03/09/2026
𝑪𝑫𝑴 𝑼𝒑𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 182:
𝑪𝑫𝑴 𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑺𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎
A new chapter began for the newest members of the Colegio de Muntinlupa (CDM) community as the College held “Start Strong: The Iskolegio Journey Begins,” its orientation program for new students, on August 27, 2026, at Victory Alabang, Festival Mall, Muntinlupa City.
The whole-day program welcomed the new Iskolegio and introduced them to the people, values, policies, services, and culture that will guide them throughout their college journey.
The program opened with the Welcome Remarks of Dr. John Mark G. Payawal, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Head of the Research and Development Office, who gave the students three reminders as they begin their CDM journey: “Dream Big. Work Hard. Be the best Iskolegio we ever had!”
The students were then introduced to CDM’s key personnel by Ms. Tamarra Arielle V. Bagon, Human Resource Management Officer II, followed by a discussion of the College’s Vision, Mission, and Core Values led by Dr. Ruth R. Aquino, Supervising Administrative Officer. She encouraged the students to “Know our purpose. Live our values. Love our school.”
Throughout the orientation, students learned about the various Student Services from Mr. Jorel O. Isip of the Office of Student Affairs and Guidance and Mental Health Services from Ms. Ma. Cristina Santos, RGC, RPm. They were also oriented on the Student Information Management System by Mr. Robert Ryan B. Lopez and the Student Code of Conduct and Discipline by Mr. Pat Richard P. Magcawas.
A highlight of the program was the Message from the College President, Dr. Teresita C. Fortuna, CESO III, who reminded the students that their college journey is also the beginning of their professional journey as future engineers and architects.
“Your chosen profession demands more than intelligence. It demands courage, discipline, curiosity, resilience and purpose.”
Dr. Fortuna acknowledged that the journey would not always be easy, but encouraged the students to embrace challenges and setbacks, reminding them that failure is not the opposite of success—it is part of the process toward achieving it.
The students also received important information on Academic Policies from Dr. Payawal and Registrar Matters from Engr. Robert James Y. Lomotan, Vice President for Administrative and Finance and College Registrar.
Adding a unique perspective to the orientation was a panel session featuring engineers and architects from the Victory community, who shared insights from their professional journeys and encouraged the students to keep their values and purpose at the heart of their chosen careers.
The program concluded with “Identity & Purpose,” led by Pastor JJ Basada of Victory Alabang. Students were encouraged to reflect on their identity and purpose as they begin this important chapter of their lives. The day ended with prayers for the new Iskolegio, marking a meaningful start to their journey with CDM.
More than an orientation, “Start Strong: The Iskolegio Journey Begins” welcomed a new generation into the CDM community—one ready to learn, grow, persevere, and prepare for the future.
𝑊𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑛 𝑏𝑦: Ma. Ysabelle V. Oba
