CELEBRATING the achievements of the newest batch of CAS graduates, members of the community participated in the Baccalaureate Mass and the 23rd Commencement Exercises of the CAS last July 7. Because of quarantine restrictions, only those delegated with specific tasks were invited to participate onsite in the St. Benedict Chapel but the ceremony was live streamed in the official Facebook page of SBCA. This is the second virtual graduation of the CAS.

The Baccalaureate Mass

The Baccalaureate Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Gerardo Ma. De Villa, OSB, SBCA Rector-President. His homily emphasized the importance of community and family and their indispensability to one’s personal growth. He further communicated his hope for Bedan families to remain strong, steadfast, intact, and close despite any problem that may arise within.

The 23rd Commencement Exercises

The 23rd Commencement Exercises was convened by the Registrar, Ms. Visimar Mores. It was followed by the invocation led by Prof. Arnold Aviles and the singing of the national anthem. Prof. Aviles hosted the event with Prof. Elaine Aclan.

The welcoming address was delivered by Ms. Ma. Theresa Vieane Yet (BCMS) who applauded her fellow batchmates for their perseverance and hard work. She said: “We turned our ‘ayoko na’ to ‘kaya ko pa at kakayanin ko pa.’” Yet also expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the Bedan community and ended her speech by congratulating her batchmates for earning their degrees amidst the challenges brought by the global pandemic.

Dreams, Goals, Plans, and Realities

The commencement speaker was Bedan alumnus and SBCA Board of Trustees Chairman, Mr. Roman Felipe S. Reyes, CPA. Reyes, who holds a master’s degree from the University of Detroit, also founded Reyes Tacandong & Co., a leading professional services firm in the country. In his speech, Reyes shared that although getting a college degree is an important step in reaching one’s dream, he emphasized that it is only one of the steps. He went on to share his favorite quote from Greg Reid: “A dream written down with a date becomes a goal. A goal broken down into steps becomes a plan. A plan backed by action becomes reality.” He told the graduates that a dream can only turn into reality if one acts on it and if one acts on it now. 

Reyes also advised the graduates to invest in themselves because opportunities are limited and will be restricted by the time they reach their forties. He told the graduates to think outside the box and set goals. Reyes concluded his speech by sharing a Bible verse from Colossians: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for men.” and added a quote, “Good things come to those who believe. Better things come to those who are patient. Best things come to those who don’t give up.”

The Conferments of Degrees

Shirard Paolo F. Adivisio (BAIS major in Tourism) represented the candidates in petitioning for the conferment of the bachelor’s degrees. Dean Ryan M. Sicat, Ph.D. then took his turn in presenting the candidates for graduation to the Rector-President. Rev. Fr. Gerardo Ma. De Villa, OSB thereafter formally announced the conferment of the degrees. The names of the graduates and special awards given to those who earned them were subsequently announced by their respective Department Chairs.

Conveying Gratitude

The address of thanks was delivered by Ms. Ami Suzuki (BSEd major in Mathematics), former Student Executive Council Secretary. In her speech, she spoke about the uncertainties brought by the pandemic but nevertheless highlighted some blessings that came with it.  

Suzuki relayed the gratitude of the graduating class to their supportive family members and mentioned that her parents were watching from Japan. She likewise expressed her gratitude to Teacher Education Department that shaped her not only academically but holistically. Among others, she especially thanked Dean Sicat, her Department Chair, and Prof. Roma Wynn Sedo for their support. The commitment and hard work shown by the Vice Deans, Dr. Rosario Milemia Aquino and Atty. Juan Ruffo Chong, and other professors were also appreciated.

Suzuki paid tribute to her fellow student leaders for their service to the Bedan community and ended her speech by saying, “My dear batchmates, this is not yet the end. It’s just the beginning of our journey. Like what Buzz Lightyear says, ‘To infinity and beyond!’ Congratulations Class of 2021. Mabuhay tayong lahat! That in all things, God may be glorified!”

Closing

Ms. Mary Beatrice Nicolas (BSA) thereafter led the graduates in reciting the Pledge of Loyalty to SBCA followed by Alumni Oath administered by Prof. Anne Klaine A. Maravillas who is a CAS alumnae herself. The 23rd Commencement Exercises ended with the singing of the Bedan Hymn, the declaration by the Registrar of the conclusion of the event, and a recessional of the Administrators and faculty members.