ISR-OVCSA welcomes int’l students through “TULAY” Program

The UPLB International Student Relations (ISR) of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (OVCSA) organized “TULAY: Building Bridges Across Cultures,” a welcome program to support the integration of international students into the university.

Tulay was held on February 16, 2024, at the Makiling Ballroom Hall, Student Union Building.
Tulay, Filipino for “bridge,” brought together students from various countries. Its primary goal is to support the adjustment of international students in the university by presenting its support services, policies, and guidelines.

ISR Head Gonzalo H. Amante Jr., a licensed guidance counselor and psychometrician, gave the opening remarks emphasizing the unit’s role as a second home for international students.

“We are your family, your second home. Because UPLB provides Inclusive Services for all Races,” Amante stressed.

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Janette H. Malata-Silva delivered an inspirational message on behalf of Chancellor Jose V. Camacho Jr. during the event. The message highlighted the importance of strengthening relationships with partner institutions here and abroad.

“The UPLB experience will be challenging and rewarding in equal measure. And we assure you that come graduation, you will look back on your time here, hopefully with fondness. As international students, we envision you as our partners,” Malata-Silva said.

The following OVCSA officials discussed the programs and services for international students: Marcelina C. Miranda, assistant to the vice chancellor for student affairs, director of the Office of Student Activities, and Research, Communication, and Information Technology coordinator; Gonzalo H. Amante, Jr., head of ISR and officer in charge of the Learning Resource Center; Jisselle C. Villamin, officer in charge of the Office of Counseling and Guidance; Dr. Ariel L. Babierra, director of the Office of Scholarships and Grants, and Dr. Marc Immanuel G. Isip, director of the Office of Student Housing.

The TULAY program also aims to introduce the UPLB International Students Association (ISA) to international students and encourage them to participate actively in its activities.

ISA Adviser and the Graduate School (GS) Dean Jomar F. Rabajante gave a special message to the ISA members. He encouraged holding activities that GS can fund, where international students can share their food, culture, and traditions with the people in UPLB.

ISA President Jeremiah Simisi, a PhD Computer Science candidate, responded on behalf of the students. He explained the essential functions of ISA, encouraged participation in its activities, and said that they must stay open and constantly seek help if needed.

Souleymane “Laken” Kone, UPLB ISA country representative of Mali, responded by sharing his experience as an international student in UPLB. He underscored that Filipino hospitality makes it easier for him and his fellow international students to foster connection and overcome challenges.
In the latter part of the program, special guests were invited to discuss various library services, gender sensitivity concerns, and Filipino culture in general.

Dr. Mary Ann M. Ingua, the University Librarian, presented the university’s library services. She also demonstrated how students could access their online accounts, such as Koha and OpenAthens, to utilize resources from these platforms.

Sairah Mae Saipudin, a researcher, facilitated the Gender Sensitivity Training and Anti-Sexual Harassment Orientation for the ISA members. She discussed the importance of knowing the differences between cultures that may affect the way a person interacts with one another. She guided them on how to deal with concerns related to gender and sexual harassment based on established laws,
Finally, Vanessa Ebron-San Juan, extensionist at the Office of the Chancellor, gave an overview of Filipino culture through her presentation, “Why Sinigang?: A Glimpse of the Filipino Culture.” She used sinigang to represent the Philippine landscape and the Filipinos’ diversity to help international students better understand Filipino culture.

Malata-Silva gave the closing remarks discussing the challenge of putting culture in context through a country’s history.

“The question of culture is very difficult; it would require looking at the history of why a certain context is as such. We want you to go to the units we presented and the offices we presented to you this morning and afternoon so that you will be further clarified with all of your concerns,” Malata-Silva concluded.

“TULAY: Building Bridges Across Cultures” strived to support the bond between UPLB students from different backgrounds. The event showed the university’s commitment to strengthening relationships with other countries by bringing them together.