TURNING THE PAGE on what it “means to be a Bedan,” students from the College of Arts and Sciences’ (CAS) Class of 2029 took part in the traditional Integration Rites last October 29, marking its return as a freshmen-only event after the mass rites last academic year. 

The event began at the MVP Gym, where the College’s academic departments competed in the departmental dance activity prior to the main event, concluding the daily challenges that began on October 27. 

The Department of Legal Management was hailed as the overall champion, followed by the Departments of Financial Management and Political Science as first and second runners-up, respectively. 

For many, the Integration Rites were a moment of triumph and a display of unity within their batchmates. Ira Gabriel Mantes, first-year representative of the Department of Political Science, said that this event gave the freshmen the “chance to work together and get to know one another better,” stating that the activities during the integration served as a crucial reminder of “the importance of unity and shared purpose.” 

Likewise, Annyca Cruz, first-year representative from the Department of Legal Management, echoed these sentiments as she recalled how the celebration allowed them to experience “the spirit of the community and get the chance to connect with people beyond our classrooms.” 

“With my fellow Legal Management freshies, there was a sense of openness and honesty that came naturally, and it made the day feel different from any other,” she said. 

The event later continued at the Football Field, where freshmen participated in a final set of challenges before the “Red Baptism,” where activities are crafted to test their endurance and teamwork. 

The Integration Rites finally concluded with the “Mendiola Run,” as freshmen sprinted along Mendiola, marking the symbolic beginning of their journey as full-fledged Bedans. 

In an interview with The Bedan, CAS Student Council (SC) President Mitziko Yema spoke about leaving a “lasting experience” for freshmen with the establishment of the College of Accountancy and Business (CAB). 

“The legacy I wanted to leave was, I want this integration to be unforgettable since this is the last CAS and CAB integration. They’re going to split. So, I hope that I’ve been able to do my vision,” she said. 

Yema also shared some of the challenges they faced in organizing the event, particularly in identifying the traditional aspects of the activity, as her batch had only been “integrated” during the mass Integration Rites last year, which also saw the event’s revival following its four-year postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The SC President explained that such difficulty was nevertheless supplemented by research as they embodied the traditional aspects of the Integration, mixed with the addition of “something new” that will make the freshmen look forward to future celebrations. 

Reflecting on the event’s success, Yema noted the positive reception of the freshmen and the unity that emerged throughout the activities.  

“I can see how dedicated they are to going through the obstacles. And they were so happy. And I was also so happy to see their smiles as they went through all the obstacles we prepared,” she shared. 

In her message to the Class of 2029, Yema emphasized that Integration goes beyond its physical challenges, saying that “It’s not just for you to have a hard time, but for you to know the true meaning of being a Bedan.”