UPLB inaugurates new Ambassadors of Goodwill

On 2 July 2015, Makiling Hall became a witness to the induction of UPLB's nine new Ambassadors of Goodwill. Wearing their national attires, the graduates pledged to continue the practice of honor and excellence which the University has instilled in them.

The Investiture and Commissioning Rites for UPLB Ambassadors and Recognition Program is held annually to acknowledge the international students' performance in the academe. This serves as a venue to produce ambassadors that shall promote UPLB education outside the Philippines.

Dr. Lapitan delivered the inspirational message on behalf of Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez Jr. The chancellor thanked the graduates in choosing the university to harness their knowledge and expertise. He also reminded them that as ambassadors, they assume the role of being the UPLB's "partners in spreading its philosophy in instruction, research, and public service." Sanchez stressed, the importance of public service that will contribute to the growth and development in the graduates' respective countries.

Awards for Academic Excellence were given to those who showed outstanding academic performance. Those who delivered exemplary commitment as officers of the International Students' Association (ISA) received Awards for Service and Leadership. ISA is a student organization in UPLB established by international students.

During the program, the graduates shared the challenges they experienced while studying in a foreign country. They also took the chance to express their gratitude to those who supported them. Mr. Sive Thea, a student from Cambodia, thanked UPLB in its role of helping him develop so that he could do something for his country.

Indonesian student Leonardus Tumuka said that graduating from UPLB is a stepping stone for him to get to greater heights in the future. However, he will always look back to UPLB as his home. "... Everywhere I will go [I would say] I live here [in UPLB]," he said. He narrated how his experience in UPLB contributed to his growth as an individual.

Mr. Mungunkhishig Batbaatar, a student from Mongolia, described how hard it was to live away from his country. "... But thanks to my friends and Filipino family, I found my home away from home in UPLB," he said. Batbaatar ended with a FIlipino quote, "Walang karagatang hindi matatawid." He explained that the premise of impossible being non-existent describes his journey in the Philippines.

As UPLB gears up to become a globally-competitive research and graduate university, the newly-commissioned ambassadors will be its partners who will help promote the university's ideologies. To quote Chancellor Sanchez, "May honor and excellence continue to motivate you [international students] to serve others and beyond UPLB."

The following is the list of awardees.

Academic Excellence Awardees

1. Batbaatar, Mungunkhishig (Mongolia) – Bachelor's Degree in Development Communication
2. Khun Saw Aung (Myanmar) – Master's Degree in Public Affairs (Non-Thesis)
3. Tran Thi Thuong (Vietnam) – Master's Degree in Agriculture Economics (Thesis)
4. Swarna Herath Herath Mudiyanselage (Sri Lanka) - Doctor's Degree in Agronomy

Service and Leadership Awardees

1. Leonardus Tumuka (Indonesia) – Doctor's Degree in Community Development
2. Sive Thea (Cambodia) – Master's Degree in Agronomy