UST ENGINEERING students held paintbrushes and microphones instead of T-squares and soldering guns when the Engineering Student Council launched its first Alternative Learning School Program (ALSP) last Sept. 11.
The program would provide students lessons on voice, speech, dancing and painting, yoga, judo, and website-making.
“Our program aims to bring out other skills of Engineering students, particularly their aesthetic talents.” Joshua Ireneo, project head of ALSP, said.
“The program will help increase students well-roundedness, enhance their leadership skills as future mentors, and increase their drive to improve their craft.”
In the pilot lesson of ALSP, 150 Engineering students attended judo, yoga and dancing class.
Andrew Naynes, a fourth-year Electrical Engineering student, said the yoga class made him aware of the importance of having a healthy lifestyle. “Many students neglect taking care of their bodies and tend to overindulge in food, alcohol and cigarettes,” he said. “The yoga classes made us aware that we should be responsible enough to take care of ourselves as well as our bodies.”
Among the mentors of the program were Prof. Anne Marasigan Santos, Information Technology instructor from the Faculty of Engineering; Angela Sita Romero, UST Yoga Club instructor; and Prof. Neil Satoquia, Speech professor from the Faculty of Arts and Letters.
Melissa Casiquin, ALSP officer-in-charge, said the sessions for the first semester are held every Monday and will end on the first week of December. New lessons will be offered in the second semester, she added.
“Theater arts class will be offered in the second semester,” she said. “By next semester, we plan to add new classes like Mandarin, Niponggo, and guitar playing.” L. J. D. Postrado
