PUP-OVPSS Orients Freshmen
Dr. Juan C. Birion, Dr. Edgardo A. Latoza, The PUP Observer, Volume 1, Issue 2, July 2012The Office of the Vice President for Student Services (OVPSS) headed by Dr. Juan C. Birion conducted its freshman orientation at the Bulwagang Balagtas, Ninoy Aquino Library and Learning Resources Center (NALLRC) from July 1 to 9. Messages of the University’s top officials were relayed through audio-visual presentation. Services of the different offices under the OVPSS including the service providers – the directors and staff were thoroughly discussed. Some college deans and their chairpersons, together with the faculty members, were present during the orientation.
Dr. Juan C. Birion, Vice President for Student Services, answers queries from the freshmen students.
President Emanuel C. De Guzman emphasized in his message to the freshmen their being “Iskolar ng Bayan” and that their education is subsidized by the State. As such, he advised the students not only to excel academically but also to conduct themselves as exemplars and to show social concern by doing something good for the society. He stressed the need for all members of the community to work together harmoniously to make PUP greater than it has always been.
EVP Victoria C. Naval congratulated the students for selecting PUP as their institution of learning. She commended them for passing the rigid screening for admission to the University. She likewise enjoined the students to do their part and live up to the expectations of the University by studying very well, respecting their teachers, acquiring and sharing positive values, and, most of all, by asking for God’s blessing.
Dr. Samuel M. Salvador, Vice President for Academic Affairs, expressed his admiration to the freshmen whom he called “full-blooded PUPians” and “champions of all” for hurdling all difficulties to become members of the PUP community. For students to survive and be successful in their stay at the University, Dr. Salvador said they must make sacrifices, study well, accept obligations, listen to the faculty and University officials, and get the respect of the people. He reiterated that choosing the right friends, adopting the PUP culture, learning to love others, and then lifting everything to God, will make their student life at PUP enjoyable and fruitful.
Vice President for Administration, Atty. Estelita Wi dela Rosa, assured the freshmen that her office is more than willing to help the students on matters concerning administrative resources. She said that close ties between and among the University personnel and the students will enable both sectors to avail of the services they want. She stressed that students have rights and obligations, particularly, the right to have the best education and environment conducive to learning. She pointed out, however, that these students’ rights are coupled with the obligation to cooperate with and support the administration in maintaining cleanliness and orderliness in the University and to abide by the school rules and regulations.
The outgoing Vice President for Research and Development, Dr. Pastor B. Malaborbor, welcomed the freshmen whom he named as the new breed of "Iskolar ng Bayan". He pointed out that college education is a turning point in the student’s life, a challenging transition from one level to a higher one where one works to acquire a degree. He cited that PUP graduates are all nation-builders, and if the freshmen will develop their potentials, they can be like the rest. He advised them to treasure the chance of studying at the PUP, an outstanding University, with varied offerings, and with the most affordable tuition fees throughout country. He stressed that the students should bear in mind that their intelligence should be utilized not only for their own good but also for the welfare of their families, the environment, and the country as a whole.
VPSS Juan C. Birion congratulated the new "Iskolar ng Bayan," for making it to this premier state polytechnic university and wished them good luck in all their academic endeavors. He impressed upon them that they are very lucky, for out of the more than 50,000 students who applied for admission to the PUP and who took the PUPCET, only around 9,000 students made it after passing the very rigorous selection process. He assured them that the education they will obtain from this University is of the highest caliber.Consequently, they need to be diligent, hardworking, and persevering to sustain good grades.With the Lord guiding them they will be successful in their chosen programs. He cited that among the freshmen this school year there are 99 valedictorians, 60 salutatorians, and 56 first honorable mention who are considered as academic scholars; 47 campus journalists, 71 cultural film artists, 32 student council presidents, 40 film artists,and 69 achievers, plus more than 150 athletes making this batch one of the finest.
VPF Marissa J. Legaspi congratulated the freshmen for becoming part of the University. She said they are very lucky for they are now "Iskolar ng Bayan". The VPF encouraged them to do their best, study hard, and to acknowledge God and commit themselves to the Almighty.
The directors and heads of the offices under the OVPSS, namely, Admission Office, Office of the University Registrar, Office of Student Affairs, Office of Scholarship and Financial Assistance, Guidance, Counseling and Testing Center, the University Center for Culture and the Arts, the Career Development and Placement Office, and the Ninoy Aquino Library and Learning Resources Center, assured the incoming students that the OVPSS is a haven of student-centered activities and services aimed at students’ holistic development.
They can improve themselves as individuals and as potential leaders of the country through the various welfare and development programs. The presentations focused on their intellectual and personal development.The service offices stressed that the students are the University’s primary concern and that they are in good hands. From the time they took the entrance examination to the selection of their courses and gaining scholarships and financial assistance, the students’ graduation and carried on until they get a job, all these are handled by the various University services through its staff.
The ICTC representatives comprehensively explained the Student Information System (SIS), its importance and operations. They stressed that under the system all PUP students have their own accounts making possible the access of information relative to University calendar and pronouncements, section offerings, registration, profile, schedules, grades, accounts, library, and other activities.
Director Segundo C. Dizon of UCCA presented all the members of the Maharlika Dance Artists and Contemporary Dimensions, Bagong Himig Serenata, PUP Ramp Artists, Banda Kawayan, Polysound Band, and the Sininglahi Polyrepertory, showcasing their talents and gifts.Their cultural presentations are clear manifestations that PUP focuses on total student development and as stressed by VPSS Birion in his message to the students that extra - curricular concerns of the students are equally important as their academic interests.
The orientation was hosted by Ms. Jonna Karla C. Bien and Mr. John Mark N. Nero of the College of Science and the Laboratory High School, respectively. VPSS Birion closed the program not with the usual delivery of closing remarks but through an activity wherein students were asked questions to measure how much they had gained from the orientation and the information learned about the University. Prizes in the form of cash and in kind were awarded to the students who evoked insights especially about an epistemic community.
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