The Department of Engineering Science (DES) of the UPLB College of Engineering and Agro-industrial Technology hosted its first Freshie Orientation today, 30 Aug., at CEAT Lecture Hall.
Consisting of 31 new first year students, Asst. Prof. Christian C. Vaso, DES Chair, warmly welcomed the first batch of BS Materials Engineering takers in the university. “You are the pioneer batch who gets to experience the fruits of labor and hard work of the Department of Engineering Science faculty members and staff in instituting this program. Hopefully, this [program] will prepare you in your future careers,” said Asst. Prof. Vaso. He also introduced the faculty members and staff of the department.
Dr. Marion Lux Y. Castro, CEAT Officer-in-Charge, shared an inspirational message to the new students, “Huwag niyo kalilimutang mag-enjoy… At this time of your lives, sabihin na nating nasa point A kayo. I am assuming na ang goal niyo, as of now, would be to reach your point B. Sa engineering ang importante i-define ninyo ang point B niyo.”
She also added, “If being here [BSMatE program] will help you achieve your purpose, stay for four or more years. Aalalayan nila [DES faculty] kayo. You heard their credentials, you are in very good hands. Sa journey niyong ito, hindi kayo nag-iisa“.
Meanwhile, in his presentation entitled “MatEra, MatEbay”, Asst. Prof. Ian Lorenzo E. Gonzaga, Chair of DES Curriculum and Instruction Committee, traced and presented the BSMatE curriculum to the first batch of students. Ending his discussion, he asked “Ready na ba kayo in this colorful adventure, MatE babies?” He also answered some questions together with Asst. Prof. Glenson R. Panghulan, co-chair of DES CIC.
The department also recognized its Top 5 UPCA qualifiers with Ms. Fllaye Carmel Vien O. Tengco, rank 1, delivering a short response as representative of the BSMatE Batch 2023.
In his closing remarks, Asst. Prof. Christian Laurence E. Aquino, Chair of DES Student Affairs Committee, emphasized the excitement of the department in teaching its first batch of students. “This will be a new chapter, a very historical moment to all of you and for all of us,” said Asst. Prof. Aquino.
Asst. Prof. Eunice G. Ramirez and Engr. Angelo Manual A. Castillo served as emcees of the orientation program. Also present during the event are faculty and staff of the Dept. of Engineering Science and members of students’ organizations such as the UPLB Engineering Society, UP Engineering Students Guild, and UP Brotherhood of Noble Engineers.
The institution and offering of the BS Materials Engineering program in UPLB was approved during the 1372nd meeting of the UP Board of Regents on 28 July 2022. This is the seventh undergraduate program offering of CEAT after the approval of the BS Mechanical Engineering program in 2020. (Mary Jane F. Gallardo)
*Also posted in UPLB website: https://uplb.edu.ph/all-news/ceat-des-welcomes-its-pioneering-bs-materials-engineering-students/