Jovi Mae Gabrentina, News, PUP Campus Journalists
For the third time since the onset of the pandemic, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines conferred academic degrees virtually last September 16. The event, which was divided into three ceremonies, hosted graduates from undergraduate programs from the main campus, its branches and satellite campuses, Diploma Courses, Open University System, and Graduate School.
Finding courage in life seasons and struggles Valedictorians from each of the three clusters represented the class of 2022, where they inspired their fellow graduates with stories of persistence, struggles, failures, and breakthroughs.
Carlo James Reyes, a Summa Cum Laude from the Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting, shared the principle that guided him when he entered Sintang Paaralan: “Everything happens for a reason.” He believes that this mantra has given him the courage and strength to try, venture, keep going and fight for where he is right now.
John Edison Recto of PUP-Taguig talked about the “remarkable things” that he has learned along his college journey, one of which is the realizations about the uncertainty of life.
“Life is full of choices, we have to open to the unexpected as life opens so many surprises. Expect the unexpected.”
Recto, a Summa Cum Laude of Bachelor of Education Major in English who represented the graduates from the branches and satellite campuses, also emphasized the idea of perfect timing. According to him, everyone has their own perfect season for everything, pointing out the importance of preparedness.
Dr. Michelle Lasundin, a graduate of Doctor in Business Administration also delivered a valedictory speech that focuses on her life experiences and the lessons she has learned.
Congressional leaders, DPWH USec are Tanglaw ng Bayan awardees Alongside the three-part graduation ceremony, the university also bestowed the Tanglaw ng Bayan Award to this year’s commencement speakers: Senate President (SP) Juan Miguel Zubiri, House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative, Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, and Maria Catalina Cabral, Undersecretary for Planning and Public-Private Partnership Services of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
In their keynote address, Zubiri, Romualdez and Cabral expressed their gratitude and appreciation towards the University for the award they have received. The Tanglaw ng Bayan Award is awarded to individuals in celebration of their achievements and in acknowledgement of their contribution to the development of the country and its people.
In his message, SP Zubiri commends the graduating students which he described as the “survivors of a grueling intellectual marathon” which has a “punishing 85% fail rate.” Zubiri recognized the contribution that PUP and its graduates have made to the community, especially during challenging times. He also highlighted the issues that the country is facing today, in particular the economic and societal impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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