Igniting of Hope and Celebration of Success at FICS Virtual Recognition and Thanksgiving

History was made last Saturday, 5 December 2020, as the UP Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) conducted its first virtual Recognition and Thanksgiving. Despite the unconventional arrangement, FICS faculty and staff members, graduating students, and guests gathered online to celebrate their academic milestones. 

Dean and Professor of FICS, Dr. Alexander Flor, welcomed and congratulated the graduating students in his opening remarks. Dr. Flor praised them for their resilience in the face of the disruptions throughout this year, which includes the explosion of the Taal volcano, the COVID-19 pandemic, and several typhoons, among others. He also assured the graduating students that positive things could still come out of this experience by acknowledging the divine providence that everyone received. He specially thanked the members of the class of 2020 for making them, the FICS and UPOU as a whole, as part of their lives. 

Afterward, Mr. Angelito O. Sardez, FICS Masters of Information Systems (MIS) 2019 Top Graduate, inspired the graduating class by calling them “unconventional”. Mr. Sardez stated, “You are unconventional, for proving that time, distance, and even this pandemic is not enough to stop you from reaching your milestone. Continue to be unconventional!” Unconventional, according to him, is synonymous with being exceptional or having the talent, will, and endurance to push through regardless of life’s adversities. He refers to these traits as qualities to be successful, which the graduating class has shown by succeeding academically despite the chaos in real life. Additionally, he acknowledged the benefits and challenges of an unorthodox learning system and expressed commendation to the university and faculty for making the recognition possible. 

Subsequently, Mr. Alnard Alejandro U. Pagulayan, Masters in Development Communication (MDC) 2020 Top Graduate, delivered another notable speech. Banking on his learnings on development from MDC, he asserted that national development can be accomplished through participatory activities. He affirmed the importance of science and leadership in creating a better community and societal transformation. Highlighting the value of effective communication to establish unity and spark hope during these challenging times, he ended with the words: “Without communication that is clear, accurate and empathetic, disruptions will continue to divide us instead of igniting a need to unite and move forward.”

Aside from awarding of the certificates of completion for each of the graduating class, top graduates of FICS were also acknowledged in the event. They were Ms. Anne Margarette L. Bacomo from the Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies (BAMS) program, Mr. Earl Royce B. Hugo from the Diploma in Computer Science (DCS) program, Mr. Alnard Alejandro U. Pagulayan from the Master in Development Communication (MDC) program, Ms. Gladys P. Broce from the Master of Information Systems program (MIS), and Ms. Helen S. Sigua, from the Doctor of Communication (DComm) program.

Remarkably, the two Magna cum laudes of BAMS program, namely Ms. Anne Margarette L. Bacomo and Ms. Kimberly Dollente, also expressed promising words during their speeches. Ms. Bacomo ignited pride in the graduating class as she highlighted their part in the educational revolution by overcoming the difficulties of online classes and partaking in the first virtual graduation of UPOU. She further encouraged everyone that the ceremony being held virtual should not take away the significance and meaning of their achievement. 

Subsequently, Ms. Dollente, who worked as a full-time missionary while being a full-time student, recognized the power of prayer and hard work that enabled her to surpass both academic and real-life adversities. She reminded everyone that if we want to “go up” or “be great”, we need to “go down” by being in service to others, whether to our families, communities or churches. She endorsed several opportunities to serve that awaits everyone as societies and churches are in need of service. Ms. Dollente left with a question that calls the audience to act and serve: “How generous are we willing to be with our time, efforts, and resources?”

Some of the FICS faculty members also shared their messages to the Class of 2020. Dr. Benjamina Flor, MDC Program Chair, amused the attendees with her personalized humorous poem regarding the exciting and exacting journey of being an FICS student. Ms. Emely Amoloza, FICS University Extension Associate, and Ms. Gian Cerdeña, FICS Project Staff, served as the event’s hosts. The program concluded with a virtual toast of the graduating class and singing of the UP Naming Mahal. 

The closing words from Ms. Dollente captured the purpose of the event, which is a celebration of success and ignition of hope:

Now is the time to be more, to be the change we want to see in the world, to be the flicker of hope amidst the darkness, to be the spark that sets the fire ablaze. We have passed our studies but the practical now begins. The lessons of the past have shaped us. The crosses of today will test us. The challenges that await will strengthen us. But the miracles that the future holds shall amaze us.