he University of the Philippines College of Engineering, the largest unit in the UP Diliman and UP System with over 5000 students, celebrated its highly-anticipated Welcome Assembly on February 13, 2023, after three years of primarily online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s assembly, which was attended by students, faculty, staff, and officials, had the theme “Maligayang Pagbabalik, mga Inhenyero ng Kinabukasan,” (Happy Return, Engineers of the Future), a fitting sentiment for this new chapter in the students’ academic journey.

Driven by its commitment to train engineers in solving real-world problems, the College of Engineering decided to return to 100% face-to-face instructional mode and hands-on experiential learning. “A large part of ‘Tatak UP’ comes from one’s experiences on campus. Our students are missing out on these,” remarked Dean Tanchuling in the discussions leading up to the adoption of the face-to-face instructional policy. This pivot to hands-on experiential learning is complemented with ongoing efforts to equip all Engineering’s classrooms with HyFlex facilities.

“Ang administrasyon ng College of Engineering ay nagsumikap na maging maayos ang inyong pagbabalik. Kung may problema man kayo ay huwag mag-atubili ng lumapit sa amin. [The COE administration persevered in ensuring your smooth return to the campus. Should you encounter challenges, do not hesitate to reach out to us],” said Dr. Maria Antonia Tanchuling, Dean of the College of Engineering, addressing the students and introducing members of the executive committee, department heads, and institute directors who attended the event.

Dean Tanchuling also acknowledged the presence of newly-appointed University of the Philippines President Angelo A. Jimenez, UP Vice President Dr. Ferdinand Pecson, UP Assistant Vice President Prof. Karl Friedrik Poblador, UP Diliman Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Louise Jashil Sonido and University Guidance Counselor Dr. Berlina T. Cuevas. She reiterated that COE offices are always open to accommodate student concerns. “We want to see you succeed and we are doing everything in our power to be able to do that.”