The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) held its Recognition and Thanksgiving 2024 last 6 December 2024, at the UPOU World Class Multimedia Production Building in Los Baños, Laguna. The program opened with the singing of the national anthem and a welcome message from the Dean, Dr. Diego S. Maranan.
Dean Maranan congratulated the 174 students from the undergraduate and graduate programs. He recognized that the students navigated countless special forces, overcame big challenges, and faced varied obstacles yet they have thrived for their journey. Their time, patience, perseverance, and grit were made possible by the families, friends, and loved ones who were part of their success and accomplishment. He also warmly welcomed them to the FICS community of graduates and alumni.
The candidates were presented and recognized for their completion and excellence by Asst. Prof. Raz dela Torre and Asst. Prof. Margaret Jarmin Suarez, and the respective Program Chairs and Advisers. Seventy candidates are from the Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies program, 29 from the Diploma in Computer Science program, 57 from the Master of Development Communication and Master of Information Systems programs, and 18 from the Doctor of Communication program. Thirty-six students were awarded for being included in the Chancellor’s List, 24 in the Dean’s List, and 37 undergraduate students were Latin honor awardees with 12 cum laude, 23 magna cum laude, and 2 summa cum laude. Together, 97 FICS graduates are awarded with academic merits.
Another highlight of the event is the inspirational message from one of the FICS Alumni, Isaiah Crisanto, a magna cum laude graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies who received the Leadership Awardee as the first UPOU University Student Council (USC) Chairperson. He acknowledged that students have come far to celebrate this event, whether online or in person, and to look back on their journey. Students managed their work-life and personal responsibilities to this point, bringing their significant memories and learning experiences. Their growth as individuals, being the iskolar ng bayan, makes them look forward to what they like to do next. He encouraged them to use their knowledge and talent and be part of our nation’s solutions, who are dedicated to the cause, breaking barriers in their field.
The program also included the Pahinungod Pinning Ceremony, celebrating its Pahinungod graduate volunteers, who continuously engage in the university’s service programs. Greetings from respective FICS program chairs added excitement and value to the student’s achievements, wrapping their unforgettable experience through the wonderful messages of their professors and advisers.
A response from the representative of the 2024 graduating class, Faye Anjeli S. Lopez, Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies, summa cum laude, also ignited the event when she congratulated her fellow graduates. According to Lopez, this celebration of hard work and resilience includes taking a rest and never giving up, taking pride in what they achieved, and looking forward to a bright future.
The program ended with a toast of the graduates from Dr. Alexander G. Flor, a message from the CHED chairperson, Dr. J. Propero E. De Vera III, and the singing of the UP Naming Mahal.
Written by Jurell Ordanes ♦ Edited by Myra C. Almodiel and Anna Cañas-Llamas
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