The University of Northern Philippines – College of Teacher Education (UNP – CTE) held its annual Pinning and Candle-lighting for Pre-Service Teachers Ceremony at the UNP Gymnasium on January 10, 2025.

The event, themed, “Teaching with Light: A Pathway to Lifelong Learning,” involved 303 pre-service teachers ready to begin their internships.

Keynote speaker, Dr. Christian A. Giron, UNP alumnus and school principal of Puro National High School, inspired the students with his teaching journey and encouraged them to uphold the values of education.

“Embrace the calling with courage, passion, and a heartful purpose. Be the teacher who not only teaches but transforms,” he urged.

At the end of the ceremony, the pre-service teachers sang their batch song titled “Rise.”

The pinning ceremony serves as a rite of passage and symbolize students’ transition from students to professionals.

Article by Merneth Ugas & Joana Cabanit, Photos by Joel Tipon.