Pride and jubilation echoed through the Marcos Hall on May 13, 2026 as Cluster III graduates marched in solemn procession for Day 3 of the University of Northern Philippines’ 61st Commencement Exercises, celebrating years of hard work, sacrifice, and academic triumph.
The ceremony formally opened with the hooding of 998 graduates facilitated by Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rolando Navarro, a poignant rite marking the culmination of years of perseverance and academic pursuit. Joined by their families in a proud and emotional processional, the graduates filled the venue with an atmosphere of triumph and celebration.
Representing a broad spectrum of academic disciplines, Cluster III gathered 998 graduates from three colleges in the university. Leading the presentation were OIC Dean Atty. Versalie Limos for the 24 graduates of the College of Law, Dean Dr. Erwin Tolbe for the 881 graduates of the College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA), and Dean Dr. Dolores Bersamina for the 93 graduates of the College of Open and Distance Education.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rolando Navarro formally delivered the endorsement for conferment, ushering in one of the most significant highlights of the commencement rites. University President Dr. Erwin Cadorna officially conferred the graduates’ respective degrees, recognizing the years of perseverance, sacrifice, and academic excellence that brought them to the milestone.
Serving as the commencement speaker for the Cluster III graduation rites, Dr. Cherrie Melanie Ancheta-Diego, Commission on Higher Education Regional Director, delivered a compelling address that celebrated the graduates’ transformation and challenged them to embrace the lifelong pursuit of learning. She described the occasion as “a celebration of the blossoming of the new you,” emphasizing that graduation marks not only the culmination of academic years but also the emergence of individuals equipped with deeper purpose, resilience, and ambition. Stressing the greater significance of education beyond the classroom, she reminded the graduates that “the essence of higher education is about lifelong journey,” encouraging them to carry the wisdom, discipline, and experiences they gained from the university into their careers, communities, and personal lives as they navigate the demands of the future.
The awarding of honors, certificates, and diplomas followed shortly after as graduating students filled the aisles in long queues to receive the culmination of their academic journeys. The solemn yet triumphant moment marked not only the conferment of academic distinctions and credentials but also the recognition of years of perseverance, sacrifice, and dedication.
Capping the ceremony was the valedictory address delivered by Erl Zigfried Nalundasan, Magna Cum Laude of the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and Cluster III Valedictorian. In his speech, Nalundasan reflected on the deeper meaning of success beyond grades and achievements, quoting, “Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.” Through this, he emphasized that the most valuable aspects of life—such as character, integrity, relationships, and purpose—cannot always be measured by numbers, while reminding fellow graduates that true success goes far beyond academic accolades.
The Cluster III commencement rites culminated with the solemn singing of the UNP Hymn and the recessional march, as graduates, faculty members, officials, guests, and families filled Marcos Hall with pride—bringing to a close another momentous chapter in the 61st Commencement Exercises of the University of Northern Philippines.
Article by Nestor Quilop III.
