Graphics by Uriel Astorga

Concluding the 104th Commencement Exercises of Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) – Main Campua, graduates from the School of Architecture and Allied Disciplines (SAAD) and the School of Engineering (SOE) completed their academic journey during the afternoon session of the ceremonyheld at the Tacloban City Convention Center, Friday, June 26.

The ceremony recognized the graduates’ academic accomplishments as they officially concluded their undergraduate studies.

In his message, commencement speaker Hon. Desiderio Apag III, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Chairman-Designate of the EVSU Board of Regents, reminded the graduates that success is measured not only by academic achievements but also by the values they uphold throughout life.

“Your degree may open the first door, but your character determines whether more doors will open to you. Your diploma may earn you an interview, but your reputation will determine whether people continue to recommend you,” said Apag.

He also encouraged the graduates to live with honesty, humility, and courage while keeping their faith strong.

“As you leave this university, I hope you will carry these three choices—choose honesty, choose humility, choose courage—with you every day. And whenever life becomes uncertain, never forget to pray. Prayer is not a sign of weakness. It is a reminder that we were never meant to carry life’s burdens alone,” he added.

University President Dr. Dennis de Paz. confirmed the graduation afterwhich the formal presentation of candidates of Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Dr. Benedicto Militante Jr.

The program also recognized outstanding Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) scholars, who were honored by DOST Regional Director Dr. John Glenn Ocaña for their academic excellence.

In an interview, Janine Roselle Toledo, a Cum Laude graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSArch), reflected on completing the demanding five-year program.

“Of course, after all those years, five years, especially in architecture, there were a lot of setbacks, deadlines, pressures, and expectations. And now that I’ve graduated, it all feels worth it. I’m very grateful and blessed and overwhelmed,” Toledo said.

Meanwhile, her mother, Virginia Toledo, expressed her pride as she witnessed her daughter’s achievement.

“I’m very proud because she already graduated from her course. I’m very happy to see Janine graduate in Architecture. I’m very proud of her. She earned a lot of honors, especially Cum Laude. So I’m very happy for her,” she said.

Following the awarding of diplomas, the graduates took their pledge of loyalty and oath of membership to the Federation of Alumni Associations of Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU-FAA), officially welcoming them into the university’s alumni community.

The commencement exercises concluded with the graduates performing their graduation song before taking part in the recessional march, formally bringing the university’s two-day 104th Commencement Exercises to a close.

Article by Sarah Lorica