By Cyrus A. Natividad
A class posed with their teacher on their graduation day.
The 93rd CPU Elementary School Graduation Ceremony for SY 2021-2022 was held on July 26, 2022 on a virtual platform via the CPU TV Channel Facebook Page.
The Ceremony started with the Entrance of Colours with the CPU-JHS Boy Scouts Marshalls followed by the graduating pupils with their parents and guardians, faculty and staff.
Pastor Alfred C. Morales, Student Recruitment Officer, led the Invocation which was followed by the National Anthem led by Yasmeine Marguerite F. Limbungan, Grade 5 Excel pupil.
Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, CPU President, delivered his opening remarks. He acknowledged the Guest Speaker, the Parents, the Elementary Faculty and Staff headed by its Principal Prof. Janet P. Jaco, and the Graduating Students of the CPU Elementary School.
He was delighted to see the parents who did their best to have their children graduate in CPU Elementary School; a school that has a Christ-centered education that helps develop Christian character. He shared a verse from Psalms 127:3 which says, “Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”
Prof. Jaco introduced the Guest Speaker Atty. Lorena Pearl Roseluz Gellada-Tubongbanua, President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Iloilo Chapter, and an alumnus of the CPU Elementary School Batch ’89. Expressing her love and gratitude for the education she earned in CPU — from Kindergarten to High School, she considers herself a True Blue Centralian.
She encouraged the graduates to “have trust in God.” Recalling the experiences brought by Covid-19, she said that “We have to overcome the challenges and remind ourselves of God’s love and mercy”. She added that, “The future is not bleak. There will always be the proverbial ‘Light at the end of the tunnel’. With faith in God, we shall overcome.”
Before ending her speech, Tubongbanwa quoted a beautiful verse from a poem by the famous poet Robert Frost:
“The woods are lovely, dark, and deep
But I have promises to keep.
And miles to go before I sleep.”
Dr. Robles conferred upon the Graduates their Certificates, with Miss Charisa June G. Deocampo, University Registrar, Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, VP for Academic Affairs, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, VP for Finance and Administration and Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, VP for Student Affairs. Also assisting in the Distribution of Certificates were Mrs. Melani S, Valencia (Adviser, Grade 6-Excel), Mrs. Mary Ann L. Saladar (Adviser, Grade 6-Faith), Miss Rosalia I. Espiritu (Adviser-Grade 6 Hope), Mr. Ryan S. Dadivas (Adviser, Grade 6-Joy) and Mr. Carlo M. Pausa (Adviser, Grade 6-Love).
The Graduates with High Honors: Matthew Jared A. Fermalan and Sunn Gyann May S. Alog delivered theirs Words of Gratitude. Surprise Special Incentive Awards were given to the Top Basic Education graduates, courtesy of Dr. Carmen P. Santos, H.D., honoris causa, and who is a member of the CPU Board of Trustees, and a CPU Basic Education Consultant. In behalf of Dr. Santos, Dr. Bogacia and Prof. Jaco distributed the Ampao (traditional red envelope containing the incentive).
Miss Carmelle Frances M. Romero, Administrative Officer, Office of the President (CPUES Alumna Batch 1995) administered the Elementary Alumni Pledge. The 2022 Graduates rendered their Graduation Song “Journey of Faith”.
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on Director, Office of Communications led a Prayer for the Graduates. It was followed by the closing remarks of Vice President Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio.
The singing of the Alma Mater Song “Central, My Central”, was followed with a benediction by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor University Church. The Program ended with the recessional of Administration Officials, Faculty, Staff and Graduates with Parents and Guardians.
The program was hosted by Mrs. Mae Ann B. Puertollano, Lady Dean of the Program.