One hundred one incoming freshies completed the 4-week UPLB Bridge Program (BP) of the Learning Resource Center from July 10-August 10, 2023. 

BP aims to bridge the gap between the students’ skills in high school and the skill set they need in university. 

With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, the BP was finally conducted in a blended learning mode, with the majority of classes held face-to-face. It has been implemented purely online for the past three years.

The bridgers attended mathematics and/or English classes facilitated by faculty-tutors from the Math Division of the Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Physics and the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, both of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). A faculty-tutor also came from the College of Development Communication (CDC).

The English classes were handled by the following faculty-tutors: Katherine M. Gonzales, Elizabeth S. Krueger, Jacqueline B. Recaña, and Guien Eidrefson P. Garma.

Meanwhile, the Math classes were handled by the following faculty-tutors: Jcob C. Malaguit, Gimelle B. Gamilla, Romsto R. Pajarillo, and Marc Aaron F. Julian.

Apart from their English and Math classes, there were also psychosocial sessions in coordination with the Guidance Services Specialist of the Office of Counseling and Guidance (OCG) of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. 

In these sessions, students met their fellow bridgers and learned about time-management strategies and tips on building mental health resilience. 

Members from the UPLB GABAY volunteers also assisted in the facilitation of the psychosocial classes.

The psychosocial facilitators from OCG were Analyn V. Rapas, Gonzalo H. Amante Jr., Jisselle C. Villamin, and Noemi B. Nuñez.

The bridgers also participated in LIFE or Leadership, Integrity, Faith, and Excellence class sessions. Youth volunteers from Every Nation Campus-UPLB facilitated the sessions.

A recognition ceremony was held on August 10, 2023, at the REDREC Auditorium to award the students with their certificates of completion and recognize the top-performing students for each section. The faculty-tutors, facilitators, and volunteers were also recognized in the ceremony.

In her opening remarks, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Janette H. Malata-Silva congratulated the bridgers for finishing the program. She assured the students of the support and assistance from the different units of the OVCSA. 

UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr. gave a special message to the bridgers. He congratulated the incoming freshies for making it to the country’s national university and completing the program designed to prepare them for the next phase of their academic life at the university. “You can enhance your academic and social skills, and you have become much more equipped to take on the new challenges that await ahead of you”, he said.

Each bloc of the BP also presented their respective bloc performances of song, dance, poetry, and drama during the recognition ceremony.

Mark Vincent Mercene, a BP participant in 2018, delivered a short testimony. He shared with the bridgers how the BP helped him keep up with academics, especially when he needed to catch up to his batchmates. 

According to him, the BP was able to help him not only academically but also socially in his UPLB journey. He recently graduated with a degree in BS Development Communication (magna cum laude) during the 51^st UPLB Commencement Exercises.

As part of the recognition ceremony, students who excelled in English and Math were awarded certificates of recognition. In addition, the top student from the two classes was given medals. The Best in English was Kenrick Jay M. Cuartero (BS in Mathematics and Science Teaching), and the Best in Math student was Albert L. Duave, Jr. (BS in Applied Mathematics). Additionally, BLOC Y3 was awarded the Best Bloc, with each member receiving a medal.

In closing, LRC Director John Mervin L. Embate expressed his gratitude and congratulations to the bridgers for attending and completing the BP. He also recognized all the people who played a role in the success of this year’s installation. (Mikaela Isabel E. Peña & Joshua Michael G. Jonas)