09/06/2025
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด: ๐๐๐ฆ ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ๐ถ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ ๐๐ผ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐น๐ฏ๐ฎ ๐๐ฎ๐น๐น
On May 14, 2025, the Alba Hall contributed to bittersweet moments as the LNU-ILS held its commencement exercises with the theme, โGeneration of Unity Partners for the New Philippines.โ This event not only marked one of the biggest milestones of the completers and graduates but also the start of a new adventure of learning, growth, and development.
During the ceremony, Dr. Jonas P. Villas, the Officer-in-Charge President of the Leyte Normal University, shared his words of praise and appreciation, acknowledging the students' efforts and encouraging them to strive further.
Following this, Commencement Guest Speaker Dr. Winston John R. Casio, Deputy Head for Operations of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), then shared his words of appreciation, lessons, and advice to the parents and students, highlighting the fact that change is all around and that everyone should expect the unexpected. โLeave room for disappointment, leave room for wellโฆ adaptation,โ said Dr. Casio nearing the end of his speech.
Afterwards, Prof. Lorena M. Ripalda, the ILS supervisor, presented the candidates for completion and graduation for conferment. Prof. Ripalda presented 44 Kindergarten candidates for completion, 34 Grade 10 candidates for completion, 48 Grade 6 candidates for graduation, 32 Grade 12 Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM), and 29 Grade 12 Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) candidates for graduation for the School Year 2024-2025. Dr. Villas conferred the aforementioned candidates completers and graduates.
Following the awarding of certificates and diplomas, Dr. Sherlita A Palma, OIC Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd Tacloban City, represented by Dr. Delilah M. De Los Santos, Schools Division Education Supervisor of DepEd Tacloban City, shared her message to the LNU-ILS completers and graduates.
Furthermore, Bianca N. Rosa, a Grade 12 HUMSS student, shared her words of gratitude to her teachers, friends, batch mates, and fellow graduates. โYou showed up and thatโs what matters. You didnโt lose, you grew.โ She emphasized that struggle is a part of the journey but should not be the reason to give up and stop moving forward. She was brought to tears as she thanked her closest friends for being there with her and for being one of her core memories throughout her years in the institution. Rosa said ending her speech, โWeโre all in this together. See you when I see you.โ
Similarly, Sophia Mae A. Gildo, a Grade 12 STEM student, bid her farewell in a message to her fellow graduates and classmates and encouraged the young ones to strive. โYes, there will be challenges, thatโs already given, but let those challenges remind you of how far youโve come,โ Gildo said. She also thanked her friends for participating in her journey at LNU. Her speech emphasized acceptance and the humble pride the graduates should have in making it this far. โDream big, fight hard, and never forget who you are and where you came from,โ Gildo said before ending her speech.
After the heartfelt speeches, the graduates recited the Graduation Prayer led by Marven Jay A. Cervantes and the Pledge of Loyalty led by Aeden Lew S. Maglinte, after which Hon. Ma. Lumen T. Tabao, LNU Alumni Regent, sealed the completers and graduates their spot in the alumni, giving importance once again to their success. Afterwards, the completers and graduates performed their commencement songs starting with the kindergartners followed by the Grade 10, Grade 6, and Grade 12 STEM and HUMSS classes. Each of their performance captured the stories of their journey and their bond as a class.
The smiles of the students gleamed across the room as they then took part in a class pictorial marking the end of the ceremony. The 2025 Commencement Exercises is not the end but the beginning of a new chapter. This is not a goodbye, but rather a see you later.
Congratulations, Normalistas! ๐
Caption by Zhyra Solteo
Photos by Zhyra Solteo