Building from the theme of University of the Philippines Open University’s (UPOU) 29th Anniversary “Unibersidad na Magkakakilala para sa Pagkakaisa,” the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) celebrates its 20th year with “Pagdiriwang ng Dalawang Dekada ng FMDS” anniversary program.
The event, hosted by Ms. Mary Grace D. Perez (FMDS Project Staff), brought together faculty and staff members, students, and alumni for an afternoon of reflection, inspiration, and camaraderie. The program started with the launch of the FMDS Anniversary Exhibit, a multimedia showcase chronicling the Faculty’s rich history and achievements. The exhibit featured three key components:
- Get to Know FMDS Through the Years: Visual and narrative displays tracing the growth and milestones of FMDS through the years, and a tribute to the leaders who have shaped FMDS’s legacy
- Blast from the Past of FMDS Staff and Students: Throwback videos and pictures, heartwarming testimonials, and messages that underscored the impact of FMDS on their lives and careers.
- Live Pop Quiz : The launch concluded with an interactive pop quiz that tested attendees’ knowledge of FMDS history, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.
The program continued with the welcome remarks by Dean Serrano, who set the tone for the event by emphasizing the Faculty’s role in fostering academic excellence and community engagement. Her message highlighted FMDS’s unwavering commitment to interdisciplinary research, transformative education, and impactful public service underscored by the collective contributions of its faculty, staff, students, and alumni in shaping the FMDS into a vibrant and inclusive space for innovation and collaboration over the past two decades.
Dean Serrano shared that over the years, despite the amount of work, varying viewpoints, and challenging situations, FMDS continued to trudge forward a future anchored in camaraderie and collaboration.
One of the program’s most anticipated moments was “Pagbabalik Tanaw sa FMDS”, a nostalgia-filled segment that took attendees on a trip down memory lane. This portion included heartfelt recollections from long-time faculty members, former staff, and former Dean, celebrating FMDS’s milestones and cherished moments. Prof. Inocencio E. Buot, Jr. (Former Dean), Prof. Jean A. Saludadez (Former Faculty Member), Assoc. Prof. Finaflor F. Taylan (Office of Gender Concerns Director & Diploma in/Master of Social Work Program Chair), Mr. Larry N. Cruz (University Researcher), Ms. Yasele Irene Angela M. Yambao (Former FMDS Staff) and Ms. Josephine M. Macale (Former FMDS Staff) were present during the panel and shared about various experiences and anecdotes they have throughout their stay in FMDS.
Afterwards, the crowd was awed by the performance of the UPOU Band consisting of Asst. Prof. Cesar Luna together with Asst. Prof. Al Librero, Mr. Jino Pulmano and Mr. Joshua David Sta. Rita. Games and icebreakers were led by Asst. Prof. Regina Karla Bagalanon & Ms. Raizza Anna Alforja, allowing attendees to connect and share their thoughts and experiences in a more relaxed and informal setting.
Asst. Prof. Lloyd Lyndel P. Simporios expressed his gratitude to all attendees and highlighted the importance of their collective contributions to FMDS’s success as part of his closing message, stressing on the continued commitment to foster responsive and transformative education.
The first part of the FMDS anniversary celebration was not only a walk down memory lane but also a reaffirmation of its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity.
Written by Noreen Dianne Alazada and Joaquin Luis Dela Cueva ♦ Edited by Larry N. Cruz ♦ Cross-posted from FMDS
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