EMBARKING ON a new academic year during a global pandemic, the Student Executive Council (SEC) held the Freshmen Orientation Program (FOP), entitled “Homebound Fest: Expanding Horizons”, last July 27-28. The event, hosted by Katrina Sison (IV-BSLM) and Danna Ona (II-BSP), was live streamed on the SEC’s Facebook page.

Bedans in the Making

Rev. Fr. Gerardo Ma. H. De Villa, OSB, Rector-President, delivered the opening remarks and welcomed the new students to SBCA. Thereafter, Dr. Andres Ignacio C. San Mateo, Jr., Vice President for Academic Affairs, likewise welcomed the freshmen and said that the College will do its best to provide them with the highest quality of education possible.

Differentiating college from senior high school, Dr. Rosario Mielmia C. Aquino, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, emphasized: “You are the main communicator [now] unlike when you are in your basic education years when we would normally communicate with your parents. This time, you will be responsible for your own stay in San Beda College Alabang as an adult.” She discussed the academic policies that would be in effect under the new normal which included the grading system and rule on attendance for synchronous classes. 

Aleeyah Anastacio’s (III-BSA) interpretation of the song “Ako Naman Muna” served as the intermission number. Afterwards, Atty. Juan Ruffo D. Chong, Vice Dean of Student Affairs, discussed the discipline policies to be implemented during the new academic year. He emphasized the mandatory nature of attendance in all activities of the Catholic Benedictine Formation Office. Included in his talk was the Supplementary Provisional Procedure for Student Disciplinary Cases governing virtual hearings initiated by a complaint filed with the Prefect of Student and Discipline and Formation through  casdiscipline@sanbeda-alabang.edu.ph. 

The Campus Ministry Office programs and services were discussed by Rev. Fr. Anthony Ma. B. Mendoza, OSB, Vice President for Administrative Services and Campus Ministry Head. His talk focused on the religious programs and services offered by SBCA to spiritually nourish its students. 

Prof. Roma Wynn C. Sedo, Prefect of Student Activities, explained that the activities of the different student organizations must comply with the provisional guidelines on student activities issued by the Office of Student Affairs. She thereafter introduced the new SEC officers and clarified their roles and responsibilities. 

The Learning Resource Center, or the library, was introduced through a video presentation. The freshmen were informed as well about the activities and services of the following offices: Counseling and Career Development Services Higher Education (CCDS-HED), Education Technology Services, and Religious Education Department.

Dr. Ryan M. Sicat, Dean, delivered the closing remarks and asked the students for their full cooperation during these challenging times. After the closing prayer, the freshmen went to the virtual activities prepared by the student organizations of their respective courses.

A Peek into the Joys of College Life

The following day, the School Administrators and Department Chairs, as well as the various co-curricular and extra-curricular organizations students could join, were formally introduced. Promotional videos helped the freshmen decide which organizations to join. The FOP culminated in a virtual concert featuring well-known bands such as Banda ni Kleggy, Jem, Bey, Gracenote, Moonstar88, and Mayonnaise.

This concert was held in cooperation with Soupstar Entertainment Inc. and Yellow Room Music. The FOP sponsors were Crazy Popperz, Twilight Clothing, Mai Sweet Cravings, Solace Sugar, Spotted Magazine, and Lewis and Pearl Scent Shop. 

The two-day FOP ran smoothly sans any disruptions. SEC Secretary Lyan Crystal Cabral (IV-BSBA-FM) considers the FOP a success but was quick to add that the SEC should not solely be given credit for it because the whole CAS Community pitched in. She believes that good working relationships, between and among the different members of the community, was key to the event’s success.

SEC President Alexandra Diane P. Anadon (III-BSBA-MM), wished everyone luck on their College journey, and encouraged the freshmen to actively participate in student activities as well as enjoy their first year while striving for academic excellence.