A sea of maroon, orange, and gray academic hoods swept through Marcos Hall as 1,066 Cluster II graduates proudly marched during the second day of the University of Northern Philippines’ 61st Commencement Exercises on May 12, 2026, marking another powerful celebration of academic achievement and perseverance.
The candidates for graduation were formally presented by College of Architecture and Built Environment (CarBE) Dean Dr. Fatima Nicetas Rabang-Alonzo, College of Engineering (CoE) Dean Dr. Nelia Verzosa, and College of Technology (CTech) Dean Dr. Julius Moises Albalos, highlighting the collective achievements of the graduating class. The endorsement for conferment was then delivered by Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rolando Navarro, paving the way for one of the ceremony’s most anticipated moments.
With solemnity and honor, University President Dr. Erwin Cadorna officially conferred the graduates’ respective degrees, symbolizing the culmination of years of discipline, determination, and academic rigor. The moment marked not only the completion of their educational journey but also the beginning of a new chapter as future professionals prepared to bring their expertise and service to their respective industries and communities.
A total of 1,066 graduates under Cluster II proudly received their diplomas, certificates, technical credentials, and academic degrees during the commencement rites. The cluster was composed of 375 graduates from the College of Architecture and Built Environment, 202 from the College of Engineering, and 489 from the College of Technology, each stepping forward as newly equipped professionals ready to contribute their expertise to the fields of design, innovation, engineering, and technology.
Delivering the keynote address for the Cluster II graduation rites, Hon. Miguel Guerrero III, FUAP, APEC Architect, ASEAN Architect and Member of the Professional Regulatory Board of Architects, inspired the graduates with a message on resilience and perseverance amid life’s inevitable setbacks. Acknowledging the realities of hardship and imperfection, Guerrero reminded the graduates that failure should never be seen as the end, but rather as a challenge to overcome. “Life is not perfect—that’s the reality,” he said, urging the Class of 2026 to remain steadfast and resilient in the face of adversity as they navigate the demands of the real world.
Moments after the keynote speech concluded, the awarding of honors and diplomas formally began. The aisles quickly filled with graduates lined in anticipation, each awaiting the symbolic walk in the stage that marked the culmination of their academic journey. Amid resounding applause and proud smiles from families and mentors, the ceremony transformed into a stirring celebration of achievement, resilience, and triumph.
As the awarding rites concluded, John Adrielle Donato, Cum Laude of the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering major in Structural Engineering and Cluster II Valedictorian, took center stage to deliver his valedictory address that resonated deeply with graduates and guests alike. Reflecting on the challenges and uncertainties that marked their academic journey, Donato emphasized the power of courage in overcoming adversity, declaring, “Fear is such a scary thing. But what makes it even scarier is when we allow ourselves to be dictated by it.” His message emphasized the dangers of surrendering to fear and inspired the graduating class to move forward with resilience, confidence, and determination as they step into a new chapter of their lives.
The solemn ceremony continued with the pledge of loyalty led by Merie Cyril Mae Antonio, Cum Laude from the Bachelor of Science in Architecture, reaffirming the graduates’ commitment and gratitude to the University. This was followed by the Alumni Pledge administered by Hon. Nestor Pajaro, President of the UNP Federated Alumni Association, formally welcoming the graduates into the growing community of UNP alumni bound by shared pride and service.
The program went on a burst of fulfillment and victory with the recessional, signifying the end of the program.
Article by Nestor Quilop III.
