The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA)-Calabanga Campus successfully conducted its two-day Orientation Seminar (OrSem) titled “ALPAS 2025: Paving the Way Forward with Purpose and Possibility” on August 11–12, 2025, at the campus multi-purpose hall. Inspired by the creativity and wonder of Studio Ghibli, the event warmly welcomed hundreds of freshmen, transferees, and returnees to the CBSUA community.
The orientation opened with motivational messages from campus leaders. Prof. Richard G. Castor, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, encouraged students to live intentionally, saying, “Don’t just pass through college. Let college pass through you.” Deans Dr. Flordeliza S. Relloso (College of Technology) and Dr. Jenelyn C. Aguelo (College of Education) echoed the call to take purposeful action and introduced faculty and non-teaching personnel to the students. Student Regent Caren Mae Latonero also discussed the Federation of Supreme Student Council (FSSC), performed a demonstration of formal campus greetings, and announced the donation of uniforms to selected freshmen.
The first day of the orientation featured informative sessions on university policies, student services, and support systems. Dr. Christian C. Vega, Unit Head of the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), provided an overview of student programs and achievements, while SSC Co-Adviser Mr. Jericho Paglinawan introduced student leaders. Freshmen also participated in an “Interactive Zone” where they engaged with their peers, shared their reasons for choosing their programs, and learned about key services including environmental management, library use, GAD, guidance and counseling, and health services.
The second day shifted focus to student well-being and campus life. Highlights included discussions on drug prevention by PCpl James Robert Abelinde, self-awareness by faculty member Ms. Joyce Asor, and the importance of joining student organizations as shared by SSC Secretary Luisa Olvido. The students were also briefed on campus traffic policies and the role of the Office of Student Registration and Records. The afternoon featured cheer presentations by course groups and entertainment numbers from volunteer facilitators, the Tamaraw Peps Squad, and the CBSUA Showband. The BSE-Mathematics team won the Best Cheer award.
Freshmen described the two-day orientation as engaging and insightful. Althea Borja, a BSE-English student, appreciated learning about campus organizations and university services, while Rica Laurio of Environmental Science said the event helped her overcome initial fears through new friendships. Overall, ALPAS 2025 achieved its goal of guiding students as they embark on their academic journey with clarity, purpose, and excitement. | 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘉𝘚𝘜𝘈-𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘢
