Some of the attendees in the FEd Virtual Recognition and Fellowship organized to honor and recognize the FEd graduating class of 2021.
The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Education (FEd) held the Virtual Recognition & Fellowship for its graduating class of 2021 on 18 December 2021, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 NN via Zoom. Asst. Prof. Louanne Mae Calipayan, FEd faculty member, and Dr. Juliet Aleta R. Villanueva, FEd Secretary and Program Chair of the Diploma in Social Studies Education and Master of Arts in Social Studies Education, served as the hosts of the virtual event.
Dr. Ricardo T. Bagarinao, Dean of the FEd, in his welcome remarks, acknowledged the efforts of the graduates in completing their program requirements despite the pandemic. He recognized that they deserve to celebrate and be celebrated as they have shown stability and resilience even with the numerous challenges in reaching their academic goals. The Dean of the FEd reminded the graduates that they were once “iskolar ng bayan” and hoped that they will continue to be “iskolar para sa bayan.”
The FEd graduates also received greetings and messages from their Program Chairs, Faculties-in-Charge (FICs), and fellow graduates through a video presentation titled “Pagbati at Pasasalamat.”
Mr. Ryan Cajilig, a graduate of the Associate in Arts program, delivered a special message by giving a glimpse of his academic journey at UPOU. He shared that UPOU’s online setup coupled with technology allowed him to cope with the challenges of distance learning. He acknowledged that UPOU has helped him complete his education in a premier university without giving up his job.
The event also recognized the FEd graduates with the Dean’s List and Chancellor’s List honors. The following are the awardees for the FEd Academic Awards of AY 2020-2021:
Dean’s List
Graduate Certificate in Distance Education
Ma. Phoebe A Marquez
Shalet F. Chico
Frankie A. Fran
Diploma in Social Studies Education
Froilan A. Celestial
Ayra Ginica E. Tortoles
Chancellor’s List
Diploma in Social Studies Education
Mark Jed P. Arevalo
Mr. Arevalo, shared an inspirational message to his fellow graduates. He highlighted the role of UPOU in ensuring that its students will have confidence with their acquired skills and use these to positively influence others. He mentioned that instead of the number of units earned, the focus of the University is on the teaching and learning of students, integration of knowledge, expression of one’s creativity, and balance of logical and creative thinking, among others. He reminded his fellow graduates that they are at UPOU not only to obtain the UP Sablay but also to improve themselves and become future leaders who strive for sustainable development and carve out a new course in our history.
Breakout room sessions were organized for the meeting and fellowship among those in attendance. The sessions allowed the graduates to meet and interact, albeit virtually, with one another. After participating in the breakout room sessions, the graduates participated in the meeting of the UPOU Alumni Foundation, Inc. (UPOUAFI) where new Chapter Officers for FEd were elected.
Congratulations to the FEd graduating class of 2021!
Written by Jaime O Guimbao
Edited by Anna Cañas-Llamas
#UPOpenUniversity
