Brent Soriano, News, Communication Management Office
Four more clusters march as the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) held its Year-end Commencement Exercises on September 18–19, 2025 at the PUP Gymnasium, celebrating the achievements of graduates across various colleges and institutes.
On September 18, the ceremonies honored graduates from the College of Architecture, Design, and the Built Environment (CADBE) and the College of Engineering (CE) under Cluster 5. Cluster 6 followed, featuring graduates from the College of Tourism, Hospitality, and Transportation Management (CTHTM) and the Institute of Technology (ITech).
On September 19, attention shifted to Cluster 7, featuring graduates from the College of Political Science and Public Administration (CPSPA) and the College of Social Sciences and Development (CSSD). The ceremonies concluded with Cluster 8, which brought together graduates from the College of Human Kinetics (CHK) and the College of Education (COED).
Honoring Values and Service The ceremonies were marked by inspirational messages from distinguished guests, each emphasizing values that should guide the graduates in their next journeys.
Ronald Laurel, an advocate for green technologies and current private sector regent of the PUP Board of Regents, reminded the graduates of the importance of gratitude and family. He stressed that true PUPians must carry with them a strong work ethic, trainability, a humble mindset, and team-oriented values. Laurel also urged them to keep “a heart that serves everyone and the nation.”
Echoing the values of resilience, Dr. Lilibeth Aragon of Lyceum of the Philippines University highlighted the enduring strength of the PUP spirit. “We may come from different times, but we are bound by the same fighting spirit. The same stubborn hope, the same belief that no obstacle is too great when we carry with us the values of Sintang Paaralan,” she said.
This call to perseverance was complemented by Hon. Lord Arnel “LA” Ruanto, municipal mayor of Infanta, Quezon, who reminded graduates that blessings are meant to be shared. “Ang pagiging pinagpala ay hindi lamang para angkinin, higit sa lahat ito ay para ibahagi, tulad ng ilaw na nagbibigay-liwanag sa kapwa, sa kabataan, at sa buong bayan,” he remarked. (Being blessed is not only for one’s own claim, but more importantly, it is for sharing — like a light that gives brightness to others, to the youth, and to the whole community)
Laurel, Aragon, and Ruanto are all notable alumni of the Sintang Paaralan. Regent Laurel is a proud engineering graduate, while Dean Aragon comes from the tourism program and business administration graduate studies cohort of the University. Mayor Ruanto completed an Industrial and Organization Psychology degree from PUP.
Meanwhile, Sec. Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez, TESDA director-general, tied these values to education and nation-building. He emphasized that knowledge should not remain theoretical but must be applied in meaningful ways. “Knowledge should extend beyond the head, transform into action through the heart and hands, and be guided by passion in service of the people,” he said.
Lessons from the Valedictorians The valedictory addresses of outstanding graduates captured the spirit of determination, hope, and reflection that defined this year’s commencement exercises.
For Yi Man Eillen Chan, BS Electronics Engineering, success means embracing both triumphs and setbacks. In her speech, she introduced an acronym inspired by the word “engineer,” encouraging young professionals to live by it: “E stands for Embrace failure. N for Never settle. G for Good things take time. And R for Relax because even amid striving, we must remember to breathe.” Chan reminded her fellow graduates that setbacks are part of the journey and that perseverance, coupled with balance, is key to sustainable growth.
Jeryhk Danielle Dar Juan, BS Tourism Management, spoke about the courage needed to face uncertainties after graduation. “Behind fear is power and that power is within us,” he declared. He went on to encourage his peers to believe in their capacity to overcome, saying, “We have the power to rise and to journey.” His words called on graduates to see fear not as a hindrance but as a catalyst for empowerment and self-discovery.
Meanwhile, Neil Jayvee G. Del Rosario of BS Psychology delivered a sobering yet profound reminder on the true limits of resilience. “Resilience teaches us to adapt and to survive,” he reflected. “But resilience should not be mistaken as an endless expectation.” The message underscored the importance of balance, reminding graduates that while resilience is essential in overcoming life’s challenges, it should not come at the cost of one’s well-being. He cautioned that the pressure of constant endurance must be met with self-care and compassion, reminding them that resilience should not come at the cost of exhaustion.
Alliah Faulin Bondoc, a BS Physical Education graduate and UNIFAST Academic Excellence Awardee (given only to the graduating student who earned the highest GPA in the university), emphasized the enduring importance of physical education in the college curriculum. Bondoc shared that beyond physical fitness, “PE teaches us discipline, confidence, and teamwork.” Indeed, these are qualities that students carry into both their academic journey and future careers. She also expressed her hope that physical education will continue to be present in all schools, underscoring its role in shaping well-rounded individuals.
On Pursuing Advanced Studies Dr. Ethel Agnes Pascua-Valenzuela, Chair of the PUP Board of Regents and Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), graced the Commencement Exercises of the College of Human Kinetics (CHK) and the College of Education (COED). She led in recognizing the UNIFAST Academic Excellence Awardee and also delivered congratulatory remarks to the graduates.
In her address, she noted the value of lifelong learning, encouraging future educators and professionals to pursue advanced studies to remain relevant in a rapidly changing global landscape. “The world needs proactive thinkers. PUP graduates are truly proactive thinkers,” she affirmed, recognizing the university’s vital role in shaping graduates who are both competent and visionary. She further emphasized that knowledge knows no bounds, leaving graduates with both a challenge and an inspiration to continue expanding their horizons through higher learning.
PUP Affirms Commitment to SDGs The commencement speeches reflected how the Sintang Paaralan resonates with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Calls for gratitude, humility, and service highlighted the importance of peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16), while reminders of resilience and hope emphasized the value of quality education (SDG 4). On the other hand, messages on sharing blessings are aligned with building sustainable communities (SDG 11) and insights on practical knowledge and technical-vocational skills supported industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9). Altogether, the speeches affirmed that PUP’s mission is not only to produce graduates of competence and integrity but also to nurture nation-building individuals, who will potentially contribute to sustainable development.
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