Two hundred twenty-six (226) graduation caps went airborne as the Class of 2026 of Central Philippines State University (CPSU)–Hinoba-an Campus celebrated their graduation during the campus’s 15th Commencement Exercises on May 26, 2026.

Leading the baccalaureate procession were Highest Academic Honors Awardee and Magna Cum Laude Ms. Valleree Mae C. Vasquez; seventeen (17) Magna Cum Laude awardees; seventeen (17) Cum Laude recipients; and one (1) Special Academic Awardee, together with their parents and guardians.

One hundred twelve (112) Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness (BSAB), one hundred nineteen (119) Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT), and thirty-five (35) Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) graduands formally turned their tassels and received their diplomas during the ceremony.

In her commencement address, Miss Vasquez reflected on the struggles and triumphs of the graduating class: “To the Almighty God, who never left me empty, who strived with me every single day for the past four years to stay beside me, ensuring the moments when I was already giving up on myself. I owe this moment to you, Lord. You have been so good to me. You have been so good to us… Today, we stand here not because the journey was easy, but because we chose not to quit. We are Batch 2026, armed with grateful hearts, unshaken faith, and pride that echoes far beyond this moment. Today, we enjoy overflowing tears of triumph in our hearts. We can finally say—we made it.”

The ceremony, which was held at the People’s Pagbanaag Activity Center in the Municipality of Hinoba-an, is the last commencement exercise among CPSU extension campuses for the Cenphilian Graduation Series 2026 before the Main Campus’ ceremonies in the morning and in the afternoon on May 27, 2026.

Commencement Speaker Dr. Shiela Mae B. Del Rosario encouraged the graduates to become catalysts of change in their communities and beyond. “Whatever you choose in the future, make sure you walk into the room, and you do not just occupy space. You create value, create impact, and make a difference. Because you are not just individuals—you are powerful graduates of CPSU.”

Representing Board Secretary V Nelly N. Cabual, Registrar's Office Officer-in-Charge Ms. Elysa Jane S. Arlos carried the symbolic university mace during the solemn academic procession.

On behalf of University President Dr. Aladino C. Moraca, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Grenny I. Jungco formally confirmed the graduates presented by respective program heads, Ma’am Mary Ann S. Caliplip (BSAB), Sir John Rey T. Boaquina (BSIT), and Dr. Gargar S. Alfonso (BEED).

Negros Occidental Sixth Congressional District Congresswoman Hon. Mercedes “Cheding” K. Alvarez represented by Hinoba-an Local Government Unit Sangguniang Bayan Member Hon. Gems Bernard V. Reliquias, and Municipal Mayor Hon. Daph Anthony V. Reliquias, delivered their respective inspirational messages for graduates and their parents, while CPSU Alumni Association Auditor Mr. Patrick Sta. Romana led the Alumni Pledge, and Ms. Kathleen Mae L. Esparcia, Magna Cum Laude, led the Pledge of Loyalty.

CPSU-Hinoba-an Campus Administrator Ma’am Armie Sheila T. Calago reminded the graduates that success is rooted in service and inspiration.

CPSU-Hinoba-an Campus Administrator Ma’am Armie Sheila T. Calago imparted the message to the class of 2026: “Indeed, the success of this institution is not achieved alone. It is built through unity, collaboration, and a shared vision of empowering future generations. Dear graduates, as you leave the portals of this university, always remember this: "Success is not measured by how high you rise, but by how many you inspire and appeal to."

To acknowledge the Almighty God’s blessing in the completion of the students’ bachelor’s requirements and the culmination of a successful academic year 2025-2026, the Hinoba-an Campus celebrated the Baccalaureate Mass at the St. Michael the Archangel Parish Church before the commencement ceremony.

CPSU-Hinoba-an’s 15th Commencement Exercises 2026 share the university-wide theme, “Empowered by Knowledge and Skills, Committed to Service, and Ready to Lead.”

Special thanks to Ms. Althea Jane T. Deserva of The Cenphilian - Hinobaan Campus for assisting in the photo documentation.

#CPSU #cpsuwhereinnovationsempowerthefuture