Laughter and tears became the best of friends as Philippine Normal University Visayas celebrated its 51st Commencement Exercises on August 5, 2024, at Cadiz Arena, with the theme “Responding to the Current Education Challenges through Relevant and Future-Ready Teacher Education.”

From the solemn Baccalaureate Program to the exhilarating Gawad Parangal Ceremony and the most-awaited Commencement Exercises, the celebration was filled with joy, nostalgia, pride, and a desire to create an impact as a series of events took place on this remarkable day.

For Batch Alimbukad, this is a day to remember and keep close to their hearts. The Baccalaureate Program started at 1 PM. Dr. Ralger D. Jocson, Jr., Executive Director and Provost, delivered his greetings. He urged the graduates to value what they have gained from Inang Pamantasan and strive to become better as they begin a new chapter of their lives. He also said that they should triple the patience, perseverance, and determination they already have. Before ending his message, Dr. Jocson advised them to not forget to seek God’s guidance and blessing.

Rev. Dr. Jessie S. Albestor, Guest of Honor and Baccalaureate Speaker, honored the graduates for their diligence and determination.

“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝑮𝒐𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒊𝒏. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒊𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒂 𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒘𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏—𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕,” he said.

He encouraged them to value, nurture, and use the wisdom they possess. He also reminded them to trust God wholeheartedly, accept their weaknesses, and have self-discipline so that God could empower them to do their mission and purpose, for with God, nothing is impossible. He also emphasized the importance of being grateful and never forgetting to thank the Lord every step of the way.

Dr. Richelle A. Delmo, Head of the Students Affairs and Services Unit, presented seven co-curricular awardees: Mr. Jerand John D. Magbanua received the Student Government Leadership Award and Jose Rizal Most Outstanding Student Leader Award; Mr. John Rey L. Mahilum received the Journalism Award; Mr. Rowmie E. Pallada and Ms. Rochelle T. Consejo received a Cultural Award in Music; Mr. Neil Anthony D. Delagao and Ms. Darlyn Joy P. Ponsica received a Cultural Award in Dance; and Ms. Vlairlyn L. Diaz received the Loyalty Award.

The arena was filled with cheers and applause as Dr. Sol P. Abellar, Campus Registrar, presented the academic awardees: 126 Magna Cum Laude and 38 Cum Laude. Dr. Darryl Roy T. Montebon, Associate Dean, Faculty of General Education and Experiential Learning, the Guest of Honor and Gawad Parangal Speaker, congratulated the graduates on their exemplary performance but also emphasized the responsibilities they carry on their shoulders, especially regarding the upcoming Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers, by saying, “To whom much is given, much is required.”

After the awarding of the co-curricular awardees, Mr. Jerand John D. Magbanua, recipient of the Leadership Award, delivered his response by reflecting on his journey as a student leader. He shared the story behind the award and recognition he gained, admitting the hardship of facing several criticisms, negative judgments, and enduring pressure. He also reminded everyone that achievements are milestones, not endpoints, encouraging them to continue moving forward and becoming better versions of themselves as the journey of growth and improvement should never stop.

Mr. Rowmie E. Pallada and Ms. Rochelle T. Consejo, recipients of the Cultural Award for Music, then offered beautiful songs that made everyone even prouder of how far they have come.

After the awarding of academic awardees, Mr. Gerald Q. Estoconing, Valedictorian of Batch 2024, delivered his response. He expressed his desire to make a difference in the field of education and emphasized that ambitions are important in addressing the current challenges in education; that when there is ambition, there is action, and when there is action, there is progress.

PNUV Dalawidaw Chorale offered a song entitled “When You Believe,” which inspired the graduates to keep on believing no matter how challenging life is. While singing, the graduates went to their families and embraced them heartily. Tears were shed, and proud smiles brightened the arena as they thanked their families for their never-ending support.

Before ending the ceremony, Dr. Ralger D. Jocson, Jr., urged the graduates to reflect upon this year’s commencement exercises theme as it is more than just a statement, it is a call to action. He encouraged them to uphold the core values of Inang Pamantasan: truth, excellence, and service. He said that truth is the foundation on which just and equitable societies are built, and excellence is not a destination but a lifelong journey. His message challenged the graduates to make Inang Pamantasan proud and serve the Filipinos with a heart.

Everyone’s excitement heightened as Gawad Parangal came to an end, followed by the most-awaited Commencement Exercises that started at 6 PM. Batch Alimbukad was given ample time to prepare and share generous laughs with their families. The Commencement Exercises began with the Processional, starting with Dr. Randyll V. Villones, Grand Marshal, followed by the parents and their Marshal, Dr. Ma. Sofia Y. Nemenzo; the candidates for graduation with their Marshal, Dr. Ephraim Jr. R. Estacion; the administrative staff and faculty members with their Marshals, Dr. Noel S. Marañon and Dr. Aina C. Radan; campus officials and distinguished guests with their Marshal, Dr. Gliceria Arlyn G. Garancho; and lastly, the Presidential Party.

Dr. Ralger D. Jocson, Jr., warmly welcomed everyone to the most anticipated Commencement Exercises. He highlighted the responsibility of Batch Alimbukad as future licensed professional teachers. He said that their duty is not only to impart knowledge but also to shape the future of our nation. He also extended his warmest gratitude to the faculty members, administrative staff, and proud parents for their sacrifices and commitment in helping the graduates achieve their goals. He reminded the graduates of the shared responsibility to uphold the values of truth, excellence, and service as PNUans, and strive to create a lasting impact in the field of education.

Dr. Sol P. Abella, Campus Registrar, and Dr. Maria Fatima P. Dolendo, Associate Dean for the Faculty of Teacher Development, presented 231 candidates for graduation for Academic Year 2023-2024: 26 candidates from the Baccalaureate Program and 205 candidates from the various undergraduate degrees of the Faculty of Teacher Development. Among the degrees were 26 graduates with a Diploma in Environment and Green Technology Education, 28 graduates with a Bachelor in Early Childhood Education, 32 graduates with a Bachelor in English Education, 29 graduates with a Bachelor in Filipino Education, 31 graduates with a Bachelor in Mathematics Education, 26 graduates with a Bachelor in Mathematics and Science Elementary Education, 27 graduates with a Bachelor in Physical and Health Education, and 32 graduates with a Bachelor in Social Science Education.

Dr. Bert J. Tuga, PNU President, declared them graduates. Dr. Lordinio A. Vergara, Vice President for Finance and Administration, proudly introduced the Guest of Honor and Commencement Speaker, Dr. Ethel Agnes Pascua-Valenzuela, who delivered a heartfelt message to the graduates. She encouraged them to pursue their aspirations fervently, leaving them with a meaningful message: “What’s meant for you will not pass you by.”

PNU Visayas showed its appreciation towards the Commencement Speaker with a plaque and a song from the PNU Visayas Dalawidaw Chorale. After the musical offering, Dr. J. Prospero E. De Vera III, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education, delivered his message to the graduates. He assured them that the government is striving to achieve quality education for all Filipinos and emphasized the crucial role of teachers in this process. He also said that CHED will strengthen and improve state universities and colleges by offering scholarships, training programs, projects, and more. Before ending his message, he reminded them of their obligation as the hope of our country.

The awarding of diplomas followed, and each graduate walked across the stage to receive their diploma. The arena erupted with cheers and applause as the names of graduates were called. Their families could not help but feel immense pride and joy as they finally witnessed the sweet fruit of their loved one’s labor.

After the awarding of diplomas, Dr. Bert J. Tuga, PNU President, presented his challenge to the graduates. The highlight of his message was the 5 Ps, which serve as the foundation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: People, Prosperity, Planet, Peace, and Partnership. He urged the graduates to become active members of society and be initiators of these 5 Ps. He also emphasized the importance of research and education, leadership, and service.

Mr. Gerald Q. Estoconing, the Batch Valedictorian, delivered an inspiring valedictory address. He recalled the challenges he and his family faced during his academic journey. He shared the sacrifices and struggles he endured, especially during the pandemic. He expressed his admiration for PNU’s dedication, specifically mentioning Sir Ulmamor T. Salutin for personally delivering his modules to Kanlaon. He reflected on his life as a working student and active participant in various co-curricular competitions. Despite the hardships, he remained resilient and determined. With teary eyes and a shaky voice, he conveyed his deep gratitude to the Lord, his loving and supportive parents who sacrificed a lot, his relatives, professors, greatest mentors Dr. Janette C. Magalona and Dr. Randyll V. Villones, friends, best friend, and one special person who helped him grow and succeed.

Following the valedictory address, Mr. Antonio B. Sabedoria, President of PNC/PNU/PNUVAA, Cadiz City, led the induction of the graduates into the alumni association. This induction symbolizes their responsibilities as sons and daughters of their beloved institution. Lights were dimmed, and the burning torches of the graduates amazed everyone as they sang “One Little Candle.” Their torches burned brightly, symbolizing their determination to succeed and achieve their dreams for themselves, their families, the children, the Philippines, and Inang Pamantasan.

It was indeed a beautiful day to remember. The smiles and laughter of the graduates with their parents, relatives, friends, and teachers proved that Aristotle was right when he said that the roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

𝑾𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝑩𝒚 𝑲𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑨𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑮𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒏
𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒋𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒔: 𝑷𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒐, 𝑹𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝑴𝒆𝒔𝒉𝒂 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒐, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑬𝒍𝒔𝒊𝒆 𝑫𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒂 𝑳𝒂𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝑨𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒔𝒕: 𝑪𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆 𝑯𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒂 𝑨𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒂𝒈𝒂

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