10/05/2026
๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐๐๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ ๐ง๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ ๐ฆ๐ฃ๐ฆ๐ฃ๐ฆ ๐ด๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐
In a ceremony marked by pride, gratitude, and the celebration of academic achievement, Saint Paul School of Professional Studies (SPSPS) held its 81st Commencement Exercises at the Leyte Convention Complex on April 24, bringing together students, faculty members, administrators, and families.
The program opened with the processional of graduates, followed by members of the administration, faculty, and the SPSPS Board of Trustees, with the entrance of the presidential mace and the colors formally signaling the start of the proceedings. To officially open the rites, the invocation, led by Senior High School (SHS) Valedictorian Isaiah Timothy O. Lacaba, and singing of the Philippine National Anthem followed.
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Plaque of Merit to distinguished honoree Atty. Marwin A. Baldevia, MBA, CPA, followed by his address, where
he emphasized that while hard work and sacrifice are crucial, maintaining a sense of gratitude is equally important, especially during uncertain times.
โWhen life calls you to sacrifice, to be patient, and to only hopeโpractice gratitude. Sacrifice, hard work, and grit are all non-negotiable; but so is gratitude,โ he stressed.
This sentiment resonated with the top graduates, who reflected on their journeys to academic success. Jomari Jess Sacendoncillo Abellar, Summa Cum Laude from the Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Management (BSREM), spoke about the importance of humility and perseverance, especially in the face of rejection.
โI experienced several rejections, those rejections humbled me and taught me valuable lessons, which I summarized using the mnemonic SPSPS,โ Abellar reflected. โS stands for someone is always better than you; P stands for pray and have faith that can move mountains; and S stands for strategy guides hard work and determination. May we continue to strive, persevere and serve with purpose.โ
Serenity Jade Chua Ching, also a Summa Cum Laude, from the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA), reminded her classmates to stay grounded in the Paulinian values that have shaped them, despite the uncertainties ahead.
โWhat lies ahead is uncertain, and perhaps even intimidatingโฆ but wherever we may go, may we remember the Paulinian lessons and values that have shaped us here,โ she encouraged.
Amid the celebrations, the theme of transitioning from student life to new beginnings was evident. Magna Cum Laude graduate Lance Marco M. Villegas reflected on the journey through years of academic challenges, describing graduation as both a pause and a turning point.
โAt last, we are given what weโve all been waiting forโa moment to breathe. Today, it isnโt just an ending; it marks the beginning of a new chapter,โ Villegas noted.
The ceremony brought together graduates, faculty, administrators, and families to formally recognize academic achievements, with degrees conferred and special awards presented to those who excelled in academics, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and loyalty.
The event concluded with the formal induction of graduates into the alumni community, symbolizing their transition from students to professionals. The alumni oath-taking was led by Lowe S. Taรฑa, LPT, Dean of Student Affairs, followed by the pledge of loyalty delivered by Student Loyalty Awardee Princess Jemina Animos Pontillas, CMMS. Together, these rites embodied the graduatesโ commitment to uphold the enduring values of gratitude, perseverance, and service as they embark on their professional journeys.
via Katrina Buรฑales
Publicity Material by Zeah Ibo
Photo by Mika Froilan and Cheinzy Olmida
