CPAf honors Class of 2021

The College of Public Affairs and Development celebrated the accomplishments of this year’s graduating class through livestream shown on its Official Facebook page.

The 21^st CPAf Recognition Rites held virtually on August 5, 2021 featured 39 students who completed their graduate degree in Academic Year (AY) 2020-2021.

Leading the CPAf Class of 2021 is Ernesto L. Bastida, Jr. of the PhD Development Studies (DVST) program. He is the recipient of the Academic Achievement Award for being the top PhD student of CPAf and the Academic Excellence Award for having obtained the highest general weighted average (1.0781 GWA) among all graduating students of the College. Bastida also belongs to the top graduate students in the University.

In his valedictory speech, Bastida reminded his fellow candidates for graduation of their responsibility to the development process by improving and applying their knowledge in their chosen field. For Bastida, graduating from CPAf and UPLB provides them the opportunity to become agents who understand the people needing programs to develop their communities. However, he also noted the uncertainties brought by the pandemic.

“Maaring naging malabo ang ating mga adhikain dahil sa pandemya, pero maniwala tayo na muling sisibol ang tapang, talino, at pagmamalasakit natin bilang mga iskolar upang malampasan ang mga hamong darating pa at upang magkapagsilbi para sa ating mamamayan. Lagi’t lagi para sa bayan! Yesterday, today, and for the generations to come,” he concluded.

Aside from Bastida, Nico Jayson C. Anastacio (Ph.D. DVST) received the Student Leadership Award for his exemplary leadership in initiating innovative learning activities not only for the students but also for the CPAf community. Another Ph.D. graduate, Almira G. Magcawas (PhD Community Development) received the Student Service Award for her outstanding dedication in organizing learning events and extending support services for the students. She also received the Best PhD Dissertation Award for her study entitled “Social Entrepreneurship as a Community Development Approach in Selected Coffee Farming Communities in the Philippines.”

Meanwhile, the Best MS Thesis Award was given to Jenny Rose D. Manalo (MS DMG) for her work entitled “Student Engagement in Remote Learning for Enhancing English Language Proficiency Among Intermediate-Level Pupils in a Private School in Laguna, Philippines.” Lastly, the Best Field Study Award was granted to Rose Ann O. Torres (MPAf Major in Education Management). Her study is entitled “An Analysis of Budgetary Appropriations and Policies for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in the Aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) Employing Multiple Streams Theory.” These studies were selected based on the following criteria: quality of science and theory, methodological rigor, quality of writing, and contribution to the field.

For this year’s Recognition Rites, CPAf alumnus Dr. Jesus C. Fernandez served as the guest speaker. He is the current Deputy Director for Program of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education (SEAMEO) Regional Centre for Food and Nutrition (RECFON) based in Jakarta, Indonesia. Dr. Fernandez, a graduate of MS Development Communication and PhD CD, was recognized as The Outstanding UPLB Alumni Alumni for Communication for International Development Practice in 2015.

Candidates for graduation will officially receive their master’s and doctoral degrees on August 7 during the 49^th UPLB Commencement Exercises. This will be premiered on the official Facebook and YouTube accounts of UPLB and Graduate School.