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The Regata, 1st Floor, CAS Building, Don Honorio Ventura State University/Main Campus, Bacolor (2025)

28/08/2025

𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻'𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲, “𝗠𝘂𝗹𝗮 𝘀𝗮 𝘁𝗮𝗼, 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝘀𝗮 𝗧𝗮𝗼”

In the joint commencement exercises of Pampanga State University Apalit Campus and the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP), Jeanell L. Pangilinan, Summa Cum Laude from Bachelor of Science in Social Work, outgoing Editor-in-Chief of The Regata, and the Top 1 from the CSSP, reminded her fellow graduates that success is never a solitary journey. She emphasized how every achievement carries the mark of those who believed in them and the silent hopes of many who never had the chance to find their own “East.”

“Our dream, whatever form it takes, is never ours alone. It bears the touch of every person who believed in us… and the unspoken prayers of those whose own dreams remained out of reach for they never got the chance to find their East. As such, we shall serve with purpose and compassion. As Ka Lito Meneses, a famous author on Community Organizing, noted, ‘Tayo ay mula sa tao, at tayo ay para sa tao,’” Pangilinan said.

Speaking before faculty, parents, and fellow graduates, Pangilinan built on this message of gratitude and service with a metaphor: “East is where everything begins. And today, this is our east. This moment. This milestone. A new season. A new wind. A new sunrise.”

Through the use of a compass as a symbol, she reflected on the journey of the class of 2025 and the challenges they are yet to face. While “North” is often used as a point to ambition and goals, she explained that “East” represents light and the promise of new beginnings, a reminder she said where one must turn when seeking clarity and hope.

“The world won’t wait just because we’re tired. It won’t stop spinning just because we’re hurting,” she said, acknowledging the unrelenting pace of reality. Yet, she emphasized that their years at Pampanga State U taught them not to slow the world down, but to keep up with its pace and at times, even get ahead.

“Pampanga State U didn’t promise us comfort, in fact, it humbled us… it gave us capacity. Pampanga State U didn’t say “the world will wait” but this… home… made sure we could run, we could thrive, and we could fly.”

Pangilinan also spoke candidly about the pressure that every graduate carries, whether from the board exams, the pursuit of a stable job, or the desire to make their families proud. “The pressure is real. And so is our effort,” she admitted. “Diamonds are made under pressure, shine through and through – and maybe, so are graduates like us; we allow ourselves to shine. So yes, A - Allow yourself to feel the pressure.”

More than academic lessons, she also honored the professors, mentors and even student organizations, including The Regata, the official publication of the CSSP, and the Junior Social Workers Association of the Philippines (JSWAP) who shaped much of her college journey. She also highlighted the value of friendship, how friends became safe spaces in chaos and flicker of lights in darkness, ones who served as reminders to breath, smile and enjoy college life.

Her message also challenged blind conformity. “We owe it to ourselves to not just go with the flow, but to know when to pause, when to pivot, and when to push forward. Because life is not just about surviving the system — it’s about shaping the system, so the next ones after us don’t have to suffer the same cracks we walked through.”

At the heart of her speech was authenticity. “The letter T of the EAST. Take off the mask,” she urged. “The world doesn’t need another filtered version of someone trying to fit in. It needs us. Raw. Flawed. Unpolished.”

Nearing the end of her speech, Pangilinan paid tribute to the individuals who held the graduates hands’ when the world felt too big, the parents, guardians, and grandparents – from farmers and drivers to OFWs and solo parents – who became the graduates’ “true East,” those who pointed them home again and again even when they’re lost.

Above all, she expressed gratitude to God, whom she described as “the one who steered us through the storms, the silent tagamaneho ng compass, who guided the hands of our parents, grandparents, and every soul who stood in love for us.”

As her words drew to a close, Pangilinan left her peers with a reminder aligned with the university’s newest tagline: “And just like what our university’s newest tagline highlights, “Let us lead the Future.” Lumakad tamu at magsilbing ating lugud, kabyasnan, at kabaldugan.”

Despite the earlier postponement of their graduation due to security concerns, the ceremony unfolded as a testament to resilience and unity — marking a new sunrise for the class of 2025, one that not only shine for themselves but also for their families and communities.

Pangilinan leaves a remarkable legacy in the university. She began as a feature writer for The Regata in 2021, rose to Editor-in-Chief in 2022 while serving as secretary of JSWAP-Pampanga State U chapter, and later became the associate editor in 2023 before reclaiming the EIC post in The Regata in 2024–2025, marking four years of service and leadership.

𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Elisha Lagman
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐛𝐲 Lee Francis Macapagal
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Kevin Bacani

28/08/2025

𝗖𝗦𝗦𝗣 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 2025 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆

College of Social Sciences and Philosophy held the Commencement Exercise for the Class of 2025 at the Dr. Ernesto T. Nicdao Sports Complex at 1:00 P.M. this August 28, 2025. The graduation may have come later than planned but it was truly a memorable day as they celebrated the graduates' perseverance, passion, and pride to be in that moment.

Upon graduates began to march, followed by the faculty members and university administrator, it signaled the official start of the ceremony. Singing the National Anthem and Himno ning Capampangan, sets a dignified tone for the occasion. Then, preceded by a solemn invocation by Patrick A. Zapues. Afterwards, a presentation of the 712 candidates from CSSP was made as it officially recognized the graduates completion of their respective programs.

One of the highlights of the event was a speech from Hon. Anna York Cristina Puyat Bondoc-Sagum who is represented by Mayor John Sambo of Sto. Tomas, Pampanga, she emphasized the three simple reminders to the graduates, which are to keep on learning, take challenges, and be kind as they are about to go through their own different paths.

This was followed by the recognizing graduates who had excelled academically throughout the years they spent in gaining knowledge through the Presentation of Awards. Highly anticipated Distribution of Diplomas then commenced, each degree formally conferred to the graduates which marks as an official acknowledgment of their scholarly achievements.

As the ceremony continues, Jeanell Pangilinan— a Summa Cum Laude from the Bachelor of Science in Social Work delivers a heartfelt message to the graduates, as she makes a point of creatively turning the word “East” into new chapters and the rise of opportunities ahead.

The program moved forward to the commencement song and the Pledge of Loyalty by a Summa Cum Laude in Bachelor of Arts in Sociology— Hazel A. Opalia. Graduate’s Induction to Pampanga State University welcomed them into the community of professionals. As they are officially recognized as someone who is ready to contribute to society.

Concluding with the university hymn and recessional, the ceremony marked a dignified close. Serving to inspire, motivate, and honor student excellence as well as the guardian support, the commencement exercise stood as a celebration of achievement. As their chapter in the CSSP comes to a close, they carry with them the knowledge, skills, and values that they have learned, as they are about to begin a new chapter in their professional lives.

𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Juliana Francheska Antenor
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐛𝐲 Jameel Gatus
Lee Francis Macapagal
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Lance Ivan Cardenas

28/08/2025

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪: Following the warm welcome of the opening remarks, the CSSP graduates, faculty, and honorable guests are now settled inside the Dr. Ernesto T. Nicdao Sports Complex, marking the official start of the commencement exercises. Dressed in their toga and hood, it signifies that they are ready to be honored for their years of hard work and dedication.

The spotlight now shines on the graduates as the program moves forward to the awarding of students, symbolizing the reaping of their years of effort. This moment marks their transition to broader responsibilities and civic engagement. As they are now poised to apply the knowledge and skills that they have gained, contributing to the betterment of the society.

𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Juliana Francheska Antenor
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐛𝐲 Jameel Gatus
Mikaella Valencia
Izzy Manlunas
Kathryn Hizon
Nheil Angelo Supan
Mary Christine Angela Damian
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Kevin Bacani

28/08/2025

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪: After the postponement of their commencement exercise last August 14 due to security concerns, graduating students from the Departments of Psychology, Sociology, Human Services, and Social Work under the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP) have gathered at the Pampanga State University Extension Lot this afternoon, August 28, to finally celebrate their much-awaited graduation rites.

The ceremony, to be held at the Dr. Ernesto T. Nicdao Sports Complex, marks the culmination of their academic journey in disciplines united by the pursuit of understanding and serving individuals, communities, and society—signifying the beginning of their professional endeavors.

𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Elisha Lagman
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐛𝐲 Jameel Gatus
Mikaella Valencia
Izzy Manlunas
Kathryn Hizon
Nheil Angelo Supan
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Lance Ivan Cardenas

25/08/2025

𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗞𝗦𝗬𝗢𝗡 𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗕𝗔𝗬𝗔𝗡𝗜

Ano nga ba ang tunay na kahulugan ng pagiging isang Bayani?
Marahil hindi na rin lingid na sa isipan ng bawat isa sa atin,
Na ang bayani ay isang taong handang magbuwis ng buhay
Para lamang sa paglayang hinahangad.

Ngunit kailangan pa nga bang magbuwis ng buhay,
Matawag lamang na bayani ang isang indibidwal?
Mga nars, doktor, rescuers at paramediko,
At iba pang mga indibidwal na nagliligtas ng buhay.

Hindi alintana ang panganib at hirap na pinagdaanan,
Magampanan lamang ang tungkulin na magligtas ng buhay.
Mga migrant workers na naturingang bagong Bayani,
Tinitiis na malayo sa piling ng mga mahal sa buhay.

Nag-aalaga ng mga taong hindi kadugo, Nakikipagsapalaran sa bayang hindi kinagisnan.
Mabigyan lamang ng magandang kinabukasan ang kanilang pamilya.

Mga commuter na wala pang araw ay umaalis na ng tahanan.
Sinusuong ang trapiko at ingay ng lansangan,
Tinitiis ang pagod, init, siksikan at layo ng pinapasukan.
Makamit lamang ang kani-kanilang pangarap sa buhay.

Mga estudyanteng walang sawang mag sunog ng kilay,
Pinag aaral ang sarili, breadwinner at unang degree holder.
Di alinta ang gutom, ang pagod at ang puyat,
Masuklian lamang ang mga naghirap sa likod ng tagumpay.

Mga magsasakang nagsasaka sa bukid,
Babad sa initan habang nasa putikan.
Mga mangingisdang pumapalaot sa dagat,
Kalaban ang malakas na hampas ng mga alon.
Magkaroon lamang ng hapag sa bawat lamesa.

At paano na lang din ang mga normal na mamamayan?
Na kumakayod sa pang araw-araw,
Para lamang kumita nang malamnan ang kumakalam na sikmura.
At nang kahit papaano ay makatikim ng konting ginhawa sa buhay.

At ngayon ay atin nang itanong sa ating sarili,
Dapat pa nga bang magbuwis ng sariling buhay?
Magkaroon ng isang rebulto o gawaran ng parangal,
Matawag lamang na bayani ang isang indibidwal.

𝑫𝒊𝒃𝒖𝒉𝒐 𝒏𝒊 Jaine Camille Alejo
𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒍𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒕 𝒏𝒊 Janna De Guzman

24/08/2025

𝙇𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙃𝙤𝙥𝙚 𝙊𝙛 𝙄𝙩 𝘼𝙡𝙡

I faced myself in the mirror, glammed, elegant, and prepared. As my reflection shimmers. I saw not only myself, but those freshies walking in the corridor I once walked in and ran to, while wearing a well nested uniform, flashing to meet schedules. It made me look back and whisper to myself, “I was once like them, and here I am today… I’m just a step away to the future that I’ve been longing to have.”

It’s my second time wearing the toga for my most-awaited day in my early early adulthood life—the first one did not even make me step into the stage for a threat that almost put plenty of lives at risk. It was indeed a bitter-sweet moment, a moment to experience the eagerness and cherish the coming event. And the feeling of devastation, to a long awaited march.

“Ready ka na ba?” I heard my mother ask as she tapped my shoulder. “Salamat, anak…” That brought me back to senses.

I smiled at her as tears started to form in my eyes. “It wasn’t just me, ‘Ma. Salamat din sa sakripisyo n’yo para sa akin. Kaunting antay na lang, graduate na ako.”

As I await my special day, the excitement rises, seeing my co-students with their family and friends, smiling from ear to ear; I consider it as a silent remark that we are all living to the hope of it all before August ends.

And just that day, no more threats would stop us from marching on to the stage where my hardship throughout the years can finally be recognised.

𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲 Yohance Pingol
𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐲 Gerlyn Daphne Sison
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Edwin Bernarte Jr.

21/08/2025

𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁, 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁, 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵: 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗼𝘆 𝗔𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗼

“𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒏 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑴𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅. 𝑵𝒐 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒐𝒘𝒏. 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕, 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒎𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉.”

Sa panahon ngayon na laganap ang historical revisionism at matitinding fake news, lalo nating kailangang balikan ang mga salitang ito, hindi lang bilang bahagi ng kasaysayan, kundi bilang pangako sa kinabukasan. Ito ang mga salitang isinulat ni Ninoy Aquino Jr. para sa kaniyang anak na si Noynoy noong Agosto 25, 1973. Mga salitang patuloy na tumatagos kahit dekada na ang lumipas, na tila isinulat din para sa atin ngayon, sa parehong bansang patuloy na lumalaban sa kahirapan at katiwalian. Ngunit sino nga ba si Ninoy Aquino? Bakit patuloy siyang itinuturing na simbolo ng kalayaan at demokrasya?

Si Ninoy ay minahal at iginalang ng marami dahil sa kanyang matatag na paninindigan bilang matapang na kritiko ng diktadurya ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Sa panahong mas ligtas ang manahimik, pinili niyang magsalita laban sa pang-aabuso ng pamahalaan. Noong 1972, kinasuhan siya ng rebelyon at ikinulong nang walang patas na paglilitis. Halos walong taon siyang nakakulong, kabilang ang ilang taon sa solitary confinement. Pinayagan lamang magtungo sa Estados Unidos noong 1980 para magpagamot sa kaniyang karamdaman sa puso. Sa taong Agosto 21, 1983 bumalik siya sa Pilipinas, handang harapin ang panganib. Sa kabiguan, sa mismong tarmac ng paliparan, isang bala ang tumapos sa kanyang buhay. Isang pangyayaring naging mitsa ng pagkakaisa ng sambayanan laban sa pang-aapi.

Sa kasamaang palad, para sa maraming Pilipino ngayon, si Ninoy ay simpleng “𝐈𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐚-𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐚 𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐏500” o ‘yung rebultong nadadaanan sa plaza. Tulad ng sinabi ni Senador Bam Aquino sa forum na ‘TAPATan: Remembering Ninoy: His Legacy’s Relevance Today,’ kapag tinanong mo ang ilan kung sino si Ninoy, sasabihin lang nila, “𝐀𝐡, 𝐬𝐢𝐲𝐚 ‘𝐲𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐤𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐀𝐈𝐀,” nang hindi nalalaman kung bakit o ano ang nangyari sa ating kasaysayan.

Alinsunod sa Republic Act No. 9256 na nilagdaan ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo noong 2004, ang Agosto 21 ay isang pambansang non-working holiday bilang pagkilala sa papel ni Ninoy sa pagkamit natin ng demokrasya. Nakalulungkot lang isipin na nitong mga nagdaang taon, inilipat-lipat na lamang ang petsa para magkaroon ng "𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐝," isang pagbabago na unti-unting bumubura sa bigat ng tunay na araw ng kaniyang pagpanaw. Hindi dapat natin kalimutan na ang Agosto 21 ay hindi lang basta bakasyon. Sapagkat bawat Agosto, hindi lang isang pangalan ang binabalikan natin, kundi isang tanong: hanggang saan ang kaya nating isakripisyo para sa kalayaan? Si Ninoy ay hindi lamang politiko sa pahina ng kasaysayan kundi isang taong pumili ng delikadong landas para sa paninindigan. Sa kanyang pagbabalik sa Pilipinas, alam niyang kapalit nito ang buhay niya pero mas mahalaga sa kaniya ang bayan kaysa sariling seguridad.

Ngayon, wala na tayo sa dekada ’70 pero may mga bagong hamon na kasing bigat tulad ng maling impormasyon, kawalan ng malasakit, at pagkakawatak-watak ng sambayanan dahil sa pagiging panatiko sa mga politiko. Ang tanong, handa ba tayong lumaban ngayon sa sarili nating panahon? Tandaan, ang pinakamalakas na anyo ng alaala ay hindi lang paggunita kundi pagsasabuhay. Magsimula tayo sa simpleng pagpili ng tama kahit mahirap, sa pagtindig para sa iba kahit mag-isa, at sa pagtutulungan para sa kinabukasan ng lahat. Kung sakaling darating ang araw na subukin muli ang ating kalayaan, nawa’y sagutin natin ito tulad ng ginawa ni Ninoy na walang takot at buong puso.

𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲 Roviena S. Angeles
𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐲 Lance Ivan Cardenas

13/08/2025

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱. 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱. 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱.

From wearing their prescribed uniforms and walking to the alleys of the university, to finally marching with pride and joy dressed in gowns and caps of their own. Today, August 14, 2025, is a moment to treasure, as their books and theories journey ends to begin another.

All the sleepless nights have been worth the pain, as it reflects the spirit of success of each Intellectual today. This day is a testament to the perseverance, dedication, commitment, and determination that Intellectuals have gone through in completing their four-year journey. Now, they can look back on every memory they’ve made because they strived and thrived to reach this pinnacle of accomplishment.

Their success symbolizes that despite the hardships and challenges a student-intellectual may face, there will always be a time of recognition such as this celebration that we can look forward to, and say—it was all worth it.

It was all worth the tears. It was all worth the wait to reach this height.

𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨, 𝘽𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙛 2025!

𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲 Pamela Kassandra Guevarra
𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Louize Anne Sicat
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Janna De Guzman

06/08/2025

𝗔 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲: 4𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗺 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆

In a momentous celebration marking the beginning of a lifelong professional journey, the fourth-year Psychology students of Pampanga State University under the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP), successfully held their 10th Practicum Pinning Ceremony this afternoon, August 6, at the Dr. Ernesto T. Nicdao Sports Complex organized by the Psychology Society in cooperation with the CSSP Student Council.

During the opening remarks, CSSP Dean Dr. Nelly N. Pilao reminded the senior students that the pin they were about to receive symbolizes more than academic achievement. It represents their readiness to serve, listen, understand, and bring meaningful change to a world that desperately needs psychological care, empathy, and genuine human connection.

She also reflected on the event’s theme, “Advancing Psychological Practice: Celebrating a Decade of Preparation and Purpose,” emphasizing that the ceremony is not just a milestone, but a reminder of the core values that have shaped the Psychology program over the past ten years.

“Real psychological growth for yourself and those you serve begins with radical acceptance,” Dean Pilao stated. “Your role is not to fix people but to understand them, hold space for their humanity, and walk with them toward healing.”

The ceremony was further enriched by an inspiring message from guest speaker Francis Jasper C. Hontanosas, a registered psychometrician and proud alumnus. In his heartfelt speech, he posed a powerful question: “Why are Psychology students the ones who hurt the most?” He then shared three personal stories of pain, emphasizing how students are drawn to the field because of their own pain and their passion to heal theirs and others’ pain.

“To all of you being pinned today—future psychometricians, psychologists, counselors, healers—I don’t share these stories to scare you,” he said. “I share them to remind you: you will be needed. You will be trusted. And sometimes, you will be the last thread of hope someone is holding onto.”

Hontanosas further added a powerful reminder for the seniors to remember about their calling: “Every theory you study and every intervention you practice represents a real human being, desperately waiting to be at your service. May you rise to the calling not to save, but to stand beside; not to fix, but to hold space; not to be perfect, but to be present.”

Following the guest message, the students took their Oath of Commitment, presided by Qeil Zhae Fiona C. Gonzales, the outgoing third-year Psychology Society representative. The ceremony then advanced in the symbolic pinning rites, the highlight of the afternoon, marking the students’ readiness to step into their practicum with purpose and compassion.

A solemn candle lighting followed the pinning ceremony, led by Sherna G. Bangalan, a registered psychologist and faculty member. The symbolic act represents the light each student is called to carry as they step into the field of psychological practice.

This was then followed by a practicum orientation, where students were briefed on the expectations and requirements of their upcoming internship.

The event drew to a close with inspiring closing remarks from Antonio Morales, Chairperson of the Psychology Department. He reminded the students of their greater calling—to serve others—and emphasized how this new chapter is an opportunity to turn knowledge into action and compassion into service.

“As you wear your pins, wear them with pride, but also with humility. They are not badges of completion, but reminders of your continuous journey to becoming the kind of professional who uplifts and empowers others,” he concluded.

𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Elisha Lagman
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐛𝐲 Edwin Bernarte Jr.
John Benjamin Sibug
Mikaela Valencia
Tyron Guese
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Kevin Bacani

06/08/2025

𝗖𝗦𝗦𝗣 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 12𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆, 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀

With heartfelt pride and a spirit of service, the Department of Social Work at Pampanga State University marked a pivotal milestone on August 6, 2025, as it held its 12th Practicum Pinning and Vesting Ceremony at the Dr. Ernesto T. Nicdao Sports Center. Centered on the theme “Uplift: Rising Through Service, Rooted in Compassion”, the event honored the commitment, empathy, and academic perseverance of its students as they prepare to transition from theoretical learning to hands-on fieldwork. They march from the four corners of the classroom into the frontlines of community service, ready to start their journey toward becoming future social workers.

One of the 4th year students shared that they are nervous yet excited for their on-the-job training and confront whatever the future holds for them. “Sobra kaming nagulat kasi ang alam namin ay Pinning Ceremony lang pero nagulat kami dahil napaka-organize at maganda ang pagkaka-ayos. Nakakakaba at the same time super excited kami na lumabas at magamit yung mga theories and knowledges from first to third year,” they mentioned.

The ceremony opened with heartfelt words from Dr. Nelly N. Pilao, Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP), who welcomed the attendees with a message of encouragement and pride. She highlighted the crucial role that social workers play in shaping resilient communities and praised the students for choosing a path anchored in empathy and public service.

Followed by Kenn George O. Tayag, outgoing 3rd Year Representative of the Junior Social Workers Association of the Philippines (JSWAP), led the opening prayer, grounding the event in reflection and gratitude.

The ceremony’s keynote address was delivered by Maribel M. Blanco, a respected practitioner in the field of social work. She inspired attendees with words that echoed the essence of the profession, a profound dedication to the provision of service with empathy and sympathy.

She stated that, “As you continue your studies and prepare for your practicum, for your review class, for your board exam, and eventually for your employment. We encourage you to never lose heart. Study harder. Believe in yourself.”

“Keep your purpose clear and always remember: you are not just building a career, you are building lives, building families, and communities. You have to promise yourself to never give up. It is when things get rough that you must not quit. No matter how hard the road may be, because the world needs you,” she added.

A key highlight of the event was the congratulatory message from Cristal Rio U. Manuel, Vocational Placement Coordinator III from the Office of Career Services. Her message resonated with motivation, encouraging the students to treat their practicum as a chance not only to apply their knowledge but to build deeper understanding, empathy, and connection with those they aim to serve. She expressed that she salutes young social workers for choosing a life of service to others without expecting anything in return. That they are more than ready to step out of the four corners of the classroom and gain new experiences and pave their own ways out in the world. As she declared, “Mabuhay mga future Social Workers!”

Nheil Angelo Supan, outgoing Director of JSWAP, led the pledge of oath, marking the students’ formal commitment to uphold the values of social work in their practice.

The symbolic candle lighting was led by Mary Christine Angela Damian, outgoing Co-Director of JSWAP, representing the students’ readiness to carry the light of service into the communities they will serve.

A fervent prayer was then offered by Jullius Edrian Montemayor, JSWAP outgoing Auditor, asking for strength and guidance as the students embark on their practicum journey.

The program concluded with a strong message from Dr. Mary Grace T. Sandico, Chairperson of the Department of Social Work. In her closing remarks, she acknowledged the hard work that led the students to this milestone and emphasized the responsibility that comes with their chosen path.

“Congratulations, future registered social workers, the mission is now yours.” – Ms. Maribel M. Blanco, RSW, MSSW

𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Mc Lerrie I. De Guzman
𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐛𝐲 John Benjamin Sibug
Kristine Mearl Labasan
Lee Francis Macapagal
𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐲 Lance Ivan Cardenas

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