An alumna of the University of the Philippine Los Baños (UPLB) encouraged the new breed of ‘Iskolar ng Bayan’ to strike a balance in their academic and personal lives as they navigate university life.
Dr. Ester Susan Perez-Mari, a renowned physician-scientist known for her contributions to immunotherapy and cancer research, finished BS Zoology at UPLB in 1986.
In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency – Calabarzon, Perez-Mari emphasized that becoming an Iskolar ng Bayan demands excellence, considering the rigorous selection process that aspiring students must undergo.
“To become an Iskolar ng Bayan should be taken seriously. Passing the UPCAT requires excellence, and when they are finally studying at UP, I hope they will not be complacent.”
On August 19, the UPLB administration led by Chancellor Dr. Jose V. Camacho welcomed 2,586 new students yearning for a world-renowned education the university offers.
“To be an Iskolar ng Bayan is to be given an opportunity for a world-class education and to use that education to make a difference in the lives of the Filipino people. You will be honed to proficiency in technical knowledge and skills. Aside from academic learning, you will also grow in character.
To Mark Ruwen de Guzman, who topped the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) for the school year, becoming an Iskolar was his only hope but acing the test was a welcome bonus for him.
“What I had in mind [taking the UPCAT] was to pass my first choice of course degree, but anything more than that never entered my mind. Maybe there was a bit of expectation, but [I know] it was not guaranteed.”
Although graduation is four years away, De Guzman admitted that he plans to focus on research, an area in which the UPLB is best known.
“I am planning to pursue a career in research in the future. I’m eager to connect with the professors at UPLB to gain a deeper understanding of their work and learn from their expertise.”
After graduating from UP Rural High School,
Meanwhile, Lara Cassandra Banasihan, who landed fifth in this year’s UPCAT, is proud to have experienced the quality of education only UP can provide.
Having spent her formative years at the UPLB high school, Banasihan hopes that her time at the state university will further hone her skills and contribute to her growth as a better citizen.
“I know that now that I’m in college, more is expected of me. But now, I can do more for our motherland,” Banasihan, who is among the first batch of Accountancy students at UPLB, said.
She added: “As part of the pioneering batch, I am looking forward to forming an organization for BS Accountancy students with my classmates. I hope to interact and form meaningful bonds with them. And of course, get a 100 percent passing rate in the Board Exam.”
Chancellor Camacho then advised students to take all of the hardships as a learning experience to become an even better version of themselves that can contribute to the advancement of the nation.
“You have to embrace the challenges, both academic and personal, that you will face. Find and nurture your passions, and build lasting connections with your peers. UPLB will push you, nourish you, and help you grow to become the best version of yourself that you can be.” (PB/PIA-4A)
