DRESSED in red togas, the graduates finally saw the long wait come to an end as they marched in the Joint Commencement Exercises of the Tertiary School and Graduate School of San Beda College Alabang (SBCA) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Plenary Hall last July 20. 

     In her welcoming address, Patricia Monique Santiaguel, cum laude from Bachelor of Science in Legal Management, recounts their batch’s collective experience of transitioning from online to face-to-face setting. She also highlighted the importance and significance of Ora et Labora in reaching their achievements. “One of the monastic teachings of St. Benedict was imparted to us from the beginning which we would remember and treasure for the rest of our lives,” she says. 

     Santiaguel honors the institution that became their second home, parents and loved ones for their unwavering support, and God for His everlasting guidance. She ends her speech by saying that the event “signifies the end of a chapter of our lives and at the same time, the start of finally fulfilling our dreams.” 

     The commencement address speaker for this year was Hon. Rozzano Rufino B. Biazon, mayor of the city of Muntinlupa, who addressed the roles and contributions the graduates will fill in society. He also mentions the significance of one’s character, “Remember that success is not just shaped by the academic achievements that you have, but more importantly good character.” 

     Biazon expressed his appreciation for the effective education methodology and system provided by SBCA and reminded the graduates never to forget the lessons and to have the attitude to learn from every opportunity presented. He advises them to put their trust and faith in God but repeats, “that it would be your blood, sweat, and tears which will make those plans happen.” 

     Sofia Nicole Torres, a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and magna cum laude graduate, delivered the petition of conferment. The graduates were presented by their respective deans with Dr. Andres Ignacio C. San Mateo Jr. for the Graduate School, Dr. Rosario Mielmia C. Aquino for the School of Arts, Sciences, and Education (SASE), Atty. Juan Ruffo D. Chong for the School of Business, Accountancy and Management (SBAM), and Engr. Jerry V. Turingan for the School of Engineering and Technology (SET). 

     Rev. Fr. Gerardo Ma. De Villa, OSB, SBCA Rector President, conferred the graduates’ degrees.  

     In her Address of Thanks, Francesca Medina, summa cum laude from Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, reflected on the start of her college journey when she asked herself what was in store for her in SBCA. She identifies three words that resonated through the four years she spent, "Challenges, opportunities, and lessons." 

     Medina expresses her gratitude to her mother, father, siblings, other family members, partner, friends, and blockmates. She also recalled her time as a student leader in the Student Executive Council and The Bedan Herald, giving thanks to her ‘org mates’, moderators, and school organizations. Moreover, she is thankful for the quality education and holistic growth, acknowledging the administrators and professors.  

     The summa cum laude describes her batch’s journey as a rollercoaster ride, “we had victories and struggles as a batch, we hustled hard as individuals, and we diligently showed up.” She ended her address of thanks with hope for their batch to always choose to fight and seize opportunities. 

     The Pledge of Loyalty was led by Ricci Jelo Aala, a cum laude from Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Marketing Management. As for the Alumni Oath, it was led by Prof. Maria Exequiel S.J. Panaguiton, the current Accountancy Department Chairperson who earned her two degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and an MBA from SBCA. 

     Batch 2024 concluded their journey with 367 graduates, 133 students from SASE, 196 from SBAM, and 38 from SET. The graduation recognized and awarded two students for summa cum laude, 27 for magna cum laude, 30 for cum laude, 10 for St. Maur Award for Area Excellence, and five Our Lady of Montserrat Loyalty Awardees.