Five hundred five graduates from the different academic programs across the three campuses of the College proudly marched during the celebration of the ASCOT 26th Commencement Exercises today, April 11, 2018 at the Sentro Baler.
Prior to the ceremony, a Baccalaureate Mass was solemnized by Rev. Father Andy A. Lumasac.
In his warm congratulatory message, Dr. Doracie B. Zoleta-Nantes expressed her gratefulness that the goal of ASCOT in increasing the level of excellence and to be one of the most productive and competitive state college/university not just in the country but also in South East Asia is now slowly becoming a reality as made evident by the numerous projects and development in its three campuses.
The Guest of Honor and Commencement Speaker, Dr. Erlidia F. Llamas-Clark inspired and lifted the cognizance of the graduates and the members of the faculty and staff on her commencement address that is centred on the event’s theme, “People’s Health at the Center of Sustainable Development and Governance in the Philippines”. She stressed that health is the cornerstone of every person’s life journey in achieving success and so with the governments interconnected problem on health, environment, population and sustaining good governance were among the country’s greatest challenges in achieving national development goals. She also pointed out that whatever your choices in your private life, career and employment choices and decisions you would embark on, to please ask yourself these three questions: Will my thoughts and actions be benefiting mine and other people’s better health outcomes? Will I be abiding by regulations and policies align to what is true and beneficial for people? Will I leave a better place for humankind in the future generation? And with that, she concluded that providing basic health and pushing for environmental responsibilities could sustain and change people’s lives immensely.
ASCOT President, Dr. Doracie B. Zoleta-Nantes, led the imposition of hoods, and awarding of diplomas and certificates to 45 graduates in the Graduate Program, 383 graduates in the Undergraduate Programs and 77 graduates for the Diploma and Certificate Courses. Among the notable degree recipients this year are the 11 Cum Laude and 1 With Honors who finished their degrees with flying colors. In addition, three special awards were also given to deserving students for their exemplary performance in the field of athletic, cultural and leadership. Moreover, Mr. Fidel G. Manangan, BIT-FT was awarded the Presidential Leadership Award for rendering his service and effort as SCSC President for SY 2017-2018.
Ms. Ruffa Mae R. Mativo, Class Valedictorian for Batch 2018 delivered an expressive speech where she uses lyrics of songs to share her experiences and outlooks in life and to express her words of thanks to all the people who help, inspire, believe and motivate her and the graduates in achieving their Diploma and for making their life more colourful and productive.
Completing the ceremony is the Pledge of Loyalty to the Alma Mater and the induction of the graduates to the ASCOT Alumni Association headed by the President of the Graduating Class of 2018 and the Alumni President respectively. The program concluded with the singing of the Graduation Song “Next in Line” and the ASCOT Hymn.
To share the graduates’ remarkable success to those who were not able to watch in person, the College through the ICTC had the commencement activity via live stream coverage through the ASCOT official page.
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