University News

First Four Clusters Mark Start of PUP 2025 Year-End Commencement Exercises

Gicel Roger Salvilla, News, Communication Management Office

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) opened its 2025 Year-End Commencement Exercises on September 16–17 at the PUP Gymnasium, Sta. Mesa, Manila, celebrating the achievements of its first four graduation clusters (CAF, CBA, CAL, COC, CCIS, and CS).

The ceremonies were graced by four distinguished alumni—Maryknoll B. Zamora, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zynergy Financial Consultancy Services; Atty. Romulo B. Macalintal, eminent election lawyer and elderly rights advocate; Johnson Manabat, senior reporter at ABS-CBN News; and Dr. Joseph Michael D. Nepomuceno, Chief Executive Officer of West Metro Medical Center—who returned to their alma mater to honor the new graduates.

“Dalhin ninyo ang tatak ng PUP—matatag, may malasakit, at handang magsilbi” said Zamora, urging the graduates to see their roots as a source of strength. (“Carry with you the mark of PUP—resilient, compassionate, and ready to serve,” she said.)

Macalintal, conferred the degree Doctor in Public Administration, Honoris Causa, reminded students that “ the diploma that you will receive is the product of years of hard work that not only you have invested, but also by the people who also want to see you learn and succeed and you should never fail them.”

Resilience, Service, and Mental Health
Across the ceremonies, speeches emphasized perseverance, mental well-being, and service to the nation. Manabat encouraged graduates to embrace failure as part of growth: “Hindi po iyan ang magde-define sa kung sino, at sa kung anong klaseng tao tayo… mas maganda kung papaano tayo tumatayo sa bawat pagkakataon na tayo ay nadadapa.” (“That is not what will define who we are or the kind of person we become… what matters more is how we rise every time we stumble,” he said.)

One of the most heartfelt moments came from valedictorian Dan Icon Henrique R. Aguirre (AB Filipinology, Summa Cum Laude), who spoke about living with bipolar disorder while navigating his student journey. “Maaaring tawagin itong person with disability, pero para sa akin, isa akong person with these abilities,” he shared (“Some may call it being a person with a disability, but for me, I am a person with these abilities”). He encouraged his fellow graduates to find strength in community: “Ngayon, gusto kong sabihin na hindi kayo nag-iisa—magkakasama tayo,” he said (“Today, I want to tell you that you are not alone—we are in this together”).

Valedictorian Alizza Ashley N. Castro (BSBA Financial Management, Summa Cum Laude) urged her fellow graduates to embrace the road ahead with confidence: “This chapter may be ending, but our bigger story is just beginning,” she said.

From the sciences, Jorge A. Torres IV (BS Biology, Summa Cum Laude) reminded his classmates of the greater purpose of learning: “Huwag nating kalilimutan na ang tunay na layunin ng ating kaalaman ay hindi lamang para sa kapwa eksperto kundi para sa mas nakararaming Pilipino” (“Let us not forget that the true purpose of our knowledge is not only for fellow experts but for the greater number of Filipinos”).

As an ending message, Commencement Speaker, Dr. Nepomuceno challenged the graduates to take up the call of servant leadership: “Para sa magsisipagtapos, kung saang sulok ng Pilipinas man kayo makarating, nawa’y patuloy na mag-alab ang pusong PUPian. Pinanday tayo para dito, at maglingkod sa pamilya, at sa bayan!” (“To all the graduates, wherever you may find yourselves in the Philippines, may the PUPian heart continue to burn brightly. We were forged for this — to serve our families and our nation!”)

Voices for Integrity and Social Responsibility
The celebrations were not only about personal milestones but also civic engagement. Towards the end of the CAL and COC program, a brief protest by some graduates called for transparency and accountability in public service. University officials affirmed PUP’s stand against corruption and commended students for speaking up as “iskolar ng bayan”, noting that responsible dissent is part of the democratic tradition the University upholds.

Ahead of the week-long commencement rites, the PUP leadership released a calling for transparent governance and enjoining graduates to be guardians of public integrity.

Remembering a Fallen Classmate
Maria Bernadeth Clemente, a 22-year-old BS Office Administration student, passed away on July 12 after a courageous battle with a chronic autoimmune disease. During the commencement rites, her mother, Leila Clemente, and brother, Jose Clemente, walked across the stage holding her graduation photo — a poignant gesture symbolizing her enduring presence and the fulfillment of her dream.

In an emotional moment, Mrs. Clemente shared how her daughter — known for her brilliance, warmth, and determination — continued to study and prepare for graduation even while confined at San Lazaro Hospital. “Yung una, nahihirapan ako talaga mag-attend,” she said (“At first, it was very hard for me to attend”). “Pero ito talaga ang pangarap niya at sobrang proud ako sa kanya,” she added (“But I know this was truly her dream, and I am so proud of her”).

She also expressed gratitude to Maria’s professors, classmates, and the University for their compassion and support in granting her daughter’s wish to graduate. Maria Bernadeth’s story stands as an inspiring reminder to the PUP community of resilience, hope, and the power of pursuing one’s dreams despite life’s challenges.

A Milestone Aligned with Global Goals
From the stirring speeches to moving tributes, the opening of the 2025 Year-End Commencement underscored PUP’s mission to develop competent, ethical, and service-oriented professionals. The event also advanced the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)—showing how education and social responsibility intertwine to shape future nation builders.