10/09/2026
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ | ND Community Welcomes Freshmen at PANibol 2026
The Philippine Association of Nutrition - Alpha Epsilon Chapter (PAN-AEC) organized a Freshmen Orientation entitled โPanibol 2026: The First Page of Your WoNDerful Story,โ where the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Nutrition and Dietetics (ND) Community officially welcomed the first-year students for the academic year 2026-2027. The event was held at the Claro M. Recto Hall, PUP Sta. Mesa on September 9, 2026.
Opening the program was the WaNDer Walk, where the freshmen were welcomed by their ND seniors and given small gifts as they entered the venue. This was then followed by an opening prayer, the singing of the national anthem, and a raffle draw.
College of Science Dean Dr. Lourdes Alvarez, RMicro, DPAM, delivered the opening remarks, welcoming and congratulating the freshmen on joining the College of Science community. She encouraged the students to embrace both the challenges and achievements they will encounter, emphasizing that "every failure and success will be part of the story" as they begin writing the first page of their college journey.
Department Chairperson Assoc. Prof. Adorita De Jose, RND, MAIE-HRM, then led the โPrologue: Opening the First Page.โ She discussed the BSND curriculum, introduced the program, and provided an overview of what students can expect in their college journey. She also encouraged the freshmen to stay committed to and thrive in their studies. PAN-AEC Adviser Claire Delmo, RND, LPT, also gave an inspiring message to the freshmen: โMay this event inspire you to carry forward the mission with passion and responsibility,โ she ended.
To introduce the laboratory chapter of the program, Asst. Prof. Jessica Delima, RND, MSFS, continued the discussion with an introduction to the CS-NDFT laboratory rooms, the new processes and policies for requesting equipment and materials through PUP Sinta, laboratory room reservations, utilization, and safety protocols.
After the break, a special dance performance by second-year students was held to bring energy to the freshmen. The PAN-AEC President Mhacky Bautista also gave a speech for the afternoon shift of the event, introduced the organization's officers, and invited the freshmen to order the department shirt.
For โChapter 1: The Clinical Chapter,โ PUP alumna Ms. Samantha Ecleo, RND, shared her experience at PUP during the pandemic and discussed her current work as a clinical research nutritionist. In an interview, she shared a message saying that if things get confusing and overwhelming for the freshmen, they can ask for help and talk to people. She also shared a message to the seniors: โIf there are bad days, always remember there are also good days. And always remember [that] youโre doing it not just for the sake of requirements but also to figure things out for yourselves.โ
Two other PUP alumni also shared their stories in their respective fields. Mr. Christian Vasquez, RND, led โChapter 2: The Community Chapter,โ where he talked about public health nutrition as a Nutrition Officer 2 in Pasig City and inspired the freshmen to pursue public health. Meanwhile, Ms. Ivy Canicon, RND, talked about โChapter 3: The Food Service Chapter.โ She also shared her experiences as a BSND student at PUP and her experience as a Quality Assurance Assistant at the Manila Hotel. โThere is still so much ahead, so much yet to discover. Take the chance, give it a shot, your story is far from over,โ she concluded.
The program then proceeded with a special song performance from third-year students. It was followed by a game that once again engaged the audience, entitled โWonder Quest 1: ScaveNDgers: The Ultimate Nutrient Hunt.โ
In a following segment, The Nutri-Isyu Editor-in-Chief Keisha Olino introduced the publicationโs editorial board and invited freshmen and students from other year levels to join the student publication as applications for new members opened. Associate Editor Daphne Modesto further discussed the publicationโs purpose and goals.
Sophomore and junior students Danielle Flores, Kirsten De Guzman, Alexa Berganio, and Glen De Mesa shared their experiences studying at PUP and advised the freshmen about life as a BSND student. As the freshmen begin their own journey in the program, 1-1D Block Coordinator Nica Dela Cruz shared in an interview that Nutrition and Dietetics is her dream program. She also shared that she is excited to learn about the different courses in ND and is looking forward to experiencing laboratory activities and community service.
The program concluded with a grand raffle draw and closing remarks from the event chair, Ms. Sheena Manumbali, who expressed gratitude to the faculty, guest speakers, and students who joined the event.
โ๐ผ: M. De Leon
๐จ: L. Barrios
๐ธ: P. Sabao
๐ฐ: J. Mauhay
