CMU holds virtual commencement exercises

The CMU class of 2020, along with their families and friends, convened online to take part and witness the historic conferment of degrees and certificates through virtual commencement exercises held last August 7, 2020. Graduates with honors and special awards were also recognized.  

This is the first virtual commencement exercises conducted by the university to pay tribute to the loud efforts of graduates despite the perils of today’s pandemic. The University President, Dr. Jesus Antonio Derije, encouraged the graduates always to keep an open mind and heart. “Surviving this crisis will give birth to a bolder and better version of you… your CMU family can confidently assert that there is no limit in what you can do,” he said. He highlighted two guiding principles for the graduates as they embark on another chapter of their lives. “Always be kind and never compare yourself to others,” stirring them to take pride in responsibilities, and challenging them to make CMU proud by becoming wiser and pursuing higher grounds while living and loving better.

Also, the commencement speaker, Hon. Karlo Alexi Nograles, Cabinet Secretary, motivated the graduates to always go the extra mile in their careers, businesses, relationships, and in everything they will do. “Pursue excellence in all your undertakings most especially now as we altogether battle this global pandemic,” he affirmed. He reminded the graduates to value the Filipino Spirit of Bayanihan. “This will allow us all to thrive and prosper, learn to work with others and help others,” he said. He further encouraged the graduates to remain steadfast in their faith regardless of their religion or creed. “You are in a unique position to spread hope and be messengers of faith and high power to be victorious in this most difficult times…as you have the power to affect change, you also have the power to influence peace, spread hope, and inspire faith.” Nograles emphasized that the essential element to becoming great is having a servant’s heart. “As CMU graduates, you are all equipped and prepared to serve our people as graduates of an institution mandated to help us, to combat the injuring problem of hunger, food production, food availability, affordability, accessibility, sufficiency, and sustainability.” He hopes that CMU graduates will become indisputable partners in serving the country.  

This year’s landmark occasion has also awarded Mr. Pedrito “Totoy” Hjas Bacullo, consultant of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, an honorary doctorate in Business Administration (Honoris Causa) for his noteworthy accomplishments in his profession, and in his remarkable initiatives that significantly contributed to the university’s commitment for the “total development of people for a globally sustainable environment and a humane society.” Bacullo said that CMU had been the place that widened his horizon and ideologies, polished his art of communication, and diplomacy that he considered helpful in his personal and professional life.

Also, the CHED Commissioner, Ronald L. Adamat lauded the graduates for surviving amidst the current health upheaval. “You are CMU graduates who will bring pride and honor to your Alma Mater, ready and willing to effect change in communities and help transform the world into becoming a better place for all people,” he remarked. (RGPadoginog)