The University of the Philippines Visayas School of Technology (UPV SOTECH) 37th Foundation Celebration is now in full swing after its opening program held at the New SOTECH Building grounds on March 27.
SOTECH has a lot in store for its students, faculty, staff, and alumni in this week-long celebration, starting with a few messages from a guest speaker and SOTECH Dean Ramer Bautista during the opening program.
Dr. Ferdinand Tesoro, Department of Science and Technology Balik scientist and former faculty member of the University of the Philippines Visayas - Division of Physical Sciences and Mathematics, gave tips on sustaining innovation in the midst of SOTECH’s recent accomplishments, particularly during the pandemic.
Some of the “nuggets” he gave to students was to make incremental steps towards innovation; rely on data-driven and evidence-based actions recommendations and decisions; and provide a solid return on investment to stakeholders.
He also reminded them to build on SOTECH’s successes in bringing innovative and sustainable technologies to the communities it serves.
“Being an iskolar ng bayan and iskolar para sa bayan, we have obligations and responsibilities with the community,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bautista talked about SOTECH being the “youngest” among the academic units of UPV, prior to the addition of the Graduate School in 2022, and its potential of becoming a college in the near future.
He gave details on the celebration’s theme, “Bringing Innovative and Sustainable Technologies to the Community,” saying “we’re supposed to develop more technologies that will be used by the communities.”
“Simple technologies that are translatable to the communities, that’s what we need to do,” and “must be anchored to the needs of the community,” he added.
The opening program ended with a lightning rally led by the SOTECH Student Council and the opening of the SOTECH exhibit. Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development Rhodella Ibabao was also present during the program.
Among the activities lined up for this year’s celebration include the ConvEx 9.0, SOTECH EXPO 1.0, a research forum and competition, the SOTECH Papuri, Prior Art Search Seminar, and Students’ Day.
