๐๐๐ ๐ต๐ผ๐ป๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฑ๐ด๐ฐ ๐๐๐ฆ๐, ๐๐ข๐๐ ๐ ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐๐ ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ญ
Abuyog Community College (ACC) celebrated a milestone of academic excellence and perseverance as it conferred degrees upon 584 graduates from the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education (CASE) and the College of Hospitality Management and Entrepreneurship (COHME) during Day 1 of its 43rd Commencement Exercises on July 2 at the Abuyog Mini Gymnasium.
Carrying the theme, โACC Graduates: Building a Legacy โ A Future Shaped by Strength and Purpose,โ the ceremony honored Batch Bantayog, Class of 2026, recognizing not only their academic accomplishments but also the resilience, dedication, and values that defined their journey toward graduation.
The formal rites opened with a solemn academic procession of graduates, faculty members, administrators, and distinguished guests. The entrance of colors, led by the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) cadets, was followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, the invocation, and the Abuyog Community College Hymn, setting a dignified tone for the commencement ceremony.
Representing the graduating class, Mr. Erwin Belleza, Magna Cum Laude graduate of the Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies, delivered both the welcome address and valediction. He encouraged his fellow graduates to continue pursuing their dreams with determination and confidence.
โFrom this moment forward, we are no longer simply nobodies. We have become incredible individuals who never stopped dreaming. With sheer effort and perseverance, we manifested that dream into reality,โ Belleza said.
College Registrar Ms. Marlisa Riรฑos formally presented the candidates for graduation, consisting of 277 graduates from CASE and 307 graduates from COHME.
The petition for the conferment of degrees was presented by Dr. Domer P. Regis, Dean of CASE, and Dr. Teofilo Montallana, Dean of COHME. Acting under the authority vested in him by the Board of Trustees, College President Dr. Clemelle Montallana officially conferred the bachelor’s degrees upon the graduates after certifying the completion of all academic and institutional requirements.
One of the ceremony’s highlights was the recognition of graduates who demonstrated outstanding academic performance. CASE produced eight Magna Cum Laude and 65 Cum Laude graduates, while COHME recorded one Magna Cum Laude and 27 Cum Laude awardees, reflecting the institution’s continued commitment to academic excellence.
The graduates were then formally welcomed into the ACC Alumni Association by its president, Ms. Ella Krista Traya, who encouraged them to remain active partners in the college’s future endeavors. This was followed by the graduates’ pledge of loyalty, led by Ms. Jeremy Louise Tesado, Magna Cum Laude graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, reaffirming the graduates’ commitment to uphold the ideals and reputation of their alma mater.
Delivering this year’s commencement address was Ms. Ernyst Chille Mundala, an ACC alumna and Top 3 passer in the March 2026 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers. She reminded the graduates that true success is grounded in humility, compassion, and lifelong learning.
โMay you pursue excellence without arrogance. May you embrace success without forgetting humility. May you celebrate others without comparing yourself. May you continue dreaming even after today’s celebration ends,โ Mundala told the graduating class.
In his congratulatory message, Hon. Lemuel Gin K. Traya, Executive Chairman of the ACC Board of Trustees and Municipal Mayor of Abuyog, commended the graduates for reaching a significant milestone and encouraged them to embrace the responsibilities that come with a new chapter in life.
โCongratulations sa inyong lahat. Welcome sa next chapter ng inyong life,โ Traya said.
An emotional tribute followed as the graduates honored their parents, guardians, and teachers through a musical presentation of In This Moment, prompting heartfelt embraces, tears of joy, and expressions of gratitude throughout the venue.
As a symbol of Batch Bantayog’s enduring legacy, Ms. Marjorie Archin, President of the Supreme Student Council (SENCO), presented the class souvenir to Dr. Clemelle Montallana, reaffirming the graduates’ lasting connection and support for the institution.
The commencement rites concluded with the graduates’ rendition of We’re All in This Together from High School Musical, followed by the singing of the ACC Hymn, the exit of colors, and the academic recessional.
After the formal program, graduates gathered with faculty members, administrators, family members, and guests for commemorative photographs, capturing moments that marked the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice.
For many parents, the ceremony represented not only academic success but also the fulfillment of long-held aspirations.
โGusto ko lang maging maayos at matiyaga ka na graduate ka na. Gusto ko makapagtrabaho ka, mag-upay ka sa imo kahimtang. Okay na ito,โ shared proud parent Mrs. Divina Bacani in a post-ceremony interview.
As Batch Bantayog, Class of 2026 leaves the halls of Abuyog Community College, its graduates carry with them not only the knowledge and competencies gained through higher education but also the institution’s enduring values of excellence, integrity, resilience, and service.