The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture Pili Campus marked the culmination of the academic year with its 95th Commencement Exercises. Sending off 771 graduates on June 27, 2024, the ceremony at the university’s athletic grounds celebrated these young minds embarking on a new chapter in the interconnected world.
Comprised of 11 doctoral candidates, 63 master’s degree holders, 33 graduates with Diplomas in Disaster Risk Management, and 664 baccalaureate degree recipients, the graduating class proudly marched to receive their diplomas.
The theme, “Exemplifying Professionalism and Versatility in an Era of Connectivity: A Challenge to the Graduates,” emphasizes the critical role graduates will play in a globalized environment, demanding strong collaboration and communication skills to thrive in a space where borders no longer limit interaction.
Guest speaker, Hon. Tereso O. Panga, echoed the theme, urging graduates to embrace the connected world with confidence. “Be the leaders and innovators our country needs,” he declared. “Your future is bright, and it’s yours to shape.”
Panga further challenged them to contribute to regional development, highlighting the link between their success and the region’s future. “As CBSUA graduates,” he stated, “welcome the challenge. You have a role in transforming the Bicol Region into a vibrant economy with a strong, modern agricultural sector.”
In her heartfelt message, Class Valedictorian Maria Jovelyn Serrano encouraged her fellow graduates to embrace their own pace, reflecting on the resilience they built during their challenging yet rewarding college experience. “Huwag nating madaliin ang proseso. Dahil paunti-unti, tayo ay uusad, tayo ay susulong. Katulad ng kung paano natin kinaya ang apat na taong sumubok sa ating katatagan. Lagi nating isipin na mayroon tayong iba’t ibang timeline. Batay nga sa liriko ng awiting handog ng Bini, ang buhay ay ‘di karera,” (Let us not rush the process. We will progress and move forward, little by little. Just like how we endured the four years that tested our strength. Let us always remember that we have different timelines. As the song goes, life is not a race.),” she emphasized.
Serrano further expressed her gratitude to CBSUA for the enriching education that equipped them with the courage and determination to pursue their dreams. “Sa mga susunod na kabanata ng sarili nating kuwento, panibagong layunin na naman ang kailangang matamo at batid nating naihanda tayo ng pamantasang ito sa pagkamit ng mga aspirasyon natin sa buhay. Maraming salamat sa apat na taon, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture,” (As we turn the pages of our own stories, new goals will emerge. We are confident that this university has prepared us to achieve our aspirations in life. Thank you for the past four years, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture.),” she concluded.
The ceremony continued with the graduates, led by their class president, reciting a pledge of loyalty to their alma mater. This was followed by their induction into the CBSUA Alumni Association.
The joyous occasion concluded with the Class of 2024 raising their voices in a unified chorus, singing their graduation song and the university hymn, marking not the end of their educational journey, but rather a stepping stone towards achieving new heights in their chosen careers.