Jhon Carlo Ladipe 
Honoring the hard work and educational accomplishments of the graduating students, Samar State University celebrated its 88th Commencement Exercises with the theme, “Sustaining Quality Education for Lifelong Learning” at SSU Maceda Gymnasium on June 5, 2023.
896 beaming graduates coming from different colleges of Graduate Studies, Engineering, Education, Nursing and Health Sciences, and Industrial Technology have received their diplomas that mark their significant milestone and dedication over the course of their academic pursuits.
University President, Dr. Marilyn D. Cardoso led the conferral of the degrees and title during the program. Seconded with the traditional Kamagi-turning ceremony, symbolizing the official transition of the graduates from students to alumni.
Meanwhile, the honored Commencement Speaker for this year’s graduation ceremony was Dir. Celerina T. Bato, CESO III, the Regional Director of the Department of Trade and Industry. During her address, she imparted her valuable experiences and insights, underscoring the importance of fostering a lifelong passion for learning.
“To the graduates, you are now armed not only with the diploma, but with the learnings you have. These learnings are needed to forge your path and vision. Your future is in your hands. Continue to yearn for learning, cause learning is life-long and a continuous process,” Dir. Bato said.
Dr. Aldrin A. Darilag, the Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Chair of the University’s Board of Regents, graced the ceremony with his presence. Dr. Darilag played a key role in the introduction of Kamagi, the newly established official academic habiliment and regalia of SSU, which was officially declared during the event.
In his congratulatory address, he offered his full support to the university’s mission to be a transformative university. He congratulated the graduates and urged them to uphold the university’s core values in their future endeavors.
“As your Commissioner and Chair designate of the Samar State University Board of Regents, I reiterate my utmost support to the success and prosperity of this institution of higher learning as it pursues its mission to be a transformative university committed to technology, innovation, and service excellence. To all the graduates, I congratulate you all on this remarkable achievement, may you always carry the core values of the university and [instill] you wherever you go and how high you’ll reach,” Dr. Darilag stated.
In a pre-recorded video, Senator Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero extended his heartfelt congratulations to the graduates. He urged them to always remember their province and their country, which have played a crucial role in shaping their knowledge, talents, and skills, regardless of their future whereabouts.
“Saan man kayo matagpuan makalipas ang ilang bukas o taon, sa loob man o sa labas ng bansa. Sana kailanman hindi niyo makaligtaan ang inyong lalawigan. Hindi niyo makaligtaan ang inyong bansa na siyang pinanggalingan ng anumang dunong, talento, at galing na mayroon kayo ngayon at magkakaroon pa sa hinaharap,” (Wherever you may be after a few months or years, whether inside or outside the country, I hope you will never forget your province. I hope you will never forget your country, which is the source of the knowledge, talent, and skills that you possess now and will continue to have in the future.) Sen. Escudero uttered.
The ceremony also recognized the outstanding achievements of several students who had excelled academically and demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities.
Jasmine Mabanag, Cum Laude from BSEd Major in English in her thanksgiving address, expressed gratitude for the university’s preparation to face life’s challenges. She emphasized resilience, rallying forward, and making history, as they leave the institution equipped to achieve future victories.
“As we leave these hallowed halls, we are equipped to be on our own. To stand back again on our own and to win our battles on our own. We may stumble and fall, but with all the knowledge, and skills that this university has instilled within us we will never be this close to giving up again. We will pick ourselves back together again, rally forward and make history. Today we have won the battle, now let’s win the war,” Mabanag asserted.
Following that, Ruffa Mae Villar, a Magna Cum Laude graduate of BSIT-FST, led the Pledge of Loyalty, while Dindo Mengote, President of the SSU Alumni Association, introduced the graduates to the alumni community.
The ceremony ended with the melodic rendition of the graduation song, “Today My Life Begins” by Bruno Mars, followed by the singing of the SSU March and the Recessional March.
