By Karren Jay G. Asgar

The CPU Senior High School Department conferred a total of 1,024 graduates during the 7th Commencement Exercises held at the University Gymnasium.

On June 19–20, the CPU Senior High School Department celebrated its annual commencement exercises for Academic Year 2023–2024 at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. The SHS Honors and Awards 2024 was scheduled on the first day, followed by the SHS Dedication Service and SHS Commencement on the next day, respectively.

On the first day, the CPU SHS Excellence Awards 2024 recognized the academic and non-academic awardees of the said department. Senior High School students were given honor and recognition in the various categories, wherein they received a medal, ribbon, certificates, and cash incentives. Special awards were also highlighted in the said program, which are the following: the Edwin Laruan Memorial Award, the Outstanding SHS Peer Facilitator Award, the CPURAFLU-FFW Award, the President’s Incentive Award, the CPU Faculty Dependents for Academic Excellence Award, and the Southeast Asian Waste Hero Award.

Capturing the joy of reaching new heights. Congratulations, CPU-SHS batch 2024!

The CPU SHS Dedication Service was commemorated on July 20, at 8:00 in the morning. The ceremony began with a processional and was followed by the opening remarks of CPU President, Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy. Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of the University Church, anchored his inspirational messages to the graduates from “Virtues and Vices: Learning from the Builders of Babel,” as this year’s Dedication Service speaker. It was a heartfelt conversation about the core values, principles, and aspirations that define the CPU’s identity and commitment to nurturing a culture of academic excellence, integrity, and compassion.

The much-anticipated 7th Commencement Exercises of the Senior High School Department took place in the afternoon of the same day. Before the processional, a total of 1,024 graduates were acknowledged, of whom 97 graduated with high honors and 287 with honors. The program commenced with an invocation, followed by the singing of the national anthem. CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy set the tone for the afternoon with a heartfelt welcome address, emphasizing biblical passages from Psalm 37:4–5. “Today marks a significant milestone for you, our graduating students. I commend you for your fortitude in the face of several challenges, especially during the pandemic and even after the pandemic,” Dr. Dagohoy stated.

The program has been graced by the presence of Dr. Liberty P. Lego, Education Program Supervisor, Division of Iloilo City, School Division Office, Department of Education, as the 7th Commencement Exercises speaker. “Start writing your own stories and create your own path,” Dr. Lego said. During her speech, she imparted words of wisdom, encouragement, reflection, and the importance of seizing opportunities to the graduates.

One of the most highly anticipated moments of the ceremony is the conferring of diplomas. As each SHS graduate’s name is called, they walk across the stage to receive their diploma. The giving of diplomas was assisted by Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President; Engr. Dany C. Molina, Vice President for Administration; Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, Vice President for Student Affairs; Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President of Finance and Enterprise; and other CPU officials, respectively.

Commencement exercises serve as a testament to the CPU’s transformative power in education and the endless possibilities that lie ahead for each graduate. As SHS graduates embark on their respective journeys, they carry with them the invaluable lessons and cherished memories connected by the bonds of shared experiences through the Centralian spirit. Congratulations, CPU SHS batch 2023-2024!