Celebration for the 18th Commencement Exercises begins on October 12

The 18th Commencement Exercises' Baccalaureate Service, Hooding Ceremony, and Recognition Program were held at the NVSU Gymnatorium on October 12, 2022.

The ceremonies began with the Baccalaureate Mass, which was officiated by Rev. Fr. Joker Moamar B. Gamatero.

After the mass was the graduates' tribute to parents, which started with an opening prayer and word from Ptr. Micah Ryan B. Ramel. In his message, he encouraged the students to ?go beyond memorizing the words from the University?s vision and mission and begin to live with those as you (graduates) dream more for the future.?

Mr. Jonathan G. Andaya, the salutatorian of the graduating class, officially opened the tribute with a message for all students and parents. As he reminisced relatable childhood memories spent with parents, he also echoed out the part of ?growing up? and the ?shifting of attention to other things?, often leading to forgetting parents? efforts. When the pandemic stripped the world from opportunities, some parents had to balance their tasks as providers and full-time parents. Despite these challenges, their sacrifices for the welfare of their families still remained as top priority. ?Thank you so much for raising us, for making us into who we are today, and for showering us with love and support all the way,? he added. Following his address, words of gratitude and presents were exchanged to express appreciation for their parents' love, support, and fulfillment of their parental duties.

Mr. Andaya?s sister-in-law, Ms. Rio Jean Andaya, relayed his mother?s message in response. ?Sapay la kuma ta maragpat mo amin nga arapaap mo. Madi ka kuma maawanan iti namnama, uray kasanu karigat iti biag. Laglagipem nga adtuy kami laeng likod mo nu adda iti problemam. Laglagipem met nga permi a kuyugan ta naiturpos mo ti naimbag a nakem. Dumteng tu ti aldaw nga kadagiti kayat mo nga magatang ket magatang mo. Dayta naiturpos mo nga adal ken naimbag nga nakem ket sandatam nu turungen iti pagsayaatam ken pagimbagam.? (I hope that you will reach all of your dreams. I also wish that you will never run out of hope, no matter how hard life gets. Always remember that we are here for you if you have any problems. Remember to always follow your good heart. Time will come where you will be able to get whatever you want. Your education and good heart are your gears in following your path to righteousness.)

As the second portion of the program closed, Dr. William D. Magday, Jr. asked the students to hold hands with their parents for the closing prayer.

The hooding ritual then started as the Philippine National Anthem and the Nueva Vizcaya March were sung under the direction of the CAS Choral.

In his motivational speech, University President Wilfredo A. Dumale, Jr., presented 12 lessons to live by, especially now that a new set of challenges will be faced, as the graduates enter the world after University life. In his message, he shared that ?The future is uncertain. There are many challenges ahead but look at these challenges as opportunities. There is no such thing as failure, only learnings. Let the world have you experience what must be experienced along the way.? He also advised the graduates that ?The most important virtue that you (graduates) can bring with you kahit saan kayo makarating is humility. Be humble. In every success that you will receive in the future, humbleness of the heart should always be there.?

The graduating class was then hooded and presented with their degrees, including those for Doctorate in Education, Doctorate in Philosophy in Science Education, Doctorate in Philosophy in Research Work, Master's Degree of Arts in Education (MAPEH), Master?s Degree in Education (Educational Administration and Language, Reading and Numeracy), Master's Degree in Teaching (English and Mathematics), Master's Degree in Public Administration, Master's Degree in Management, Master's Degree in Animal Science and Rural Development, Master's Degree in Agricultural Engineering, and Master's Degree in Forestry, and Master?s Degree in Home Technology.

The final part of the event was the Recognition Program as the University honors student achievers from different colleges for their academic achievements.

Additionally, recipients of special academic excellence awards from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) were also honored on stage.

Bayombong Campus Administrator, Dr. Cristina R. Salvosa, gave her closing remarks to wrap up the four-part program. In her message, she described the day as ?a day of thanksgiving,? and sent her congratulations and prayers to students as they reach for higher heights and a brighter future. She also hopes for the awardees to be an inspiration in helping the country. ?Maging mabuting modelo sa komunidad sa paggawa ng mabuti at maging lider ng ating komunidad para maging maayos ang bansa.? This event was later concluded by the singing of the NVSU Hymn.

The event was facilitated by Ms. Aira Leigh S. Rumbaua (Tribute to Parents), Dr. Bonimar T. Afalla, Dr. William D. Magday, Jr. (Hooding Ceremony), and Ms. Heniecy Ann B. Morts (Recognition Program).