By Keziah G. Huelar
Prof. Edgar A. Eriman, Director, University Senior High School with the graduates.
An ode to our graduates—The Central Philippine University Senior High School held its 2nd Commencement Exercises at the Rose Memorial Auditorium on April 12, 2019.
The invocation was led by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church. It was then followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem with Mr. Gabrielle Fran C. Domingo, Grade 12, NMPLR-2, conducting.
For the words of welcome, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles thanked the parents and guardians for partnering with the University for the senior high school education of their children: “We are thankful that your parents have partnered with Central Philippine University for your senior high school education. This is the end of the third phase of your life as a student and by the next school year, you will be ready to proceed to another four or more years of college.”
Commencement exercises are reminders of God’s favor and promotion.
Dr. Robles goes on to highlight the importance of the graduates’ trust in the university, their parents’ support, and most importantly, their faith in God in their success: “We are thankful that you are here because you believe in Central Philippine University and your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ has sustained you all these years through the many challenges you have encountered, and with great success, you have [finished] the two years of your [senior high school] life. We are also thankful that your parents and family members are always supportive of what you are doing. We know that they will continue to support you as you march to the next phase of your life.”
Ms. Karmida Paz D. Narciso, faculty, SHS, introduced guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Jerson B. Narciso, General Secretary, Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches.
Rev. Dr. Narciso, in his message entitled “Be All God has Created You to Be,” talked about the importance of knowing one’s purpose in the Lord: “In our journey, it is important for us to know and remember who we are, who we are becoming, why we are here, and where we are headed to. These questions are necessary because they remind us of what is most important and they keep us focused on our deepest goals.”
According to Rev. Dr. Narciso, to be all God has created one to be, one must, first, know oneself. To succeed in life, there is a need for a sense of self-understanding and purpose. Second, one must know that the journey requires, on his/her part, a clear and God-centered vision. And lastly, to be successful in the journey, one needs to learn how to walk harmoniously with significant others: “As you go forward from here, may you be assured that the Lord of the journey is always with you. Perhaps, at times you might be overwhelmed by the trials and difficulties of life. But faith in God can help you look at life positively and give you hope and joy in the midst of challenges.”
After the message, Prof. Edgar A. Eriman, Director, University Senior High School, presented the graduates. Dr. Robles led the confirmation of the graduates and the awarding of diplomas. He was assisted by Prof. Eriman; Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs; Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, CPU Vice President for Student Affairs; and Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, CPU Vice President for Finance and Administration.
Danniella Grace M. Payo, with high honors, gave the response on behalf of the graduates. In her message, she especially honored her parents, the parents of the graduates, and the faculty and staff of the University Senior High School for their sacrifices to get the graduates to another milestone in their lives. She likened their time through senior high school to riding on a bus, with friends, family, and teachers who lend color and wisdom to their journey. At the end of her message, she challenged her fellow graduates to think about who should be driving the bus. She acknowledged that for her, it is the Lord Almighty.
Following the response was the prayer of dedication for the graduates led by Rev. Gico. CPUAAI President, Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena then led the induction of the graduates to the CPUAAI community.
Ending the ceremony, Mr. Domingo led the singing of the Alma Mater Song. After which, Rev. Roger T. Quimpo, Associate Pastor for Outreach, University Church gave the benediction.