“YOU did everything to endure what it takes to succeed. I congratulate each of you in your perseverance in your academic journey through thick or thin,” Fr. Gerardo Ma. De Villa, OSB, SBCA Rector President, said in his homily during the Tertiary Schools Baccalaureate Mass held today at St. Benedict Chapel. 

     Further into his homily, Fr. De Villa affirmed that the academic rigors that have stressed the students have been worth it. He also congratulated the parents and professors who have contributed to the success of the graduating students. 

     The graduation symbols were also blessed during the ceremony, including diplomas, trophies for the St. Maur Area of Excellence award, and medals for the Our Lady of Montserrat loyalty award. 

     As the Commencement Exercise of Batch 2025 takes place tomorrow at the Aliw Theater in Manila at 3:00 p.m., mixed emotions erupted among the students. 

     Maria Elena Villarroel (IV-BAP) felt hopeful and excited for the upcoming Graduation ceremony because she trusts that the Lord has prepared a “wonderful future” for her. She also felt the unity of the batch, with their active participation in the mass, knowing each worked hard to be where they were. 

     Ryan Joseph Ramiro (IV-BSAIS) shared that what impacted him the most was coming to terms with his last mass in SBCA. “‘Yung memories na naaalala mo from the first mass mo dito sa chapel hanggang ngayon,” he said.  

     “All the reflections and also the achievements all throughout this year,” was what ran through Francheska Gutierrez’s (IV-BSIT) mind during the ceremony. She felt thankful for reaching this moment and was blessed to have overcome her challenges. 

     The three students considered the Baccalaureate Mass as important as the Commencement Exercise. “I won't be here without God's grace and he has been my rock and my refuge throughout my whole college years,” Villarroel said. Ramiro reflects that SBCA is teaching them to be proper Catholics and to bring His name on their next journey, while Gutierrez credits God as a contributor to this achievement. 

     The annual Dean’s Assembly was held after the mass, awarding graduating students for their academic excellence during the academic year. 

     The number of awardees for each department is as follows: 

     From the School of Arts, Sciences, and Education

• BA Communication and Media Studies - 2
• BA International Studies Major in Asia Pacific Studies - 5
• BA International Studies Major in Philippine Government and External Relations - 3
• BA International Studies Major in Tourism - 17 
• BA Psychology - 6 
• BS Psychology - 6

     From the School of Business, Accountancy and Management 

• BS Accountancy - 5 
• BS Business Administration Major in Financial Management - 5
• BS Business Administration Major in Human Resource Management - 1
• BS Business Administration Major in Marketing Management - 16 
• BS Entrepreneurship - 8 

     From the School of Engineering and Technology 

• BS Information Technology - 7