The UPLB Chemistry Alumni Association, Inc. (UPLB Chem AA, Inc.) and the UPLB Institute of Chemistry (IC), joined hands in giving a testimonial for the passers and topnotchers of the 2021 Chemistry Licensure Examination (CLE) last February 1, 2022, via Zoom. 

The participants, including several members of the UPLB CHEM AA, Inc., some students, and faculty of the Institute of Chemistry, were welcomed by Mr. Miko Lorenzo J. Belgado, President of the UPLB Chem AA, Inc.  An inspirational talk was then given by Dr. Laureano L. Bondoc, Jr., one of the Board of Directors of UPLB Chem AA, Inc. Dr. Bondoc reminded the newly-licensed chemists that obtaining a license was just to catch up with baseline chemistry knowledge. The real challenge is how they will solve relevant problems among the enumerable problems in our world today, and how they will provide solutions of value, with excitement and passion. Our very own CAS Dean, Dr. Maribel L. Dionisio-Sese, also congratulated the board passers and topnotchers through a recorded message. She affirmed the competence of our graduates, the strength of IC’s BS Chemistry and BS Agricultural Chemistry degree programs, and its preeminence as a National Center of Excellence in the Basic Sciences. She added that the passers ought to recognize the support of family and the Filipino people and make it their mandate to nurture a science-based Philippine society, with honor and excellence. 

Miss Cherrylene M. Bolante, 3rd Placer of the 2021 Chemist Licensure Examination spoke on behalf of the board passers. Also, each one of them shared helpful tips with those who plan to take the licensure exam in the future and expressed gratitude to the members of the IC faculty. The program ended with the giving of closing remarks from the IC Director, Dr. Marivic S. Lacsamana, who congratulated the passers and topnotchers for accomplishing this feat despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and thanked them for the pride that they gave IC.