By: Glenn Luansing, Rhea Sayat, Leslie Aquino
The University of Cabuyao (UC) recently held its 19th commencement exercises for the graduating class of 2023, under the inspiring theme of “Beyond Borders: Celebrating Our Journey of Education, Growth, and Globalization.” The ceremony took place at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex on June 26, 2023, at 1 o’clock in the afternoon. Notably, the event marked the graduation of a sole Magna Cum Laude recipient.
The commencement exercises commenced with a grand processional, where candidates for graduation, representing the Graduate School and various colleges, marched from the entrance guided by their respective marshals. This captivating opening set the tone for the memorable occasion.
The entrance of esteemed teaching personnel, department chairs, university directors, college deans, management committee, the Board of Regents, headed by the Board of Regents Chairperson and current City Mayor of Cabuyao, Hon. Dennis Felipe C. Hain, the distinguished commencement speaker, Dr. Carl E. Balita, and the esteemed Grand Marshall, Dr. George F. Barundia, further elevated the ceremonial atmosphere.
The PnC-ROTC conducted a vibrant display of colors, followed by a heartfelt invocation and a rousing rendition of the National Anthem led by the talented Dangal Singing Ambassadors.
Hon. Dennis Felipe C. Hain delivered an inspirational message to the Class of 2023, sharing his personal story of aspiring to become an engineer during his childhood. Though his dream remained unfulfilled, he emphasized the importance of persistence and faith, as he achieved success in graduating with a degree in Business Management and eventually becoming the mayor of the city.
Dr. George F. Barundia, the University Registrar and Grand Marshall, then presented the 1,268 candidates for graduation with bachelor’s degrees, along with seven candidates for graduation from the graduate school, to University President Dr. Charlemagne G. Laviña. Dr. Laviña conferred the degrees to the candidates for graduation in a momentous ceremony.
The breakdown of candidates for graduation encompassed various fields of study:
205 candidates under BS in Psychology
58 candidates under BS in Accountancy
110 candidates under BS in Business Administration Major in Financial Management
108 candidates under BS in Business Administration Major in Marketing Management
26 candidates under BS in Computer Science
104 candidates under BS in Information Technology
43 candidates under Bachelor of Elementary Education
55 candidates under BS in Secondary Education Major in English
54 candidates under BS in Secondary Education Major in Filipino
29 candidates under BS in Secondary Education Major in Mathematics
41 candidates under BS in Secondary Education Major in Social Studies
55 candidates under BS in Computer Engineering
108 candidates under BS in Electronics Engineering
136 candidates under BS in Industrial Engineering
136 candidates under BS in Nursing
1 candidate under Masters in Business Administration
6 candidates under Master of Arts in Education Major in Administration and Supervision
Dr. Carl E. Balita, renowned for establishing the esteemed Carl Balita Review Center (CBRC), delivered an inspiring message to the graduates. He acknowledged their dedication and efforts throughout their years of study and congratulated both the parents and the school for guiding the graduates to this significant milestone.
Dr. Balita concluded his speech with a powerful quote: “When the dream and the dreamer become one, you are now one with your dreams, but there are more dreams to seize.” In recognition of his impactful message, he received a plaque of appreciation from the management committee and the chairperson of the Board of Regents.
The hooding ceremony for the graduate school commenced, with Dr. Charlemagne G. Laviña, the University President, and Dr. Renelina D. Mañabo, the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Graduate School, leading the awarding ceremony. Dr. Fernando T. Pendon III, the Associate Dean of the Graduate School, announced the names of the graduate school candidates for graduation, which included those completing Master of Arts in Education and Master of Business Administration programs.
Following the introduction of the graduate school candidates for graduation, the distribution of awards and recognition took place. Members of the management committee, the Board of Regents, and Hon. Dennis Felipe Hain were invited to present medals to the deserving awardees. The ceremony celebrated their outstanding achievements and contributions.
After the introduction of the graduate school candidates for graduation, the distribution of awards and recognition commenced. The members of the management committee, the Board of Regents, and the chairperson, Hon. Dennis Felipe Hain, were requested to bestow medals upon the deserving awardees. The following are the awards and their respective awardees:
Academic Distinction
Rhea J. Torres
Chairman of the Board Medallion
Rosalie N. Balidio from Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Filipino
Presidential Medal of Honor for Academic Excellence
Rosalie N. Balidio from Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Filipino
Magna Cum Laude
Rosalie N. Balidio from Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Filipino
Moreover, recognition and awards were also given to graduates who excelled in their thesis/capstone/feasibility study.
The ceremony then proceeded to the distribution of diplomas. First, the candidates for graduation from the graduate school received their certificates. The allocation then moved to the college level, starting with the Bachelor of Science in Psychology under the CAS department. The order followed the processional, with the College of Health and Allied Sciences or the Bachelor of Science in Nursing being the last college department to receive their diplomas.
Subsequently, Rosalie N. Balidio, the Magna Cum Laude from the College of Education, delivered her valedictory speech.
“I am what I am today because of the choices I made yesterday,” she stated.
She reminisced about the golden days of her first year of college and then shared the challenges her batch faced during the onset of the pandemic. In her speech, she highlighted the struggles of shifting from face-to-face classes to online learning. She personally experienced connectivity issues, often struggling to attend her 4-5 P.M. classes due to unstable internet connection. She had to reside in her sister’s house, away from her home, just to have the necessary internet access for her studies. All the hardships they endured were worth it on their graduation day.
During her speech, she dedicated their batch’s victory to the parents who worked tirelessly overseas and who are now in heaven. She specifically mentioned her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Balidio, and expressed her pride in being the daughter of a security guard and a construction worker. She extended her gratitude to her sisters, nephews, uncle, and relatives. She also acknowledged her classmates and dedicated their achievements to those classmates who have passed away. Additionally, she expressed her appreciation to the faculties and staff of the University of Cabuyao. Lastly, she thanked God for providing more than anyone could ever imagine. She concluded her speech by saying, “Where you are going to be depends on the choices you make every day.”
Following her speech, the 1,268 candidates for graduation with bachelor’s degrees and the seven candidates for graduation from the graduate school recited their Pledge of Loyalty to the university. As they sang their graduation song, ‘Thank You Once Again,’ a video featuring the graduates’ pictures and memories was played. Finally, the Class 2023 sang the ‘PnC March’ one last time as confetti filled the air with the tossing of their graduation caps.
Also, for the first time, PnC Lente presented a same-day edit of the graduation ceremonies.
The program was officially concluded with the exit of colors and the recessional of the Management Committee, administrators, and teaching and non-teaching personnel.
