Wearing their sotra togas with pride, a total of 2,158 graduates of Batch Lahimsug walked down the aisle of the University Quadrangle for the 44th Commencement Exercises, July 20, 2023.
In line with the commemoration of the University’s 50th Founding Anniversary, the graduation’s theme, “The MSU General Santos: Celebrating Golden Years of Pursuing Academic Excellence, Creating Champions of Peace and Development,” highlighted the success of the graduates who have displayed academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service. The same commitment contributes to the University’s mission to advance peace and development in Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan (MinSuPala) since its founding 50 years ago.
This year’s batch of graduates is named “Batch Lahimsug” which is derived from the terms ‘Lakas’, ‘Himakas’ and ‘Sugakod’ which mean strength, perseverance, and triumph respectively. JD Usman D. Aragasi, the University’s Acting Chancellor, presented the 2,158 candidates who had satisfactorily completed their academic studies and were eligible for graduation. This was followed by the conferment of degrees and titles by the MSU System President, Atty. Basari D. Mapupuno.
In addition, Prof. Tersa R. Castillo, University Registrar, proudly acknowledged the academic honors and awards for the Academic Year 2022-2023. 48 graduates clinched Magna Cum Laude, 496 graduates achieved Cum Laude, and 25 graduates received With Honors.
Jethro P. Batislaong, a Magna Cum Laude graduate with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering, was hailed as the Valedictorian of Class 2023. During his Valedictory Address, he asked his fellow graduates, “What is on top of your mind when we say ‘Iskolar ng Bayan’?” He then reflected on his university journey that made him decipher the true meaning of being an Iskolar ng Bayan. “We became very invested in working the people’s expectations of us as change-makers, innovators, and advocates. These are the Iskolar ng Bayan — imperfect, carefree, practical, and above all, human,” he remarked. He also added that their journey in college taught them to value the process of growth, learning, and embracing themselves as humans. “It’s okay to feel fear and disappointment and sometimes lose this spark and idealism because, in this moment of our lives, we learn what it means to be human,” he uttered. Batislaong concluded his speech by asking the same question and directly answering, “Human, but an MSUan. And that separates us from others.”
In this year’s solemn ceremony, Clarice Angelica S. Edes, Magna Cum Laude, with the second highest honor from the Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English, led the graduates in reciting the pledge of loyalty. This was then followed by a heartfelt tribute to parents that was led by the two University Leadership Awardees namely, Briane Jay D. Casas, BS in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, and John Michael O. Macaya, Cum Laude, BA in Political Science. The leadership awardees were also honored by the Federation of MSU Supreme System Student Councils (FEMSUSSCO) through its President and MSU Student Regent Hon. Veanamri Elise V. Santillan who awarded them with plaques of appreciation. The MSU Alumni Association also extended the same recognition to them through its President and MSU Alumni Regent Hon. Renato D. Boniao. Regent Boniao also led the induction of the graduates to the MSU Alumni Association after delivering a heartwarming speech to the Class of 2023.
Furthermore, the first Filipina Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management, Hon. Amenah F. Pangandaman, this year’s Guest of Honor and Commencement Speaker, highlighted the words excellence, peace, and development during her commencement address. “Today, be proud and tell yourselves, you are the change that Mindanao needs. And that change you all have started and created will sustain lasting peace and development in Mindanao and the whole country,” she added. She then remarked in an exhortation to the graduates that the moment they leave the institution, they decide to ground themselves in values such as hard work, responsibility, generosity, faith, and respect for others. “You don’t have to figure everything out after graduation, but what’s important is that you have already started,” Sec. Pangandaman expressed.
Before she ended her speech, she gave an impactful and inspiring sentiment for all graduates, “You are all leaders, and by leaders, I do not mean your degrees, your titles, or your educational attainment. You are leaders determined by what’s inside your mind and heart.” Sec. Pangandaman closed it by delightedly stating the phrase, “Mindanao is ready for the future.”
Afterward, with passion in their voices, the graduates sang their hearts out and swayed to the rhythm of their graduation song, “Moments We Live For” by Paradise. They held their smartphones aloft, with the flashlight on, creating a mesmerizing ocean of lights during the celebration. Following this joyful performance, the graduates sang the University Hymn with an overwhelming sense of pride and honor. As they concluded the hymn, fireworks illuminated the sky, marking the grand finale of the celebration.
