AdDU Welcomes Incoming Freshmen for AY 2026–2027 through AFYOP and COA-D Org Fair
Kicking off the new academic school year, Ateneo de Davao University introduced its incoming freshmen to the vibrant campus culture through the Ateneo First-Year Onboarding Program (AFYOP) on 6–7 and 9–10 July 2026, at the 4th Floor of Martin Hall.
Incoming Ateneans hailing from the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS), School of Business and Governance (SBG), School of Education (SOE), School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA), and School of Nursing (SON) participated in the onboarding program by batch. Students from SAS and SEA attended the first two-day run, while those from SBG, SOE, and SON joined the second.
Day One Recaps: Warm Welcomes by Academic Leaders and University Administrators
Two program runs commenced with a Eucharistic Celebration with Fr. Charlie Cenzon, SJ, presiding over the first run for SAS and SEA, and Fr. Eric Escandor, SJ, celebrating the second run for SBG, SOE, and SON. Following the Masses, the Ateneo Dance Crew set the stage with their dynamic performances. Paving the way for formal welcoming remarks was Mrs. Theresa Salaver-Eliab, MS, CSASS, Director of the Office of Student Affairs, inviting the first-years to embody the Ignatian value of Magis throughout their college journeys. Then, the AFYOP Facilitators were officially introduced through an audio-visual presentation.
The freshmen were also addressed by Fr. Antonio M. Basilio, SJ, PhD, Vice President for Higher Education, who delivered inspirational messages on anchoring their undergraduate years in the mission of academic excellence while remaining values-grounded. The students then met their respective academic leaders: Dr. Nelly Z. Limbadan, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, and Engr. Renyl B. Barroca, Dean of the School of Engineering and Architecture, for the first leg; and Dr. Margie J. Clavano, Dean of the School of Business and Governance, Dr. Liza G. Floresca, Dean of the School of Nursing, and Dr. Melanie Jeane C. Galvez, Dean of the School of Education, during the second leg.
In both sessions, the deans introduced their assistant deans and program chairs to help familiarize the freshmen with their academic departments.
Finally, each program wrapped up with the ceremonial Freshies’ Walk, where various student organizations lined the halls with cheers, banners, and smiles, warmly welcoming the newest members of the Ateneo community to their respective afternoon classroom sessions.
Day Two Recaps: Introduction of University Support and Services
The second day of each onboarding leg took place in the afternoon, following a morning of interactive sessions and campus tours guided by the student facilitators. The afternoon assembly commenced with a dynamic musical performance by the Ateneo Repertory Company, followed by opening remarks and a welcoming orientation from Atty. Ira C. Valenzuela, Assistant Director of the Office of Student Affairs.
Transitioning to essential orientations that highlighted the university’s holistic student support services were Ms. Marie Francoise Therese “Cherish” D. Magarin, Program Officer for Student Welfare and Services of the Office of Student Affairs; Ms. Mary Jastine Lapating, RSW, from the Ecoteneo Office; Dr. Tender Grace P. Ferolin, ChE, FPIChE, Director of the Facilities Management Office; Ms. Kathlynn Keith J. Abaquita, RPsy, RGC, RPm, CHRA, CCTSI, Director of the College Wellness and Testing Center; and Ms. Hannah Dela Peña, Program Officer for Internationalization at Home at Ateneo Internationalization for Mindanao.
Afterward, the crowd was treated to a special interlude performance by the AFYOP Stars, chosen from the different schools of each respective run. Welcoming messages and institutional orientations were subsequently resumed by Ms. Jocelyn M. Ferraren, RN, MN, Director of the University Clinics; Mr. Jimmy E. Delgado, CPA, Vice President for Finance; Mr. Patrick Jose B. Cavan, Director of the Campus Ministry Office; and Mr. Bemi O. Garcia, Director of University Athletics.
Bringing the onboarding program to an exuberant close, the day culminated in a massive community dance led by the enthusiastic AFYOP Facilitators and the Ateneo Dance Crew, solidifying their shared identity as the newest members of the Ateneo de Davao community.
Exploring Campus Life: The COA-D Org Fair 2026
Simultaneously with the AFYOP sessions, the Council of Organizations of the Ateneo – Davao (COA-D) hosted the Org Fair 2026 at the Arrupe Hall, where various academic organizations set up interactive booths to showcase the university’s active student community.
During the campus tours, first-year students had the opportunity to dive directly into the heart of student representation and involvement. The hall was filled with palpable excitement as various student-led academic and interest-based organizations, including Samahan ng Mga Mag-aaral ng Pamantasang Ateneo de Davao (SAMAHAN), COA-D, and Ateneo Culture and Arts Cluster (ACAC), presented creative, interactive booths.
The Org Fair allowed incoming freshmen to explore extracurricular opportunities and connect personally with student leaders who champion the university’s active and diverse student community.
