University News

1,143 graduates march for Midyear Commencement, celebrating student perseverance

Brent Soriano, News, Communication Management Office

The Sintang Paaralan held its 2026 Mid-Year Commencement Exercises, highlighted by inspiring testimonies from graduates, parents, and even the commencement speaker, who shared reflections on their journey and the challenges. 1,143 graduates from the whole university system marched in the half-day ceremony at the University Gymnasium in the Mabini Campus.

A fitting tribute to Women’s Month, Presiding Judge Dinah Maximo-Uy served as commencement speaker, who exemplified the spirit of a true public servant in the judiciary. In her message, she recounted how her education at the university became a turning point in her life, particularly during a time when financial hardship was an everyday challenge.

“Sulit na sulit ang dose pesos per unit na tuition fee. Ngayon, zero tuition fee or minimal na lang ang tuition fee. Maraming salamat, Sintang Paaralan, dahil isa ako sa mga kabataang salat sa yaman. Ako ay tinanggap mo at hinubog, at aking napagtagumpayan. Dahil sa’yo, naging magaan ang aming pag-aaral,” she said, drawing warm applause from the graduates, families, and university officials. (The twelve pesos per unit tuition fee was really worth it. Now, tuition fee is either free or only minimal. Thank you so much, Sintang Paaralan because I am one of the young people who come from poor families. You accepted me and helped shape me, and I was able to succeed. Because of you, our studies became easier.)

Her testimony reflected the university’s enduring commitment to inclusive and equitable quality education, in line with SDG 4: Quality Education, which seeks to ensure lifelong learning opportunities for all—an effort that PUP has championed even prior to the 2017 enactment of R.A. No. 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. This law further supports SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by enabling students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue higher education without financial barriers.

Among the graduates, Regina Velasco expressed her excitement over finally reaching a milestone she described as a once-in-a-lifetime moment. “Excited ako dahil once in a lifetime ito na nangyari,” she said. (I’m excited because this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.) “I offer this first to our Lord Jesus Christ; second, to my family, who are always there for me to support and guide me,” she added.

Another graduate, Jose Louise Severo, shared an encouraging message to fellow students who may be facing doubts and difficulties in their academic journey. “To those students na pinanghihinaan ng loob, isipin niyo lang ang mga pangarap niyo. Kapag may ganoong bagay kasi, kapag wala kayong pangarap, hindi magiging matuwid ang dadaanan niyo,” he said. (To those students who are feeling discouraged, just think about your dreams. If you have no dreams at all, you may end up losing your way and not choosing the right path.)

“Ituloy niyo lang ’yan. Dugo’t pawis talaga ’yan at paghihirapan.” (Just keep going. It truly takes blood, sweat, and hardship.)

His message reflected the values of perseverance and personal growth contributing to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, as education remains a vital foundation for meaningful employment and national development.

Parents also shared in the celebration, reflecting on years of sacrifice and perseverance. Tatay Armando, the father of one of the graduates, expressed his gratitude to God for guiding his son through the challenges of college life. “Stay humble. Always pray. Tama na tahakin mo ang pangarap mo sa buhay,” he advised his son. (Stay humble. Always pray. It is right you pursue your dreams in life.)

Dr. Lowell Guillen Alfonso, who delivered his valedictory address, reminded the graduates that “this diploma does not certify perfection—it certifies persistence. It tells the story of choosing to try again when it was inconvenient, when it seemed pointless, and even when no one was watching.” It reflects the countless moments when students faced challenges, embraced failure as a lesson, and listened to feedback not as a wound but as a guide. In short, this diploma represents not just what they have achieved but who they have become.

This momentous event emphasized the PUP’s continuing role in nation-building and social mobility, reinforcing its support for the UN SDGs by empowering students through accessible, inclusive, and transformative education.