Pangasinan State University, Asingan Campus celebrated ‘Kalaguian 2024: Seniors’ Tribute’ with a spectacular graduation ball on July 29 at the Sapigao Sports Complex, Asingan, Pangasinan to honor the resilience and achievements of the graduating students.
Dr. Madlyn D. Tingco, campus executive director, was joined by key campus leaders, Dr. Honelly Mae S. Cascolan, dean of the College of Education, Asst. Prof. JB O. Doria, dean of the College of Technology and Business and Dr. Philip G. Nonales, dean of Student and Alumni Affairs. Together, they celebrated the students’ milestones with faculty, staff and the Supreme Student Council led by Ms. Hazel Baybayan, SSC president, marking a memorable evening of festivities.
Hon. Mayor Carlos F. Lopez, Jr. and Vice Mayor Heidee G. Chua were distinguished guests at the event. Vice Mayor Chua emphasized the importance of perseverance, prayer and hard work in building a better Philippines, challenging students to reflect on their role in national progress. โKailangan ang pagpupunyagiโdapat meron kang panalangin, malasakit at pagsisikap upang maging katuwang sa pagkakaroon ng Bagong Pilipinas,โ Vice Mayor Chua said. โLagi nating sinasabi bagong Pilipinas, natanong niyo na ba sa inyong sarili kung may nagawa na ba kayo para mabago ang Pilipinas? Sa tingin niyo ba kayo niyo ba iangat ang Pilipinas? Yes, basta sama-sama tayo, kaya nating baguhin ang mga dapat baguhin, pero may pagdaraan tayo para makamit ang mga pagbabago upang makakamtan natin ang ating Bagong Pilipinas.”
Vice Mayor Chua also acknowledged the challenges of life, emphasizing the need for determination and resourcefulness. “Life is so unfair, kasi yung iba may pera pero ayaw namang mag-aral, meron namang walang pera pero gustong-gustong makatapos. Maswerte kayo mga anak kasi nagsasakripisyo ang inyong magulang para makatapos kayo sa inyong pag-aaral. But still, life is unfairโyou may do everything but still fail; you may do everything but still not achieve what you want. Sa panahon ngayon, ang kailangan nyo ay diploma at diskarte. Mas gagalingan niyo pa sa darating na mga araw dahil mas competitive din ang mga ibang graduates na gaya ninyo.”
Dr. Tingco praised the graduating batch for their resilience, referring to them as ‘pandemic students’ who adapted to various learning modes, including asynchronous, synchronous, online, hybrid, and traditional classroom settings. “Para sa akin, itong batch na ito ay isang resilient batch. Bakit resilient? Kasi kayo mga pandemic students, 2020 first year kayoโlumabas mga terms na asynchronous, synchronous, online, hybrid, plain classroomโyouโve proven yourselves to be resilient, and congratulations because you were able to hurdle those challenges,” she remarked.
Dr. Tingco also reminded graduates that their journey is just beginning as they transition from students to professionals. “In a matter of months, babangon kayo para di pumasok sa eskwelahan pero para magtrabaho. Once employed, you will step into professional roles. As the future workforce of our nation, you will need to adeptly handle a dynamic and uncertain world, making a significant impact. Carry the Tatak PSU legacy with you in your careers.โ
Dr. Nonales expressed pride in the graduates, highlighting the core values of faith, compassion, and effort that define PSUnians. “It is with pride and pleasure that we come together under one thing, PSUnians na may pananalig, pagmamalasakit, at pagsisikap katuwang ng industriya sa bagong Pilipinas. This resonates deeply with the core values and aspirations that define our institution and our graduates. To our dear graduating students, tonight is not just a culmination of years of hard work and dedication but also a beginningโit is the entrance to the world where your skills, knowledge, and character will make a significant difference,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mayor Lopez announced a government initiative to support the graduates. “Sa mga graduating students ng 2024, bibigyan kayo ng work kahit 3-6 months man lang sa pamamagitan ng GIP na ibibigay ng DOLE sa Asingan para maranasan niyo ang magwork,” he announced. “The Government Internship Program (GIP) is one of the many programs of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that provides work opportunities.”
Furthermore, ‘Kalaguian 2024: Seniors’ Tribute’ was a night of celebration, inspiration, and encouragement, marking the start of a new chapter for PSU Asingan graduating students. The event highlighted the collective effort of Asingan Campus, local government and students in striving for a brighter future for the country.