The School of Environmental Science and Management-University of the Philippines Los Baños (SESAM-UPLB) honored four alumni from different fields during the alumni homecoming symposium last Oct 8, 2024 at SESAM Library. This event is part of the 106th celebration of the UPLB Loyalty Day.

They were Dr. Evaristo A. Abella (MS Environmental Science 2002); Dr. Arlen A. Ancheta (MS Environmental Science 1999 and PhD Environmental Science, 2006); Dr. Luningning R. Morales (MS Environmental Studies 1995 and PhD Environmental Science 2013); Dr. Julis Alfonso C. Sabularse (PhD Environmental Science 2016).

“When we come back here in our alma mater, SESAM, we are not here just to reunite with our colleagues, friends and classmates. But we are here to commemorate UPLB’s strength and patriotic fervor and recall the sacrifices of the pioneers that stands for honor, service and excellence that we should remember” said Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, President, SESAM Alumni Association, in her welcome remarks.

Meanwhile, Dr. Rico C. Ancog, Dean, SESAM-UPLB recalled the story of why UPLB is celebrating loyalty day. It was during World War II when UPLB students were called to join the troops to fight alongside with the Americans against the Japanese. With their brave choice and gallant stand, UPLB students were considered not just loyal to the school, but also loyal to the country. “When we are loyal to a particular ideal, we have to actualize it because it’s not just an ideal– It has to be realized by an action.”, Dr. Ancog added.

For. Sofia A. Alaira, SESAM Alumni Relations Officer and Head of SESAM’s Continuing Education and Training Division (CETD) mentioned that the search for 2024 distinguished alumni was a product of a thorough selection process and it was based on their significant contributions in their respective fields. 

Dr. Abella, the 2024 SESAM Distinguished Alumnus for Academic Leadership is currently the President, Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, said it is a great honor and privilege to speak on behalf of CLSU as we celebrate the loyalty, commitment and enduring of UPLB alumni. “UPLB is a pioneer in agricultural research and education, has shaped a generation of leaders, researchers, educators and innovators who have contributed immensely to our nation’s progress,” Dr. Abella stressed.

Learning more about her own surrounding drove the 2024 SESAM Distinguished Alumna for Research and Extension to pursue a degree in environmental science. A Professor of the Faculty of Arts and Letters, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Dr. Ancheta said that she grew up and studied in an urban area and became exposed to flooding, traffic and commercialized way of living. “I pursued an MS in environmental science to broaden my academic background and explore the urban ecosystem I am familiar with. I focused on community-based resource management and my studies in environmental science heightened my sensitivity to urban environment which became my area of interest,” she said.

The 2024 SESAM Distinguished Alumni for Government Service, Dr. Luningning R. Morales presented her current research on the reseeding of giant clams along Verde Island Passage. Dr. Morales, the Chief Administrative Officer of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Batangas City, Batangas said giant clams are endangered and the need for propagating them is urgent. “This study aims to implement sustainable management of coastal and marine resources through resource and habitat conservation, protection and rehabilitation,” she added.

For his part, Dr. Sabularse, the 2024 SESAM Distinguished Alumni for Private Practice, said that one the terms he learned from his former professor, Dr. Antonio J. Alcantara, which he practices in his company and considered as one the trends towards the future of environmental science– dematerialization. “You remember, you have to have less and less materials that you need to use to produce something, so that you have less impact on the environment,” said Dr. Sabularse, who is the Vice President for Operations of ALDIZ Incorporated, Taguig, Metro Manila.

In the closing program, Dr. Maria Victoria O. Espaldon, former Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension and former Dean of SESAM said that the tradition of going back at least once a year is a very unique UPLB tradition. “We are very pleased and its always been an honor to look forward to, like hearing the stories of our graduates, I salute every SESAM alumni out there,” Dr. Espaldon added.

The event was attended by more than 100 participants on site and via Zoom and Facebook Live, in line with the 2024 Loyalty Day theme “affirming the loyalty of UPLB alumni to the University: then, now and beyond.”