Amidst several delays, Cebu Normal University’s (CNU) 4th year Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (BS Chemistry) and 3rd Year Bachelor of Science in Physics (BS Physics) students finally gleamed in brilliant whites in their first-ever Laboratory Coat Donning and Pinning Ceremony today, February 8, 2023, at Tandang Sora Hall.

 

With the theme, “Click and Entanglement: Honoring Commitment to Ethics and Professionalism as Future Scientists of the 21st Century,” the event reminded the 12 BS Chemistry and four BS Physics student interns to uphold ethical responsibility and moral conduct as they enter the professional field.

 

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Dean Dr. Milagros M. Greif congratulated the students for being “very dedicated in [to] completing school requirements” despite their experiences at the peak of the pandemic in her opening speech.

 

Meanwhile, the first keynote speaker and Physics Department Faculty Mr. Allan Roy B. Elnar, MPhys emphasized in his talk that the students have the power to shape the world.

 

He furthered that from creating drugs and uncovering the mysteries of the universe, they are expected to create a more sustainable future.

 

“Embrace challenge and curiosity so you can drive science forward,” he encouraged.

 

Miss Luzviminda R. Bato, RCh, the second keynote speaker and Chemistry Department faculty, shared the history and symbolic significance of the lab gown.

 

She stressed that the color white’s practicality catches up with the fast-paced progress of the scientific field and should be worn with pride and honor as they start their journey as new scientists of the 21st century.

 

The ceremony climaxed with the lab coat donning and pinning of the modest roster of 16 students, which was facilitated by Mr. Seagal P. Asjali, RCh, MSc, Miss Erced E. Urbano, RCh, MChem, and Mr. Allan Roy B. Elnar, MPhys.

 

During the testimonial sharing portion of the ceremony, Kevin J. Bongabong (BS Physics III) reminisced how his freshman year class had gone from having numerous students in a block to only having four.

 

He thereby expressed his wish that the remaining should persevere and wish for nothing but the best.

 

Meanwhile, Ervin Claide O. Estelloso (BS Chemistry IV) stated that “We have different reasons explaining why we chose Chemistry, what makes us the same is that we are destined to be here.”

 

Fresh from receiving their pins and lab gowns, the student interns then took their oaths and pledge. §

 

Words by Jamaica Ola-a and Carlos Leopoldo Cabeza III

Photos by Mardy May Amancio