By: Mae Anne A. Alipusan
| Faculty, staff and students are gathered at the gymnasium during the orientation program.
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Capiz State University-Mambusao Satellite College through the Guidance and Counselling Office, in cooperation with the Supreme Student Council, Future Leaders of the Philippines, and Gender and Development Office, conducted an orientation program on August 23.
The activity started with the festive performance of the Kalingawan Performing Arts Group (KALPAG) leading the parade for the entrance of the new students, faculty and staff.
Satellite College Director Dr. Adelfo Z. Virtudazo was surprised to witness the gymnasium filled with students for the first time after the pandemic.
Dr. Virtudazo encouraged the students to listen, especially the freshmen, for them to be aware of the school rules and regulations.
“This orientation program is a significant event for the students, specifically the freshmen. It is important for them to learn about the school policies, and what to be done as learners of this University,” he said.
Human Resource Management Officer Ms. Elizabeth M. Magallanes introduced the faculty and staff for the students to be familiar of their faces and their designated positions in the campus.
Since safety is always a top priority, Mr. Joemar A. Lamila, DRRM coordinator, presented safety briefing including the Natural Disaster Risk Reduction and Management four thematic areas: Preparedness, Response, Prevention and Mitigation, and Rehabilitation and Recovery.
Frontline service providers presented the rules and regulations in their respective offices.
Taking charge of the window from registration to graduation, Prof. Meschel L. Marcos, designated registrar, talked about policies and regulations, and enrollment/registration requirements for graduating and non-graduating students.
Student Affairs and Services coordinator Dr. Lalaine E. Ricardo acquainted the students with the different services under her office. She also tackled student discipline, and presented the prescribed uniform for male and female students.
Ms. Ruby Lyn A. Vinas, librarian, provided valuable insights into library resources, services, rules and regulations, fines and penalties, borrowing of library materials, use of discussion room, and computer and internet use.
Student Organizations and Activities Coordinator Ms. Michelle L. Espartero talked about accreditation and recognition of student organizations. According to her, only registered organizations are allowed to conduct activities in the campus.
Meanwhile, Ms. Ma. Relie V. Aguilos, guidance counselor, said that the heart of the guidance and counseling services is to ensure student’s academic, social and personal development.
She also tackled admission and the testing admission test which is the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT) given to incoming freshmen. Her office is in-charge of providing information and orientation services on job placement, scholarship, individual student inventory, and issuance of certificates.
Mr. Francis Carl A. Figarola, school nurse, introduced the medical, dental and disability services offered by the University.
Finally, Dr. Janice D. Ballera provided information about socio-cultural and sports services. She invited the students to join the Kalingawan Performing Arts Group and the Braveheart Sports Clubs.
After the talk, students were given the chance to ask questions in the open forum.
Dr. Lalaine E. Ricardo in her closing remarks extended her gratitude and congratulated the Guidance and Counseling Office, SSC, FLP and Gender and Development Office for the successful conduct of the orientation program.
“May you all be enlightened by the policies and services offered by the University, not only the first year but even to the higher years,” Dr. Lalaine concluded.
Among the freshmen who attended the program was William James Mentino, who is taking up Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. He believes that orientation program is his passport for new learnings about his new school.
“The importance of [the] orientation [program] for me as a freshman student is that [it is a way for me] to familiarize myself with school rules and regulations, and also be aware of the services this school offers,” Mentino shared.
Meanwhile, Charmie Gail Morales, a third year Bachelor of Arts in English Language student, knows the value of school orientation even for old students like her.
“School orientation is important for the students, both old and new. Old students should still attend in order to re-learn the school rules and regulations,” Morales said.