August 2, 2021, is a special day that the Surigao del Norte College of Agriculture and Technology to rejoice over the success of their trainees’ achievement during the 46^th Commencement Exercises with the theme “SNCAT: Moving together towards rebuilding TVET, amid COVID-19” held at SNCAT Events Center, Magpayang, Mainit, Surigao del Norte.

In this commencement ceremony, a total of 443 trainees from various qualifications were confirmed graduates. 421 of the graduates were beneficiaries of scholarship programs under TWSP, STEP and UAQTEA from the following qualifications:

• 3-Year Agricultural Technology

• Trainers Methodology Level I

• Agricultural Crops Production NC I

• Animal Production (Ruminants) NC II

• Animal Production (Swine) NC II

• Organic Agriculture Production NC II

• Cookery NC II

• Driving NC II

• Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC I

• Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC II

The commencement was conducted face-to-face following strict health protocols promulgated by IATF, TESDA and the Local Government of Mainit, Surigao del Norte. Limited to the capacity of the venue, the total number of graduates were assigned in two batches: morning and afternoon sessions.

Present in the event were the Faculty and Staff of SNCAT headed by the College Administrator II, Ms. Abegail B. Eupeña; Officiating Priest Rev. Fr. Lito P. Redondo of Mainit Parish; the Acting Provincial Director of TESDA Provincial Office of Surigao del Norte, Ms. Catalina O. Tacubao and selected Personnel from TESDA Caraga Regional Office headed by RD Tarhata S. Mapandi, whom at the same time the Commencement Speaker.

In her commencement address, RD Mapandi expressed her sincere congratulations to all the graduates. With great enthusiasm, she inspired the graduates by sharing his journey towards success anchored to the commencement theme. Highlighted by her story of being once a “pulot girl” during her younger years and imparting impactful acronym that is her stronghold in the formula of life success such as DESIRE (Which stands for Discipline, Evolve, Strategy, Interest, Resilience, and Elevate) gave encouragement and serve as a great example to the graduates. Further, she challenged the graduates to do their part in rebuilding TVET upholding to the mantra “TESDA, Abot Lahat” under the leadership of TESDA Director General Secretary Isidro S. Lapeńa.

During the ceremony, apart from the training certificates awarded, 13 graduates were recognized and awarded with medals for Proficiency and Competence Awards.

Proficiency Awardees:

1. Trainers Methodology Level I – Ms. Dolores Virtudazo

2. Agricultural Crops Production NC I – Delia R. Narciso

3. Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC I

• Apple Jane D. Galizonda

• Evan P. Maog

• Herbert Sanchez

4. Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC I

• Jev S. Mantalaba

• Joemar E. Mirabueno

Competency Awardees:

1. Trainers Methodology Level I

• Salbina D. Enlacinto

• Kenneth V. Serohijos

2. Agricultural Crops Production NC I – Fatima Caye

3. Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC I

• Rolly C. Geli

• Michael John Patińo

• Crisdel Lazon

Meanwhile, three (3) were selected to share their testimonies in behalf of the graduates on how the school became an instrument in the fulfillment of their aspirations in life.

• Ms. Salbina D. Enlacinto -TM

• Fatima Caye – ACP NC I Graduate

• Apple Jane D. Galizonda – SMAW NC II Graduate

Conveyed in their messages were gratitude over the opportunity given as beneficiaries of scholarships. Ms. Caye became emotional and is beyond grateful having equipped with skills in Agriculture area which is very essential in her future plans and projects.

Afterwards, Ms. Eupeńa gave her sending off to the mission message to all the graduates. In her message she emphasized that the graduates are called to make some difference in the community and country in general. Doors of opportunities will be opened to somehow elevate their skills and capabilities. And when it happens, she reminded the graduates to work hard with a heart and with a solemn sense of responsibility and never forget all the learnings their alma mater has imparted to them.

Recorded officially to the alumni association of SNCAT, another batch of graduates had successfully raised their banners!