To ensure the safety and protection of everyone from COVID-19 while reaching out and welcoming its new students, the Institute of Animal Science (IAS) held a virtual orientation for incoming Animal Science (ANSC) and Animal Biotechnology (ABT) major students last June 29.
Initiated by the IAS Socials Committee with its chairperson, Prof. Jorge Michael D. Dominguez, the virtual orientation was conducted via Zoom meeting. Dr. Rommel C. Sulabo, IAS Director, in his welcome remarks addressed the new breeds of ANSC and ABT students that the said event is likely a mock-up of how classes will be conducted in the next semester as the UP System shifts to remote learning. He also encouraged the students to follow the likes of Mr. Ronald Daniel R. Mascariñas, President and CEO of Bounty Agroventures, Inc., who is not only successful in agripreneurship but is also known to support various initiatives that forward the field of Animal Science.
Also present was Dr. Elpidio M. Agbisit, Jr., Dean of the College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS), to grace the event.
“We are preparing ourselves as well to help you transition your academic lives to the new normal. We will be happy to cattle you in the next two years,” he assured.
What was intended as a walkthrough on the various specializations in Animal Science turned to be banters between and among the playful yet dedicated division leaders as they encouraged the students to choose their respective areas of specialization.
Meanwhile, Dr. Christine B. Adiova, IAS Deputy Director, elaborated more on the policies on scholastic standing of students and the modes of learning available for them in the First Semester AY 2020-2021. She clarified that while IAS is turning to remote learning, classes will meet online only on specific dates and course packs will be distributed before the start of the semester. Dr. Veneranda A. Magpantay, head of the Animal Production Division, also emphasized that while everyone is working beyond the normal situation, it is also the student’s obligation to be responsible in their own learning. New students were also encouraged to raise their concerns during the Open Forum.
Annie M. Biboso, an ANSC major student, expressed her regrets on not having to experience actual laboratory works, but extended her appreciation among professors for making the courses possible to be conducted online.