By Mikee Natinga Norico
Batch Sanghaya, together with Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and their faculty, poses for a commemorative photo, united in purpose and values as they confidently step into their journey as future psychology practitioners.
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Bachelor of Science in Psychology Batch Sanghaya marked a significant milestone in their academic journey during the 6th Pinning and 4th Candle Lighting Ceremony held at the Rose Memorial Auditorium on December 1, 2025. Themed “Honor and Dignity: Upholding Values as the Hope of the Future,” the event celebrated the students’ dedication, achievements, and commitment to the ethical and compassionate practice of psychology.
The ceremony began with a solemn processional, followed by the invocation led by Luigienne T. Sangat, and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the CPU Alma Mater Hymn.
Assoc. Professor Bernadine Baliguat, Social Sciences Department Head, welcomed guests, faculty, parents, and students. She emphasized the significance of the pin as a symbol of the students’ hard work, integrity, and commitment to service. Prof. Baliguat encouraged the students to let the symbolic light remind them of their responsibility to touch hearts, understand minds, and create positive change in their communities.
Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, Dean of CAS, delivered an opening message highlighting the ceremony’s deep significance not only for the students but also for their families and the college community. She described the psychology students as the “torchbearers” of CAS’s century-long legacy, emphasizing values such as faith, character, justice, stewardship, and excellence. Dr. Fernandez reminded students to approach their upcoming internship with diligence, as it represents their first practical exposure to the profession.
Raphah G. Cortel, RPm, CHRA, inspires Batch Sanghaya with heartfelt wisdom, encouraging them to lead with integrity and uphold human dignity in their future roles.
“My dear students, this ceremony is deeply meaningful—not only for you, but also for your families and for the entire College of Arts and Sciences. As your dean, and also as a parent whose own daughter will be pinned today, my heart is filled with pride and gratitude as I watch you transition into a new chapter of learning and service,” she said.
“The pin you will receive symbolizes readiness and responsibility. It represents the knowledge you have gained here at CPU, the values you embody, and the trust that the College places upon you. As you enter real-world settings for your internship and OJT, you carry with you the core values displayed here in this hall: faith, character, justice, stewardship, and excellence. These values have shaped generations of CPU graduates,” she added.
The inspirational message was delivered by guest speaker Raphah G. Cortel, RPm, CHRA, Top 10 BLEPP 2017, who reflected on the true heart of psychology. She shared stories of her own journey as a CPU Psychology student, emphasizing that listening with respect and compassion can be more impactful than any test or intervention. Cortel highlighted the importance of honor, dignity, humility, and ethical leadership in a profession centered on service. She encouraged students to support one another, reminding them that “a candle does not lose its light by sharing it.” Her message concluded with a heartfelt rendition of “Lean on Me.”
“You are not just the hope of future psychology. You are the hope of a better Philippines. So, when faced with a choice between what is easy and what is honorable—choose honor. When tempted to see a client as a case—see their dignity. When your light flickers—borrow the light of others. As you wear your pin and lift your candle tonight, remember: You are entering a profession of service and ethical courage. In this season of my life, when strength feels uneven and the path feels uncertain, I am reminded—we were never meant to walk alone,” she said.
The highlight of the event was the Pinning Proper and Candle Lighting Ceremony, where students received their symbolic pins, signifying their academic achievements, ethical commitment, and readiness to serve with integrity and compassion. Following the pinning, the students held candles and recited the professional pledge, a solemn act representing their dedication to uphold human dignity, practice psychology with humility, and carry the light of knowledge and service into their communities. The combined symbolism of the pins and candlelight captured the essence of the ceremony—Batch Sanghaya stepping confidently into their professional journey as torchbearers of CPU’s values and legacy.
Kaizer Ver V. Alberto, batch representative, delivered a heartfelt message on behalf of the students, reflecting on their shared journey of growth, perseverance, and camaraderie throughout their years in the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program. He expressed gratitude for the guidance of their mentors, the support of their families, and the friendships that had shaped their experiences, while also sharing the batch’s collective aspirations to serve with integrity, compassion, and professionalism as they move forward in their internships and future careers.
The program concluded on a celebratory note with the singing of the batch song, the viewing of a commemorative video capturing memorable moments from their academic journey, and the closing remarks of Erla Grace L. Agutaya, MAPsy, RPsy, RPm, which inspired the students to continue upholding the values and legacy of CPU in their chosen field.
The 6th Pinning and 4th Candle Lighting Ceremony was a memorable celebration of achievement, service, and ethical responsibility. As Batch Sanghaya steps forward into their internships and future careers, they carry the light of CPU’s values and the promise to uphold honor and dignity in the field of psychology.