NVSU celebrates first batch of 21st Commencement; 1,149 graduates honored with DBM Secretary Pangandaman as Guest Speaker

Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) celebrated the first of two batches of its 21st Commencement Exercises on July 1 at the NVSU Bayombong Gymnasium, honoring 1,149 graduates from four colleges of the Bambang Campus and two colleges of the Bayombong Campus., July 1.

The graduates represented various colleges, including 238 from the College of Industrial Technology, 177 from the College of Arts and Sciences, 276 from the College of Teacher Education, 157 from the College of Engineering, 228 from the College of Business Education, and 73 from the College of Veterinary Medicine.

In his message, University President Dr. Wilfredo A. Dumale Jr. extended his congratulations to the graduates and proudly shared some of the university’s remarkable achievements over the past three years.

“Kami ay nakikigalak sa inyong lahat sa malaking tagumpay sa inyong pagtatapos. Kasama ko ang lahat ng mga empleyado ng Pamantasan, kami ay buong pusong nagsisikap upang lalong tumaas ang antas ng kalidad ng edukasyon sa Nueva Vizcaya State University,” he remarked.

Dr. Dumale also presented data reflecting the university's improved accomplishments—made possible through the collective effort of stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and students.

He emphasized NVSU’s rising presence in global and national rankings, citing milestones such as its inclusion in World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), UI GreenMetric, Times Higher Education (THE), and the conferment of the Philippine Quality Award, a national recognition for excellence in organizational performance.

Serving as Guest of Honor and Commencement Speaker was Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah "Mina" F. Pangandaman, who delivered her inspirational message through a video.

Her address centered on the themes of resilience, compassion, and leadership, urging the graduates to live out the values instilled in them by the university.

In her message, Secretary Pangandaman reminded the graduates of the importance of strength and compassion.

“Hindi lang kayo tinuruan para maging magaling kundi para maging matatag at may malasakit sa kapwa.Isapuso at isabuhay niyo ang lahat ng natutunan ninyo rito,” she shared.

She also reassured them that setbacks in life do not define the end of their journey.

“Not everything that gets interrupted must end. Some dreams may be delayed but they’re never forgotten, especially when we hold on to them in our hearts, she stated.

In conclusion, she called on the graduates to be a source of hope and inspiration, saying, “Be the light in dark spaces. Be the hope in uncertain times, and be the reason someone else dares to dream.”

Secretary Pangandaman was represented during the ceremony by DBM Region II Regional Director Cherry W. Bravo and Assistant Regional Director Jose Pamittan.

A unique highlight of this batch’s commencement was the inclusion of Hon. Atty. Timothy Joseph Cayton, Congressman of the Lone District of Nueva Vizcaya, among the graduates.

He received the degree Doctor of Philosophy, major in Organization Development and Planning, marking a personal milestone alongside his constituents.

Furthermore, Mr. Hans C. Bangyad, magna cum laude and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science graduate, delivered the valedictory address on behalf of the graduating class. With sincerity and depth, he spoke not only of academic achievement but also of the unseen sacrifices and collective perseverance that made the milestone possible.

“Today we celebrate not just the graduates but the people who kept us going. 'Yong mga kapatid na hindi muna nag-aral para ikaw muna ang unahin. 'Yong mga magulang na nagtanim, nagsaka, nagbuhat, nagbenta at kung ano pang hanapbuhay para lang may pambayad at panggastos,” Bangyad shared.