The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) held its Online Recognition and Fellowship Program last 18 December 2021. The recognition program was held to commemorate and honor the FMDS graduating class of 2021.
The program opened with warm greetings from the FMDS Dean, Dr. Primo G. Garcia. Dean Garcia proudly congratulated the FMDS Class of 2021 for their hard work and perseverance during their stay in the university. His advice to the graduates is to keep an open perspective as they make a difference and shape the world.
The FMDS Class of 2021 was then presented by their respective Program Chairs, namely Prof. Jean A. Saludadez for the Graduate Certificate and Master of ASEAN Studies (GCAS/MAS) Programs, Prof. Consuelo DL. Habito for the Diploma in and Master of Environment and Natural Resources Management (D/MENRM) Programs, Dr. Myra D. Oruga for the Diploma in and Master of International (D/MIH) Programs, Assoc. Prof. Dina C. Magnaye for the Diploma in Land Use Planning (DLUP) Program, Asst. Prof. Cesar Z. Luna for the Diploma in and Master of Land Valuation and Management (D/MLVM) Programs, Prof. Jaine C. Reyes for the Diploma in and Master of Research and Development Management (D/MR&DM) Programs, Assoc. Prof. Emely D. Dicolen for the Diploma in Women and Development (DWD) and Diploma in and Master of Social Work (D/MSW) Programs, Asst. Prof. Ria Valerie Cabanes for the Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN) Program, and Assoc. Prof. Juvy Lizette M. Gervacio for the Master of Public Management (MPM) Program. The Secretary to the Faculty, Asst. Prof. Maripres U. Sarinas, presented the graduates with academic awards.
The FMDS Class of 2021 consisted of 305 graduates coming from different programs. Nineteen (19) from GCAS, four (4) from MAS, 13 from DENRM, 34 from MENRM, 38 from DIH, seven (7) from MIH, 67 from DLUP, 22 from DLVM, 26 from DRDM, one (1) from DSW, four (4) from MSW, three (3) from DWD, 23 from MAN, and 28 from MPM. Among the graduates, 17 received the Dean’s List award, and nine (9) received the Chancellor’s List award.
The recognition program was also graced by the guest speaker Ms. Leona Paula L. Macalintal, Nursing Director, Cardinal Santos Medical Center. Ms. Macalintal’s speech gave memorable guidance to the graduates using the first word of the aphorism, “Carpe diem” which stands for Collaboration, Agility, Resilience, Presence, and Empowerment. She left the graduates with the questions, “Why did you pursue continuing education? What have you come to achieve? What will be your next steps after this?“ Her last piece of advice to the graduates is to “Live up to the values and identity of being a UPOU graduate. Use everything you have learned as a powerful weapon to make a difference, to positively influence and lead others “
Dr. Niko C. Cedicol, a graduate of DIH program, gave the message as representative of the graduating class. Dr. Cedicol shared the struggles he and his fellow graduates went through and their journey in UPOU. He also expressed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country and the role placed upon him and his fellow graduates to use the knowledge and skills gained to help and fight for the community.
The recognition program was concluded with a toast hosted by the emcee, Asst. Prof. Ria Valerie Cabanes, to commemorate the struggles and success of the students as well as the support of the UPOU faculty and staff, and the new beginnings ahead!
Written by Gian Macatangay
Edited by Joane V. Serrano and Anna Cañas-Llamas
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