UCU honors Academic Excellence as 74th Commencement Exercises open

Urdaneta City University formally commenced its 74th Commencement Exercises with the Recognition and Awards Day: Aldaw ti Panagyaman ken Pammadayaw, honoring students whose achievements embody this year's theme, “TIMPUYOG: Transcending Limitations Together.”

Held on June 23, 2026, at the Urdaneta City Cultural and Sports Complex, the ceremony celebrated graduating students who distinguished themselves in academics, leadership, service, research, and other fields, reflecting perseverance, dedication, and a steadfast pursuit of excellence.

In her message, Acting University President Dr. Amihan April C. Mella-Alcazar underscored the enduring legacy of UCU founder Dr. Pedro Tamesis Orata and the University's commitment to transformative education.

“With the vision of our founder, Dr. Pedro Tamesis Orata, who propagated the idea of transcendence—that we can go beyond ourselves to provide a positive impact to our community—we have not only survived but have actually achieved beautifully as an educational institution,” she said.

She emphasized that the University's achievers and graduates are living proof of its mission to expand access to higher education and create opportunities for those who might otherwise be unable to pursue tertiary studies.

“You are the sum of all the efforts of those who came before you. We stand upon the shoulders of those who established this institution and continue to provide service, dedication, and commitment to sustain the legacy of Urdaneta City University,” she added.

Guest of Honor and Speaker Atty. Cinderella Filipina S. Benitez-Jaro, Executive Director of the Commission on Higher Education challenged the awardees to extend their excellence beyond the University, asking, “What opportunities will you create after transcending those limitations?”

She reminded the graduates that “opportunity is not something you look for, it is something that you create,” emphasizing that “the greatest measure of your education will be the opportunities that exist because you chose to make a difference.”

She concluded with a message of hope and confidence, expressing anticipation for “the opportunities you will create, the lives you will influence, and the future you will help build.”

Among the highlights of the ceremony was the recognition of 24 Cum Laude graduates from various colleges, whose academic distinction reflected years of hard work and commitment.

1. Mones, Patrick Jan T. - BSBA Major in Financial Management

2. Padua, Michaela P. - BSBA Major in Financial Management

3. Cabang, Sheena Mae C. - Bachelor of Arts in Communication

4. Cabanayan, Zyrelle Geene R. - BSBA Major in Human Resource Management

5. Bongbonga, Alexa Anne B. - BSBA Major in Financial Management

6. Sagun, Lady Aleck P. - Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management

7. Aboy, Djobelle S. - Bachelor of Science in Psychology

8. Caseria, Femae S. - BSBA Major in Financial Management

9. Bautista, Mary Magdalene D. - BSBA Major in Financial Management

10. Alejon, Trisha Gwen G. - Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management

11. Tibig, Melan C. - Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education

12. Domondon, Abegail G. - BSBA Major in Financial Management

13. Salazar, Tricia Mae V. - BSBA Major in Financial Management

14. Esguerra, Melyra D. - Bachelor of Science in Psychology

15. Cuerdo, Kyla S. - Bachelor of Science in Psychology

16. Raposas, Vanessa Jade G. - BSBA Major in Financial Management

17. Tacadena, Jenelyn R. - BSBA Major in Human Resource Management

18. Lomboy, Czarina Mae S. - Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management

19. Gotis, Allyssa Nicole A. - Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management

20. Marcos, Daisy Mae G. - Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management

21. Supremido, Jasmine Jean S. - Bachelor of Secondary Ed. - Social Studies

22. Dayao, Hershe P. - Bachelor of Special Needs Education

23. Locquiao, Angelika Faith P. - Bachelor of Science in Psychology

24. Abulencia, Alyssa A. - Bachelor of Secondary Education - Filipino

The University likewise conferred honors upon outstanding students in leadership, culture, journalism, athletics, service, research, teaching, on-the-job training, and academic distinction at both the university and college levels.

Delivering the response on behalf of the awardees, Althea Kate P. Menzon, a Bachelor of Science in Criminology graduate and recipient of the Athletic Award (UCU Knights Reborn – Arnis) and University Special Achievement Award, reflected on the deeper meaning behind the recognition received by the awardees.

“To all the awardees, remember this: your medal is not only a piece of metal, and your certificate is not just ink on paper. They are physical manifestations of the sacrifices your parents made to keep you in school. They are reflections of the patience of our instructors who guided us even when we were difficult to teach,” she said.

She further reminded her fellow awardees that “the awards we receive today are a celebration of what we have done. But most importantly, they are a glimpse of what we will do.”

The program concluded as a tribute to the awardees' dedication and growth, reflecting the spirit of TIMPUYOG—surpassing limitations through unity, resilience, and shared purpose.