The UP Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) held its Recognition and Fellowship Program to celebrate the successful completion of the Class of 2024 on 6 December 2024, at the UPOU Oblation Plaza.
Dr. Joane V. Serrano, the Dean of FMDS, welcomed the 285 graduates from the 12 degree programs. She applauded the efforts and perseverance of the graduating class despite the multiple demands associated with distance learning.
She reminded the new graduates of their mission to use their ideas and action to transform the world. “Ngayon, kayo ang tagapagpatuloy ng ating mga adhikain sa mas maayos at makatarungang lipunan. Ang mundo ay naghihintay sa inyong kontribusyon,” Dean Serrano pronounced.
Asst. Prof. Lloyd Lyndel Simporios, the Secretary to the Faculty presented the Recognition of Honor Students. A total of thirty-five graduates were awarded Honors, 11 of which were included in the Chancellor’s List, and 24 were on the Dean’s List. All the recipients of the Chancellor’s List came from the Diploma of Land Use Planning (DLUP) program.
Atty. Lynn Danao-Moreno, Former Assistant Executive Secretary of the General Government Administration Office from the Office of the President, graced the ceremony with an inspiring message to the Class of 2024. During her speech, she emphasized the value of resilience as a key to turning dreams into reality. She expounded that it is through resilience that their true character shines and develops, therefore, they must embrace failure as a teacher rather than a foe. She concluded her speech by encouraging the graduates to always strive to make a difference and impact the world and their communities positively.
Mr. Glenn Simon Latonero from DLUP spoke on behalf of the Graduating Class of 2024. He reminded his fellow graduates that education is not static. It constantly changes, pushing them to think differently and make a meaningful impact. Consequently, as there are ongoing and complex challenges waiting as they step outside the university, Mr. Latonero encouraged everyone to approach these obstacles with a sense of purpose ideally guided by UP’s principal mission to serve the nation.
The program proceeded with the awarding of Pahinungód pins. The UPOU Chancellor, Dr. Melinda Bandalaria, and the Director of the Ugnayan ng Pahinungód UPOU, Dr. Queenie Roxas-Ridulme presented the awards to three FMDS graduates who answered the call of Oblation and selflessly volunteered to serve the communities.
The singing of the UP Naming Mahal marked the end of the Recognition and Fellowship Program of FMDS.
Written by Naomi Unlayao & Iarra Mae De Silva ♦ Edited by Myra C. Almodiel and Anna Cañas-Llamas
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