Three hundred and sixty-six (366) Cenphilian graduates celebrated the triumph of their baccalaureate completion in the sweltering heat of joy and pride with their parents and guardians, with their educators as witnesses, on May 15, 2026.

The 13th Commencement Exercises of Central Philippines State University (CPSU) - Hinigaran Campus culminated the higher education milestones of thirty-seven (37) Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness (BSAB), one hundred forty (140) Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT), one hundred thirty-seven (137) Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM), thirty-nine (39) Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED), and thirteen (13) Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) Major in Mathematics graduands.

From five (5) bachelor programs, CPSU-Hinigaran Campus produced seven (7) Summa Cum Laude, thirty-five (35) Magna Cum Laude, four (4) Cum Laude, and four (4) Special Academic Award distinction recipients for the Class of 2026 by manifesting excellence in their academic performance.

During the graduation ceremony, which was held at Hinigaran’s Municipal Covered Court, Ms. Rosemarie Gabia Septimo, Summa Cum Laude and the highest academic honor awardee, addressed her fellow graduands in her commencement address and shared her struggles over poverty as an adversary.

“Thank you very much for your understanding and dedication. Also, I want to thank the people who were unexpectedly there when the world had nothing to offer; to those who patiently taught me the process when I was still clueless and at my lowest; to those who noticed my quietness, my ghosting, and my lack of replies during the phase in my life when I was mentally exhausted and I just needed a break; to those who believed in me, cheered me on, pushed me to my limits, and supported my journey when I was anxious; to the people who shared their assistance when I was at my zero balance; to the people who always asked, "How are you doing now? How's life lately? What's up, bro, when life seems heavy? And to those strangers, I didn't expect you to help me understand..." Septimo said.

Accompanied by her spouse, Hon. Jose “Nadie” Arceo (Hinigaran Municipal Vice Mayor), Hon. Mary Grace S. Arceo, Hinigaran Municipal Mayor, graced the event with her presence as the guest of honor and conveyed the commencement speech, sharing her personal struggles as a youth, as a student, as a humble employee, and as an entrepreneur.

“There will be days when progress feels invisible, continue anyway. There will be moments when nobody notices your hard work, continue anyway. There will be a season when life becomes difficult just continue anyway, because every sacrifice you make today prepares you for something greater tomorrow. And whatever life takes you, remain humble. Do not forget your families. Do not forget your community. Do not forget the lives that brought you this far. The world today does not only need intelligent people; it needs people with integrity, people with compassion, and people who are willing to serve others. Use your education not only to improve your own life but also to help improve the lives of the people around you; your municipality, your province, and your country need young people like you.”

Dr. Aladino C. Moraca, University President, formally confirmed the graduation of the graduands presented by Dr. Lycel L. Pacheco, Campus Administrator, and the campus program heads, following the words of welcome by Dr. Grenny I. Jungco, Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Vice President Jungco shared the recent milestones of the university in the Licensure Examination for Teachers and in CPSU’s internationalization initiatives and challenged the teacher education graduates, particularly the Latin distinction recipients, to strive to continue raising the university’s banner in the board examinations.

The graduates then took oaths as the newest additions to the university’s alumni association, which was led by CPSU Board Secretary V. Ma’am Nelly N. Cabual, followed by the singing of their graduation song, “Saranggola” by Ben & Ben.

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