Green Beginnings: CASS Welcomes New Arachnids

Kamang Damang! Kamang Damang!

Chants from the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) echoed across the green home of the Arachnids as freshmen came together for the College Orientation last Wednesday, August 12 at the CASS Lawn. The event revived the college’s longstanding tradition of welcoming new students and ushering them into the home of Arachnid for a new academic year.


Spearheading the program, College Dean Prof. Marie Joy Banawa opened the event with a heartfelt message, warmly welcoming the freshmen to their nurturing new home.


“Their first mission in coming here in MSU-IIT is to finish the degree and alongside the fun, still we should not lose our focus in our academics,” urging the freshmen to make the most of their college experience while keeping their academic goals at the heart of their time in the university.


With 399 freshmen welcomed into the green home of the Arachnids, she reminded them of the opportunity they have been given, emphasizing that being accepted into the university is something to be proud of—akin to winning the lottery.


The event unfolded like a true Pinoy festivity—filled with activities that not only stoked the students’ energy, but kept it burning brighter under the heat of the sun. From society chants and drag performances to Laro ng Lahi, each activity brought out the colorful spirit of each damang, growing more vibrant as the celebration went on.


Showcasing their own pizzazz and kulitan, the event became a melting pot of diverse students coming together and giving their best. It reflected what CASS continues to nurture among its constituents—a community where being a damang means more than belonging to the college, but becoming part of something that lives by its motto: “Husay at Talino, Puso at Konsensya.”


For many freshmen, the vibrant orientation made them feel at home in CASS. "I really felt like I was in the right place talaga, na parang finally, wow–I'm here," shared Shireen R. Balt, a first-year BS Psychology student.


John Kent C. Araco, a first-year BA Panitikan student, echoed this sentiment, saying, "Gipakita jud nila na belong mi sa IIT, na welcoming kaayo sila like naa ka sa imong home na dira tabangan i-lift up kung naa ka sa imong isolation na zone.”


For Rhae Anne C. Magallanes, a first-year BA Political Science student, the feeling of belonging came despite her initial intimidation prior from entering the campus. Nevertheless, she drew strength from a quote that reminded her to value the opportunity of being in a space where she could grow: “Being in a room where you’re intimidated by people, you should be honored to be in that room because even if you are the lowest in that room—you are in the room.”


Meanwhile, for some freshmen, the event also challenged their initial perceptions of CASS. "Akong pagtuo sa CASS kay nonchalant sya, write and read here and there, but pag-abot nakos opening week, boogsh–tabian diay tanan, open kaayo ang environment and very friendly," shared Melchrist John P. Tacbobo, a first-year BS Philosophy (Applied Ethics) student.


Other freshmen also took notice of the openness and camaraderie among their fellow Arachnids. Nathalie A. Apas, a first-year BA Sociology student, stated, "They're so expressive about their thoughts, open to new ideas and they also look out for each other."


Among the event’s memorable moments, the society chants and cheers stood out for Katriel Ziv B. Lasmarias, a first-year BA English Language Studies student. He shared that his favorite part was seeing students cheer and show their support for each other during the performances.


For others, the orientation offered a glimpse into what truly makes CASS distinct. "Nakita gyud nako ilang grit and ilahang principle, not just as students but also as an individual that they care for their societies. Nakita nako how connected each student[s] are, boosting each other's confidence, and that's what makes CASS powerful kay naay unity gyud," remarked Princess T. Miranda, a first-year BA History student.


As the orientations come to a close and classes draw near, may the College of Arts and Social Sciences become more than just a college, but a home they will grow to love and cherish in their academic journey. Like the energy they brought to the orientation, may the spirit of positivity and camaraderie they shared, continue to follow them throughout their years in CASS.

Written by Jazel Ann Maghilum

Photos by Krizylle Louise Giltendez