By Cyrus A. Natividad

Judge Lunel Gabayoyo, Doctor of Management graduate delivers her response.

On October 2, 2020, Central Philippine University held a virtual Commencement Exercises for the graduates of Masteral and Doctoral Studies. At the start of the virtual program, Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, expressed her congratulations to the graduates and parents. She reiterated that despite the limitation brought by the pandemic, CPU made it possible that they will be given full honors and acknowledgments. The virtual Commencement Exercises premiered at the CPUTV Facebook page and Youtube channel.

The program started with an opening prayer led by Myla Naria Conejar, Doctor of Education graduate of 2020. The Pambansang Awit, which was played by the CPU Symphonic Band, followed.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas extended his warmest congratulations to the postgraduate Batch of 2020. In his speech, the Mayor reminded the graduates that “You are not defined by titles, honors, recognitions or achievements earned, but will be defined by your character as an individual.”

School of Graduate Studies Dean Dr. Rowena Libo-on gave the opening remarks during the ceremony.

Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona, Chairman of the CPU Board of Trustees, followed with his message to the graduates. He acknowledged that “The pandemic caused by Covid-19 has not prevented us in giving you the honor and recognition.” Bedona, who is a Master of Laws degree holder, acknowledged the graduates in their decision to avail of the Exemplary Christian Education for Life given by CPU. He extended his warmest and sincerest congratulations on behalf of the Board of Trustees of Central Philippine University.

CPUAAI President Atty. Joshua C. Alim conducted the pledge of allegiance with the Graduates.

In his message, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, University President said, “This pandemic has drastically affected our lives. Resilience and Perseverance became our strength because it is from the Lord.” Dr. Robles shared a verse from Jeremiah 17: 7-8 which says: “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat comes, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” He honored the graduates and their mentors and wished for Scientia et Fides to guide them as they bring about change in the community.

Before the conferment of degrees on the graduates, Mrs. Hermely A. Jalando-on, a Doctor of Management student, rendered a spiritual song entitled, “Find Us Faithful”. Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on presented this year’s candidates for graduation to Dr. Robles. There were 24 students who graduated from their masteral courses, and 2 students from their doctoral courses.

A Message from the Graduates was delivered by Judge Lunel Gabayoyo, a Doctor of Management graduate. Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church delivered the Prayer for the Graduates. Atty Joshua C. Alim, CPU Alumni Association President, conducted the pledge of allegiance with the picture of graduates swearing-in. The singing of the Alma Mater song, Central My Central, concluded the virtual ceremony.