OSA launches activities for its month-long anniversary celebration

25 June 2018 | Cesar Ilao III |

The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) celebrated its 58th anniversary with the theme, "Cohesion: OSA's Commitment towards a Harmonious Environment for Students' Individual and Organizational Needs", with a month-long series of activities for its various stakeholders.

On June 5, the Guidance and Counseling Division (OSA-GCD) held a Pre-Employment Seminar Workshop to prepare graduating students for employment.


The seminar was followed by a job fair on June 6-9, which aims to provide job opportunities for both UPLB and non-UPLB students.


APPLICATION: Employers interviewed applicants and reviewed their resumes for possible hiring. Photo by Reggie Solis and Czar John Demafeliz.Meanwhile, the Student Financial Assistance Division (OSA-SFAD) recognized graduating scholars from various colleges and the donor partners in this year's "Isang Parangal, Isang Pasasalamat" on June 14.


"Isang Pasasalamat" is our modest way to say ‘thank you' to our donors," said Atty. Eleno Peralta, the Officer-in-Charge of OSA.

Paul Joshua Marquez, a BS Agriculture student from the College of Agriculture and Food Science, delivered his testimonial as this year's class valedictorian.

"Do your best kasi may goal tayong gusto natin ma-achieve," Marquez advised, "most importantly because we work collectively for the improvement and the betterment of our nation."


RECOGNIZING SCHOLARS: Melvin Castrosanto, recipient of the Rebisco Foundation's Financial Assistance for Tertiary Education (REBISCO FATE) and one of the scholars recognized during the Recognition Program. (Photo by Halyn Lunel Gamboa)

On June 20, OSA recognized graduating international students as UPLB ambassadors on its 6th Investiture and Commissioning Rites The event was attended by the international graduate students and their families.


The designated ambassadors, mostly from Southeast Asian countries, are hoped to promote UPLB to their compatriots and encourage them to pursue their studies in the University.

"It is our hope that when you go back to your respective countries… [you] will someday collaborate with us to develop the necessary research and technologies that can help both our countries," Chancellor Fernando Sanchez Jr. said in his message to the ambassadors.


PROMOTING UPLB GLOBALLY: The 16 recognized UPLB Ambassadors for the 2018 Investiture & Commissioning Rites for UPLB Ambassadors. (Photo by Halyn Gamboa)

OSA also held a sports fest on June 22, which was joined by staff from various divisions. Three teams competed in different games. Peter Paul Cruz, chairperson of OSA Sports and Wellness Committee, said that it aims to provide recreation and build camaraderie among the staff.


CAMARADERIE: Teams red and blue raced to get the bottle in the game head-toe-knee-grab. Photo by Czar John Demafeliz.

On June 23, OSA-GCD had its 4th Recognition and Testimonial Program for Graduating UPLB Gabay Volunteer Corps and 2nd Recognition Program for Peer Tutors to recognize graduating students' academic achievements and their service to the university and communities.

OSA completed its month-long celebration with its culminating activity on June 25. Students, OSA officials, and various student organizations were awarded for their pubic service in the university.

Dr. Portia G. Lapitan, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, commended OSA for conducting activities that support student welfare, and encouraged the office by supporting more initiatives for the students.

During the event, Atty. Peralta also gave his acceptance speech as the new OSA Director ina turnover ceremony.


Turn Over Ceremony (from left to right): Dr. Portia G. Lapitan, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Atty. Eleno O. Peralta, New OSA Director; Chancellor Fernando Sanchez, Jr; and Dr. Nina M. Cadiz, former OSA Director. (Photo by Halyn Lunel Gamboa)

In the same event, Victorena II A. Diesta, a National Finalist for 2018 Search for Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP), shared "I cannot thank you [OSA] enough for believing that I deserve to represent the university and to the many opportunities that you have sent me to.