After two postponements due to inclement weather and a sudden downpour on campus right before the ceremony began, the 2025 edition of the University Welcome Assembly (UWA) finally pushed through on Oct. 27, bringing energy and laughter to the newest batch of UP students.
Typically held at the start of the first semester, the UWA is the annual welcome ceremony organized by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs to welcome freshmen, graduate students, transferees, and exchange students from foreign institutions to UP Diliman (UPD).
They are welcomed by college officials and are treated to a showcase of performances from UPD artistic and performance groups.
Held at the University Theater, the UWA 2025 highlight was the welcome messages from the various college deans or their representatives. Some of the deans present at UWA 2025 were Jimmuel C. Naval (College of Arts and Letters), Abdulmari “Toym” D. Imao Jr. (College of Fine Arts), Ma. Diosa Labiste (College of Media and Communication), Giovanni Francis A. Legaspi (Asian Institute of Tourism), Joel C. Javiniar (College of Education), Luis Maria T. Bo-ot (College of Architecture), Shirley V. Guevarra (College of Home Economics), and Cynthia P. Saloma (College of Science). Also present was Director Patrick C. De Leon of the UPD Extension Programs in Pampanga and Olongapo.
Deans Ma. Patricia B. Silvestre (College of Music) and Rhea Rowena U. Apolinario (School of Library and Information Science) came with specially-prepared presentations that delighted and energized the audience.
Keeping the energy up throughout the afternoon were performances from the UP Streetdance Club, the UP Concert Chorus, and the UP Varsity Pep Squad. The UP Varsity Pep Drummers taught the audience the basic UP cheers and chants they can use during games in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
UWA 2025 was originally set for Sept. 1 but was postponed to Sept. 22 following the suspension of classes in Metro Manila by the Department of Interior and Local Government. It was suspended again due to bad weather brought by the southwest monsoon and super typhoon Nando before finally being held on Oct. 27.
In his message, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jose Carlo G. de Pano acknowledged the delays and gave these reminders: “not everything will go as planned, and that’s okay,” “be kind to yourself and to the people around you,” and “even if you are unsure, even if you’re uncertain, carry on.”
“Hindi ka sigurado kung matatapos ang paper mo, ituloy mo lang ang pagsulat. Hindi ka tiyak kung makakasubmit ka ng project mo on time, ituloy mo ang paggawa, nevertheless. Mas marami kang matututunan sa proseso kaysa sa mismong produkto. Ito naman ang commitment ng OVCSA: Habang nagpapatuloy kayo, aagapay kami,” he said.
UWA 2025 was hosted by Marvin Olaes and Lance Reblando.