A new set of Graduate Student Council officers were elected and sworn into office at the UPV GradStart held on October 14, 2023, at the UPV Iloilo City Campus. UPV GradStart is a pioneering event initiated by the Graduate School Student Council AY 2022-2023 under the leadership of Kate Luv D. Gellangarin in partnership with the UPV Graduate School. The newly-elected GSSC officers who took their oath to serve the graduate student body for AY 2023-2024 are:
Chairperson: Jason Vincent B. Caldeo, MMPM
Vice Chairperson for Internal Affairs: Mark Ivan C.Tabol, MMBM
Vice Chairperson for External Affairs: Joeffet A. Coopera, M.Ed. (ESL)
Secretary General: Jade Karrie S. Palma, MS Biology
Treasurer: Rona P. Pagayon, MMPM
Business Manager: Penny Exocet H. Soliban, MMPM
Public Relations Officer: Alvin P. Alba, M. Ed. (Social Studies)
Representative to the University Student Council: John Leovic B. Villanueva, MMPM
Representative to the Graduate School Standing Committee: Ryan B. Bacutoc, M. Ed. (ESL)
It is noteworthy that the officers share a common goal of not only enriching and enlivening the academic experience of the students at UPV but also highlighting its relevance by establishing avenues for community engagement and service. With the dedication and commitment of the new officers and the cooperation of all graduate students, campus life at UPV will become more vibrant and socially relevant.
Dr. Rowena Paz L. Gelvezon, Dean of the Graduate School, formally welcomed the students and expressed appreciation to the GSSC for initiating and organizing the event. She also encouraged the graduate students to embrace each lesson, experience, and friendship as an opportunity to grow and evolve.
Following Dean Gelvezon’s welcome message, Prof. Rica P. Cainglet, the Graduate School Secretary, shared with the students tips on how to effectively navigate their academic journey towards success. Gellangarin gave a message of encouragement and gratitude as the outgoing chairperson of the UPV-GSSC.
