By Mikee Natinga Norico

CPU COED students gather for a group photo with their inspirational speaker, Mr. Knuehlvirn C. Hautea (sitting in front, 7th from R), Teacher III of Iloilo National High School, together with faculty and staff after the successful 3rd Pinning and Candlelighting Ceremony.

On September 4, 2025, Central Philippine University’s College of Education (COED) proudly held the 3rd Pinning and Candle Lighting Ceremony for Batch Hiraya at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. The event, themed “Illuminating Paths, Igniting Dreams, Shaping Tomorrow; The Passion for Education Lives On,” marked a significant milestone for soon-to-be teachers as they publicly affirmed their commitment to the teaching profession.

The ceremony commenced with a solemn processional, followed by the entrance of colors by the ROTC cadets, the National Anthem, and the Alma Mater Song, setting a dignified tone for the event. The Praise and Worship Team then lifted spirits with a heartfelt musical performance, inspiring the graduates to embrace their calling.

In her Words of Honor, Dr. Merle L. Junsay, Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized the importance of this cherished tradition as a symbol of commitment, dedication, and passion for teaching. She encouraged the graduates to be advocates of positive change, uphold integrity, and inspire future students with love, compassion, and knowledge. Dr. Junsay also recognized the invaluable support of parents and faculty, congratulating the graduates for their achievements and highlighting the significant impact they are poised to make in education.

Students of CPU College of Education solemnly light their candles during the 3rd Pinning and Candlelighting Ceremony, symbolizing their commitment to illuminate paths and inspire future generations through education.

“As you receive your pins, you are not only being recognized for completing a phase of your training—you are embracing the responsibility to inspire, to nurture, and to shape the future through education. The lighting of the candles represents the light of knowledge and hope that you will carry into every classroom you enter and every child you encounter. I encourage you to be active advocates of positive change in your classrooms and wherever life takes you. Stand for what is true, noble, and ideal. Be teachers of integrity, commitment, and dedication to your profession,” Dr. Junsay said.

Pastor Neva Grace Fabila, Associate Pastor for Campus Ministry, delivered the devotional message, reflecting on Matthew 5:14-16. She reminded the graduates that teachers are the “light of the world,” emphasizing that even small acts of guidance can profoundly impact students’ lives. Pastor Fabila encouraged the graduates to embrace their identity as bearers of light, stressing that their ultimate purpose is to enlighten minds, shape the next generation, and glorify God through their work. She also led the benediction for the interns, followed by a musical performance by the Praise and Worship Team.

“As you receive your pins, assume your identity not only as teachers but as bearers of light. The teaching profession is like light: you are here to enlighten minds that are still in darkness. You bear illumination for a world that is often ignorant and unaware. The more darkness there is, the greater the need for teachers to switch the light on, helping the world see and find its way,” Pastor Fabila said.

Students of CPU College of Education take their oath led by Kynth Nathaniel Tambuson, 4th year BSEd-Science student and Province of Education Student Council Governor, affirming their dedication to the teaching profession.

The ceremony also featured an inspirational message from Mr. Knuehlvirn C. Hautea, Teacher III of Iloilo National High School, who shared a powerful reflection using the letters of the word “PIN” to illustrate values essential for teachers: Perseverance, Inspiration, and Nurturing. Drawing from his personal experience as a person with deafblindness, Mr. Hautea encouraged the graduates to persevere through challenges, inspire their students, and nurture them academically, morally, and spiritually.

“This pin you are about to receive, represents the journey that has brought you here. You are here today because of what you have done in the past. And who you will be in the future depends on what you will choose to do from this day onward,” he said.

A special recognition was given to both speakers, with certificates and tokens of appreciation presented to Pastor Fabila and Mr. Hautea.

The highlight of the event was the pinning ceremony, where students from various programs—including Bachelor of Elementary Education, Bachelor of Special Needs Education, Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Physical Education, and Bachelor of Secondary Education with majors in English, Math, Science, and Filipino—received their pins, symbolizing their entry into the teaching profession. Kynth Nathaniel Tambuson, 4th year BSEd-Science student and Province of Education Student Council Governor, led the pledge of oath and the lighting of the mother candle, signifying the unity and shared mission of the graduates to serve as beacons of light in education.

The program concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Joel Durban, COED Faculty member, leaving the students inspired and ready to illuminate paths, ignite dreams, and shape the future.

The 3rd Pinning and Candle Lighting Ceremony of CPU College of Education not only celebrated academic achievement but also reaffirmed the students’ dedication to the noble profession of teaching, empowering them to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their future students.