Last October 10, the University of the Philippines Los Baños held its annual Loyalty Day, ushering in thousands of alumni who all had unique stories and life lessons to share. I was fortunate enough to meet Ms. Vangie Gote while strolling around Freedom Park, where her and her husband’s stall could be found. Displayed at their stall were jewelries like earrings, crystals, shirts, and other knick knacks.
Ms. Vangie was a graduate of BS Agriculture and majored in Sports Science under the batch 1987. She also revealed that she had a hard time in the university and even reached the point where she wanted to transfer. By then, she was also dropping subjects already. Fortunately, one of her professors managed to change her mind. “Why drop your subjects? The war is not yet over,” Ms. Vangie quoted her professor back then. Because of these words, she found the courage to continue taking her subjects and remain under her degree program as well.
“So, tinuloy ko yung subject niya. I failed,” she narrated with a laugh. “Pero yun ang naging basis ko para tumuloy sa course ko.”
According to Ms. Vangie, the encouraging words of her professor became her anchor throughout the 10 years she spent under her degree program. She also added that the race in the university is not based on speed, but on endurance, and as long as one chooses to keep going, then the race is still far from over.
In
celebration of the 101st Loyalty Day of the University of the
Philippines Los Banos, “honored“ is an understatement as each college prepared
to showcase their most distinguished alumni, a physical representation of their
individual excellence with an aim to produce the best fleet of graduates.
In line with the successful roots the UPLB College of Development Communication has established, once again, Speaking of Devcom happened. The said event became an avenue to reminisce and reflect on a new set of inspirational alumni who have used their talents and skills in their field of expertise, an embodiment of our never-ending commitment towards development.
However, a question crossed my mind. Is development only limited to students who have studied a course solely dedicated to it? Is DevCom the only means in order to shed light on the many interesting ways we could help our countrymen and benefit the current standing of our hopeless government? Of course not. It is of UP’s great pride to not only restrict such ideals to a specific course not all may find interest in. The University does not even restrain anyone from transferring to another college when necessary, considerate enough to acknowledge serving our “Bayan” is distributed in several existing assignments from dissimilar courses.
As much as I’ve fallen in love with Development Communication since day one of realizing my desire to endure UP and its greatness, I basically cheated at some point and averted such an attention in BA Sociology. The sudden interest drove me to an aspiration of a cool persona and a chill behavior of someone who has thought of linking an “attorney” to her name. She was that Valedictorian from grade school who did extremely well and was able to make ends meet when she found herself surviving the everyday struggle in UPLB. (Sana all!) She is Dhessery Mhae Maldonado, 25, from Sto. Tomas Batangas! (Let’s assume we heard a pageant host reading that aloud.)
In 2017, she graduated BA Sociology at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. I was able to establish a strong bond with her as my previous adviser when she landed her first job in the same year at Laguna College San Pablo. Currently, Ms. Mhae is a senior high school instructor in Malayan Colleges Laguna teaching her expertise, the Social Sciences. As a teacher close to my heart, as the person who often cheers me on in my writing endeavours, I asked her what was the most impactful experience of hers during her college years.
‘Yung lahat ng challenges ko sa UPLB, sobrang worth it nun lahat.”
She wasn’t able to enumerate when I asked her and only uttered “Sobrang dami.” She was then, able to mouth at least, the support she got from her family who had been with her throughout her journey. They were her guidance. They were her knights in shining armor who did the most a prince charming could, pushed her to her limits and be better. She became courageous. She became independent. The fact even from years ago, the University has inculcated the same insights, according to Ms. Mhae, depending on her own in all the things she do. UPLB made her to make strong decsions in life.
With the diversity within the university, it is of no wonder, Ms. Mhae shared her key lessons in a more straightforward manner. This is too, common even from freshmen seeing from our upperclassmen these constant unexpected moments that may either joyfully accept or madly devastate us.
Standing up for your own beliefs. UP is a breeding ground for all sorts of people. Sadly, the university may have contributed in history of honing liars, and corrupt politicians. It could have managed to breed activists and braved the discrimination of the marginalized. However, it may also have produced the one who fought for the Motherland in the kindest way possible. At the end of the day, its all about standing firm with your own beliefs as it is constant to experience different influences.
Independence is a must. Living alone. Eating alone. Studying alone. At some point, a college student normally experiences that. Besides the alone time it may pertain, its independently doing things at your own pace.
Have the drive to still carry on. It’s a whole new world in UP, whatever campus it may be. Its as if surviving your own hell on your own. Its a constant effort and sometimes no matter how much effort that is, it may not be enough.
“Everything is a learning experience.” That’s what Carroll Dacanay, a graduate of UP Los Baños, said when I asked her about the key lessons she has learned in her stay in the university. Ms. Carroll took up BS Development Communication Major in Community Broadcasting and graduated in 2015.
As I asked her about the things that she has learned in UPLB, she has left six key points that us students might consider throughout our college experience.
Everything is a learning experience. Required to watch a play or movie? Learning experience. Required to attend a forum? Learning experience. Invited to a class walkout? Learning experience. It may not always be a “life changing” learning, but you’re bound to pick something from those. Every experience can be used later in life, one way or the other.
There are lots of opportunities to learn more and do more in the university. Grab them if you have a chance then make the most out of it.
There are stereotypes, but don’t let them box you.
Write drunk, edit sober *wink wink* or maybe try to balance acads and social life very wisely.
There will always be revisions & criticisms, but don’t take them to heart, use them to improve. There will be some instructors who may be a bit callous with their comments, so be strong!
As someone who lives away from the family, it helps to have a strong support system in the university too. She was lucky to have high school classmates during high school to college transition and orgmates in the next years. It is important to have people to ground you, keep you in line, and stand in your corner.
Kaye Galler, Kristina Isabel Perez, Karen Anne Vargas, and Cedric Katigbak recorded the colorful and meaningful scenes of UPLB’S 101st Loyalty Day. Plus, an interview with a devcom freshgrad after CDC’s Speaking of Devcom: Conversations with DevCom’s Finest
Ma. Angelica De Lunas Bautista Bachelor of Science in Statistics University of the Philippines Los Banos Class of 2018
With big smiles and all the nostalgia feels, UPLB alumni and
students alike gather in the university to celebrate the 101st
Loyalty Day last October 10, 2019. Numerous alumni revisited their stay in UPLB
by reminiscing their memories and sharing fun stories with each other.
As a freshman student in the uni, I was very interested about
the experiences of past students, their learnings, and their unforgettable
moments. Luckily, I was given the chance to have a chat with Ms. Ma. Angelica
De Lunas Bautista, a Bachelor of Science in Statistics graduate, class of 2018.
When asked about the most significant lessons that she learned from her stay in UPLB, Ms. Angelica was quick to answer that she surely learned a lot about life. One of the lessons that she mentioned is to be independent. Each one of us has our own life and decisions. Your life is different from others regardless of who you surround yourself with. It is important to learn to not depend on them. Likewise, don’t let others dictate your decisions. She also added that it is your own life, you are the one to fight your battles and not anyone else.
Another lesson that she shared is to always communicate with the people around you, may it be your classmates, professors, or anyone else. Learn to communicate your point because not everyone will understand you at first try. Communication is key and without it you can be misunderstood. Ms. Bautista also emphasized that it is always okay to ask questions. There’s no shame in having the desire to learn.
Lastly, she also stated that “You are sometimes a butterfly. You may not see it, but from others’ point of view, you have a pair of beautiful wings. Use it”. Everyone is special in his/her own way and even if one fails to see it, other people will still be able to appreciate it. Do not discredit yourself for the things that you do. Because no matter how small or how big your actions are, they will still impact other persons around you, one way or another.
The lessons shared above are all very important and useful for
anyone’s college life or just life in general. To us UP students, I hope that
stories like this inspire us to be determined to face our everyday challenges
and to also experience our own unforgettable moments. One step at a time, we strive
to be more worthy of being an “iskolar ng bayan, para sa bayan.”
Students all over the country have always dreamt of becoming
a student of the University of the Philippines. Even though it is hard for
others to enter the university, becoming a student of the academy is actually harder
as it seems.
Being a student gives you power but with it comes a
responsibility. UP students are taught not only to work with their minds but
with their hearts – making use of their role as “iskolar ng bayan” to serve the
country.
To further understand and realize the role of an “Iskolar ng Bayan”, I asked an alumna regarding her experiences in the University.
For Ms. Kiana Peroy, UP has given her with memorable experiences during her stay in UPLB. She had those moments where she ran for a position in her college’s student government and her first time hosting and event for the late Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago; it gave her an opportunity to explore and enhance her abilities.
According to her, UP taught her on becoming critical and
mature. Her pre-college days made her realize that besides thinking of getting
good grades you also think on how you can contribute to society as an “Iskolar
ng Bayan”. The principles she learned from the organizations she was a part of
guided here where to start on creating little changes in herself and in the
surroundings.
Following the school’s mantra of, she defined honor as doing one’s responsibilities with integrity; doing good virtues without people to see your act of kindness. At the same time, she defined excellence as the way one does its best; experiencing anything in the journey with discovery, realizing and reflecting throughout the process.
In the end, her experiences in UP molded her on understanding her self and becoming a servant for the country. It is by upholding the values brought by the University, she has exemplified her true role as an “Iskolar ng Bayan.”
Loyalty Day and Alumni Homecoming is celebrated every October 10 to honor the UPCA students and faculty members who enlisted and served the country, in a time the Philippines and its allies needed more manpower in WWI. Such is a venue for UPLB to reconnect with its alumni
I’ve always admired and looked to my high school’s alumni who went on to study at one of the top universities in the Philippines, which is UP. I’ve always considered them one of the best role models of what an ‘iskolar ng bayan’ should be, hearing their stories of failure, perseverance, and triumph through their stay in the university.
Now an ‘isko’ myself, I asked such alumni to share the key lessons they’ve learned during their stay in UPLB.
She told me that “Everything is interconnected.”, that one action has a corresponding action, even in little ways. That this has an effect especially for the environment. That a simple negligence of throwing garbage at the sidewalk could later on result to flooding.
She told me that “Always remember that in everything you do, you are anchored with the UP symbol.” That everything that we are doing outside the university, should always be for the benefit of the Filipino people.
Marian Illinon, Louisse Parado, Shann Pasion, and Mark Genesis Topinio joined the commemoration of UPLB’s 101st Loyalty Day, as they dove in to the excitement, as well as interviewing the Alumni Homecomers.
As a new student here in UPLB, it was my first time to hear that there is such a thing called Loyalty day and to my surprise, it was in fact on its 101st. Since it’s my first time, I grabbed the chance to participate and observe what is happening in Loyalty day. I saw different kinds of stuff like booths, festive colors, float parades, performers and a lot of people. I was also able to join the parade to support our college, which I find it enjoyable since we formulated a cheer and sang it as one college.
Aside from that, one of the highlights of the event is the alumni homecoming wherein alumni come back and be reunited once again. With that being said, we are asked to interview them. I and my friends asked our interviewees few questions such as what did they learned during there stay in UPLB, what are the tips they can give to students and lastly, what do they feel as they came back in UPLB.
First, we were able to interview Ms. Dorothy Salvedia, she graduated in the year 2001 in BS in Food Technology and currently taking her graduate school here in UPLB. She shared that UPLB helped her so much in her life as a professional wherein she worked in some food companies. She told us that during her college years, they were really immersed in the laboratories and sciences, which helped her a lot. Another thing she mentioned was the importance of GE subjects which helped her also to become holistic and be knowledgable not only in her field but be flexible in other aspects as well.
Additionally, she shared the importance of studying but still have time to do other activities and have time for family and friends because truly, life just not revolves in studies but other things as well. Lastly, Ms. Dorothy shared that UPLB has always been home for her, she even stated “ Kapag nabalik ako dito feeling ko, nakakauwi ako sa bahay. Kaya nga bumalik ako dito for grad school eh”.
Another one that we interviewed was Mr. Artemio Salazar, batch 1974 and a former student of BS Agricultural Chemistry. During our interview, he shared plenty of experiences that he had in UPLB. One of which is his story about his Martial Law experience because during his college days were the times when Martial Law sparked. That’s why during our interview with him, he reminded us that we should always focus on what we can do for society and how are we going to impact them with what we have. Mr. Artemio stated “Kung saan tinawag doon tumugon” which impacted me so much and gave me a realization that indeed I am not an Iska for myself only but for my country.
Lastly, we interviewed Mr. Goddy Ferrer a former Agricultural Economics student from batch 1964. He shared few things as we interviewed him, one of which is that here in LB you will learn to interact with other people and make new friends along the way which will become your barkada. Some of the tips he shared with us in order to survive here in UP is do not forget the Lord and cling to him no matter what because nothing will go wrong if you are with him. Lastly, he shared that LB has always been his home, it has always had a big part of his life as he said: “Kinasasabikan ko paring bumalik, kasi pag tagaLB yan kapag umalis babalik rin”.
In conclusion, I learned many things from them but what impacted, me the most is the part wherein you focus on your goal not only for your good but for the benefit of others as well. Here I realized the worth of really loving the country and serving its people the best way that I can. One more thing that impacted me was when Mr. Ferrer pointed out placing God at the center of your life because truly, He has better plans and He knows what is best for you and me. Lastly, it made me realize that loyalty day is not just for festivity, dancing, and parade, but a celebration of how UP shaped, currently shaping and will shape students to become the future of our country.
“UPLB had been my sanctuary of growth, enlightenment, and self-discovery.”
Peter Je C. Dilao
Everyone has their own person to look up to in terms of academic achievements. As for me, this alumnus whom I interviewed is my forever idol because of his dedication to his studies. He is also my townmate in San Jacinto, Masbate. He grew up in a humble home with his parents, one older sister, and one younger brother. Ever since he was in elementary, he already possessed exceptional intelligence in mathematics and science. He continued to excel in high school and graduated as a salutatorian. He entered University of the Philippines on 2013 with a degree program Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.
Engr. Peter Je Dilao is an epitome of what an iskolar ng bayan should be. He balanced his academics, organization commitments, and many other things while studying in the university. His dedication to his studies paid off when he graduated as a Cum Laude in BS Electrical Engineering, class of 2018. He continued proving his competence in his chosen field when he passed the April 2019 Registered Electrical Engineering (EE) Board Exam, together with the Registered Master Electricians, and achieved a rating of 90.50%.
According to him, among the key-lessons he has internalized over his 5-year stay in the university were the following:
Independence
“I learned to brave solitude and appreciate silence.”
Time Management
“I realized that setting direction and mindfully allotting resources is the key to traverse a dynamic environment.”
Prioritization
“I understood the idea of sacrificing to attain utmost goals.”
Endurance
“I observed that it is human nature to endure and mind-setting is more powerful than we thought.”
Connections and relationships
“I pondered how essential social interaction and relationship building is in fueling consciousness and finding purpose in life.”
Because of these, he is in deep gratitude to his Alma mater. For him, indeed, UPLB hones iskolars to serve their unique purpose and to be at their best in doing so.
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