s 25^thAnniversary. This was followed by messages from guests including, Dr. Javier and other SESAM Alumni who now hold high positions in their institutions including Dr. Cecilia S. Navasero-Gascon, President of Bulacan State University and Mr. Victor A. Francisco, Vice President of Environment and Community Relations, Philex Mining Corp, to name a few. 

SESAM also honored and recognized individuals and institutions that have been instrumental in the achievements and success of SESAM through the years. With this, a plaque of appreciation was given to the SESAM Pillars for the years of visionary guidance, faculty, researchers, and administrative staff for years of loyal service to the School, and partner institutions and agencies for the invaluable support to SESAM’s various programs, projects, and activities. 

This culmination activity connects people from different generations, from the generation who planted the seed that recognized the need to find solutions to environmental problems through founding an institution, to the generation who are now harvesting the fruit and continuing the legacy towards responding to the current and emerging issues and sustainable development aspirations within the Philippines and beyond. (RM Areglado)