By Mikee Natinga Norico
CPU administrators, faculty members, staff, and graduating Bachelor of Science in Social Work students gather for a commemorative group photo following the 6th Social Work Pinning Ceremony held at the Rose Memorial Auditorium
On July 3, 2026, the Junior Social Workers Association of the Philippines (JSWAP)–Central Philippine University (CPU) Chapter held its 6th Social Work Pinning Ceremony at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, formally recognizing 104 graduating Bachelor of Science in Social Work students as they prepared to begin their field instruction.
With the theme, “Sending Forth: From Learning to Lifelong Service, Grounded in Professional Values, Driven by Purpose,” the ceremony highlighted the students’ readiness to translate classroom learning into compassionate and meaningful community service.
The program opened with the processional, the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the CPU Alma Mater Song, followed by the opening prayer led by Kisha Leaban.
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, welcomed the students, faculty members, parents, and guests to the 6th Pinning Ceremony, describing the occasion as a celebration of the students’ academic journey and commitment to the social work profession. She emphasized that the pin symbolizes not only the students’ readiness to enter the field but also their commitment to serving individuals, families, and communities with competence, compassion, and respect for human dignity. She concluded by reminding the students of the biblical call in Galatians 5:13 to “serve one another humbly in love” as they begin their professional journey.
“As future social workers, you are called to become advocates for the vulnerable, champions of human rights, and instruments of hope and transformation in society. I encourage each one of you to carry with pride the core values that Central Philippine University has instilled in you: faith, character, justice, stewardship, and excellence. Let these values continue to guide your decisions and your service to others,” Dr. Fernandez said.
Delivering the inspirational message, Dr. Hazel S. Cometa-Lamberte reminded the students that the pin they received symbolizes not the end of their journey but the beginning of their preparation to become professional social workers. She encouraged them to embrace field instruction with critical thinking, creativity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to service. Emphasizing the importance of reflection and purposeful work, Dr. Cometa-Lamberte urged the future social workers to let their knowledge be guided by compassion, express their faith through service, and allow their experiences to shape them into professionals dedicated to empowering others.
Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, delivers her welcome remarks during the 6th Social Work Pinning Ceremony, emphasizing the significance of the pin as a symbol of the students’ commitment to serving individuals, families, and communities with competence, compassion, and respect for human dignity.
“Each of you will receive a pin. It may be small, but it carries great significance. This pin is not simply a reward for achieving your dreams as students; rather, it is a reminder that this is only the beginning. It does not mean that you are already social workers—it means that you are ready to become one. As future social workers, you will need minds that think critically, hearts that care deeply, and hands that are always ready to serve,” she emphasized.
“May your knowledge always be guided by compassion, your faith always be expressed through service, and may you always remember that the greatest lesson of field instruction is not simply learning how to become social workers but discovering the kind of people you choose to become,” she added.
The highlight of the program was the pinning ceremony, where the BS Social Work students, accompanied by their parents and guardians, received their pins as symbols of their dedication to the profession. This was followed by the unity candle lighting and oath-taking led by Rhoma Khannel M. Felicio, JSWAP Vice President for Internal Affairs, signifying solidarity and commitment to the values of social work.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Nina Felice B. Sumanghid, JSWAP Vice President for External Affairs, reflected on the challenges and growth they experienced throughout their academic journey. She shared that studying social work tested not only their intellect but also their hearts and values. She also described the pins as symbols of their readiness to enter the field, commitment to the profession’s values, and willingness to continue learning from the people and communities they will serve.
“All the sleepless nights, deadlines, and moments of uncertainty have brought us to this very moment. The pins we receive today are more than ceremonial emblems; they symbolize our readiness to step into the field, our commitment to the values of our profession, and our willingness to continue learning from the people and communities we will serve,” she said.
The program concluded with the closing remarks delivered by Ellysha Nichole A. Querubin, JSWAP President, followed by the closing prayer led by Joanne Louise Hugo.
The 6th Social Work Pinning Ceremony served as a significant milestone for CPU’s Social Work students, affirming their preparedness to undertake field instruction and reinforcing the University’s commitment to producing competent, compassionate, and service-oriented professionals dedicated to promoting social justice and the welfare of communities.