UPD holds UWA 2024 -

UP Diliman (UPD) welcomed its freshies in a grand manner with the University Welcome Assembly (UWA) at the UP Theater.

*Freshies greet some of UPD’s emotional support animals outside the UP Theater entrance. Photo by Jefferson Villacruz, UP Diliman Information Office*

The 2,000-seat UP Theater Main Hall was packed to the rafters with excited freshies, transferees, and exchange students from foreign institutions.

The highlight of the afternoon was the two-part “bardagulan” as the deans of the various academic units or their representatives stepped onstage to welcome and introduce their college culture to the new batch of students.

*Tanchuling. Photo by Jefferson Villacruz, UP Diliman Information Office*

Some of the deans who came in person were College of Arts and Letters (CAL) Dean Jimmuel C. Naval, College of Engineering Dean Maria Antonia N. Tanchuling, National College of Public Administration and Governance Dean Kristoffer B. Berse, School of Library and Information Studies Dean Rhea Rowena U. Apolinario, College of Fine Arts Dean Marc J. San Valentin, College of Mass Communication (CMC) Dean Fernando dLC Paragas, College of Architecture Dean Luis Maria T. Bo-ot, and College of Education Dean Jerome T. Bueviaje.

*(From left) UPD College of Architecture Assistant Dean Jose Dan V. Villa Juan, Bo-ot, and Student Relations Officer David Xander T. Lacson. Photo by Jefferson Villacruz, UP Diliman Information Office*

Keeping up the energy throughout the program were hosts Kara Patria C. David-Cancio and Marvin Ray DL Olaes, assistant professors at the CMC and CAL, respectively.

*(From left) David-Cancio and Olaes. Photo by Jefferson Villacruz, UP Diliman Information Office*

Performers included Kontra-GaPi, the UP Concert Chorus, UP Streetdance Club, the UP Varsity Pep Drummers, and the UP Varsity Pep Squad.

In his message, UPD Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II told the students that their life stories are now part of UPD’s century-old legacy and encouraged them to expand their horizons by connecting with others.

“I strongly encourage you to reach out, to closely coordinate with our offices, especially those that provide student services so that we can ensure that you receive the support you need in the next four or five years. Don’t forget to have fun… In the course of your studies, look for opportunities that will engage your passion, realize your potential or allow you to learn new things. All you need to do is look around, reach out, and participate,” he said. The UWA was the first major activity planned for Freshie Welcome Activities 2024, with other major events like the Freshie Orientation Fair 2024 and the Freshie Org Fair 2024.

*The UP Varsity Pep Squad and the UP Varsity Pep Drummers. Photo by Jefferson Villacruz, UP Diliman Information Office*

Students