University News

1,209 graduates honored at 2025 Mid-year Commencement Exercises

John Gabriel Terciño, Paula Moralejo, Mary Ellen Faith Montemayor, News, PUP Campus Journalists

1,209 students at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) System witnessed the culmination of their academic journey when the 2025 Mid-Year Commencement Exercises was held at the University Oval on Thursday, March 20.

The commencement speaker, Gian Scottie Javelona, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of OrangeApps Inc. and Tanglaw ng Bayan awardee, shared an inspiring account of his college experiences, challenges, and professional journey.

“I won’t forget all those struggles [that I have encountered]. Because of them, naging matibay po ako pagdating sa tunay na buhay sa paglabas ko sa PUP,” he recounted.

(Because of them, I’ve become stronger in facing life after graduating from PUP.)

Javelona left the graduates with advice to reflect on, emphasizing that everything happens for a reason and encouraging them to appreciate the positive outcomes.

Growing with Sinta
As they stepped towards the stage to receive their diplomas, the graduates reflected on the obstacles they had overcome, the lessons they had learned, and the cherished memories that shaped their journey.

Among them was Marilyn Pablo, a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA) graduate whose studies began in 1985. She stated that her faith played a significant role in keeping her motivated despite being older than her batchmates.

“Napakahirap kasi, ang hirap ng buhay noong time na iyon dahil recession [noon] sa Pilipinas. But by God’s grace, nandito kami ngayon. Sabi ko noon ‘Lord I wanted to complete my degree.’ By God’s help, ito ako ngayon naka-toga na.” Pablo said.

(It was very difficult because life was hard at that time due to the recession in the Philippines. But by God’s grace, we are here now. I told Him back then, ‘Lord, I want to complete my degree.’ With God’s help, here I am now, wearing my toga.)

Beyond her perseverance, she emphasized that her time at PUP inspired her to give back to the community.

“After PUP, nakita ko na ’yong community is may needs, so, ’yong needs na iyon I tried to help. Ngayon nga sabi ko na hindi bilang accountant but as a volunteer. Ngayon nakarating ako sa araw na ito na I’m very confident and proud dahil tatak PUP. Masarap sa feeling na may Tatak PUP ang aking credentials,” she added.

(After PUP, I saw that the community had needs, so I tried to help address those needs. I told myself that I would do it not as an accountant but as a volunteer. Now, I’ve reached this day where I feel very confident and proud because I have PUP’s mark. It feels great to have PUP’s name on my credentials.)

The People’s University
PUP is widely recognized for shaping a diverse community of Filipino students, many of whom pursue their degrees not only for the institution’s quality education but also for various reasons as well.

Graduates from different campuses commended the University’s learning flexibility, offering suitable academic loads for working students. Dr. Cherry Red Lomibao, a Doctor in Education Management (DEM) graduate from the Open University System (OUS) noted that unlike any traditional institutions, it provides online classes and carefully constructed face to face sessions which helped her tremendously.

Furthermore, Lomibao drew inspiration from Javelona, who encouraged everyone to view their thesis not merely as a graduation requirement but as a tool for creating meaningful change in society.

“Katulad nga ng sinabi ng panel kanina, Hindi lang nagtatapos doon ang thesis, makikita mo talaga ang success niya kung makikita mong well-implemented siya sa mga schools, so ipagpapatuloy ko, gagawan ng action plan hindi lang sa school namin pati rin sa district sa Caloocan,” Dr. Lomibao uttered.

(As the panel mentioned earlier, the thesis does not end there. You will see its success if it is well-implemented in schools. So, I will continue working on it and create an action plan not only for our school, but also for our district in Caloocan.)

In closing, Dr. Roselle G. Teodosio, a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology from the PUP Graduate School, emphasized in her Thanksgiving speech the responsibility of PUP graduates to contribute to nation-building.

“There is a paramount need to respond and do our part however small for the betterment of community and relationships and above all, upholding truth, justice, and equality for all,” she said.

_{(Note: Grammar check assisted by AI.)}