Southern Leyte State University–Maasin City Campus marked its 24th Commencement Exercises with a day of solemn tradition and joyful celebration. The event was held at the Maasin City Gym at 4:00 PM, where graduates, faculty, and families gathered to honor academic achievement and leadership.

This year’s graduating class proudly presented four Magna Cum Laude awardees and an impressive forty Cum Laude graduates, each a shining testament to perseverance, discipline, and intellectual excellence. These Latin honors embodied the standards of scholarship, showcasing consistent dedication and resilience throughout the academic journey. Together, they represent the university’s mission to cultivate leaders who will serve their communities with integrity and vision.  

The ceremony opened with the Academic Procession led by the Marshals from the Main Campus, Registrar, faculty, staff, and university officials. The singing of the Philippine National Anthem was conducted by Mr. Aris Rex D. Espinas, followed by the Pronouncement of Dr. Mabel B. Cueva, Board Secretary. University President Dr. Jude A. Duarte introduced the Commencement Speaker, Elnora R. Pulma, MMPM, Regional Director of CPD Region VIII, who delivered an inspiring address that resonated with the graduates’ aspirations.  

The Presentation of Candidates was made by VP Academic Affairs Dr. Constantino G. Madilo Jr., while the Conferment of Degrees and Awarding of Diplomas was led by Campus Director Dr. Frederick C. Aniga, Faculty Dean Karina G. Gutierrez, and University President Dr. Jude A. Duarte, assisted by other officials. Medals were awarded to honor graduates, including Wilson G. Lecaros as Tingog Leadership Excellence Awardee, Marian R. Getes as Academic Excellence Awardee, and Francis Janne G. Jacobe as Presidential Leadership Awardee.  

The program also featured the Mighty Kingfisher Pledge, led by Mr. Francis Janne G. Jacobe, followed by the Pledge of Loyalty to the Alma Mater, administered by Ms. Marian R. Getes, and the SLSU Alumni Oath led by Dr. Annabelle M. Hufalar, President of the Federation of Alumni Association. The ceremony continued with the heartfelt singing of the SLSU Hymn. Finally, the Recessional, guided by Master of Ceremony Trisha Mae B. Llagas, brought the rites to a dignified close, leaving the assembly with a lasting sense of unity and pride. 

As the ceremony drew to a close, graduates poured out of the gymnasium into the embrace of their families. Cameras flashed, laughter rang out, and tears of joy flowed freely as parents, siblings, and friends joined their graduates in capturing the moment. The day ended not only with medals and diplomas but with heartfelt picture-taking and family bonding, sealing memories that will forever remind the graduates of their triumphs and the love that carried them through.  

Congratulations graduates of Academic Year 2025–2026.

(via Riza Mae Ramos | Pulse)