Earlier today, 23 May, the University of the Philippines Mindanao recognized over 600 University and College Scholars alongside students with special certifications during its virtual Student Recognition ceremony.
The event acknowledged the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of the student awardees during the Second Semester of Academic Year 2020-2021 and First Semester of Academic Year 2021-2022, both of which were conducted remotely. Special awardees from the BS Architecture program also received their Certificate of Building Technology and Certificate of Proficiency on Basic Computer-Aided Drafting and Design.
Chancellor Lyre Anni E. Murao welcomed the students and the guests to the ceremony and commended the efforts of students, parents, and faculty in overcoming the hurdles brought about by the new learning setup due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In her remarks, she emphasized that “UP Mindanao respects the diversity of convictions and beliefs that encompass the broad ideological spectrum… we encourage freedom of thought and expression as long as it is within legal bounds.”
Related to this, she called for everyone to observe sobriety and objectivity given the current escalation of tensions brought about by hasty generalizations, subjecting the entire UP Mindanao community to undue stress due to personal and social media harassment. Chancellor Murao then promised the students: The administration will continue to protect you against any form of harassment. In turn, promise me also that you will use your critical thinking in the right track for national development.
Asst. Prof. Kriza Faye A. Calumba, a graduate of the BS Food Technology program in 2014 with the distinction of magna cum laude, graced the event to give her inspirational message. In her speech, she recalls her active memberships in various student organizations and how these engagements contributed in shaping her as a genuine “Iskolar ng Bayan.” As a currently-serving faculty member in the College of Science and Mathematics, she emphasized that each student’s experience is unique. In closing, Calumba echoed Chancellor Murao’s message to use critical thinking on the right track toward national development, and reminded the awardees to “always stay empowered, so you can also empower others.”
During the event, almost 200 student awardees attended the Zoom webinar, and more than 200 concurrent views from the YouTube livestream were recorded. Performances from the UP Mindanao Koro Kantahanay, UP Mindanao Dance Ensemble, and students from the BA Communication and Media Arts program entertained the awardees and guests.
The event was organized by the Offices of the University Registrar and respective College Secretaries, under the direction of the Project Development Assistant for Cultural Affairs supported by the Information Technology Office.
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