The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) held its Recognition and Fellowship Program at the UP Open University Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna. This was done last 15 December 2023 to commemorate and recognize the FMDS graduating class 2023.
Dr. Joane V. Serrano, Dean of FMDS, warmly welcomed the 269 graduates, both physically and online, joined by their loved ones. She recognized the graduates’ dedication and hard-working spirit despite taking graduate studies online. She expressed her hope for the graduates to shape the future and be a positive force, contributing their transformative ideas and passion to make a difference.
The candidates were presented and recognized for their achievement by Asst. Prof. Lloyd Lyndel P. Simporios, OIC-Secretary to the FMDS, along with the respective program chairs of the faculty. Fifteen candidates for graduation are from the graduate certificate programs, 140 from the diploma programs, and 114 from masters programs. Forty-one students were awarded for being included in the Dean’s and Chancellor’s Lists.
One highlight of the event was the message to the graduating students by Ambassador Elizabeth P. Buensuceso, Foreign Affairs Adviser of the Department for Foreign Affairs. She shared that the theme “University of the Future: Reimagination, Reconfigurations, Realizations” reminded her of the creation of the ASEAN Vision 2045. She encouraged them to “improve their environment, systems, and communities” with the learning and wisdom they obtained at the UPOU. She recognized their hard work and congratulated them for their perseverance and focused desire to finish their programs despite the demands of their full-time jobs at work and at home. Moving forward, she inspired the graduating class to think of the characteristics of a good leader, educator, and student: excellence, compassion, humility, and faith.
Joseph Victor F. Fresnoza, a Diploma in Land Use Planning candidate and a Chancellor’s List awardee, delivered the message as the representative of the FMDS graduating class. He shared that most graduating students started their programs at the height of the pandemic and went through extraordinary challenges to stay mentally and physically healthy on top of their responsibilities. His encouragement is that UPOU graduates are privileged to receive quality education, and they should extend help to those who need it the most.
The program continued with the Pahinungod Pinning Ceremony, celebrating its student volunteers, followed by the singing of the UP Naming Mahal.
The recognition and fellowship program was concluded with warm cheers hosted by the master of ceremonies, Asst. Prof. Lianne Angelico C. Depante, to celebrate the challenges overcome and achievements attained by the students, alongside the unwavering support provided by their family and friends and the UPOU faculty and staff.
Written by (Jurell Ordanes) ♦ Edited by Myra C. Almodiel and Anna Cañas-Llamas
#UPOpenUniversity
