By Gemza Mae D. Magdaug

Delivered during the 98th Commencement Ceremonies of the University Colleges at the University Gymnasium on May 31, 2026

Gemza Mae D. Magdaug, Summa Cum Laude graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy program, delivers the response on behalf of the graduates during the 98th Commencement Ceremonies of the University Colleges at the University Gymnasium.

To our distinguished University President, Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy; our esteemed commencement speaker, CHED Regional Director Dr. Raul F. Muyong; our dedicated university vice presidents; respected members and the Board of Trustees of the CPU Corporation; President of the CPU Alumni Association, Dr. Anita Umali-Illenberger, Rev. Dr. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian; the esteemed deans, department chairpersons, faculty and staff, honored guests; proud and supportive families; valued friends; and most especially, my fellow graduates of Batch 2026, a pleasant and joyous evening to everyone.

I was once just a first-year student who feared and doubted whether I could pass the retention policy and qualifying exams of the Accountancy Department. Now, it feels surreal to stand in front of thousands to speak on behalf of the Class of 2026… I am beyond honored and humbled.

This moment is not mine alone. It belongs to all of us, students who endured sleepless nights and countless doses of caffeine just to reach this point. It also belongs to those who carried silent battles, even when the world demanded more than what we could give.

But beyond our individual stories, this moment reflects something greater than ourselves.

In a time when education in the Philippines continues to face challenges: from limited resources to rising costs, and the ongoing issues within policy-making spaces, our journey becomes a reminder of why learning must never lose its place in our society. Every graduate carries a responsibility beyond personal success: to help ensure that education remains accessible, meaningful, and capable of opening doors for others. Because perseverance is not only an individual act, but a shared responsibility we owe to the next generation.

Perhaps this is what gives our education here in Central its deeper purpose. As graduates, we are not only equipped to build careers, but to help shape the future. Central taught us to live the balance between Scientia and Fides, where knowledge sharpens the mind and faith steadies the heart. Within Central, we were formed through its core values of faith, character, justice, stewardship, and excellence. These values challenge us to lead with principle, to lift others as we move forward, and to create opportunities where there are none. More importantly, they remind us that education remains one of the most powerful forces for renewing and rebuilding our nation amid political tensions and changing times.

And as we step beyond the walls of this institution, may we carry the Centralian Spirit not only in memory, but in action and in heart. So that wherever we go, we leave the world better than we found it.

Looking back, my journey in Central was never mine alone. I owe it to the people who stood by me, those who believed in me, cheered me on, and carried me through the highs and lows of my college years. They were the ones who kept my fire burning when I felt like slowing down. They were the ones who reminded me why I started in the first place.

Now, please allow me to express my gratitude to those people.

Above all, I give thanks to the Almighty God, whose guidance sustained me throughout this journey. It was His strength that carried me when mine was not enough, and it was His grace that became the quiet wind that kept the fire within me burning, steady, enduring, and never fully extinguished.

To Central Philippine University and its administrators, thank you for honing a place where we can grow holistically. Personally, I thank you for granting me the opportunity to become one of your academic scholars. You helped ease our financial burden and allowed me to pursue my dreams with hope and gratitude.

To our professors and mentors, thank you for being the fire that forged and refined us. Your passion ignited the discipline, resilience, and purpose we will carry as we step beyond the walls of Central.

To my Mama, thank you for everything. I would not be here if not for your sacrifices. You never made me feel the weight of our struggles, always saying, “Sige lang, go lang, pangitaan ta lang paagi.” And for that, my successes are also yours, and your love and strength kept my fire alive.

To my Culasi friends, Trixie, JJ, Nikko, Enya, Zaira, Sami, and the rest of Zengers, thank you for being the spark that reminded me that life exists beyond pressure and deadlines.

To my Accountancy friends, Ella, Iah, Faith, Chloe, Emmerson, and my fellow JPIA officers, thank you for making this journey bearable. On the hardest days, you were the warm light that kept me going.

To my special person and study buddy, Darex Ryan, thank you for believing in me even when I doubted myself. You were the steady flame that never went out, even when mine flickered.

If there is one truth I will carry beyond this moment, it is this: what keeps us going are not only our dreams, but the people who stand beside us through every season. And I stand here today because my fire was never mine alone to keep.

Our fire is something that is meant to be shared, passed on, and kindled within others. As we move forward, may we carry the same support and kindness we once received and become the kind of light that helps others find their way. So that someday, in someone else’s quiet struggle, we can be the reason they find the strength to begin, continue, and believe.

Per aspera ad astra, cum scientia et fides. Through hardships to the stars, with knowledge and faith.

Congratulations, Batch 2026! Thank you and to God be all the glory!