On August 19, the Department of Economics held back-to-back events to welcome the BS Economics students at the ICOPED Auditorium.
The Freshie Orientation was held to introduce the degree program and the faculty members, and to give a glimpse of college life as a BS Econ student in UPLB. The program began with Opening Remarks from Prof. Maria Angeles O. Catelo, Dean of the College of Economics and Management. Undergraduate Instruction Committee Chair Asst. Prof. Luisito Abueg presented an overview of the BS Econ curriculum and addressed the clarifications of the students. In order to further give the freshies an idea what would a life of a BS Econ program will be, Mr. Paul Allen Yabut, who graduated magna cum laude in the recently concluded Commencement Exercises last August, shared his experiences and gave pieces of inspirational advice to the freshies. The UPLB Economics Society enlightened the audience with fun games while the CEM Student Council also graced the program. Department of Economics Chair Assoc. Prof. Gideon P. Carnaje brought the program to a strong finish.
After the Freshie Orientation, continuing students joined the faculty members in the DE Kumustahan 2024. The event served as a way for students and faculty members to get to know each other better through breakout sessions where participants shared about themselves, their favorite subjects, their challenges in their academics, and their recommended food establishments around campus, among others. Participants burst into laughter several times during the sharing across the subgroups. The program was commenced by Opening Remarks from Assoc. Prof. Carnaje and wrapped up by DE Student Welfare Committee Chair Asst. Prof. Nova Nguyen.
One of the students mentioned that they “liked the energy of the speakers and the hosts, they know how to keep the audience awake and engaged.” While another student shared that “what I truly enjoy about the event is engaging in meaningful discussions with fellow BS Economics students and DE professors, sharing memorable experiences from my time at UPLB, particularly within DE. This event allows me to connect with a diverse group of people from different walks of life, fostering valuable connections and exchange.”
Overall, more than 150 BS Economics students attended the two events.
(Ma. Nova R. Nguyen, Ma. Janda Ira Benedictos, Divine Cruz, Paul Allen Yabut )
