The Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) officially welcomed all freshmen into Samar College (SC) during the two-day Orientation Program 2025, held on September 18–19, 2025 at SC Auditorium. Anchored with the theme “School Compass: Strengthening Transitions, Nurturing Growth and Building Futures”, the event aimed to prepare first-year students for academic life by introducing them to the institution’s policies, services, and opportunities.

On the first day, 252 students from Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (BA Sociology), Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd), and Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) attended the orientation, while the second day gathered 214 students from Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT), Bachelor of Multimedia Arts (BMMA), and Bachelor of Science in Criminology (BS Criminology). The program opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Pedrito G. Padilla, SVP for Academic Programs, who encouraged the students to embrace the opportunities awaiting them on campus. He underscored the importance of the orientation in shaping their academic journey and building a strong foundation for their personal and professional growth.

Setting the tone, Mr. Jerick Cuevas, OIC Dean of OSAS, opened with an overview of the OSAS with the introduction of the key officials of SC, and also engaged the students with a presentation on Culture and Arts.

The orientation sessions unfolded with representatives from different units of OSAS who shared vital information on student life and services. Building on this, Ms. Gresilda Navaja clarified the Admission and Grading System, while Mr. Jorlie Lapara guided the freshmen through processes on Assessment, Dropping, and Cancellation of Fees. The importance of student support was highlighted by Ms. Marife Bercasio, who discussed Guidance Services, followed by Mr. Joshua Sito and Ms. Karen Joy Cabagnan, who introduced the resources and opportunities offered by the library. Equipping students with essential tools for their academic journey, Mr. Renz Vincent Molo and Mr. Aaron Luceres presented on Laboratory Policies and the Learning Management System (LMS). Mr. Christian Jalayahay emphasized the Student Code of Conduct, reminding students of their duties and responsibilities as members of the Samar College community.

Student welfare and engagement were likewise highlighted during the orientation. Ms. Marites Sansan outlined the institution’s Medical and Dental Services, while Ms. Vanny Abanag, serving as the Supreme Student Council (SSC) President, formally introduced the SSC, highlighting its role in representing the student body and fostering active student engagement within the institutions, and Ms. Reynabeth Crisostomo presented the School Publication as a platform for student expression. Opportunities for advancement were further emphasized through Ms. Cherry Angelie Florentino’s discussion on Scholarship Programs, Mr. Pedro Fenellere’s presentation on the Sports Program, and Ms. Mary Ann Abaigar’s session on Gender and Development. The program culminated with Mr. Julito Hilum’s presentation on Security Services, highlighting the institution’s dedication to both student development and campus safety.

The success of the Orientation Program 2025 not only marked the formal beginning of the academic journey for the 466 freshmen but also reaffirmed Samar College’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, student welfare, and holistic development. By equipping students with the knowledge of institutional policies, available services, and opportunities for growth, the program ensured that every freshman enters the academic year well-informed, prepared, and inspired to pursue success both inside and outside the classroom.