๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ถ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ฎ ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐ด: ๐๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ข ๐ฉ๐๐๐ ๐ต๐ผ๐ป๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐๐’๐ ๐ต๐ถ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฐ ๐บ๐ถ๐น๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ๐, ๐๐ฟ๐ด๐ฒ๐ ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐น๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ถ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ด๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐
Like the very monument that bears their batch name, the graduates of Batch Bantayog, Class of 2026, were reminded that true greatness is measured not only by achievements etched in records, but by the unwavering principles that withstand every storm.
As 1,145 graduates crossed the stage during the 43rd Commencement Exercises of Abuyog Community College (ACC) on July 2โ3 at the Abuyog Mini-Gymโthe institution’s largest graduating class in recent historyโthey celebrated more than the culmination of years of academic perseverance. They became witnesses to a defining chapter in the College’s history, one marked by national recognition, global distinction, and a renewed call to build lives anchored in integrity.
Representing Dr. Maximo C. Aljibe, Ph.D., DPM, J.D., CESO III, Regional Director IV of the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office VIII (CHEDRO VIII), Dr. Maria Mylah Javier, Education Supervisor II, opened her commencement address by recognizing ACC’s remarkable rise as an institution proving that excellence knows no geographical boundaries.
“For the very first time in its history, ACC produced national topnotchers in the Licensure Examination for Teachers,” she shared, referring to the College’s historic achievement of producing Rank 3 and Rank 8 in the Elementary Level and Rank 7 in the Secondary Level.
She further hailed ACC’s successful debut in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2026, where the College secured 95th place among the Top 100 universities worldwide under the Curricular Innovation for Future-Readiness categoryโa milestone that positioned the institution among thousands of universities across the globe.
“ACC is no longer simply keeping pace with the changing world,” she declared. “ACC is helping shape it.”
The recognition mirrored another remarkable milestone for the institution.
Among this year’s graduates, 107 students earned Latin Honors for their outstanding academic performance and steadfast commitment to excellence. Leading the distinguished roster were nine Magna Cum Laude graduatesโeight from the College of Arts, Sciences and Education (CASE) and one from the College of Hospitality Management and Entrepreneurship (COHME).
Joining them were 98 Cum Laude graduates, consisting of 65 from CASE, 27 from COHME, and six from the College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE), reflecting the College’s growing culture of academic excellence across its academic programs.
Yet beyond medals, diplomas, and honors, the commencement message emphasized that education ultimately finds its greatest value in the character of those who carry it.
Reflecting on his years in public service, Dr. Aljibe shared personal experiences of resisting corruption, refusing undue influence in government procurement, and making difficult decisionsโincluding the closure of underperforming academic programs despite political pressure and even threats to his safety.
“Leadership is never about choosing what is comfortable,” his message declared. “Leadership is choosing what is right.”
His testimony became a powerful reminder that competence may open doors, but integrity determines how long one remains worthy of the opportunities entrusted to them.
Addressing each discipline, the commencement address challenged future educators to become bridge builders who transform lives through compassion and learning; future criminologists to wear their badges as symbols of responsibility rather than power; and aspiring information technology professionals to remember that every line of code represents a line of trust affecting real human lives.
Across every profession represented in the graduating class, one message remained constant: success without integrity is an achievement without meaning.
“The Philippines does not simply need more degree holders,” the address emphasized. “The Philippines needs principled teachers, honest police officers, ethical entrepreneurs, compassionate hospitality professionals, and responsible IT experts.”
As the ceremony drew toward its emotional conclusion, the spotlight turned to the inspiration behind the graduates’ batch name.
A bantayog, or monument, symbolizes resilience, strength, and permanence. But the message reminded graduates that no monument stands alone.
Hidden beneath every towering structure is a foundation that silently carries its weight.
That foundation, graduates were told, is found in the sacrifices of parents, grandparents, guardians, mentors, and loved ones who endured years of hardship, sleepless nights, financial struggles, and quiet prayers so their children could stand proudly on graduation day.
The hall filled with resounding applause as graduates were asked to look toward their families and recognize the people who became the unseen pillars of their success.
Their diplomas, after all, represented not only personal triumphs but also countless sacrifices made out of unconditional love.
As Batch Bantayog prepares to leave the halls of Abuyog Community College, they carry with them a legacy shaped not only by academic excellence but also by a challenge that extends far beyond commencement day, to stand firm when principles are tested, to choose what is right when choices become difficult, and to become monuments of integrity in the communities they will one day serve.