De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Manila and Benilde Antipolo celebrated a milestone on March 8 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) for the first batch of graduates of A.Y. 2024-2025, honored with their achievements alongside faculty, administrators, esteemed guests, and loved ones.
The ceremony began with the solemn entrance of the 876 graduates, followed by the faculty and administration. Rev. Fr. Tedley Villanueva led the gathering in an opening prayer, setting a reflective and hopeful tone for the momentous occasion.
To formally commence the ceremony, Former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno delivered an inspiring speech commending the graduates for their perseverance and acknowledged the crucial role of their parents and family, faculty, and school administrators in their success.
“Poverty is never a bar to achieving success in life,” she emphasized, urging the graduates to pursue their aspirations regardless of their backgrounds.
“Always a victor, never a victim of my circumstances,” she added.
She further highlighted the importance of one's family ties for success in life, suggesting that no one should live life alone. “No one, no one should insist on being an island.”
Following the heartwarming message, Mr. Angelo Lacson, Vice Chancellor for Academics (VCA), together with Mr. Levi Albania, the Center for Student Life Dean, presented the recipients of Latin Honors.
The FSC Leadership Award and Saint Benilde Romançon Award were presented to distinguished graduates by Mr. Benhur Ong, the College’s Chancellor, and Mr. Albania, acknowledging their exceptional performance and contributions to academic excellence and service.
Finally, Br. Edmundo “Dodo” Fernandez FSC, Brother President of Benilde, officially conferred the graduates from both Manila and Antipolo undergraduate and graduate programs. Deans of respective degree programs from Benilde Manila, as well as professors from Benilde Antipolo, presented the baccalaureate diplomas to graduates from each school, as they were called individually on stage.
The graduates then participated in the hooding ceremony, led by Mr. Lacson and Br. Dodo, a symbolic gesture that marks their transition to a new chapter of their lives.
The alumni oath-taking followed, led by Ms. Kathrina Candelaria-Lapus, the Benilde Alumni Association Vice President, pledging their commitment to uphold the values beyond Benilde instilled in them by the institution.
Capping off the ceremony was a heartfelt speech from Saint Benilde Romancon Award Recipient Romulo Porral III, a Deaf student whose journey of perseverance stood as a testament to the inclusive and empowering education of Benilde.
“As a Deaf person, I once struggled to see how my dreams could become a reality. I knew education was key. So, I held onto hope that one day, my dreams would come true,” he reflected on his inspiring journey despite the initial struggles.
“As we step into the future, may we draw strength from our faith to inspire positive change. This is a new beginning, a chance to renew hope and lead,” he emphasized the importance of service, integrity, and the role of Benildean alumni in fostering positive change in society.
He encouraged every graduate to “Serve the vulnerable, inspire change, and use our skills to build a compassionate, inclusive world, never forgetting those society overlooked. Let us remember the benilde expressions that have shaped us.“
In the end, Jonas Roque, a Summa Cum Laude graduate from the BS Real Estate Management (BS-REM) Program, led the Benildean Graduates’ Prayer.
