Marcos Hall overflowed with pride and celebration on May 14 as graduates of Cluster IV marched toward the culmination of their academic journey during the University of Northern Philippines’ 61st Commencement Exercises.
The program commenced with the hooding ceremony, a solemn rite symbolizing the graduates’ transition from students to professionals. This meaningful tradition was followed by a grand processional as the graduates marched with pride from the Antonio Luna Hall to the UNP Marcos Hall.
The moment of conferment stood as a defining highlight of the ceremony as College of Teacher Education (CTE) Dean Ma. Theresa Susan Manzano, College of Communication and Information Technology (CCIT) Dean Rosanne Agup, and College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Officer-in-Charge Dean Grace Garcia formally presented their respective candidates for graduation. A total of 805 graduates were endorsed for conferment, comprising 209 from CTE, 344 from CAS, and 252 from CCIT. The candidates were subsequently recommended for graduation by Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rolando Navarro before University President Dr. Erwin Cadorna officially confirmed them as graduates, marking the culmination of their academic journey at the University of Northern Philippines.
Present in the program were notable persons in the academe such as the members of the Board of Regents of the University of Northern Philippines, Vice Presidents, other university officials and Dir. Marina Garcia of Civil Service Commission (CSC) – Ilocos Sur Field Office.
Dr. Carlito Balita, President of the CEB Group of Companies and CEO of the Carl Balita Review Center, delivered a compelling commencement address that challenged graduates to embrace life with wisdom, preparedness, and awareness. In his speech, Balita urged the graduating class to be “retrospective, prospective, and circumspective,” stressing the importance of learning from past experiences, planning strategically for the future, and remaining conscious of the realities unfolding in the present.
His message struck a chord among the graduates as he emphasized that education extends beyond academic recognition and should serve as a foundation for responsible leadership, meaningful service, and continuous growth. Balita encouraged the graduates to transform their struggles into strength and their aspirations into purposeful action, reminding them that the journey ahead will require not only intelligence and skill, but also resilience, humility, and a deep understanding of the world around them. The address drew warm applause from the audience, leaving graduates with a powerful reminder to move forward with vision, courage, and integrity.
Balita also emphasized the guiding principles of “Nurture Vision, Optimize Individuality, Recharge Godliness, Think Abundance, and Harmonize with Nature,” ingeniously forming the acrostic “NORTH VIGAN” through the initials of each phrase. The meaningful wordplay served as a compelling reminder to the graduates that success in the years ahead must be anchored not only on competence, but also on purpose, faith, positivity, and responsibility toward both society and the environment.
After his speech, awarding of honors, diplomas, and also CSC certificates were handed over to the graduates.
Reflecting on the journey of the graduating class, Jake Axel Tacadena, outgoing Student Regent of UNP and Magna Cum Laude graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, delivered a stirring valedictory address as Cluster IV valedictorian.
“Natuto na ako, wala akong pake kahit mag-isa ako, kaya ko na dahil malaki na ako,” he said, before turning introspective: “With all of these lies, we come to reflect: kailan natin tatanggapin ang ating sarili? Kailan tayo magiging totoo? Kailan tayo matututo?” He cautioned that life beyond graduation offers no room for pretenses, adding, “Because life after graduation will be much unforgiving… piliin nating maging totoo sa mas totoong mundo.”
His message resonated deeply with the graduates, stressing a powerful reminder that true maturity begins when individuals shed emotional façades and embrace adulthood with honesty, self-awareness, and authenticity.
As Tacadena concluded his valedictory address, the ceremony moved into a solemn affirmation of commitment as Einstein James Martinez, Magna Cum Laude of the Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science, led the Pledge of Loyalty. This was followed by the Alumni Oath, solemnly administered by Hon. Nestor Pajaro, President of the UNP Federated Alumni Association, sealing the graduates’ transition into the university’s growing network of alumni.
Article by Nestor Quilop III.
