By Mikee Natinga Norico

CPU administrators, faculty, and staff join some graduates of the School of Graduate Studies for a commemorative group photo following the Investiture of Hoods and Commencement Exercises held on June 7, 2026, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, celebrating their academic achievements and the successful completion of their graduate studies.

On June 7, 2026, the Central Philippine University (CPU) School of Graduate Studies conducted its Investiture of Hoods and Commencement Exercises at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, conferring degrees upon 89 graduates—43 master’s degree holders and 46 doctorate degree holders.

The event commenced with the entrance of colors, followed by the academic procession, invocation, and singing of the Philippine National Anthem.

In her welcome remarks, Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Finance and Enterprises and Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the President, congratulated the graduates for their perseverance, dedication, and commitment to academic excellence. She also acknowledged the invaluable support of the graduates’ families, communities, mentors, and support systems who contributed to their success.

Furthermore, she emphasized that academic achievements should be used to improve the lives of others and serve communities. She reminded the graduates to remain grounded in faith, recognizing God as the source of wisdom and strength, and encouraged them to continue their journey guided by the principles found in Proverbs 3:5–6.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the commencement address delivered by Dr. Ryan Michael F. Oducado, PhD, MAN, MAEd, RN, RM, LPT, RGC, Professor VI and Director of the University Research and Development Center at West Visayas State University. Dr. Oducado emphasized that graduation is not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a recognition of the perseverance, discipline, and resilience that enabled the graduates to reach this milestone. Using the metaphor of “Jurassic Park,” he described graduate education as a demanding journey marked by deadlines, examinations, thesis defenses, revisions, self-doubt, and sacrifices.

Dr. Ryan Michael F. Oducado, PhD, MAN, MAEd, RN, RM, LPT, RGC, Professor VI and Director of the University Research and Development Center at West Visayas State University, delivers the Commencement Address during the Investiture of Hoods and Commencement Exercises, inspiring graduates to lead lives of purpose, integrity, and service beyond success.

“If your journey took longer than expected, do not measure it by the clock. Measure it by who you became along the way. Wala kamo na-ulihi. You are not late. You are just right on time. You are exactly where you are supposed to be. And despite everything you went through—the long nights, the missed family moments, the times you almost stopped—here you are, standing on the other side of all of it,” he said.

Dr. Oducado underscored the role of CPU in shaping graduates through its philosophy of Scientia et Fides (Knowledge and Faith). He stressed that true education combines intellectual excellence with moral integrity, producing individuals who lead with both competence and conscience. He also highlighted the importance of research, scholarship, and lifelong learning, urging graduates to become champions of knowledge rather than merely holders of degrees.

“Remember, with higher education comes a far deeper responsibility to serve. The more you are educated, the more the world needs your leadership and contribution. Because the value of your degree will never be measured by the letters after your name, but by the lives you influence because of it,” he stated.

In closing, he called on the graduates to be ethical leaders and active contributors to society. He reminded them that the true value of their degrees will not be measured by the letters after their names but by the lives they influence, the communities they serve, and the positive change they create.

“Dear CPU graduates, let the Centralian spirit burn brightly through your lives. Live out Scientia et Fides. Serve your professions with honor, lead your communities with love, and be the answer our country is looking for,” he said.

A musical interlude followed, featuring Ms. Irene Angelie Rios on vocals, Arch. Salvador G. Jumayao Jr. on violin, and Mr. Argiel P. Resurreccion on piano.

The presentation of graduates was then led by Dr. Althea U. Denuevo, Acting Dean of the School of Graduate Studies.

The conferral of graduates and investiture of hoods followed. The rites were led by Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, Vice President for Finance and Enterprises and Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the President, and assisted by Dr. Merle L. Junsay, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Althea U. Denuevo, Acting Dean of the School of Graduate Studies; Ms. Charissa June G. Deocampo, University Registrar; and the program heads of the CPU School of Graduate Studies.

Delivering the response on behalf of the graduates was Dr. Marcos D. Bito-onon, a Doctor of Management graduate for the Second Semester of Academic Year 2025–2026. In his speech, Dr. Bito-onon reflected on his doctoral journey, sharing his experiences of balancing graduate studies with a demanding medical career, overcoming self-doubt, and persevering through challenges, including contracting COVID-19 while attending classes.

“Fellow graduates, look carefully at your academic regalia. This is homage to the 2-3 hours of sleep—or even sleepless nights—that all of us had to endure in pursuit of excellence. The tassel we moved from right to left symbolizes our perseverance, faith, and triumph over the challenges of graduate school. The seal of CPU imprinted on our diploma is a paean to our beloved Central Philippine University, one of the region’s and nation’s finest institutions,” he emphasized.

Dr. Bito-onon highlighted how CPU’s academic environment broadened his perspective beyond medicine, strengthened his research capabilities, and fostered meaningful relationships with peers and faculty members. He encouraged fellow graduates to view their achievements as symbols of both perseverance and responsibility, reminding them that their degrees are not merely personal accomplishments but a call to serve, lead, and uplift others.

“As we move forward, let us focus on growth and positive change. Let us harness the education we received to become good administrators and better individuals by uplifting others. Let our degrees symbolize not only our personal success but also our deeper responsibility to contribute meaningfully to societal advancement. Let us do this for ourselves, for our community, for our country, and for our beloved Central Philippine University,” he said.

Another musical number was performed by Ms. Rios, Arch. Jumayao, and Mr. Resurreccion.

Pastor Neva Grace L. Fabila, Associate Pastor for Campus Ministry of the University Church, then led the commissioning, followed by the alumni pledge administered by Dr. Anita U. Illenberger, President of the CPU Alumni Association, Inc.

Beyond the ceremony, the Investiture of Hoods and Commencement Exercises marked the beginning of a new chapter in the graduates’ lives. Armed with knowledge, skills, and the Centralian spirit forged through shared experiences, they now embark on journeys that will shape the future of their respective professions and communities.

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