By Cyrus A. Natividad
The University Senior High School Graduates during their 5th Commencement Exercises.
The Central Philippine University Senior High School held its 5th Commencement Exercises on July 15, 2022, Friday, 3PM at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. It was attended by University Officials led by CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles; Chairperson, CPU Board of Trustees, Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa; CPU Alumni Association President Dr. Florentino P. Alerta II and Commencement Speaker, Hon. Jo Jan Paul J. Peñol, CPU Alumnus and SB Member, Municipality of Pavia. Also present were Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, VP for Administration and Finance Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, and University Registrar, Ms. Charissa June G. Deocampo.
The Processional included the Entrance of Colors by CPU ROTC, guests, graduating students and faculty. The Invocation was led by Rev. Franz Hestia Lovejoy Q. Leysa, Pastor for Youth and Family Ministries, University Church. It was followed by the National Anthem.
Dr. Robles welcomed everyone and acknowledged the Guest Speaker, the Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees, the CPUAAI President, the faculty and staff of the University Senior High School, parents, and graduating students. He encouraged the graduates to continue to strive for excellence despite the challenges of the situation. Dr. Pedregosa, in behalf of the BOT, delivered his message of congratulations to the graduates with his challenges and admiration to the graduates.
Prof. Ma. Lindy B. Saquibal, Faculty, University SHS introduced the Guest Speaker. The Number 1 SB Member from Pavia, Iloilo, Hon. JP Peñol, Commencement Speaker, introduced himself as an alumnus of CPU, and thanked his Alma Mater for preparing him for the numerous leadership opportunities and honors – up to the national level. For the two years of difficult situation in education, he congratulated the victorious “Covid Class of 2022”, as he calls them. He imparted brilliant ideas and challenges to the SHS Graduates.
While still a 2nd Year College in 2010, the 19-year old JP Peñol was elected and acknowledged as the youngest municipal official in the whole Philippines by the late Secretary of the Interior Jesse Robredo. In the recent local elections, Peñol was backed up by his town mates who put him as the number 1 Councilor in the Municipality of Pavia.
Dr. Rene T. Estomo, Acting Principal, University Senior High School, presented the graduates. Dr. Robles was assisted by the University Vice Presidents, the SHS Principal, the Registrar and the Assistant Registrar in the Confirmation of the University SHS Graduates and Awarding of Diplomas: For Batch 1- Mr. Mark Casaquite (Faculty, University SHS); Batch 2 – Mr. Henry B. Caspe (Faculty, University SHS); Batch 3 – Mr. Jason P. David (Faculty, University SHS); and Batch 4-Mrs. Erna Mae R. Salazar –Tabujara (Faculty University SHS). In between the batches, Intermission Numbers were rendered by Ms. Marjorie Rice, Joesef Vincent P.Tarroja and Mr. Ian Clark L .Tamonan who are all faculty members of the University SHS.
The response from a Graduate was delivered by Yvonne A. Lin, Class Valedictorian. A Graduation Song “Liwanag sa Dilum” was rendered by the Graduates of Class 2022. Pastor Neva Gracel L. Fabila, Associate Pastor for Campus Ministry led the Prayer of Dedication for the Graduates.
CPUAAI President Dr. Florentino P. Alerta II inducted the Graduates to the CPU Alumni Association. The singing of the Alma Mater Song was followed by a Benediction by Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church. The Exit of Colors was followed by a Recessional.
The University SHS also held a Dedication Service in the morning at the University Church. The speaker was Rev. Roger T. Quimpo, Outreach Pastor, University Church.