CAS Flag Raising Ceremony with Chancellor Agulto

Before his term ends in October, Chancellor Manuel B. Agulto, together with Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development Dr. Charlotte Chiong and Special Assistant to the Chancellor Dr. Jubert Benedicto, joined the CAS faculty members, administrative employees, and students in the monthly CAS Flag Raising Ceremony at the CAS Oblation Garden on September 1, 2014, 8:00 AM.

After Biorhythm presiding the doxology and the singing of the national anthem, Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas was recited by the CAS Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs staff Diana Sabilao. CAS Department of Physical Education Administrative Assistant John Paul Iringan, on the contrary, led the Panunumpa ng Kawani ng Gobyerno.

CAS Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. Rosario Rubite introduced Chancellor Agulto for an inspirational message.

Chancellor Agulto delighted the audience when he proudly mentioned that two of his children were products of CAS. He gushed, “CAS occupies a special place in my heart. Two of my beautiful kids graduated from here. My wife likewise loves CAS. As a matter of fact, the plants you see here are hers. She donated them to CAS, not only for beautification purposes, but for health reasons. We all know that plants produce oxygen and oxygen is very vital to our well-being.” He also delighted the students when he uttered that the CAS Student Center is already undergoing construction. “Rest assured that clean, delicious, and nutritious meals at very affordable rates will be served soon,” he added. He encouraged the CAS Management Team to rename the CAS Little Theater to CAS Theater. He reiterated to drop the word “Little”. In relation to this change, he mentioned about the Filipino fondness for small things as essayed by National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin. “We, Filipinos, always love sizes less than the average. We should stop this way of thinking. Let's dream bigger, better, and bolder as we tread the straight path,” he concluded.

UP Naming Mahal was sung by the CAS community thereafter.

Search for the Next UP Manila Chancellor

The sectoral forum with the nominees for the next University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) Chancellor was held at the recently renovated CAS Little Theater on August 12, 2014. Though the event was intended to cater to the concerns and questions of the students and the alumni, a strong pool of faculty members; administrative staff; and Research, Extension, and Professional Staff (REPS) attended.

The nominees were Dr. Vicente Belizario, Jr., Dr. Charlotte Chiong, Dr. Godofreda Dalmacion, and Dr. Carmencita Padilla. For a copy of their curriculum vitae and vision papers for UP Manila, kindly visit http://www.upm.edu.ph/announcement/chancellorship_nomination_2014/. The appointed Chancellor must be willing to render his/her service for a three-year term on a full-time basis.

The UPM Search Committee was chaired by Dr. Irma Makalinao. Dr. Michael Tee and Prof. Erna Arollado served as senior and junior faculty representatives respectively. Administrative staff Ms. Belinda Jubilo-Santos, student Ms. Marianne Montiel, and UP President's representative Prof. Lourdes M. Portus completed the list of committee members.

The interview of nominees by the Search Committee was scheduled on August 15, while the submission of the Committee's report to the University of the Philippines President was slated on September 1, 2014.

CAS Freshies' Orientation (Academic Year 2014 – 2015)

The annual CAS Freshies' Orientation (Academic Year 2014 – 2015) was held at the UPMASA – PGH Science Hall on August 7, 2014, 8:00 AM to noon.

As students waited for the commencement of the program, various AVPs, prepared by the CAS Student Council, were played. The uniqueness of student culture at CAS was stressed in the AVPs.

After Biorhythm led the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and doxology, “You Raise Me Up”, Dean Alex Gonzaga gave the welcome remarks. He enthused, “You, the freshies, are the cream of the crop. You are very fortunate to be accepted in CAS. Among thousands who applied for UPCAT and wished to enroll in CAS, only a minimal percentage was accepted. Do your best to survive the academic requirements and be assets of your respective programs... Rest assured that we, the administrative heads and faculty members, have done our best to provide you the best learning conditions and environment to make your experience at CAS a truly remarkable and enjoyable one. Mabuhay tayong lahat!”

A 5-minute AVP, prepared by the Dean's Office staff, was shown. An overview on CAS vision and mission, academic programs, and administrative offices were highlighted in the video. Photos of Dean's Management Team; hallways, lobbies, and laboratories in Rizal Hall and Gusaling Andres Bonifacio; CAS Oblation garden; CAS library; and the newly renovated CAS Theater were depicted. Images of UP-PGH Health Service and UP-PGH Chaplaincy (Immaculate Conception Chapel) were also presented. The upbeat song, “UP Ang Galing Mo!”, accompanied the video.

Professor Jerome Ong discussed fhe functions of Office of Student Services and Gender Program (OSSGP). As Coordinator, he also gave a brief introduction about different student organizations in CAS and the gender issues that hounded the studentry. He detailed the precautionary measures as well.

College Secretary Alice Adeva talked about the academic matters. She clarified several matters on graduation with honors, underload, and shifting.

A break from information overload and too much seriousness, UP Manila Indayog and Sinag showcased their respective new dance moves.

CAS Student Council Chair, Rodel Cahiyang, came up with a challenge to the new “Iskolars ng Bayan”. He encouraged the freshies to “always fight for academic freedom. Never settle for mediocrity. Continue standing up for our rights...”

Alumni and Extension Services Coordinator, Professor Carolina Pulumbarit, headed the open forum, while Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Rosario Rubite, delivered the closing remarks.

Biorhythm shared again its talent by leading the “UP Naming Mahal”.

Organization of Area Studies Majors' Roland Carlo Gatchalian and Angelica Lopez were the masters of ceremonies.