OVCSA celebrates 62nd Founding Anniversary

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (OVCSA) celebrated their 62nd founding anniversary on June 30 with the theme TINDIG: Tibay ng Institusyon, Dambana ng Isip at Giting.

During the event, OVCSA recognized exemplary employees, programs, students, and organizations and presented the initiatives of OVCSA offices. They also announced the finalists and winners of the different competitions that they held for their anniversary celebration.

OVCSA announced the recipients of the UPLB Natatanging Iskolar ng Bayan (UNIK) Award and the UPLB Natatanging Organisasyon (UNO) Award to recognize exemplary students and organizational performance in leadership, public service, and the culture and the arts.

The special recognition, given through the Office of Student Activities, is envisioned to promote the Iskolar ng Bayan as not only marangal at mahusay (with honor and excellence), but also makamasa at makabayan (one with the Filipino people’s aspiration and one with the country).

OVCSA also recognized the exemplary performance and service of its personnel.

Receiving the Leadership Award were Bates M. Bathan of the Office of Scholarships and Grants (OSG); John Mervin L. Embate, former director of the Office of Student Housing (OSH); and Sheryl Posadas, former coordinator of the International Student Relations.

They recognized Ivy Mary U. Selarde of OSG as Outstanding Administrative Personnel (Supervisor Category); Erick Vernon Y. Dy of the Office of Counseling and Guidance (OCG) and Sheryl Edd P. Hermosa-Ebron of the Learning Resource Center as Outstanding REPS Personnel; Mark Kevin L. Movillon and Raquel D. Velasco of OSG as Outstanding Administrative Personnel; and Madel Arandain of OCG, and Rachelle A. Espinosa and Mark Joseph F. Galapon both from OSG as Outstanding ICS Personnel. LRC C.A.R.E.S was honored as the Outstanding Extension Program.

OVCSA also gave special citation awards to the donors of the LRC Learning Hub and Balatian.

The finalists and winners of the student competitions were announced at the event.

The OSH recognized Julianne Kyle M. Alota and Arianne Richel Gundayao, both BS Industrial Engineering students, as the finalists for the OSH Name That Dorm and Logo Contest.

OVCSA also announced Maxene Barnes and Denyl A. Torrijos, both from the BS Nutrition program, as the finalists of the TINDIG TikTok Challenge.

The celebration was highlighted with a new student service, the Online Dorm Reservation System. It was conceptualized in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic by the OSH and Research, Communication, and Information Technology (RECOMMIT). It aims to make dorm reservations easier for students.

Another initiative, the Queuing System, was also relaunched during the program. It was developed by RECOMMIT and used low-cost equipment to manage long lines during enrollment. The system has not only cut waiting time for the students but also enabled staff members to generate reports regarding the services provided by OVCSA.

In her message, Vice Chancellor Janette H. Malata-Silva welcomed the guests, staff, students and organizations and encouraged them to face the challenges of the times with dedication and commitment. Vice Chancellor Silva thanked the UPLB administration for their unwavering support to OVCSA and the students for keeping their lines open for communication.

Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr. highlighted in his message OVCSA’s role in refining UPLB students’ leadership skills, sharpening their minds, and helping them become more innovative. He highlighted the value of OVCSA to students who need psychosocial, emotional, and financial support during the pandemic. Chancellor Camacho ended his message by encouraging the students to join the OVCSA and the administration in braving the path towards a better community for UPLB.

The program concluded with a presentation of the proposed Student Union Rehabilitation Plan and a closing statement from Jickerson P. Lado, assistant vice chancellor and director of the OSG.

More activities are lined up for the OVCSA anniversary celebration, including an Open Tambayan activity in August.