REOPENING its doors to the students after two years of virtual learning, the College hosted a Year Level Orientation last Aug. 9 and 11 at the Manny Reyes Hall, before proceeding online for the second part of the said orientation to present the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) and Academic Support Offices last Aug. 18 via Zoom. 

Overcoming Adversity with Versatility

Rector-President Fr. Gerardo Ma. De Villa, O.S.B., delivered the opening remarks in which he reminisced about March 2020 and how the supposedly two-week suspension of classes became two and a half years. Despite the challenges faced during online distance learning, Fr. De Villa emphasized that “hope always springs eternal” as he acknowledged the dedication of students to learn and improve. He further expressed his gratitude to the Bedans for choosing SBCA and to the professors who do their best to provide quality education.

The Rector-President also encouraged students to walk in obedience to God’s will, possess reticence by speaking only the truth, and have humility like Christ in order for them to soon “become not just graduates or degree holders, but Catholic Christian professionals steeped in the Benedictine values that our school … espouses.”

In the inspirational message of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Andres Ignacio San Mateo Jr. stated that the learning management system was already in place prior to the pandemic. However, it was only “nice to have but not necessary” until the institution had to transition to online education and maximize the said method of teaching. With this academic year’s implementation of limited face-to-face classes, Dr. San Mateo mentioned that there are certain modifications to be done so students, being the most important stakeholders, must give their full participation in this new delivery of instruction. He then ended his speech expressing the College’s eagerness to welcome back Bedans.

Presenting the Policies and Services

The CAS Dean, Atty. Juan Ruffo D. Chong, JSD, first discussed the COVID-19 Contingency Plan as the basis for one semester because it still depends on the government to decide for the remaining semester or days of the academic year. Atty. Chong proceeded to the CAS provisions by explaining that the institution formulated its policies and decisions with the help of the SBCA Clinic. As going through the health protocols, he stated that, “COVID is a health issue, not a shame issue.” The Dean concluded his talk by expecting that the students’ anxiety will be replaced by enthusiasm for this year’s in-person classes while reminding them to attend different activities and build a relationship with their own peers.

Dr. John Paul R. Domingo, Vice Dean of Academic Affairs, expounded the academic policies and acknowledged the efforts of the teaching staff. He further introduced the learning modality for this academic year which is the Transitional Gradual F2F: Flexible Learning Experience (TGF-FLEX). To take turns in attending onsite classes, the schedule for face-to-face consists of programs grouped into Clusters A and B. Dr. Domingo reminded the students that the E-BEDAN will still serve as the official platform for flexible learning together with Zoom for online classes. Ending his talk, he shared a quote by Alvin Toffler which emphasizes the importance of learning, “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” 

The Institutional Community Involvement Center (ICIC) was also discussed by Mr. Wilbert Aurner Namoc as he indicated its significance which is to help different communities through evangelization, education, partnership, community development, and social action and advocacy. He encouraged the students to join community-centered programs to make a difference. This was followed by the introduction of Student Executive Council (SEC) officers led by Prof. Roma Wynn Sedo, SEC Moderator and Vice Dean for Student Affairs. Afterwards, Bedans were gathered to attend their departmental meetings with their respective programs and capped off with a campus tour. 

For the second part of the orientation, Prof. Sedo discussed the services under OSA and advised the students that there should be a balance between academic and extracurricular activities. She also told them to maintain discipline inside the campus. “It will be a challenge to follow the rules,” Prof. Sedo added. The second speaker, Prof. Maria Adrianna Quioyo, Prefect of Student Discipline and Formation, reminded the students about the norms of conduct and to act as matured Christians. The orientation ended with a series of video presentations from different school services such as the Environment, Health and Safety Office (EHS), Library, SBCA Clinic, Counseling and Career Development Services, Center for Campus Ministry, Religious Education Department, and Education Technology Services. 

The Start of the New Normal

The Bedan Herald asked some students who attended the orientation about how they feel about the new learning modality and their expectations for this academic year. Ira Bayas (I-BSLM) said that he expects his college life to be different from his high school days. He admitted that it will be a new adjustment for him, but he believes that SBCA will be a great help in his education.

Eiram Lumagui (II-BSBA-MM) acknowledged the institution in making the policies, “I would like to commend the individuals behind the implementation of the plan itself due to the fact that it is evident that they thoroughly considered the safety of the faculty, employees, and students.” 

Sophia Bianca Peralta (III-BSLM) shared how it will be beneficial for her as a student engaging with her professors and classmates. Meanwhile, Fraignel Nonescan (III-BAIS) hopes to make memories on campus while remaining cautious of the risks that face-to-face classes might contribute. Mariel Reformo (IV-BSA) considers SBCA as an ideal school environment because they offer alternative ways to provide what’s best for the students. 

The Year Level Orientation served the students well with information and guidelines for this academic year. SBCA commenced with a program that will benefit the students’ welfare and the time they will spend in the institution.