01/07/2026
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur โ North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) marked a historic milestone during its recently concluded 42nd Commencement Exercises, celebrating the academic triumphs of its latest batch of graduates.
Highlighting the ceremony was the graduation of 11 students from the Juris Doctor (JD) program and 4 graduates from the Master in Legal Studies (MLS) program, both under the swelling banner of the NEMSU College of Law.
โThe event, which brought together university officials, faculty, parents, and guests, served as a testament to the university's growing legacy in expanding advanced legal education in the province.
โTaking the stage to deliver a stirring valedictory address, Rustom Ian C. Ecleo, the valedictorian of the Juris Doctor program, expressed deep appreciation for the network of love and support that sustained him and his classmates through years of grueling late-night readings and intense recitations.
โEcleo poured out his gratitude toward his family and his batchmates, emphasizing that the journey through legal education was never a solitary one. However, his speech took a deeply reflective turn as he challenged his fellow graduates to look beyond their newly minted titles.
โ"Today, we earned our degrees," Ecleo reminded his peers. "But later on, life may require from us more than what our degrees can offerโlike honesty, integrity, and public service."
โHis words struck a chord with the audience, framing their legal education not just as a career of prestige, but as a lifelong commitment to ethical leadership and community welfare.
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โThe commencement exercises featured Dr. Ricmar Aquino, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), as the guest speaker. Dr. Aquino delivered an inspiring message centered on resilience, faith, and perspective amid life's inevitable setbacks.
โAddressing the graduates as they stand on the precipice of their professional careers, Dr. Aquino spoke at length about the grandeur of a higher plan. He reminded the class that delays and challenges are not dead ends, noting that "sometimes failures are just redirections in life."
His message provided a comforting and empowering narrative for the legal scholars who faced intense academic hurdles to reach the finish line.
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โThe graduation of the 11 JD and 4 MLS candidates underscores NEMSUโs commitment to raising the bar for legal scholarship and catering to professionals seeking specialized legal expertise in the Caraga region.
As these 15 legal graduates step out of the university halls, they carry with them not only the technical expertise of their respective programs but the profound reminders of character and resilience left behind by their commencement speakers.
