By Roselle Mitch G. Anas
CPU CAS Psychology Batch Sidhaya poses for a photo in front of Rose Memorial Auditorium during its 7th Pinning and 5th Candle Lighting Ceremony on October 26, 2026.
With the theme “Illuminating the Path Toward Excellence Through Compassion,” the Bachelor of Science in Psychology under the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) held its 7th Pinning and 5th Candle Lighting Ceremony at the Rose Memorial Auditorium on October 26, 2026.
The ceremony began with a processional, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and Alma Mater Hymn, led by the CPU Excel Chorale.
University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy delivered the welcome remarks, followed by the opening message from the Head of the Social Sciences Department, Dr. Bernadine T. Baliguat.
“As you take this important step, may you always remember that Psychology is more than a profession, it is a calling. To listen with empathy, understand without judgement, and serve with compassion,” Baliguat emphasized.
Guest speaker, Rama Lo R. Amedo, RPsy, RPm., delivered the inspirational message, encouraging the 136 student interns to pursue excellence through compassion and choose humanity in their future practice.
“From this point forward, the knowledge you have accumulated inside the classroom will eventually have to meet something much more complicated. Real people with real stories, real pain, real strengths, and real lives,” Amedo said.
Anchored on the theme, Amedo shared her definition of excellence, “Excellence is doing ordinary responsibilities extraordinarily well because you understand that they matter to someone.”
She further reminded the students, “Be curious before you become certain, let your competence be your confidence, and never lose the person behind the case.”
The highlight of the ceremony was the pinning and candle lighting proper, during which students received their pins to mark this milestone in their academic journey and lit their candles as symbols of their commitment to the profession. The students recited the professional pledge, led by the Program Coordinator and Faculty, Asst. Prof. Pauline Marie D. Wong, and Asst. Prof. Erla Grace Agutaya.
The ceremony continued with Batch Sidhaya’s rendition of its batch song, followed by video presentations from each block.
Janet Anne Margaret Galve, CPU Psychological Society President and batch representative, delivered a message of gratitude, acknowledging the people who had become part of her journey. She reminded her fellow psychology students that wherever they go, their conduct and how they fulfill their responsibilities will reflect the institution that helped shape them. She also encouraged them to strive for excellence without losing compassion.
“Congratulations, Batch Sidhaya. Now we are ready to take the next step. May we continue to grow, learn, and serve with our heart. To remain open to understanding. To love Psychology is to learn and understand the depths of humanity. Mabuhay ang sikolohiyang malaya at mapagpalaya,” Galve concluded.
The program ended with the viewing of a same-day-edit video, followed by closing remarks from Asst. Prof. Wong.