#08102022

Despite the event occurring virtually via Zoom and Facebook live, the Oath Taking Ceremony was dutifully fulfilled by all the student leaders from the student council and the Registered Student Organizations (RSO) under the courses in CEAS. Promptly starting around 10 am, the hosts formally greeted all the attendees and reminded them of the proper decorum to be expected during the ceremony. Dr. Leo S. Del Rosario, the Dean of CEAS, welcomed all the attendees to the event by recognizing this momentous day for student leaders as they promised service and commitment to their positions as newly elected officers. He imparted the message that there will always be opportunities to showcase our skills and that we, as students, must soar high and reach our dreams. Before ending his welcoming remarks, Dr. Del Rosario commended everyone – the students, faculty, and organizations who made this event possible.

Following the Dean of CEAS was the Director of the Student Development and Activities Office (SDAO), Mr. Marc Rey Galido, with a message for students and officers alike. "As student leaders, it is important to represent your constituents – always have your ears open," said Mr. Galido. He enlisted three things expected from student leaders, especially with the campus' transition into a hybrid blended learning setup. First is to have empathy, next is to have an action plan, and lastly to produce results. The SDAO Director provided a lovely metaphor for setting perspectives regarding the concerns of the students. As officers who provide service to the CEAS community, they are expected to represent and amplify the varying circumstances of students with appropriate resolutions. With that, he wished all the officers the best of luck and ended at that.

Ms. Maribel Belleza's presence was then acknowledged in place of the absence of Dr. Del Rosario in taking charge of the oath-taking process of the newly appointed CEAS Student Council Officers and its course organization officers. Afterward, the Student Council officers presented their general plan of action for this academic year. A very dynamic, diverse, and educational event will be set in stone with their Welcoming of the Freshmen, Battle of the Bands, Know Your Status: HIV Awareness Month, Drink or Spill: NU's Untold Love Stories, and so much more. As all the attendees look forward to the awaited promised events, the new administration's promises are all waiting to be fulfilled like prophecies. The outgoing CEAS President, Miss Elyedhia Quillopo, provided her insights as a leader. She recalled how fast the time went, how it was only yesterday that she was taking the same oath these new officers were taking. Miss Quillopo learned four essential things in serving as a student leader; first is to believe in yourself; second is to know your purpose and why you serve; third is to remember that even as a leader, you are not alone; lastly, is learning how to rest.

As the ceremony was coming to a close, from the outgoing president to the next, Mr. Ulysson Buere provided his warm 'thank you's to everyone who had made this event possible. Mr. Buere recognized that the task and responsibility of being a student leader is no small feat. Working both as a representative of the student body and as a student himself, he instills the ethos of working smart and hard to be able to balance the responsibilities of both positions and recognizing Ms. Quillopo's anecdote that, at the end of the day, we, students, and officers, should learn how to rest and to take it slow. Congratulatory remarks to all the officers were given as well as the presentation of certificates for the outgoing Student Council and a certificate to Ms. Bellaza on behalf of the Dean.

As the Oath Taking Ceremony ended, it marked a new era for the CEAS administration. Faced with their difficulties, especially the demanding transition of the HyBlend Learning setup, students from all walks of life look forward to the promise of a smooth academic year. The responsibilities of being student leaders will stay with these officers for the rest of the year, and their journey has just begun.