The UPLB International Student Relations (ISR) gave a recognition program for international students and volunteers at an awards night. Themed “Tipanan: A Tribute to Honor, Excellence, and Service”, the program occurred on July 18, 2024, at the Sunken Lobby 2 of the Student Union Building.

The program commended the graduating international students of AY 2023-2024 for their hard work and dedication to finish their degrees and celebrated their accomplishments. 

Although most of the students have gone back to their home countries, their names, degree earned, and country of origin, were all mentioned as members of the graduating class.

The second part of the awarding ceremony was dedicated to recognizing international students, private individuals, UPLB organizations, and employees who exhibited commendable acts of leadership, goodwill, volunteerism, and resiliency. The awardees were nominated by the international students and ISR.

Recognized for leadership were Jeremie Simisi, ISA president and country representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Satyabanta Sanjebam, country representative of India.

The Goodwill Award was given to four individuals, and one married couple who showed unconditional acts of kindness toward the international students. The awardees were Jeremie Simisi (DR Congo), Mudithangani Munasinghe (Sri Lanka), Htay Htay San (Myanmar), Engr. Sheila Austero (DCERP faculty member), and Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Revilla.

The Community Builder Award was given to individuals who showed relentless support and volunteerism to assist ISR in implementing its programs and services. Eighteen international students, ten OVCSA staff, and the Society of Exchange Students UP were recognized as community builders. 

ISR acknowledged the struggle that most of the international students went through while they were away from their country and family. 

Recognizing their persistence through the Resilience Award serves to inspire other international students to press on in the knowledge that ISR and their fellow international students are ready to support them in their UPLB journey.  

The Resilience Award was given to Nelson Meleisea (Samoa) and Ivy Ivai Mudita (Zimbabwe).

As the program ended, a special award for Videoke King and Queen was also bestowed to two international students who displayed their vocal prowess during the Tipanan Videoke Night. Satyabanta Sanjebam (India) and Htay Htay San (Myanmar) were presented with these awards. (Kathleen Marie V. Paguio)