By: Aianna Xyril Monsod, Aishah Jimenez
CBAA Freshies amass as they partake in the historic Binyag Arriba 2023. Photo courtesy of Eduardo Nollora Jr. & Patrick Louie Cruz of The LANCE.
Following the postponement due to the suspension of office operations, the second day of Binyag Arriba took place on August 9, with first-year students from the College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA) paraded in blue.
Letrahanan
Rev. Fr. Stephen Mari La Ja, OP., SThL-MA, the Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Rector and President, delivered the introductory remarks for the Tatak Arriba Journey held at the SC Auditorium.
He encouraged all students to take advantage of the opportunities for personal and spiritual growth through community outreach programs and faith-based activities, as the institution believes that education should not be limited to classroom-based settings.
Fr. La Ja likewise spoke on how every Letranite's spiritual and pastoral needs were being met by means of the #LetraHanan initiative, which included both online and in-person spiritual activities.
Asst. Prof. Leo N. Barnadas, MBA, the director of the community extension department, illustrated several programs meant to persuade freshmen to participate in a wide range of volunteer projects.
Ms. Cora-Lynne Navalta, Guidance Counselor, brought up a common misconception about the guidance office and wants to establish a different role this time in which it will help the students deal with their concerns in various aspects of their lives rather than being afraid of them.
Ms. Ma. Gabriella Sta. Maria, the Career and Placement Officer, gave an overview of the Career Placement and Services Unit of the Guidance Center and the assistance it offers to Letranites.
Mr. Antonio Geurrero III introduced the colegio’s library services which offers a wide range and variety of academic textbooks, research publications, and novels..
Some of Letran's cultural organizations, including Uknighted Dance Company, Letran Singing Ambassadors, and Letran Filipiniana Dance Company, had the opportunity to perform during the Tatak Arriba Journey. Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) also set up booths at the Salon de Actos to encourage the freshmen to join.
Grading System
Further on, the CBAA presented its departmental orientation. Specifically, students had been informed about the faculty staff, including program chairs and coordinators, anticipated graduate outcomes, and the grading system.
In terms of the grading system, students will be asked to submit requirements under Outcome Based Education (OBE) tasks, long quizzes, and final examinations. Such activities will constitute 40%, 20%, and 40% of their grades, respectively.
In addition, students, especially those who have academic scholarships or are part of the dean’s list, were urged to completely hand in tasks to avoid getting an incomplete or a failing remark at the end of the semester.
Meanwhile, in programs with licensure examinations such as Accountancy and Nutrition and Dietetics, retention policies are being imposed. Students who are taking the cited curriculums must at least have a final grade of 80% for all general education subjects, and at least 83% for all professional courses.
Those who achieved such grade requirements after the second year will be eligible to take the qualifying examination. Students must obtain at least a 75% grade in the qualifying exam for them to proceed in the third year. Otherwise, they will be advised to shift to another program in the Colegio or transfer to another school.
Tatak Arriba
Guest speaker Gerald J. Villareal emphasized how the institution will help the students explore their potential and prepare them for the road to success. He said that students should be open to learning both outside and inside the classroom.
Villareal stated the graduates of Letran are known to be sociable and can get along with people of different statuses because Letranites bleed blue and red; therefore, the values of Letran will never fade.
“Letran taught me a life lesson, which is to be part of a community. We must always carry and live through Colegio’s values: Deus, Patria, Letran,” Villareal said.
Wrapping up the second and last day of Binyag Arriba 2023, first-year students vowed to Deus, Patria, and Letran. The staff of Religious Education then hooded them. Students also engaged in the Colegio’s cheers and yells fronted by the Letran Cheering Squad and Letran Band, before being splashed by water. This ritual signifies from this day on, they are now bonafide Letranites.