ACES Magical Theme Commence Freshmen Convention 2022

Rekindling the spirit of being a Red Spartan, the Association of Civil Engineering Students (ACES) of the Batangas State University - The National Engineering University Alangilan warmly welcomed the newest additions to their growing family on the recently concluded Freshmen Convention 2022 hosted by Mr. John Xyronn L. Javier, live at the Amphitheater, 4th Floor, CEAFA Bldg., Friday, October 28.

Guided by the Hogwarts Inspired motif and the theme “Freshmen Convention 2022: The Magical Orientation of Future Nation Builders”, each student and their block sections were sorted to their respective houses. Block 01 - 03 represent the house of Slytherin, while Ravenclaw were forefront by sections 04-06, wearing yellow and white are the sections 07-09 constituting the Hufflepuff house and lastly the House of Gryffindor stood tall with the sections 10-11.

In spite of the rainy weather, the program started at 8 o’clock in the morning, through the Invocation led by Shower of Blessings, ACES Sub-Organization, followed by the singing of the National Anthem headed by The VoiceBox, ACES Sub-Organization.

Dr. Reynato A. Gamboa, Dean of the College of Engineering, kindly welcomed the more than 400 freshmen students in his welcome remarks. He also mentioned and emphasized the responsibility of being chosen in the civil engineering program as well as the responsibility of studying in the only National Engineering University in the Philippines. Dr. Gamboa challenged everyone to display their worth and capabilities as selected ones in the program and encouraged each student to help in promoting the school’s title by showing and leading by example. He ended his speech saying, “Do your best. Attend your classes regularly and participate actively”, as a simple reminder to value the opportunity given to them.

It was then followed by an Inspirational Talk from Prof. Paulina M. Macatangay, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and an alumnus of Batangas State University - The National Engineering University.

As an intermission number, Mr. Giobert E. Gomez and Ms. Alliah Eunice Z. Valderama of the VoiceBox performed the song Mahika.

After that, Dr. Therezia O. Conti, the Coordinator for the Office of the Student Discipline discussed the university Norms of Conduct for students. She highlighted the importance and the responsibility of every student to know and follow the policy of the school they enrolled in and restated the goal of the Office of Student Discipline (OSD) to cultivate self-discipline.

Going further, to let the freshmen know better the faculty of the university, Engr. Emmanuel P. Maala, ACES Adviser, presented the teaching staff of the university which consists of 14 permanent lecturers, four (4) temporary lecturers, and 58 guest lecturers each having their own expertise and course handled. While the University Services and Student Obligation (UNIFAST Laws) were discussed by Engr. Harold Lloyd M. Ilustrisimo SAGE Adviser. Stating the scholarship granted to each student, its benefits and services included.

The discussion is then continued to the Student Outcome and Curriculum which are reviewed by Engr. Maala, followed by the talk of Engr. Marvin S. Benedicto, PSSE Adviser about the General reminders for Enrollment ang portal utilization. And the explanation about the Academic Advising and Consultation given by Engr. Ilustrisimo where he presented the respective Adviser for each section.

A deep and motivational talk about Good Manners and Right conduct was given by Engr. Ernesto C. Magundayao, the Program Chair for Civil Engineering Program. He kept on emphasizing the question “who you are” and “why are you here in the CE program”, because getting, becoming and being who and what you want will determine your conduct according to him. While the last talk about the General Guidelines on the Conduct of Hybrid Learning was explained by Engr. Ilustrisimo once again.

Upon concluding the formal talks and discussion and to keep the celebratory vibe of the event, each block of the first year engineering students were given time to prepare for their 10-second snippets of their cheers and yells. And it was followed by the intermission number of the talented student-dancers of CEkal, another ACES sub org.

Proceeding to latter portion, as part of the ACES, freshmen must know the Constitution and By Laws of the organization they belong to, that is why it was discussed and expounded by Ms. Danica Lenite D. Tenorio, ACES General Secretary and the Officers of the current term were also introduced.

And to finally complete the ACES officers, an Election for Freshmen LIaison was held headed by Mr. Gian Carlo Mendoza and Mr. Renmark D. MArtinez, ACES Officers. Joined by five (5) aspiring and courageous first years CEblings the election commenced. After the introduction and screening and manual voting, Ms. Gene Ann K. Macalalad, a 19 year old engineering student from CE- 1101 was elected as the freshmen liaison. According to her, a promise she can give is to “Do her best with utmost of her abilities and capabilities to serve as the newly elected liaison”.

And upon the addition of the 15th member to complete the organization, ACES Officers took their Oath Taking headed by Mr. Emanuel Gethresito Ferriols, Supreme Student Council President.

As a yearly tradition, freshmen conventions wouldn’t be completed without hearing the cheers and yells from each section, that is why to showcase one of the highlights of the program, the presentation of cheers and froshie yells was held. The yells of the 11 block sections were played each showing their creativity and resourcefulness in producing chants and representing their sections. After the presentation and while waiting for the tabulation and computation of results, a traditional game of hep hep hooray is played, facilitated by Mr. Aries Ignacio.

As the program neared its end, the announcement of the winner for the 10-second snippet of chants and yells was awarded to CE-1101. As for the main froshie yells competition , CE- 1105 won the third (3rd) place with the average of 87.5 points.while the second (2nd) place with the score of 97 percent was snatched by CE-1110 and lastly the one who emerged victorious is the section CE-1108 averaging 99 points.

After taking the commemorative photos, the closing remarks was given by Mr. Joshua Onin P. Olivenza, ACES President. He ended the program with a heartfelt gratitude to all those behind the event and organizing committee and gentle reminders for the froshies to enjoy their stay and keep their safety, and once again welcome them to the growing family of Civil Engineering students at Batangas State University - The National Engineering University - Alangilan Campus.

Raffle draws are held in between talks to give breaks and allow the sinking in of information and to keep the festivity and hype alive. Lucky froshies were able to win load prices and customized tote bags from ACES merchandise.

At 3 pm in the afternoon, the program concluded.