Fifteen doctorate and ninety-five master’s degree holders marched at Central Philippines State University (CPSU) Graduate School’s 2025 Commencement Exercises, representing three doctorate and eleven master’s programs, on October 30, 2025.

Clad in their black togas and caps, the graduands were joined by eighteen trainees of the Skills Intensification and Knowledge Advancement Training for Community Empowerment and Active Multi-Sectoral Integration (SIKAT-CAMI) program, who wore their sablay.

Presented by Graduate School Dean Prof. Riza Stephanie Alfaras, the graduands and trainees received their diplomas after official confirmation of program completion by University President Dr. Aladino C. Moraca.
Dr. Paulo C. Cabanero, Supervising Administrative Officer of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office VI, graced the event, shared his life story, imparted invaluable words of wisdom as commencement speaker, and emphasized the ideals of lifelong learning, leading with integrity and compassion, embracing challenges as opportunities, and staying grounded.

“The pursuit of higher learning teaches us humility—that no matter how much we know, there will always be more to discover. To our dear graduates, today you stand at the threshold of infinite possibilities. Graduate education is not only about mastering your field; it is about transforming knowledge into wisdom, and wisdom into action. … The Commission on Higher Education recognizes the university’s commitment to advancing Dekalidad na Edukasyon—fostering innovation and empowering learners to create positive change in their respective fields,” said Dr. Cabanero.

Present at the event were Sipalay City Sangguniang Panlalawigan Hon. Angelica Alvarez representing Negros Occidental Sixth District Representative Hon. Congresswoman Mercedes “Cheding” K. Alvarez, Victorias City Vice Mayor Hon. Francis Frederick D. Palanca, SIKAT-CAMI’s Dr. Evangeline Alo, and Diocese of Kabankalan Bishop Most Reverend Louie P. Galbines (who led the Class of 2025’s Baccalaureate Mass).

Hon. Angelica Alvarez remarked, “It is truly an honor to be part of such a meaningful milestone in your journey. To our graduates, congratulations. I hope your time here at CPSU has been more than just about lessons and lectures. I hope it has taught you how to think critically, act with compassion, and decide with integrity, because true education goes beyond books. It shapes who we are and how we choose to live our lives.”

CPSU underscored its commitment to exceeding local, national, and international standards, as exemplified by the conferment of CHED-issued Certificates of Program Compliance to its undergraduate and graduate programs.

Dr. Grenny I. Jungco, Vice President for Academic Affairs, added, “This commencement ceremony stands as a powerful reminder that learning never truly ends—that every degree earned is not a finish line, but a gateway to new beginnings and greater responsibilities. To our graduates and completers, we honor your determination, sacrifices, and passion for excellence. You have endured the rigors of graduate studies, balancing research, work, and personal commitments, all while striving to uphold the ideals of scholarly integrity and professional competence.”

Esteemed members of the CPSU Board of Regents also attended, including BOR Vice Chairman Hon. Moraca, Faculty Regent Hon. Demer G. Paglomutan, Alumni Regent Hon. Fernando D. Abello, Student Regent Hon. Melvin Dela Cruz, and Board Secretary V Ma’am Nelly N. Cabual.

The university’s academic personnel, who played crucial roles in the professional school learning experiences of the graduands, also marched and joined them in celebrating the culmination of their diligence and efforts for professional advancement.