Cluster V graduates marched with pride in the University of Northern Philippines grounds today, May 15, as they made their way to Marcos Hall for the university’s 61st Commencement Exercises, celebrating the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice.
The ceremony commenced with the hooding of the cluster’s 815 graduates, a symbolic rite marking their transition from students to professionals. Moments later, pride and celebration filled the air as the graduates marched in a grand processional with their families, followed by the university’s teaching and non-teaching personnel, executive officials, and members of the Board of Regents.
Following the grand processional, the deans of the participating colleges formally presented the graduating candidates, each accounting for the achievements and academic triumphs of their respective institutions. Leading the presentation were Dr. Cid Javier of the College of Public Administration, Dr. Sina Bestre of the College of Criminal Justice Education, Dr. Ashley Paulino Martinez of the College of Fine Arts and Design, Prof. Melody Gacita of the College of Social Work, and Dr. Blessie Cabanting of the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
The graduates were then officially endorsed by Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rolando Navarro before being formally confirmed as graduates by University President Dr. Erwin Cadorna, marking a defining moment in the students’ academic journey and their transition into the professional world.
The ceremony came with the commencement address delivered by PCOL Marlo Castillo, Chief of the Commissioned Officer Placement and Promotion Division under the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management. Addressing the graduates with a message grounded in resilience and determination, Castillo reminded them that the path beyond the university walls would not always be certain or easy.
“Life will not always provide instructions. There will be moments when the only thing guiding you forward is your courage and your willingness to keep trying,” he said, urging the graduates to embrace uncertainty with strength and perseverance. He emphasized that true growth is often forged in moments of doubt, where success depends not on guarantees but on the courage to move forward despite challenges and the determination to rise after every setback.
The program carried on with the awarding of honors, recognizing graduates whose academic excellence and dedication distinguished them among their peers. This was followed by the presentation of a plaque of appreciation to Dir. Marina Garcia of the Civil Service Commission–Ilocos Sur Field Office for her meaningful contribution to the ceremony. Bringing the commencement exercises to an emotional close was the distribution of diplomas, as doctorate, master’s, and bachelor’s degree recipients from the university’s various colleges stepped forward to receive the symbol of their years of sacrifice, resilience, and triumph.
Among the sea of graduates in Cluster V stood Kia Francoise Corpuz, Magna Cum Laude of the Bachelor of Science in Social Work and the cluster’s valedictorian, who delivered a stirring address that challenged her fellow graduates to define success beyond academic distinctions.
In her speech, Corpuz called on the Class of 2026 to become a generation remembered not merely for achievements and titles, but for lives rooted in integrity, compassion, and service to humanity. “And when history looks back on this generation of UNP graduates, Class of 2026, may we be remembered, not only for titles, but for lives that upheld dignity, defended truth, and served humanity,” she declared, drawing applause from the audience.
She emphasized that while the ceremony marked the triumph of years of perseverance and sacrifice, the true measure of success would be reflected in how the graduates carry the values of the University of Northern Philippines beyond the halls of the institution. “May we leave this hall accountable, carrying the name of our alma mater UNP, not only in words, but in the way we live,” Corpuz added, leaving graduates inspired as they prepared to embark on the next chapter of their journeys.
Corpuz’s speech was followed by the recitation of the Pledge of Loyalty led by Ilyana Fernando, Magna Cum Laude of the Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management; then the induction of graduates to the UNP Federated Alumni Association led by its President Hon. Nestor Pajaro.
Article by Nestor Quilop III
