The morning of Friday, January 30, began with a buzz of activity at the Eastern Visayas State University. Before the sun had fully illuminated the Academic Building (SAS) Lobby, the freshmen of the Bachelor of Human Services (BHumServ) were already fulfilling a civic duty, casting their votes in the Supreme Student Council (SSC) elections.
It was a fitting start for a group of students whose chosen path is defined by service and advocacy.
Despite the university having started its second semester on January 19, this day marked the true beginning for the “Batch Lumina.” The Department of Counseling and Human Services (DCHS) successfully convened the Freshmen Orientation and Oath-Taking of Officers, an event that triumphed not just in attendance, but in spirit.
Resilience in Real-Time
As with any pioneering endeavor, the path was not without its hurdles. The event faced its share of technical gremlins, intermittent internet connections and Bluetooth connectivity issues that tested the sound system. Yet, these challenges served as an impromptu lesson in the very skills this program aims to teach: adaptability, patience, and problem-solving.
The student organizers did not falter. Instead, they navigated the hiccups with grace, turning potential disruptions into moments of camaraderie. It was a live demonstration of the program’s principles, that when systems fail, human connection and resourcefulness bridge the gap.
A Victory Years in the Making
While the students overcame the morning’s technical glitches, the BHumServ program itself is a proof of overcoming much larger historical obstacles.
The journey began in the turbulent times of 2021, following the abolition of the General Education Department. The resulting displacement of Social Science teachers to various departments within the then-College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) sparked a need for innovation. The faculty initially proposed the opening of BA History and Bachelor of Human Services, only to face heartbreak when the proposals were disapproved by the Board of Regents.
However, a vision deferred is not a vision denied. Under the leadership of Former Dean Dr. Glenda B. Tupaz, the proposal for the Bachelor of Human Services was revived, bolstered by the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) recognition of it as a priority program.
Today, that persistence has paid off in a monumental way. EVSU now stands as the first and only university in the entire Visayas region to offer the Bachelor of Human Services.
“You Have Stepped into a Calling”
With the weight of this history behind them, the atmosphere in the SAS Lobby was electric. Dr. Christine Dawn S. Mombay, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, delivered a stirring inspirational message that anchored the students in their new reality.
“If this orientation were done on an earlier date, I would say, ‘You are not just entering EVSU,’” Dr. Mombay remarked. “But now, I would say you did not just enter the university. You have stepped into a calling.”
She reminded the pioneers that they are entering the field at a time when the world is “hurting, healing, and searching for people who genuinely care,” framing their degree as “hope in action.”
Building the Pillars of Service
The event also served as a comprehensive academic primer. Prof. Arabelle B. Tenebro, Head of the DCHS, welcomed the students and navigated them through the University’s Grading System and Retention Policies.
The faculty then took the stage to outline the road ahead:
- Prof. Sarah G. Cajipo (Program Overview) detailed the competencies required of a Human Services professional.
- Prof. Sherwin M. Españo (Student Decorum) emphasized the character and integrity expected of the students.
- Dr. Maria Celeste F. Ripalda (Research & Extension) highlighted the role of data-driven inquiry in solving social problems.
Hearts United: A New Leadership Rises
The morning culminated in the induction of the first set of officers for the student body, aptly named Hearts United for Genuine and Compassionate Service to Society (HUGCSS).
Dr. Mombay administered the oath to the officers, who are now tasked with setting the standard for all future batches:
- President: Victoria Sarah Estoya
- Vice-President: Dawn Angelie Sabong
- Secretary: Rhea Jean Quijano
- Assistant Secretary: Charmaine Jomadiao
- Treasurer: Ma. Kristina Ferreras
- Auditors: Adrian Aboga & Ashrielle Vhyl Sison
- Business Managers: Ellah Eunise Eval & Hannah Louise Bangot
- PIOs: Karl Anthony Ting & Hannah Xuxa Daep
- Year Level Representative: Justine Blair Tabanas
- Graphic Artist: Amber Faith Dagami
- Social Media Managers: Alexandra Myles Tabor & Katrina Janyne Catig
The First of Many
“Batch Lumina” has cleared the first hurdles, both the technical ones in the lobby and the historical ones in the boardroom.
They leave the event not just as freshmen, but as the standard-bearers for the entire Visayas region. As Dr. Mombay expressively stated, “Help cannot wait.” Thankfully, for EVSU and the community it serves, help has officially arrived.
Welcome to the family, pioneers! Your EVSU community is watching with pride.
This article is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 04: Quality Education
via KB Santos | UMDC
