Filipino students often endure great pressure during their school days: pressure from parents, from teachers, from classmates and peers.
But, to paraphrase a timeworn phrase, all study and no play makes Juan a dull boy.
That was what an alumna from the University of the Philippine Los Baños (UPLB) advised to the newest breed of “Iskolar ng Bayan” as classes at the university resumed last August 19.
During a recent media interview, Dr. Ester Susan Perez-Mari, a renowned physician-scientist known for her contributions to immunotherapy and cancer research emphasized that becoming an Iskolar ng Bayan demands excellence, considering the rigorous selection process that aspiring students must undergo.
“To become an Iskolar ng Bayan should be taken seriously. Passing the UPCAT requires excellence, and when they are finally studying at UP, I hope they will not be complacent,” Perez-Mari, a graduate of BS Zoology of UPLB in 1986, explained.
“To be an Iskolar ng Bayan is to be given an opportunity for a world-class education and to use that education to make a difference in the lives of the Filipino people. You will be honed to proficiency in technical knowledge and skills. Aside from academic learning, you will also grow in character,” she added.
A total of 2,586 new students started their studies at the UPLB, which is primarily known as a hub for agricultural, biological and ecological research, for the academic year 2024-2025.
What students expect
For most students who got accepted at UPLB, the chance to enter the state-run university is a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity.
To Mark Ruwen de Guzman, for instance, who topped the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) for the school year, becoming an Iskolar was his only hope but acing the test was a welcome bonus for him.
“What I had in mind [taking the UPCAT] was to pass my first choice of course degree, but anything more than that never entered my mind. Maybe there was a bit of expectation, but [I know] it was not guaranteed.”
Although graduation is four years away, De Guzman admitted that he plans to focus on research, an area in which the UPLB is best known.
“I am planning to pursue a career in research in the future. I’m eager to connect with the professors at UPLB to gain a deeper understanding of their work and learn from their expertise.”
Meanwhile, Lara Cassandra Banasihan, who landed fifth in this year’s UPCAT, is proud to have experienced the quality of education only UP can provide.
Having spent her formative years at the UPLB High School, Banasihan hopes that her time at the state university will further hone her skills and contribute to her growth as a better citizen.
“I know that now that I’m in college, more is expected of me. But now, I can do more for our motherland,” Banasihan, who is among the first batch of Accountancy students at UPLB, said.
“As part of the pioneering batch, I am looking forward to forming an organization for BS Accountancy students with my classmates. I hope to interact and form meaningful bonds with them. And of course, get a 100 percent passing rate in the Board Exam,” she added.
(OpinYon News Team/With report from PIA Laguna)
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonStories #StudyLifeBalance