Central Philippines State University, Kabankalan City - With the theme "Renewed Promise of Unity, Navigating New Horizons", the Supreme Student Government (SSG), headed by its president, John Rey Agustin, in collaboration with the recognized organizations of the university, spearheaded this year's welcome rites for the first year and transferees last September 8, 2023.
Halted for years because of the pandemic, the traditional yearly rendezvous to accept and welcome new students once again turned into an unforgettable experience to commence their college life. The said activity primarily aims to foster social connections, cultivate a sense of belongingness, and prepare the students as they embark on their journey as new Cenphilians.
Series of activities were prepared, and students had a day to spend making this fete a remarkable experience. As the sun rises, so do the students, who congregated in the CPSU Sports Field for their much-anticipated Zumba and Paint Party. Not only did they groove in sync with the beat, but their shirts were also spattered with paint, which speaks of their fulfilled participation in embracing the Cenphilian community. The said activity opened the event on a high note, setting an incandescent atmosphere for enjoyment and unity.
At 10:00 o'clock in the morning, the program continued with the OSSA orientation as spearheaded by the OSSA Dean, Dr. Pilipinas Ma. D. Jareño. She primarily discussed salient rules and regulations to adhere to inside the university's premises. She also introduced key university personnel and OSSA practitioners who played a vital role to better serve its stakeholders.
The head of the scholarship office, Ms. Romelyn May L. Cuizon, also shed light on significant scholarship opportunities and concerns. She discussed various agencies, both government and private organizations, that provide equal opportunities for all students to be their scholarship grantees, provided that they meet certain conditions. It upholds the commitment to provide assistance to deserving students and make their education easier and more accessible.
Halfway through the day, participants indulged themselves in an Amazing Race activity at the CPSU gym. They were divided into groups of seven colors (i.e., pink, violet, blue, yellow, maroon, black, and green) and were tasked with completing the challenges in every station prepared by the seven Colleges and departments of the university. All teams showed eagerness and unleashed their competitiveness, but Team Pink emerged victorious in showing the spirit of camaraderie amidst diversity.
In the evening, the Search for Newbabe and Newbae Idol was held, together with the Lip Sync Battle and Singing Bae. As various departments vied for the crown of being the Newbabe and Newbae Idol 2023, the College of Teacher Education secured the crown with Ms. Kiah Cassandra Serios (BPED) and Mr. Jayven A. Caballes (BSED-English), respectively. They also won the Best in Production Number and the People's Choice Award.
Winning the Lip Sync Battle was Ms. April Buenafe, while taking home the first place in the Singing Bae competition was Mr. Benju Maasin.
The event concluded with a beaming hope that new Cenphilians are ready to conquer new heights and brace themselves for the challenges that await them in every step they take. It is an endeavor they are optimistically expected to surpass as they enter the CPSU portals.