One hundred eighty UPLB students representing their respective organizations attended the Organization Orientation (OO) on February 3, 2025, at the Makiling Ballroom Hall, Student Union Building. 

The UPLB Office of Student Activities (OSA) of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (OVCSA) organized the OO for the second semester of Academic Year 2024-2025.

At the event, heads of OVCSA offices discussed UPLB policies and guidelines for student organizations, OSA mandates, functions, and processes, current student organization data, and the OSAM System registration process. 

Cluster heads, the new organizations, and OSA’s schedule of activities were also introduced during the orientation.

Learning Resource Center (LRC) Director Mariyel Hiyas C. Liwanag delivered the opening remarks on behalf of Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Janette H. Malata-Silva. 

She emphasized the role of OVCSA and discussed OSA’s collaboration with the UPLB student organizations to create a dynamic, inclusive, and service-oriented university community.

“This orientation is more than just a primer on guidelines and procedures, it is also a platform to renew our shared commitment to working together for the safe and smooth conduct of your organization’s activities. As you plan and execute your initiatives, let us remember that collaboration and accountability are keys in ensuring that every endeavor becomes an opportunity for growth, service, and meaningful impact,” Liwanag expressed. 

Liwanag also underscored the importance of upholding mutual respect in all interactions of student organizations as another year unfolds with activities.

“Respect is not just the absence of conflict, it is a presence of understanding, kindness, and accountability. Whether within your organizations or in partnership with others, respect fosters trust and cooperation, which are essential to the success of our collective efforts,” Liwanag added.

The LRC director also reminded student organization representatives to be mindful of their well-being as they remain dedicated to their causes.

“Your ability to serve effectively depends on how well you take care of yourselves. Remember, the impact you make on the community begins with the care you give yourselves and your peers,” Liwanag insisted.

The student activities office was introduced following the opening remarks. Project Development Associate John Lorenzo A. Yambot, representing OSA Director Marcelina C. Miranda, discussed the orientation agenda and the office’s vision, mission, mandate, and functions.

Yambot also provided a summary of the student organization registration and activities as he presented granular information on organizations in UPLB, such as registered student organizations by semester and type and the total number of activities conducted by year, month, and organization type.

Consequently, OSA’s Junior Office Assistant Kim D. Adlaon discussed the student organization registration guidelines, activity permit (AP), and letter of information (LOI) processes. 

Adlaon stressed the need to adhere to the guidelines upon finalizing the student organization registration and the distinction between when to secure an AP or LOI in the conduct of activities.

UPLB Research, Communication, and Information Technology (RECOMMIT) Junior ICT Associate Marvin Jerald F. Villador administered a demonstration of the student organization registration process through the OSAM System and also showed the step-by-step procedure for securing an AP and LOI in the system.

The latter part of the program introduced the heads of the Culture and Arts, Public Service, and Leadership clusters of student organizations. Joseph Curbilla for Culture and Arts, Nimuel Yangco for Public Service, and Daniella Alyza Uy for Leadership presented the nature of their activities. 

OSA Administrative Officer Marites E. Mojica and the orientation program emcee Roxanne Joyce A. Javier provided the schedule of activities, issued announcements, and acknowledged the new organizations—the UPLB Billiards Club and the UP Society of Animal Nutrition Students.

Lastly, UPLB University Student Council (USC) Vice Chairperson Anne Margarett E. Dolar delivered the closing remarks for the orientation as she highlighted the responsibility of student organizations in reinforcing the interest of students in the UPLB community.

“Ang tunay na diwa ng pagiging parte ng UPLB ay sana naipapakita nating mga organisasyon sa kung paano tayo tumugon sa panawagan ng panahon,” Dolar asserted.

As she concluded the program, Dolar also encouraged student leaders and organizations to participate in the upcoming UPLB Feb Fair, which will be held from February 11 to 15, 2025.
Participation in the organization orientation is a semestral activity and a major requirement for UPLB student organizations. The orientation aims to inform the student organizations about the university’s services, protocols, and directives relevant to student organizations and activities. (Angel Junice P. Lumba)