The COVID-19 pandemic compelled the University of the Philippines (UP) not only to deliver classes online but also to cancel the conduct of the UP College Admissions Test (UPCAT). 

Due to these abrupt changes, some students might get confused and undecided on what course to choose in UP. 

To inspire students to pursue their dream course, the UPLB Learning Resource Center (LRC) staged a two-day webinar series entitled “Nowhere to go but U.P.!: UPLB Recruitment Program for the Best and the Brightest” on Jan. 27 and 29. 

The webinar provided students with information on the opportunities available to them in taking up the academic track and pursuing a degree in UP, particularly in UPLB. 

The first session, entitled “UP-Close: Learn some tips in choosing the right course from UPLB graduates” was a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Mark Oliver S. Llangco, director of the UPLB General Education Program. 

UPLB alumni and experts in their field served as the panelists for the first session, namely: Jim Leandro P. Cano, former teaching associate at the College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS) and agritech director of 8Layer Technologies, Inc.; Paoloregel B. Samonte, valedictorian of class 2015, and health education and promotion officer of the Department of Health; and Dr. Maria Catalina T. de Luna, professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine and special assistant to the University Registrar. 

Dr. de Luna reminded the aspiring Iskolar para sa Bayan to push through obstacles to achieve their dreams. 

“Huwag matakot mangarap, ‘wag matakot abutin ang pangarap,” she said during the discussion.

Samonte advised students who are still confused on the course to choose to tap on their strengths.

“Find the intersection between what you want and what you are good at and try to imagine yourselves decades down the line,” said Samonte. 

He also encouraged the students to find and consult a mentor because that person could direct them to the right path.

Cano emphasized that UPLB equipped him with the right tools to be ready for the world after graduation. 

 “UPLB gives you a taste of reality outside the university,” shared Cano. Further, he also shared how he overcame challenges in college by knowing his goals and knowing how to adjust accordingly. 

The second session, called “WazzzUP!: Why choose UPLB,” was headlined by Director Mark Lester Chico of the Office of Public Relations (OPR) who is also a faculty member at the College of Development Communication (CDC). His advice to the students: follow your heart in choosing the course and the university. 

 “Balansehin ninyo ‘yong mga payong makukuha ninyo sa ibang tao kase iyong puso n’yo rin pala ang magdidikta kung saan kayo papunta.”

The third session, “Light UP!: Discover a course that fuels your passion and purpose,” had for its speakers some of UPLB’s college secretaries: Ma. Mutya  Q. Manalo, (College of Forestry and Natural Resources), Dr. Roselyn F. Paelmo, (CAFS); and faculty members Rio T. Ducusin and John Lorenzo A. Yambot, faculty members of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Statistics of the College of Arts and Sciences, respectively.

The last session was dubbed as “Better TOGETHER: UPLB scholarships, financial assistance, and other services.” Jickerson P. Lado, assistant to the vice chancellor for student affairs and the director of the Office of Scholarships and Grants highlighted various scholarships and financial assistance programs that the students may avail themselves once they become UPLB students. On the other hand, the academic student support services to promote academic excellence was discussed by Dr. Benjamina Paula G. Flor, director of LRC and CDC faculty member.

More than 900 registered participants took part in the live webinar sessions.

During the opening of the webinar, Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr. (CJCJ) highlighted various reasons why some of the university’s alumni chose UPLB as a campus. 

“Every UPLB student leaves the campus with a critical mind, an empathic heart, fond memories, and arsenal of knowledge, skills, and perspectives that ensure the readiness to face and conquer their future,” explained Chancellor Camacho.

Beyond that, Chancellor Camacho said that “UPLB is an experience and education you won’t find anywhere else.” He also said that he looks forward to working with future Iskolars Para sa Bayan on future-proofing UPLB. 

Prospective students may view the webinar series in the official Facebook and YouTube accounts of UPLB LRC. (Sheryl Edd P. Hermosa-Ebron)