UP COE and UP DGE opened their doors to incoming Iskolars ng Bayan during the first-ever COE Open House held on May 17, 2025. A total of 434 UPCAT qualifiers attended the hybrid event, with 31 out of 75 BS Geodetic Engineering passers joining the DGE session. Students and families were welcomed with inspiring talks, department tours, and hands-on demonstrations, giving them a firsthand experience of life and learning at the country’s premier engineering institution.
The University of the Philippines Diliman College of Engineering (UP COE) hosted its first-ever Open House on May 17, 2025, marking a milestone in its efforts to engage and orient incoming UPCAT qualifiers. With 1,144 qualified students invited, the event recorded a strong turnout of 434 attendees, offering a hybrid experience to accommodate both onsite and remote participants.
The event began with a college-wide plenary session at the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute (EEEI). Attendees were welcomed by Dean Maria Antonia N. Tanchuling, Ph.D., who opened the program with a message on the College’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and service. This was followed by Dr. Jhoanna Rhodette Pedrasa, College Secretary, who gave an overview of the Open House program and underscored the importance of making informed decisions when choosing a university.
Asst. Prof. Christian Arranz, College Chief Information Officer, presented the structure of UP and the College of Engineering, highlighting its broad academic offerings and leadership in Philippine engineering education. Dr. Djoan Kate T. Tungpalan, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, detailed the College’s student services including housing options, scholarships, and financial aid, which are essential support mechanisms for students across the country.
The plenary concluded with an inspiring session by the UP Engineering Student Council (ESC), offering incoming students a glimpse into the vibrant student life, dynamic organizations, and support systems that define the UP COE experience.
In the afternoon, the Department of Geodetic Engineering (DGE) held its hybrid department talk and tour at the GE Theater, Melchor Hall, ensuring that even qualifiers from provincial areas were able to join virtually and participate in the orientation. Of the 75 UPCAT passers for BS Geodetic Engineering, 31 students attended in person, many accompanied by their parents and guardians.
The DGE session began with Welcome Remarks from Asst. Prof. Bienvenido G. Carcellar III, followed by a department overview from Asst. Prof. Erica Erin E. Elazegui, Head of the Facilities and Resource Committee. Asst. Prof. Luis Carlos S. Mabaquiao, Head of the Training, Research, and Extension Committee, introduced the department’s geodetic instruments and field practices.
The highlight of the session was a hands-on instrument demonstration led by the UP GE Club and UP GEOP, where students interacted with GNSS receivers, total stations, and UAVs. Families actively participated and expressed appreciation for the accessible and engaging learning environment of DGE.
As the event concluded, the department expressed its hope that the visiting students will confirm their slot at the University of the Philippines and pursue their engineering education in the spirit of honor and excellence, in service of the Filipino people.
