By Karren Jay G. Asgar

Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, CPU President, warmly welcomes the graduates during the Investiture of Hoods and Commencement Exercises held on June 4, 2025, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.

Celebrating the culmination of dedication and perseverance – On June 4, 2025, the CPU School of Graduate Studies conducted its Investiture of Hoods and Commencement Exercises, conferring a total of 253 graduates at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.

The event commenced with a parade of colors, followed by the processional. An invocation was conducted, followed by the singing of the Philippine National anthem. In his words of welcome, CPU President Rev. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, DMin, congratulated the graduates on their academic achievements, especially those who have reached the pinnacle of their academic journey.

The highlight of the ceremony was the commencement address delivered by Legal Education Board Commissioner Salex E. Alibogha, who previously served as Dean of the CPU College of Nursing. Commissioner Alibogha shared insightful messages drawn from his experience in public service and higher education, inspiring the graduates to lead lives of purpose, integrity, and excellence.

“We can make a lasting legacy and make an impact not only in our lives, our families, but also the communities, our Alma Mater, and our community. It is not only money that counts but relationship and goodwill to the people around,” shared Commissioner Alibogha, urging the graduates to live purposefully and contribute meaningfully to the community around them.

Legal Education Board Commissioner Salex E. Alibogha, delivers the Commencement Address during the Investiture of Hoods and Commencement Exercises, inspiring graduates to lead lives of purpose, integrity, and service beyond success.

In his speech, he emphasized that true success goes beyond financial achievement. He encouraged the graduates to cultivate strong relationships and uphold values that strengthen their ties with others. He noted that life’s most rewarding moments often come after overcoming obstacles and that the ability to grow through challenges is a mark of real progress.

“Life affords no higher pleasure than that of surmounting difficulties, passing from one step to another. Your event today is a testament of your ability to go from one step to another. I enjoy reading all about the lives of great men. One consistent fact that I noticed is that even if they encountered failures and difficulties in life, they still press on,” he remarked.

Afterward, a musical interlude was performed by Ms. Rusieljs Lunasco, a CPU alumna. This was followed by the presentation of graduates, led by Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on, Dean of the CPU School of Graduate Studies.

The conferral of graduates and investiture of hoods then followed. The rites were led by CPU President Rev. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, assisted by Dr. Lorna T. Grande, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies; Dr. Elmer Pedregosa, Secretary of the Board of Trustees; and Program Heads under the CPU School of Graduate Studies.

“For the response on behalf of the graduates, Dr. Jeffrey C. Leysa, a Doctor of Management graduate from the First Semester of AY 2024–2025, delivered his inspiring speech. In his message, he recalled his challenges and triumphs throughout his academic journey. He expressed gratitude to the faculty, research advisers, panel members, and the CPU–School of Graduate Studies (CPU–SGS) for their guidance and mentorship, as well as to their families and the Centralian community for their unwavering support and encouragement.

“Today marks the culmination of our years of our efforts, dedication, and perseverance in our pursuit for advanced higher learnings. Our desire for excellence was our biggest strive to continue, to learn more, and to never give up.” he said.

He also remarked on each graduate’s specific journey and unique experiences in their pursuit of excellence.

“Despite these challenges, we never gave up our dreams in our desire to earn our advanced education. It is this dream that pushed us to never give up, and now, we are here celebrating our triumph and the success that we longed for,” he added.

Another musical number was performed by Mr. James G. Lunasco, a CPU alumnus.  Rev. Lovejoy Quimpo-Leysa, Associate Pastor for the Youth, then led the commissioning, followed by an alumni pledge administered by Brig. Gen. Ezra James Palomero Enriquez (Ret.), Vice President of CPU Alumni Association, Inc.

Beyond the ceremony, the CPU Graduate Studies Investiture of Hoods and Commencement Exercises marks the beginning of a new phase in graduates’ lives. Armed with knowledge, skills, and the Central Spirit forged through shared experiences, they will embark on another chapter of their journeys that will shape the future of their respective fields.