The UPLB Learning Resource Center (LRC) awarded its graduating partners and scholars of the Agricultural and Rural Development Scholarship (ARDS) Program during the PADAYON Luncheon held before the 52nd UPLB Commencement Exercises on August 3, 2024.

LRC recognized 2 ARDS scholars, 2 midyear interns, 9 student assistants, 26 tutors of the Promoting Excellence through Educational Review (PEER) Tutorials Program, 1 outstanding Bridge Program (BP) participant, 1 fur staff handler, and the Center’s 2 LRC fur staff.

Xheanttle P. Mirasol (BS Nutrition), who is the valedictorian of the UPLB Class of 2024, was awarded for her outstanding participation in the UPLB Bridge Program in 2019 and for academic excellence. 

In her welcome remarks, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Janette H. Malata-Silva congratulated the graduating students for their invaluable contributions to LRC and the whole OVCSA family. 

She lauded the students for their selfless service to their fellow Iskolar ng Bayan while maintaining exemplary academic performance in their respective degree programs. She also assured them of OVCSA’s support in their future endeavors.

Ma. Shari Niña G. Oliquino, UP’s assistant vice president for academic affairs-student affairs, graced the luncheon. She expressed her gratitude and support for the Center’s effort in promoting academic excellence in the university together with the other units of the OVCSA. 

Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr. who is a former ARDS scholar, recalled his undergraduate days and emphasized the importance of peer support in the university. 

He shared his experiences as a student who had his fair share of struggles in the university. He congratulated the students for continuously upholding UP’s motto of honor, excellence, and service.

The PADAYON luncheon also served as a venue for the graduating partners and scholars to share their testimonies on their academic and non-academic experiences with LRC and the university.

ARDS Scholars Jezreel D. Dela Torre (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) and Edmar J. Angeles (BS Forestry) thanked LRC and its donors and benefactors for providing financial assistance and emotional support during their stay at the university, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic. They recalled their memorable experiences of LRC being their home away from home. 

Wenden D. Santiago (BS Agricultural Biotechnology), an LRC student assistant for three years, shared his journey of professional and skills development which he said he cultivated while serving in LRC. 

He thanked the Center for providing him the opportunity to assist in the implementation of its programs and services, earning additional funds to help support him in his studies, and even enabling him to help his family. He said that LRC served as the avenue to collaborate with his fellow student assistants and share best practices. 

Lastly, LRC PEER Tutor Hanz Benedict Aguilar recounted his learning experience with LRC’s tutorials program. He said that he was able to give back to the university by assisting his fellow students who were struggling with their academics. 

He viewed this as a fulfilling experience as not only did he help these students, but he was also able to master the topics he was teaching which is essential for medical school or graduate studies. He highlighted that LRC’s support to its students gave him and his co-tutors a sense of belongingness.

Former Undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture and an alumnus of the ARDS Scholarship, Dr. Leocadio S. Sebastian, gave an inspirational message to the graduating students in which he shared his experience of success and struggles after he graduated from the university.

He challenged the students to step out of their comfort zones but to be cautious of the temptations of the real world. He stressed the importance of going back to their responsibility as graduates of UP, which is to serve the country and its people.

During the awarding, the LRC partners and ARDS scholars each received a certificate of recognition and a medal of excellence for their invaluable service to the Center. 

In her closing remarks, LRC Director Mariyel Hiyas Liwanag expressed sincere gratitude and appreciation to all graduating students for their invaluable service and dedication to LRC in the successful implementation of its programs. 

She thanked the team behind the preparation of the luncheon, the LRC staff, midyear interns, and student assistants. 

LRC donors and benefactors were also in attendance at the luncheon, namely: Academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology and former LRC System Director Virginia C. Cuevas, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Charina Grace B. Banaay, Dr. Dahlia Aspillera, Dr. Dalisay Maligalig, Cesar Maligalig, Dr. Veronica Migo, and Prof. Renato SA. Vega, president of ARDS Inc. Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Agham C. Cuevas also attended the luncheon.

Members of the OVCSA executive committee were also present.