USTP Claveria celebrates Class of 2026 at Recognition Rites and Tribute to Parents
By Dr. Nueva D. Salaan, STRATCOMM Coordinator, Carlos Ian H. Mendoza, STRATCOMM Staff, USTP Claveria
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The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Claveria, Misamis Oriental (USTP Claveria), recognized the academic achievements of its graduating students and paid tribute to the unwavering support of parents and families during the Recognition Rites and Tribute to Parents held on July 1, 2026, at the USTP Claveria Multipurpose Hall. The ceremony celebrated students who demonstrated outstanding academic performance while reaffirming the university’s commitment to producing graduates who excel not only in their chosen fields but also in character, integrity, and service.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Alexander L. Ido, vice chancellor for academic affairs, emphasized that the Recognition Rites represent more than an academic tradition.
“Recognition rites are more than a tradition. Before every applause and before every graduate walks across this stage lies an untold story—a story of courage, discipline, sacrifice, and dreams pursued despite uncertainty,” he said.
Dr. Ido highlighted that every academic achievement is a shared success made possible through the sacrifices and support of parents, grandparents, guardians, relatives, mentors, faculty members, and the entire USTP community. He also reminded the graduates that while academic awards recognize excellence, the university’s greater mission is to produce globally competitive professionals who serve with integrity, compassion, and humility.
Representing the graduating class, Ms. Leann Kaye C. Ladera, a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, reflected on the journey of the Class of 2026, describing the occasion as a celebration of dreams fulfilled through perseverance, sacrifice, and resilience. She acknowledged the financial challenges, long commutes, demanding academic requirements, and personal struggles that many graduates overcame. She also expressed gratitude to parents, families, professors, mentors, classmates, and the university for helping shape them into future professionals, encouraging her fellow graduates to remain humble and never forget where they came from.
The keynote address was delivered by Engr. Barry G. Lood, a USTP Claveria alumnus and Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) manager of Zenith Food Corporation. Sharing his personal journey, Lood recounted growing up in humble circumstances, waking before dawn to herd cattle, gather firewood, sell ice candy, and walk nearly ten kilometers to school in pursuit of his education.
“My circumstances never determined my future. God used every hardship to prepare me for the person I was becoming,” he shared.
Lood also expressed gratitude to his former professors for inspiring him to pursue his aspirations. He challenged the graduates to remain grounded as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
“Today you receive medals; tomorrow you will receive responsibilities. Never allow your degree to overpower your character,” he said.
One of the most meaningful moments of the ceremony was the Tribute to Parents, highlighted by the Speech of Gratitude delivered by Ms. Mary Jean M. Enlawan, a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Enlawan honored parents, grandparents, guardians, relatives, teachers, mentors, and loved ones whose sacrifices made their educational journey possible. She described them as the silent heroes whose unwavering love, encouragement, and sacrifices enabled the graduates to pursue their dreams. In a deeply personal message, she also thanked her husband for his steadfast love, patience, and support throughout her studies.
During the tribute, graduates presented leis, flowers, corsages, and tokens of appreciation to their parents and guardians as expressions of gratitude. The ceremony was further enriched by cultural performances from the KALASI Dance Troupe, Duyog Sudsud, and the USTP Band.
Responding on behalf of the parents, Ms. Maricel C. Ladera, mother of Magna Cum Laude graduate Leann Kaye C. Ladera, thanked the university for recognizing not only the accomplishments of the graduates but also the sacrifices of their families. She reflected on the years of hard work, prayers, and unwavering faith that parents invest in their children’s education.
Drawing from her own experience as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), she shared the challenges she faced while returning home amid the conflict in the Middle East, saying her greatest prayer was to witness her daughter’s graduation. Through faith and perseverance, she was able to return safely and celebrate the milestone with her family. She encouraged the graduates to honor their parents’ sacrifices by living lives marked by humility, integrity, gratitude, and excellence.
The ceremony concluded with the singing of the USTP Hymn, symbolizing the culmination of years of perseverance and the beginning of a new chapter for the Class of 2026.
More than a recognition of academic achievement, the Recognition Rites and Tribute to Parents affirmed that every graduate’s success is built upon the collective support of families, educators, mentors, and the university community. As they move forward, the graduates carry not only academic distinctions but also the responsibility to serve society with competence, compassion, and integrity.
The program was hosted by Engr. Val Irvin F. Mabayo, Director of the Research Office, USTP Claveria.
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