By Mikee Natinga Norico

Atty. Nestle G. Taala, the guest speaker, receives her certificate of appreciation from CAS Dean Dr. Stella G. Fernandez (1st from right), CAS Governor Matthew Dave G. Nalangay (2nd from left), and Board Member John Lloyd T. Panizales (1st from left) during the PaghimaCAS-Greater Heights Recognition Program. Photo credit to CPU Province of Arts and Sciences Facebook page.

On February 7, 2025, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) soared to greater heights as it held the PaghimaCAS-Greater Heights: A Recognition Program for CASimanwas, an event dedicated to honoring the outstanding academic achievements of its students for the Academic Year 2023-2024.

Running from 12 PM to 4 PM, the program brought together over 500 students to celebrate their hard work and dedication. The recognition extended to Dean’s Listers, working students, and persons with disabilities (PWD) students, highlighting their resilience and commitment to academic excellence. Awardees received medals and certificates for both the first and second semesters, with the top 10 highest General Weighted Averages (GWAs) earning gold medals along with special tokens—a keychain and refrigerator magnets symbolizing their academic prowess.

Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, opened the event with warm remarks, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging student achievements. Following her speech, the audience welcomed guest speaker Atty. Nestle G. Taala, who delivered an inspiring message, reminding students that academic success is only one facet of a larger journey.

“To all of you, your journey as Dean’s Listers is not just about this moment—it’s about what comes next. Academic success is just one part of a bigger picture. Your goals may seem big and scary. Do it anyway. The road ahead will be unpredictable—some days will feel like you’re unstoppable, while others will make you question if you’re even making progress. But growth happens in the moments when you push through despite the fear. Every great achievement starts with a little bit of uncertainty. God will give you the strength and courage you need to fulfill your purpose,” Atty. Taala encouraged. She highlighted resilience as the true marker of success and cited Hebrews 11:1, urging students to pursue their goals despite uncertainty, as growth often emerges from overcoming fear.

College of Arts and Sciences dean’s listers proudly receive their medals and certificates, recognizing their outstanding academic achievements for the Academic Year 2023-2024. Photo credit to CPU Province of Arts and Sciences Facebook Page.

Following Atty. Taala’s speech, a special video message from Atty. Neigil E. Libo-on further emphasized the importance of perseverance. “What separates successful students from those who are less successful is their characteristic—their ability to step up and continue despite adversities,” he remarked. Atty. Libo-on encouraged students not to rest on their laurels but to strive for even greater achievements and become the best versions of themselves.

Adding to the excitement, the program surprised the audience with an inspiring message from renowned human rights lawyer Atty. Chel Diokno, encouraging the achievers to use their knowledge and success for the greater good.

The program concluded with closing remarks from Board Member John Lloyd Panizales, the current Minister for Academics, who commended the students for their hard work and resilience.

With medals gleaming and spirits lifted, the PaghimaCAS-Greater Heights program left students motivated to reach even greater heights in their academic journeys, carrying with them not just awards but also the invaluable lessons of grit, grace, and unwavering determination.