By Rusieljs G. Lunasco
Alma Mater Awardee and Bachelor of Theology graduate Onesiforo Berina Jr., during his speech at virtual commencement ceremony.
Central Philippine University made history as it aired its Virtual College Commencement Exercises on Thursday, May 28, 2020.
The ceremony marked the official conferral of degrees to 727 students.
“As much as we wanted to push through, we could not rest the health of our faculty members, staff, students, and their respective families. Hence today, in observance of physical distancing, we are gathered not in the big field but in front of our computers and phones to witness and honor the sacrifices and accomplishments of the Class of 2020,” CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles said in his words of welcome.
Dr. Robles also talked about the power of hope in uncertain times and encouraged the students that better days are ahead.
Alton Bigelow/Alma Mater Awardee and Magna Cum laude graduate Onesiforo B. Berina Jr., echoed the same sentiments.
BS Pharma graduate Kirstel Joy Moreno also watched her online graduation at home with her mother.
“Definitely, it is heartbreaking, but if we continued to dwell in the thought on how devastating the conclusion to our college life is, because of the absence of a physical graduation rite, one that we have been dreaming of, we would surely miss the chance of appreciating the truth that this pandemic does not have the power to take away the memories we made together, our goals, our aspirations and the essence of living.”
An inspirational message was given by the Senior Pastor of the University Church, Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian.
BSIT Graduate Mizpah Rotas tuned in to watch the virtual commencement at Weston Hall.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, CPU Alumnus and Warner Music Philippines Artist Ethan Loukas gave a bittersweet rendition of “This is Not Goodbye”.
As of writing, more than 80,000 viewers tuned in to watch the commencement ceremony.
CPU is the first university in Western Visayas to air its Virtual Graduation.
Here is the link to the virtual graduation so that you may watch again — click here