In anticipation of the new academic year, the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman held an orientation program for its freshmen at the University Theater on September 8.
The event was crafted to offer the new students a snapshot of what campus life in UP Diliman entails. University officials gave an overview of the services available across different units, touching upon academic assistance, financial support, campus safety, and student well-being.
UP Diliman Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jerwin Agpaoa expressed optimism for the incoming batch. “This will be a bittersweet journey for all of you sa susunod na apat o lima o higit pang taon, but I hope that you will all enjoy the journey just as much as you will enjoy the destination,” he said.
(This will be a bittersweet journey for all of you in the next four, five, or even more years. But, I hope that you will all enjoy the journey just as much as you will enjoy the destination.)
UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II echoed the sentiments of Agpaoa and explained the importance of holding the orientation program.
“We want to enlighten you on the various policies, rules, what you should expect in the next few days, in the course of the semester, and then in the next four or five years of your college life. Our purpose in doing that is also to lighten the burden, lighten the stress of this particular adjustment period,” Vistan said.
He further inspired freshmen to embrace the distinctiveness of UP Diliman wholeheartedly.
“Try to learn as much as you can. Try to make new friends. Try to be open to connecting to your classmates, new blockmates. And be open to the new scenery,” Vistan said.
“Ganito lang ang búhay dito sa UP: masaya, nakakagulat, maraming kakaiba. And those are what makes UP very special. Beyond all of these, in the end, we are an academic institution. We are here to help you learn, to help you acquire skills, knowledge, and capacities that should help you achieve your dreams to be productive members of society,” he said.
(Life at UP is a blend of joy, astonishment, and diversity. It is what sets our institution apart. Beyond these, in the end, we are an academic institution. We are here to help you learn, to help you acquire skills, knowledge, and capacities that should help you achieve your dreams to be productive members of society.)
“UP is a fun, safe, but—at the same time—productive environment for everyone. There is room for creativity, for your talents, for self-expression and that is what makes UP Diliman special. We want to nurture your talents; we want to nurture your capabilities throughout the next few years.”
Highlighting the privilege of being part of the university, Vistan reminded the students of their unique status.
“Madalas ninyo ito maririnig: in the next few years, kayo ay Iskolar ng Bayan. Totoong-totoo naman iyon. Libre ang inyong tuition. And because of that, ang daming naga-apply sa UP. You are the fortunate and most talented individuals who made it among hundreds of thousands of applicants,” he said.
(You will often hear that you are scholars of the nation. That is a fact. Your tuition is waived, a testament to why so many vie for a spot here. You are the fortunate and most talented individuals who made it among hundreds of thousands of applicants.)
“We expect for you to somehow give back eventually… As you will learn in the next few years, we are here to serve the people with honor and excellence.”
Aside from speeches, performances from the UP Repertory, UP Streetdance, and UP Singing Ambassadors entertained the freshmen. Booths and games were also set up outside the University Theater.