MARKING a significant academic milestone and the graduates' transition from academic life to the professional world, the College held its 28th Commencement Exercises at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on July 6, 2026, recognizing the achievements of the Class of 2026 from the Tertiary and Graduate Schools.

       The ceremony honored a total of 311 graduates, comprising 291 tertiary students and 20 graduates from the Graduate School. Of the tertiary graduates, 93 were from the School of Arts, Sciences, and Education (SASE), 153 from the School of Business and Accountancy and Management (SBAM), and 45 from the School of Engineering and Technology (SET).

Among the graduates were one Summa Cum Laude awardee, 13 Magna Cum Laude awardees, 12 Cum Laude awardees, seven recipients of the St. Maur Award for Area Excellence, and nine recipients of the Our Lady of Montserrat Loyalty Award.

The commencement exercises began with the graduates' processional march, followed by the convening of the rites led by Ms. Vilma B. Clerigo, Registrar, and the invocation delivered by Mr. Patrick D. Boyoc, Chairperson of the Religious Education Department in Higher Education.

Dominique Ysabella G. Sy, a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy graduate, delivered her Welcome Address, reflecting on the sacrifices, perseverance, and resilience that defined the graduates' college journey.

Recalling the long hours spent studying and the uncertainty that accompanied their academic pursuits, Sy spoke of the doubts many students faced—whether they would pass the examinations they had worked hard for or experience the disappointment of failing a subject and watching their batchmates graduate ahead of them. She said the commencement signifies turning a new page as each graduate begins to forge a different chapter in life.

“Today, we are writing what comes next,” she said, emphasizing that while graduation marks the end of their years at SBCA, it is only the beginning of a new chapter in their journey.

Following the Welcome Address, Atty. Juan Ruffo D. Chong, Director for Tertiary and Graduate Education, introduced the commencement speaker, Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education.

Dr. Agrupis underscored the importance of believing in the current generation, noting that while it celebrates productivity, rewards achievements, and embraces hustle culture, many have directed their attention to “Labora”—work, but have forgotten “Ora”—prayer. 

“The challenge is how to pursue excellence without losing your sense of purpose, your inner peace, and higit sa lahat, your faith,” emphasizing that this is the gift of a Bedan education. She further added that through Ora et Labora, San Beda has prepared its graduates not only to excel in their chosen profession but also to become men and women of character, challenging them to carry the spirit of the mantra far beyond the walls of the institution.

As she concluded her speech, Dr. Agrupis reminded the graduates that the true measure of a Bedan education is service, encouraging them to use their professions as a means to make a positive impact on others.

After the commencement address, Audrey Jann C. De Guzman, a Summa Cum Laude graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program, delivered the Petition for the Conferment of Degrees.

This was followed by the presentation of the candidates for graduation by the deans of the schools: Dr. Rosario Mielmia C Aquino for the School of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Andres Ignacio C. San Mateo, Jr., for the School of Business and Management, and Engr. Jerry V. Turingan for the School of Engineering and Technology, respectively.

Rev. Fr. Gerardo Ma. De Villa, OSB, SBCA Rector-President, then formally conferred the degrees upon the graduates, after which the graduates participated in the symbolic turning of the tassels, while the Deans and Department Chairs presented the degrees to the graduates.

The commencement exercises continued as Juan Miguel O. Diaz, a Bachelor of Science in Legal Management graduate and the outgoing Editor-in-Chief of THE BEDAN HERALD, proceeded with his address of thanks, reflecting on the resilience and perseverance that defined the graduates’ journey in San Beda.

In his address, Diaz recounted the academic and personal struggles faced by the graduating class, highlighting that despite the moments of pressure and doubt, they continued to “show up” and persevere toward their respective goals.

“And looking back, I realized that it is exactly what these last few years have been — one long, unfolding act of grace,” he stated, attributing their accomplishments not only to their own efforts but also to God’s guidance and the opportunities they had been given.

As the graduates begin a new chapter in their lives, Diaz urged them to pursue future opportunities not out of pressure or a desire for recognition, but out of gratitude and a commitment to serving others.

“We were given a chance. Now, it is our turn to become one, for others,” he stressed as he concluded his speech.

The ceremony proceeded with the Pledge of Loyalty, led by Pamela Angeli T. Bernardino, a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies major in Tourism graduate, followed by the Alumni Oath administered by Atty. Ryan C. Cancio, President of the SBCA Alumni Association, formally inducting the graduates into the association.

The commencement exercises then concluded with the singing of the Bedan Hymn, the graduates' final rendition of the institution's alma mater as students.