Ninety-seven incoming freshies from the College of Economics and Management (CEM) completed the special Math Bridge Program (CEM BP) in partnership with the Learning Resource Center (LRC). 

The CEM BP, conducted from July 16 to August 13, 2024, is the fifth iteration since LRC and CEM initiated this annual joint-skills enhancement activity in 2020.

The CEM BP was convened to help first-year students of the college prepare for their MATH 25 (Fundamental Calculus) subject, which is required in all of the four (4) degree programs it offers. 

It specifically targets CEM students who were not able to take pre-calculus subjects during their senior high school. 

The bridgers were grouped into four sections under the following CEM BP faculty-tutors: Gimelle B. Gamilla-Amorosa, Jaysie Mher G. Tiongson, Piolo D. Gaspar, and Francis Adrian C. Visco, who are all faculty members at the Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Physics.

A recognition ceremony was held on August 13, 2024, at the Rural Economic Development and Renewable Energy Center (REDREC) Auditorium of CEM to award the successful completers and top-performing students as well as the faculty and facilitators of the program.

CEM Dean Ma. Angeles O. Catelo gave the opening remarks expressing her felicitations to the CEM freshies who took the challenge of completing their first learning endeavor at the university. 

She encouraged the students to enjoy and at the same time focus on their academics as their priority in the university. She reassured the students of the CEM administration’s support during their four-year stay in their respective degree programs.

Following this was the awarding of certificates of completion to the CEM bridgers. Each BP section then gave talent presentations to summarize their CEM BP experience. 

The top performing students were also awarded during the program. Elmina Margarette M. Nicolas, BS Accountancy, was awarded as Best in Math for garnering the highest rating in the CEM BP 2024.

Afterwards, the faculty-tutors and facilitators were awarded certificates of appreciation for their invaluable support and guidance to the students throughout the program.

The recognition ceremony concluded with the closing remarks of LRC Director Mariyel Hiyas C. Liwanag wherein she thanked the students for allowing the Center to be part of their academic journey in the university. She also officially welcomed the bridgers as bonafide UPLB students and wished them a successful beginning in the university. (Joshua Michael G. Jonas)