The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) marked its 23rd founding anniversary with a simple virtual celebration attended by students, faculty, and staff of the College, and some members of the administrative council, on 11 February.
Themed “Continuing Advocacy and Service through Communication, Adaptability, and RESiliency amidst Disruptions (CAS CARES 2021)”, the one-day event kicked off with a program, with former chief justice of the supreme court, Hon. Maria Lourdes Aranal Sereno as keynote speaker.
Sereno, who was introduced by the dean of CAS, Dr. Bettina Joyce P. Ilagan, was warmly welcomed by the attendees. In her speech, she stressed that despite the disruptions, especially the major ones like natural and man-made calamities, there are still opportunities awaiting to achieve long-term change. According to her, we can continue to serve in times of disruption by taking into consideration the mandate of CvSU as a state-funded higher education institute, the mandate of every teacher of young people, and the mandate of the Filipino youth. “We cannot navigate ‘disruptions’ without a clear view or dream of the future. Disruptions can force us to change for the better, yet we must also minimize disruptions”, she added. She particularly addressed the CvSU youth to imagine the nation, the Cavite, and the communities they want in the future. “If we have the fullness God promises, that is very much the life the Filipino youth can have – it is the most blessed and deeply peaceful life we can have – where deep inner prosperity is assured”, she concluded.
A recipient of ‘The Outstanding Women in Nation’s Service award’, Sereno is also the founder of Bawat Isa Mahalaga and currently the President of Accesslaw, Inc. – a law firm that provided the first annotated electronic research system in Philippine law.
Also present during the celebration was Dr. Ma. Agnes P. Nuestro, vice-president for academic affairs, who delivered the inspirational message on behalf of the university president, Dr. Hernando D. Robles.
The afternoon activity focused on strategic planning workshop aimed at crafting the next five year-development programs in instruction, research, extension, and production, which was participated in by students and faculty members. The CAS dean, Dr. Ilagan, presented the University’s Strategic Plan and was immediately followed by breakout sessions. The day ended with presentations of outputs by the four departments. (ARCSolis)
