De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) applauded 1,050 Lasallian graduates, recognizing 172 Latin honor awardees and four graduate study medalists, during the 36th Commencement Exercise with the theme, “Lipa Lasallians Conquering New Worlds” held at the Sentrum, July 19.
On overcoming adversities
In the morning session, 328 graduates from the College of Business, Economics, Accountancy, and Management (CBEAM) were acknowledged, alongside 105 graduates from the College of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (CIHTM), and 17 Juris Doctors from the College of Law (CoL). Meanwhile, there were 25 holders of Masters degree in Business Administration and 22 recipients of certificates in Cookery NCII (Culinary Arts).
Following the conferment of degrees, three BS Accountancy students — Kaye Camille Comendador, Gine Gwenel Bragais, and Adrian Joseph Castillo, were hailed as Summa Cum Laude graduates.
On the other hand, 107 joined the ranks of Cum Laude and 13 graduated Magna Cum Laude. For the graduate study programs, two silver and two gold medals were given to Master of Business Administration graduates.
In his commencement address, Raul Joseph Concepcion, Chairman of Concepcion Industrial Corporation, shared his journey as a third-generation predecessor of the company and advised the graduates on how to navigate the rapid changes they will face post-graduation.
“If we can’t do it, we try harder [and] better. That passion of excellence pushes us to innovate and to strive for the best possible outcomes. This core principle must obviously be driven by greater purpose and this helps our guided action,” said Concepcion.
Moreover, he urged the graduates to consider staying in the country despite numerous international offers, highlighting that their talent, knowledge, and youthful energy are essential for shaping a better future.
Meanwhile, Castillo, the batch valedictorian, delivered his thanksgiving address and commended his fellow graduates for their perseverance in overcoming challenges as the first batch to experience the pure online learning setup.
“Our ability to overcome these challenges is a testament to our resilience and strength. It is these qualities that will continue to guide us in the future,” said Castillo.
He also emphasized that the quest for excellence was not only for their personal gain, but also about sharing talents and creating a positive impact, especially among the last, the least, and the lost.
On pursuit of personal development
In the afternoon session, there were 181 graduates from the College of Education, Arts, and Sciences (CEAS), 258 from the College of Information, Technology, and Engineering (CITE), and 114 from the College of Nursing (CON).
Out of the 553 graduates in this batch, 36 achieved Cum Laude and 13 earned Magna Cum Laude honors.
As the guest speaker for the afternoon session, Atty. Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo, 14th Vice President of the Philippines, emphasized the importance of self-improvement in pursuing significant changes.
“Many of us dreamed of changing the world. […] My advice, instead of dreaming to change the world, change what you can here and now. Start within yourselves, give your best in all that you do,” said Robredo.
She also mentioned that as the graduates step into greater responsibilities, they may feel overwhelmed, but they should recognize that trying new things and encountering failures are essential for personal development.
Meanwhile, Herschel Jain, Bachelor of Multimedia Arts Magna Cum Laude graduate, emphasized in her valedictory address that the education she received from DLSL had been transformative, equipping them with the skills and confidence necessary for their future endeavors.
Furthermore, Jain encouraged her fellow graduates to believe in themselves, nurture connections to overcome challenges, and avoid negative thoughts that could undermine their capabilities.
“Even when the world seems daunting, filled with unavoidable circumstances, unfamiliar and scary, […] let us strive to push beyond our comfort zones and put our hearts into what we do,” said Jain.
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The graduates formally concluded the ceremony by performing “This is Where We Begin”, an original song composed by Bianca Ysabella Dimaculangan, BS Hospitality Management graduate, followed by the DLSL Alma Mater Hymn.
Article by Zxyrish Nicole Balita and Mikaela Athena Terania
