The School of Environmental Science and Management conducted a testimonial ceremony for MS and PhD in Environmental Science graduates last 23 June 2017 at SESAM Lecture Hall. This year, there were 11 PhD and 30 Masters in Environmental Science students who finished their respective degrees. In addition, there were four students who graduated in the Professional Masters in Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management (PMTMEM). One PhD and two MS foreign students were among the graduates this year. During the opening remarks, Dr. Decibel F. Eslava, Dean, SESAM told the graduates to continue to grow and expand as she congratulated all the graduates. “For sure you will be employed by agencies, companies, academe, and I hope you can build your own network soon”, she added. 

The top SESAM MS graduate, Ms. Jessa Aquino, an advisee of Dr. Carmelita Rebancos, Professor, SESAM, said the school has broaden her knowledge in environmental science, and it requires a holistic lens to understand to topics. “I dreamed bigger and worked harder… and I turned my expectations to reality”, she said. A Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) scholar, Ms. Aquino, promised to serve and give back to the country.

The UPLB academic excellency awardee, Dr. Rowena Sazon, an advisee of Dr. Veronica Migo, Professor, College of Engineering and Agro-industrial Technology (CEAT), thanked SESAM for the ‘ridge to reef’ experience, as she was able to conduct field works in various ecosystems during her PhD course work. “I thank the SESAM faculty for this because we learned a lot from this experience”, Dr. Sazon said.

Top five MS graduates are (from 5th to 1st): Ms. Ma. Cecilia Marza, Ms. Norzelita Sacdalan, Ms. Arlene Tolentino, Ms. Ma. Rusell Latoza and Ms. Jessa Aquino. For PhD, top five includes (from 5th to 1st): Dr. Ana Rosa Carmona, Dr. Dr. Lilibeth Furoc, Dr. Gella Patria Abella, Dr. Evaristo Nino Cando III and Dr. Rowena Sazon

In his closing remarks, Dr. Enrique P. Pacardo, Professor Emeritus, SESAM, said that graduation is the most exciting part of the students’ stay in the university. “Receiving your certificates today is just the beginning of your new life, and you will see that there is a gap between your theoretical learning here and the reality out there” he added. 

Also graduated this year is Dr. Loucel E. Cui, University Research Associate II of SESAM. Dr. Cui is a member of the editorial staff of the Journal of Environmental Science and Management (JESAM) and SARAI project team. This recognition ceremony was organized by SESAM, in cooperation with the UP Environmental Science Society.