SERVING as the send-off for the 303 graduating students of Batch 2026, with  professors, and school administrators, the Baccalaureate Mass was held on July 3, 2026, at the St. Benedict Chapel. 

The Mass was presided over by Rev. Father Gerardo Ma. De Villa, OSB, Rector. During his homily, the Rector took the time to look back on the learning struggles of each student during the pandemic, highlighting the fear and anxiety brought upon the abrupt lifestyle changes that the students had to face.

He also gave light to the realities that the graduates may face after their upcoming graduation.

“The more important lessons you’ve applied in life aren’t the theories you’ve familiarized yourself with, but rather the learnings that stuck with you because of the failures you’ve experienced,” he stated.

Furthermore, he also acknowledged the resilience of the graduates despite the hardships they faced in their academic lives. He also cited scriptures from the Bible to provide examples on handling strength while facing struggles and defeats.

As he closed the homily, he sent his wishes to the graduates, “As you receive your degrees and your new title as Bedan graduates and masters, know that our prayers — mine, your administrators, the faculty and staff of the tertiary graduate education schools — go with you.”

The Dean’s Assembly was held as the mass concluded, paving the way for the recognition of the academic excellence achieved by the graduates. 

As the Commencement Exercise for Batch 2026 takes place on July 6, 2026, at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila, mixed emotions filled the hearts of the graduates. 

“I feel very accomplished knowing what I’ve been through in my four years. I really appreciate all of my professors, everyone who’s been there for me,” Mark Johnson Santos (IV-BSIT) expressed as he took a moment to reflect on his academic journey. 

Zoe Ortiz (IV-BSIT) felt excited as she looked ahead to her future, “I’m actually really excited to know what will be happening in the future. Although I don’t know yet, I’m still excited to do things that I wanted to do and haven’t done yet.”

 She also felt grateful as the Mass concluded since it served as a reminder that the graduation was approaching in a few days. 

Suzette Silve (IV-BACMS) felt blessed upon attending the Mass despite feeling pressured because of the future’s uncertainties. 

The three students considered the Baccalaureate Mass as an important ceremony towards the nearing Commencement Exercises. They felt grateful, blessed, and hopeful as they reached a new milestone. 

“It is very important for us to get reminded about where we are rooted from and since we are in the Catholic school, it is very important for us to always have a grasp of what this school means to everyone,” Silve said.