By Tom Louis G. Herrera
To welcome the new school year, San Beda College Alabang – School of Law (SBCA-SOL) conducted its Freshmen and Transferees Orientation Program (FTOP) last August 25, 2021. This year’s virtual FTOP paved way for the “initio” or new beginning for SOL freshmen and transferees, despite the ongoing threats of COVID-19 pandemic. This is the second time SBCA-SOL conducted its orientation program for its new students due to the continued suspension of face-to-face classes.
INITIO 2021 was organized and spearheaded by the FTOP Committee together with the School of Law Government (SLG). The event was hosted by SLG Internal Vice President Christine Disney Torres and 4th Year Batch Representative Natassia Marie Tuason.
In his opening remarks, Rector-President Rev. Fr. Gerardo Ma. De Villa, OSB welcomed and thanked all freshmen, transferees, and faculty. SLG President Juan Carlo Santos, shared the FTOP’S importance—to acquaint students with Bedan values and introduce them to the SBCA-SOL community.
SOL Administrative Officer Atty. Roben “Jun” Cadugo, Jr. introduced SBCA-SOL’s history, its logo, and its academic gown. Prefect of Student Affairs Atty. Carlo Busmente discussed the policies embodied in the SBCA-SOL Student Handbook. A brief library orientation and showcase of the Open LMS features then followed.
Raffle draws and games were held in between video presentations. Winners will receive codals and textbooks, courtesy of the REX Book Store. Video presentations showcased the SBCA-SOL’s student organizations, the campus’ map, and its offices.
The 2021 Robing Ceremony speech of Atty. Ramayana Saidamen, Orbaz Budi Awardee and Top 2 in the 2020 Special Bar Exams for the Shari’ah Courts, was shown to inspire the new students.
Finally, Vice Dean Anna Marie Melanie Trinidad and Dean Ulpiano Sarmiento III gave their messages to the freshmen and transferees. “Keep calm and carry on,” was the highlight of Dean Ulan’s message.
Contrary to keeping calm, the freshmen and transferees beamed with excitement. Kimi Bautista, a freshman, said that she was both thrilled in taking her first step towards realizing her dream, and apprehensive in entering a new world.
Contrary to keeping calm, the freshmen and transferees beamed with excitement. Kimi Bautista, a freshman, said that she was both thrilled in taking her first step towards realizing her dream, and apprehensive in entering a new world. Nala Añover, also a freshman, hopes to receive the same quality of education from online classes as she would from face-to-face classes.
“I am really optimistic about transferring to SBCA. I think the program (INITIO 2021) is reflective of its slogan – the happiest law school. The seniors are very joyous and accommodating of questions in the breakout rooms after the main program,” Claudine Joyce Gabur, a transferee, stated.
Joshua Ponpon, another transferee shared, “INITIO 2021 was a good introduction to our stay here in SBCA-SOL. Not only did it help us become familiar with the environment that we are about to enter, it also made us feel that we are truly welcome in this school. To top it off, the program itself was well-organized and the hosts presented everything well.”
Evidently, INITIO 2021 aimed in sharing to the SOL’s new blood the warmth and spirit of the happiest law school. ∎