By: Aianna Xyril Monsod, Aishah Jimenez, Zabrina Hong
The Letran Community took part in the annual Binyag Arriba, welcoming a new set of Letranites. Photo courtesy of Ram Christian Campos of The LANCE.
The Colegio held its annual Binyag Arriba to welcome first-year students from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), College of Engineering and Information Technology (CEIT), and College of Education (CoEd) on August 5, and College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA) on August 6.
The two-day event oriented the freshmen on the essence of Letran and what to expect from the institution and their respective colleges. Stalls from the different Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) and Cultural and Performing Arts Groups (CPAGs) were also present on the campus for both days, where first-years could choose which organizations they would like to engage in.
Introduction to the Knightly Journey
The morning session was structured into three parts, following the Colegio’s motto: Deus, Patria, Letran. Rev. Fr. Reymund Fernando P. Jose, O.P., the Rector and President of the Colegio, delivered the welcoming remarks for the “Tatak Arriba Journey” in the SC Auditorium on the first day of Binyag Arriba, where he expressed his pride in Letran’s rich history and its alumni’s notable contributions.
Rev. Fr. Jose Martin L. Sibug, O.P., the Executive Vice President, conveyed the welcoming remarks for the second day, where he disclosed that since the Spanish term “Arriba” can be translated as up or above, all students are being introduced to the cultures and traditions embedded within the institution, highlighting that these produce excellence.
From this, Fr. Sibug encouraged the freshmen to aspire to be on top, using skills in academics and their respective fields of endeavors.
Inst. Carlo Macasero, the Officer-in-Charge for the Alumni and Public Relations Department (APRD), spearheaded the “Letran” segment of the Tatak Arriba Journey, explaining the symbolism behind the Colegio’s logo.
In particular, the Maltese Cross stemmed from the Knights of Malta, who earned respect in the Church via their virtuous deeds, the silver Cross entails purity, and the blue and red color represents Letran. More importantly, the logo also bears the motto: Deus, Patria, Letran, which corresponds to the method of acts Letranites shall practice.
Then, a soloist from the Letran Singing Ambassadors (LSA) performed the “Himno de Letran”, which had an English translation explained by the hosts of the event.
Through an audio-video presentation (AVP), Asst. Prof. Diane Francisco, MBA, discussed the Colegio’s Mission and Vision. She assured that as the institution envisions innovation, sustainability, and internationalization in the present century, the experiences of students will not just be confined within classrooms.
After an intermission number from the Letran Filipiniana Dance Company (LFDC), Rev Fr. Patricio P. Hiwatig, O.P., the Vice President for Religious Affairs (VPRA), went on to the “Deus” part of the Tatak Arriba Journey. In an AVP, expressed that the community of Letran is present to aid in introducing to the students the path they will be taking.
For the “Patria” segment, Asst. Prof. Leo N. Barnadas, MBA, the director of the Community Extension Department (CED), demonstrated in an AVP several initiatives, generally titled “de esperanza”, which aimed at convincing first-year students to engage in a variety of volunteer activities.
As part of the morning activities, Letran's services that offer unique support to its students were also presented through their prepared AVP. These include Guidance, Counseling, Testing, and Placement (GCTAP), Library Services, and Clinic.
A fashion show also took place after the introduction of the different departments, where the models donned the different prescribed uniforms of the Colegio.
In the afternoon, students attended orientation sessions with their respective colleges. Each cluster was introduced to their respective faculty, program chairpersons, and deans. They also focused on course specializations, academic and disciplinary policies, and the Environmental Management System program.
During the CBAA orientation, Mr. Reul C. Ibañez, PCO IV, S03 Environmental Management and Compliance section rationalizes Colegio’s Green Policy Statement, thereby contributing to a more sustainable living environment.
He explained that the institution aims to achieve at least a 3% reduction in its average monthly power consumption.
Mr. Ibañez urged students to turn off the lights when not in use, whereas switching off the air conditioners must be within the responsibility of the staff. Nonetheless, he advised students to report cases of appliance or light malfunction.
Binyag Arriba Ritual
In the afternoon, the freshmen were knighted and pledged to Deus, Patria, and Letran. They were then hooded by the Religious Education staff. They also joined in the Colegio's cheers and yells performed by the Letran Cheering Squad (LCS) and Letran Band before getting showered with water.
A freshman from CLAS said, “Nakakapanibago dahil wala naman gano’ng tradisyon sa Senior High School o sa ibang school na napasukan ko. It feels welcoming at nakaka-excite!”
On the other hand, a student from CEIT said that the Binyag proper stuck with them the most, stating it only happens once. “...Saka na-refresh po ako, literal,” they said.
Meanwhile, Nicole Babaran and Louisse Ayessa Salas, freshmen from Financial Management, voiced that they did not expect they would be completely drenched with water at the end of the ritual. Nonetheless, both stated that participating in the Binyag Arriba would positively contribute to their overall Letran journey as the community, especially their seniors, were welcoming.
Letran-Manila officially opened the new school year for Elementary and Junior High School last July 29, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 's and the Department of Education’s (DepEd) proposal.
The Senior High School started on August, 5 while the Collegiate classes will start on August 12. Lastly, the Graduate School is set to begin on August 10.