Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Raquelyn Dadang highlighted in her opening remarks the importance of recognizing students’ efforts in hopes of inspiring them to continue excelling.

“Now, with the accolades, we can really say that CMU has been on the right track, and we should continue these efforts. And one way of sustaining this performance is to mold and inspire our students to study harder and harder and give acknowledgment and appreciation for their splendid performance,” Dr. Dadang expressed.

In his video message, Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, CMU OIC-President and CHED 10 Regional Director, lauded the achievers for their success. He also described CMUans as world-class and ready to answer the demands of time.

This message was echoed by Director of Instruction Dr. Melrose Condino. “Apart from that, by recognizing excellence in academics, service, and leadership, we are giving due regard to the values and morals these awardees exemplify, including discipline, determination, and passion for learning.”

Meanwhile, one of the university honors from the College of Agriculture, Mr. Lembert Neil Ayta, was thankful for the recognition received and expressed delight for being able to celebrate the occasion with his fellow students with the face-to-face ceremony.

“I am very much thankful to the CMU administration and the faculty for recognizing our academic performance in which we have put effort, hard work, and sincere perseverance for our commitment to excel in our academic standing,” Ayta shared.

A total of 502 university honors, 2,602 college honors, 258 freshmen honors, ten awardees, 29 student ambassadors, 12 board top notchers, and three departments were recognized in the whole-day affair. This year’s ceremony was also the first in-person program held in the last three years following the pandemic. This was also live-streamed through the university’s Facebook page. _{[Johnica Chantal G. Montero]}

Another set of honor and outstanding high school students, including the 123 junior completers were recognized and awarded during the CMULHS 63rd recognition program & 2nd moving-up ceremony, June 1, at the University Convention Center.

Themed with “CMU: A Partner for Change in Accelerating ASEAN Integration,” awardees and completers were encouraged to pursue what they love to do for themselves and [for the community] and to keep on learning.

Dr. Judith D. Intong, vice president for Academic Affairs, confirmed the certificate of completion for the candidates in behalf of the university president, Dr. Maria Luisa R. Soliven.

The outgoing CMULHS Student Supreme Student Council officers were also given plaques of recognition to acknowledge their exemplary contribution to empowering students do their duties and responsibilities well, among other development endeavors for the university in general. 

Dr. Jane P. Blancaver, a medical doctor by profession, was the ceremony’s guest speaker. She highlighted her life experiences where students can draw great lessons needed for their life’s journey in pursuit of their dreams.

She also stressed that the teachers’ intention behind the tough subjects was to help their students become a person they can be, and to unleash the students’ inner skills and potentials.

Dr. Blancaver, also an alumna, took the opportunity to share seven advices towards reaching goals in life. She encouraged everyone to work hard for things won’t come easily, to be humble for it is a promising attitude an individual can have, to smile so as to maintain a positive attitude, to be courteous and respectful, to get involved on what truly interests them, to follow the golden rule which says “do unto others what you want others to do unto you,” and to follow their dreams no matter what comes along the way.

Also, a thanksgiving program was held at the Farmer’s Training Center earlier in the morning with Fr. John Paul S. Tuble giving tribute to the parents. Words of gratitude were given by Jhon Earl S. Veluz, Mrs. Rosela A. Esporma, and Dr. Tan who were grade 10 ninth honor, a parent, and a teacher, respectively.

Vicc C. Remedio, class first honors, ended the ceremony expressing his gratitude in behalf of the CMULHS Junior High School completers, to the Almighty God, CMU administration, teachers, parents, friends and acquaintances for the milestone they achieved.