Dr. Katherine Adrielle Bersola, UP College of Medicine cum laude graduate and former UP Fighting Maroons volleyball player addressed the 846 first-years of UP Manila during the welcome ceremony held at Ang Bahay ng Alumni in Diliman last August 30.

Bersola is the youngest inspirational speaker in UP Manila history and the first summa cum laude graduate of Bachelor of Sports Science from UP College of Human Kinetics last 2017.

She shared her ten valuable tips for studying and navigating through college while emphasizing the importance of values such as discipline in prioritizing academics and cultivating learning styles, health through exercise, relationships through mentoring and fostering friendships, critical thinking through immersing in UP culture and extracurricular activities, and self-care through practicing humility and asking for help when in need. According to the young doctor, achieving a fulfilling university life is not only met through obtaining high grades. It is also attained through the pursuit of passion alongside academics – like what she was able to actualize in her journey as an Iska. She also gave the students a glimpse of what UP education is like.

“Dito [sa UP], tutulungan tayo na makita na may malaking mundo at [mayroon pang] napakaraming tao sa labas ng sarili nating bula – na mga biktima lang din ng sistema na [nagna]nais magkaroon ng pagkakataong makabangon. Sa UP, tuturuan tayong mag-isip ng kritikal at tingnan ang mga isyu [ng lipunan] sa iba’t ibang anggulo; natututo tayong ihanay ang ating mga kaalaman sa pangangailangan ng bansa.”

[UP will help us see that there is a greater world and more people outside our own bubble, people victimized by the system and hoping to be uplifted. UP will teach us to think critically and look at societal issues from different perspectives, and UP will teach us how to align our knowledge with the needs of the society.]

On the other hand, UP President Danilo Concepcion, in his welcome remarks, asked the students to bear in mind that from now on, it is already their duty to embody what the UP oblation symbolizes—simple living, dedication, and service for the Filipino people. The UP president also stressed that UP education is available to aspirants from all walks of life, although due to lack of funds, it can only accommodate a set number from its annual applicants. That is why, according to him, admitted students should feel grateful and in return, serve the country with their best abilities. 

Chancellor Carmencita D. Padilla, for her part, articulated the importance  of knowing why they, the students, are exhilarated to join UP; and what their dreams are for themselves and for the country. She stressed that the university will hone them into becoming better versions of themselves and mold them to become great leaders for the country. The Chancellor said, “Hindi kami titigil hangga’t may magagawa pa para maihatid sa inyo ang isang edukasyong Tatak-UP na humuhubog sa [inyong mga] isip at karakter.” [We will not stop until we deliver a UP education that shapes mind and character.]

The first-year students are among the more than 14,000 who qualified from this year’s 100,000 UP College Admissions (UPCA)  applicants for AY 2022-2023.

The breakdown of the first year students is as follows: 83, College of Medical Professions; 45, College of Dentistry; 71, College of Nursing; 67, College of Pharmacy; 76, College of Public Health; 454, College of Arts and Sciences; and 50, College of Medicine. 

UPCM Dean Charlotte Chiong pointed out that of the more than 28,000 Integrated Arts and Medicine (INTARMED) aspirants, corresponding to almost 32% of the overall UPCA applicants, only 50 made the cut. Caleb Andrew Tan Tiam-Lee, one of the INTARMED students, responded on behalf of all the first year students this year.

Other officials who welcomed the students were Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Nymia Simbulan, Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development Michael Tee, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Arlene Samaniego, National Institutes of Health Executive Director Eva Maria Cutiongco-Dela Paz, Office of University Registrar Director Dr. Tristan Nathanielle Ramos, and the respective deans of each college. 

The UP Manila Chorale, UP Indayog, and Pharm Jam, among other student organizations, rendered special numbers to entertain and greet the students.

Francis Nicole G. Maga