By Mikee Natinga Norico
Dr. Raul F. Muyong delivers the commencement address during the 98th Commencement Exercises at the CPU University Gymnasium, inspiring 1,764 graduates with a message of perseverance and hope.
Central Philippine University (CPU) culminated its 98th Commencement Exercises with a heartfelt celebration of faith, achievement, and hope during the College Baccalaureate Service and Commencement Ceremony of the University Colleges held on May 31, 2026, at the University Gymnasium.
The day opened with the College Baccalaureate Service, a moment of spiritual reflection and thanksgiving. Pastor Louvel Edson Caspe, Associate Pastor for Outreach, led the invocation, followed by a warm welcome from CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, who honored the journey of the graduates and their families.
Rev. Kyle Witmer, Area Director for Southeast Asia and Japan of the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society–International Ministries, delivered an inspiring baccalaureate message drawn from Matthew 5, reflecting on the call to a life shaped by purpose, humility, and true identity. He spoke about humanity’s pursuit of establishing a place, securing a future, and making one’s name known—in other words, building a human empire. He reminded graduates, however, that humanity’s ambitions are not always aligned with God’s plan. While the world encourages people to build their own kingdoms, God calls them to be part of His Kingdom through humility, service, and faith. Before careers begin, before success is measured, and before recognition is given, he emphasized a deeper truth: they are already enough in God’s eyes. He assured graduates that God will continue the work He has begun in their lives.
The graduating Class of 2026 gathers at CPU University Gymnasium during the College Baccalaureate Service, marking a moment of reflection, gratitude, and thanksgiving.
A stewardship response was delivered by Kairos Rye A. Jalando-on, Bachelor of Arts in Communication graduate, cum laude, and Alton Bigelow Memorial Alma Mater Awardee (CPU’s highest award). He shared a testimony of God’s faithfulness, reflecting on a journey shaped by grace, family legacy, and the transformative work of Christ. From a story that began long before his birth to years of searching and wrestling with faith, he stood as a living witness to God’s sustaining love and redemption.
Anchored in the truth of Scientia et Fides, Jalando-on called fellow Centralians to live lives rooted in faith, character, service, and purpose, reminding them that all achievements find meaning only in Christ. As graduates step into a new chapter, he urged them to keep the faith, live out the Christian ideal, and proclaim through their lives: “Yet not I, but through Christ in me.”
“Faith is the core value that anchors everything at Central, along with character, justice, excellence, and stewardship. Our motto, Scientia et Fides, reminds us that knowledge and faith must walk together. I realized I could never truly live out the other values without first grounding myself in faith. For without faith, nothing else stands,” he said.
In the afternoon, University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy formally opened the 98th Commencement Exercises. In his welcome message, he expressed gratitude to university personnel who worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth conduct of the ceremony despite the sudden change of venue due to inclement weather. Emphasizing CPU’s core values of faith, character, justice, and stewardship, he reminded graduates to carry the Centralian spirit wherever they go, serve as agents of positive change, and honor God in all they do, trusting in His guidance and plans for their future.
“Our dear graduating students, as you leave the halls of your alma mater, may you carry with you a holistic kind of education—one that has both fed your mind and transformed your heart. I urge you to represent Central Philippine University in the best possible way. Bear the mark of being a true-blooded Centralian in word and in deed. #TapatSaBayanDahilCentralian. Embody Centralian values wherever you go. Be the change-makers and world-changers God has ordained you to be. But do not forget to lean on Him, and more importantly, to honor and glorify Him in everything,” Rev. Dr. Dagohoy said.
Dr. Raul F. Muyong, Director VI of the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office VI, delivered the commencement address, sharing his personal struggles of taking on various jobs to complete his college education. He described the occasion as a celebration of the graduates’ resilience and courage in overcoming tremendous challenges, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic and the transition to flexible learning. He emphasized how students adjusted, adapted, and remained committed to their goals despite unprecedented difficulties.
He also reminded the graduates that they did not reach this milestone alone, as their journey was shaped by people who supported, encouraged, and comforted them. He urged them to carry forward the lessons of perseverance and gratitude as they move into the next chapter of their lives.
“I am living proof that being poor is not the end of the world—that poverty is never a hindrance to success. As long as you have determination, perseverance, hard work, and ambition in life, you can succeed. Be a blessing. Lift people. Encourage those who are struggling. Use your voice for good. Leave every place better than you found it. The true measure of a meaningful life is not how much we gain, but how much we give,” Muyong stated.
The ceremony’s highlight was the conferral of diplomas upon 1,764 graduates, with 317 receiving Latin honors: 9 Summa Cum Laude, 80 Magna Cum Laude, and 228 Cum Laude.
Representing the graduating Class of 2026, Gemza Mae D. Magdaug, a Summa Cum Laude graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy program, delivered the graduates’ response. In her message, she honored the collective struggles of students who endured sleepless nights, silent battles, and financial and academic pressures. She emphasized that graduation was not only a personal milestone but also a shared testament to perseverance and purpose.
Magdaug underscored the deeper calling of education in nation-building, urging graduates to carry the Centralian values of faith, character, justice, stewardship, and excellence beyond the University. She encouraged them to become lights that uplift others and to serve with purpose.
“To Central Philippine University and its administrators, thank you for fostering 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,” Magdaug said.
The ceremony drew to a meaningful close with the Pledge of the Alumni led by Dr. Anita Umali-Illenberger, President of the CPU Alumni Association, Inc., officially welcoming the members of the Class of 2026 into the global community of Centralian alumni and encouraging them to uphold the University’s ideals throughout their personal and professional lives. Graduates, faculty, alumni, and guests then joined in singing the CPU Alma Mater Song, a cherished tradition symbolizing pride, gratitude, and lifelong connection to the University.
The 98th Commencement Exercises reaffirmed Central Philippine University’s commitment to nurturing graduates who are academically competent, spiritually grounded, and socially responsible. As the Class of 2026 embarks on a new chapter, the university community celebrates their achievements while sending them forth as agents of service, faith, and transformation in society.
Congratulations to the CPU Graduates of Batch 2025–2026!