Eastern Visayas State University’s main campus held its 103rd Commencement Exercises on June 17 and 18, 2025 at the Leyte Academic Center, Palo, Leyte.
Academic regalia, accomplished smiles, fervent emotions, proud parents, and the vibrant commencement background music embodied the ambience, making everyone excited as regards what would turn out to be one of the most remarkable days of the graduands, the Class of 2025, Batch Luminara.
The first batch’s rites, held during the afternoon session of June 17th, showcased the graduates from the College of Architecture and Allied Discipline (CAAD) and the College oof Engineering (COE).
As the honored Guest Speaker, Engr. Lorenzo Moron, Weather Services Chief, and a proud alumnus of the institution, inspired the graduates through his life narratives, building himself from scratch and that his passion to be a dreamer fueled him to build an empire and reach his aspirations against all odds.
“Let us prove to the government that the alumni of EVSU are great assets,” he urged.
Engr. Moron added that despite the luxury and greener pastures that working abroad offered, he still chose to serve his own country, fortifying the spirit of patriotism and the love for the motherland.
“If these people continue to leave the country, who will save our countrymen?” he pondered.
As an exhortation to Batch Luminara, he figuratively used the torch which symbolizes light and hope, “As you carry the torch of excellence, gained from this university, continue to build good reputation as you drive positive change and meaningful impact to our community,” he emphasized.
Moreover, he shared six (6) practical ingredients to succeed in life: keep on learning, character matters than intellect, work religiously, every day is a challenge, face it, be grateful always, and let God be your master.
Meanwhile, the second day of the Commencement Exercises was comprised of the College of Art and Sciences (CAS) and the College of Business and Entrepreneurship (COBE) graduates.
Dr. Dennis C. de Paz, the second Guest Speaker for the graduating class, approached the podium with much inspiration to share with Batch Luminara. As a visionary and a true champion of education, Dr. de Paz led the university with standards and caliber.
His foresight to elevate the quality of education brought EVSU into a revitalization, a status fondly enjoyed by the university’s community at the moment.
As a message to the graduates, he conveyed three pivotal truths as they sail through their life’s odyssey: First, adaptability, which is not a choice but a necessity for survival.
After graduation, they may be confused as to where to go, what to do, but Dr. de Paz encouraged them to embrace challenges and failures as they are part of the success story they will create.
“In life you will face shifting tides, you will face detours in your goals, and you will experience failures in your plans. But remember, these failures are not the end of your journey; they are simply chances to stir in a new direction,” he added.
Second is to prioritize developing one’s character. As these EVSUnistas have embodied the core values of the institution, making them ready to face the world of employability with honed skills and well-rounded character. He went on to say that talents get noticed easily, but it is the character that earns respect.
“Your diploma is just a ticket, but let your actions define your way,” he underscored.
The third theme entails never forgetting to be grateful. This adage will enrich their personal and professional lives.
“Be grateful, gratitude keeps you grounded no matter how far you go,” de Paz concluded.
The final batch of the graduating Class of 2025, the College of Technology (COT) and the College of Education(COED), received their hard-earned diploma in the afternoon of the second day of the graduation ceremony.
The third Commencement Speaker, Dr. Sherlita Palma, CESO VI, was a source of inspiration and a true example of a humble, accomplished government servant.
She stood in front of the graduates with optimism and a message to them that despite life’s encumbrances, their dedication to creating a meaningful impact will be their passport to the realization of their goals in lives.
Her rags-to-riches anecdote illumined to the audience that life’s journey is almost never traveled on a smooth road, but rather a rough pavement filled with debacles, “Where I am today is a product of the right attitude and a proper mindset,” Dr. Palma stated.
She likened the realities of life to the action of taking an examination with imperfect choices, where failure is always a possibility.
“Life is really not perfect; as a human being, we falter. Mistakes shape us, lessons guide us, and resilience carries us forward,” she affirmed.
To the graduating class of 2025—College of Technology (COT) and College of Education (COED), Dr. Palama celebrated with them in this momentous milestone of their lives.
“Today marks a significant milestone of your life, not only to yourself, but also to your family. While you navigate the journey, ensure that you have the compass with you for you to be guided,” she expressed.
Meanwhile, Dr. Daniel Ariaso Sr., the president of the Federation of EVSU Alumni Associations, led the oath of membership anent the induction of graduates to the EVSU General Alumni Association, urging them to ace the top spots in different board examinations.
EVSU would never be EVSU without top-notch graduates, as this has always been the hallmark of the university’s excellence.
Painting smiles on their faces, the graduates turned their tassels and received their diplomas and Transcript of Records on stage, marking their full compliance with all academic requirements.
Teary eyed, their parents from behind the hall radiated with pride as they witness their children’s success firsthand. Indeed, their sacrifices have paid off.
Meanwhile, as an institution whose passion for advancing higher education becomes the anthem of our mandates, EVSU shall continue to soar to greater heights through delivering relevant pedagogies, fully equipping our students with relevant knowledge and skills.
Once again. to Batch Luminara, Congratulations!
This feature article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 04: Quality Education; SDG 08: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Written by: J Genobiagon | UMDC
Edited by: JS Beleña | UMDC
