Emotions Flow during the CLSU's 70th Annual Commencement Exercises

An overwhelming flow of emotion from the 1,816 graduates and parents or guardians was seen during the 70th Annual Commencement Exercises of Central Luzon State University (CLSU) last July 15, 2022, at the Dr. Pedro A. Abella Graduation Site. This was after Dr. Ronald L. Adamat, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and presiding chair of the CLSU Board of Regents, requested the graduates to take a 30-second moment of silence to reminisce their personal memories in CLSU. “No dreams are too big for dreamers who know nothing but to dream big. Like you, you dream big and you are here right now,” Commissioner Adamat said. Roughly 3,600 supportive parents and guardians were present at the graduation site and auditorium as they intently watched their sons and daughters receive their hard-earned diplomas on stage. In his commencement speech, Commissioner Adamat acknowledged the sacrifices of the parents and commended all the graduates for demonstrating excellence, flexibility, resilience, adaptability, creativity, and perseverance all the time amidst the limitation and challenges of the pandemic. “Today we are gathering to witness the realization of this one big dream we called graduation. This means you are ready to pursue bigger dreams out there in the world. You are now ready to pursue your dreams and foster resilience, in the face of adversities and challenges outside the four corners of your classroom,” he added. Mr. Cesar Dela Cruz from Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, is a proud parent of one of the members of the graduating class. He felt emotional while watching his daughter fulfill the graduation rites. “Masaya kami ngayon na makakagraduate na sya, nairaos na namin iyong apat na taon na pagsasakripisyo namin para sa kanya. Sobrang proud ako sa aming anak, iyon lang kasi ang tanging maipamamana ko sa anak ko – ang edukasyon.” Meanwhile, Ms. Joanna Aquin R. Hofileña, a magna cum laude graduate of BS Development Communication, felt ecstatic to finally see her classmates face-to-face after two years of having classes online. “It feels surreal, kasi during pandemic parang nawalan na ko ng pag-asa na maranasan ang physical na graduation; tapos ngayon here we are magkakasama ngayong graduation,” Ms. Hofileña said.   On the other hand, Mr. King Patrick L. Barlis, a BS Psychology graduate, expressed his gratitude to the University for valuing diversity and for allowing them to freely express their identity.    “Sobrang saya namin nung nalaman namin na pinayagan kami mag-decide ng susuotin na dress code based on our gender identity,” he added.   A cum laude graduate of BS Development Communication, Ms. Shaira Gem Lacson extended her gratitude to her parents for all the support and assistance they provided throughout her college life.  “Now, that I finally graduated, I will continue to persevere and strive harder for my dreams and for my family’s dreams,” she uttered.   Moreover, University President Edgar Orden, who joined the ceremony virtually, extended his congratulatory remarks to the graduates after he announced the conferment of their degrees. While teachers, friends, family members, and relatives of the graduates who did not get to watch the ceremony on-site gave their congratulatory messages in the live streaming via the CLSU Facebook page. This year’s annual graduation ceremony highlights the first batch of K-12 learners who successfully completed their respective undergraduate degree.