Written by Ashlee Jane S. Inso
Bridging the connection between academic learning and professional practice, the Bachelor of Arts in English Language Major in Applied Linguistics (BAELAL) program held an internship send-off ceremony for the pioneering batch of its revised curriculum on March 6, 2025, at the Conference Room 1, 3rd floor, TLE Building, University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP), Obrero Campus, Davao City.
The ceremony commenced with opening remarks from the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Marnie Grace I. Sonico, who encouraged the fourth-year AB English Language students to do their best and take the internship as an opportunity to discover and hone their potential in the diverse field of English language. “Step forward, embrace challenges, and make the most of this opportunity,” Dr. Sonico stated.
The program head of BAELAL, Associate Professor Sajed S. Ingilan, delivered his welcome address. He expressed high hopes and excitement for the more remarkable achievements awaiting the students in the professional scene. Recognizing the power of their degree, Assoc. Prof. Ingilan wished that the students, as future guardians of the language discipline, would apply their knowledge to transform communities and make an impact on the international stage.
Assistant Professor Joy R. Risonar, who also serves as the batch’s ELAL 400 instructor, provided a brief discussion on CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 104, Series of 2017, which outlines the guidelines for student internships. This was intended not only for the awareness of the students but also for their parents, who were present at the ceremony. Asst. Prof. Risonar reminded the students not to hesitate in approaching her if any harmful situations arise in the workplace, as such circumstances are not permitted under the student internship program. She also sent the students her well wishes as they set out in the professional world, hoping that with this experience, they can develop life skills while embracing the values of professionalism.
To officially signify their readiness to step into the professional world, each fourth-year AB English Language student, accompanied by their proud parents, confidently pinned and wore their nameplates. As the students made the leap from academia to the workforce, pride and excitement were clearly visible on their faces. They looked forward to the challenges and opportunities that awaited them beyond the University.
To commemorate this send-off event, a special video presentation was prepared by the Language Students’ Society (LSS) along with a heartfelt send-off message from its President, Miavic C. Livitos, reminiscing the memories and appreciate the legacy the fourth year students built within the program. Darlyn D. Lames, the class mayor, delivered a response speech, highlighting the hardships their batch endured and how these challenges shaped them into becoming resilient individuals ready to represent their class and program to the best of their abilities.
The fourth-year AB English Language students were awarded certificates for completing their pre-internship orientation. Subsequently, former and pioneering LSS president Marjorie M. Encarguez gave a short speech reflecting on the collective journey they experienced as individuals and as a batch. She expressed her gratitude to their parents for being their pillars of strength and encouraged her classmates to carry forward and continue striving for excellence, stating, “Layo pa ta, pero layo na” (We are still far, but we have come far).
The program concluded with a deep sense of accomplishment and anticipation among the fourth-year AB English Language students as they embraced this symbolic milestone. With the knowledge, skills, and values gained throughout their academic journey, they are ready to take on the professional world. They will step into their place of internship proudly representing both their program and the University of Southeastern Philippines.
