Fusing the noble callings of healing and justice, the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) celebrated the Joint School of Medicine (SoM) and School of Law (SoL) Graduation Ceremonies on June 26, 2026, at the Herminigildo C. Baloyo, M.D. Hall in the Tagum City Cultural Center.
Honoring a total of 65 graduates — 50 from the School of Medicine and 15 from the School of Law, the event marked the second commencement exercises for SoM and the fourth for SoL and was one of the highlights of the University’s 47th Commencement Exercises, anchored on the theme: “Building Dreams. Elevating Excellence. Empowering Communities.”
The event commenced with a solemn Graduation Blessing Ceremony led by Rev. Fr. Raymund Suela, Director of Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenical Apostolate for the Roman Catholic Bishop of Tagum, invoking guidance and purpose for the incoming professionals.
USeP President Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr. delivered an inspiring address. He highlighted the symbiotic relationship between the two graduating bodies. “Medicine and Law serve as strong foundations of society,” Dr. Gabales stated. “One attends to the preservation of life and health. The other upholds justice, fairness, and order. Both demand a deep commitment to public service and a life oriented toward others.”
President Gabales emphasized that the creation of these schools was a direct response to the systemic lack of professional healthcare and legal representation in Mindanao’s marginalized regions. He encouraged the graduates to always “return to their beginning” when responsibilities grow heavy, proudly dubbing them the new breed of “USeP Agila Doctors and Agila Lawyers” ready to spread their wings.
USeP Tagum-Mabini Campus Chancellor, Dr. Shirley S. Villanueva, introduced the Commencement Speaker, Dr. Lourdes C. Generalao, the Immediate Past USeP President.
Dr. Generalao delivered a stirring and deeply moving address, recalling her 43-year journey with the university since 1980. She praised the pioneers, administrative staff, and current leadership who turned a grueling paperwork concept into a thriving reality that produces healers and advocates.
“Go where you are needed most. Use your knowledge not just to build a career, but to build a healthier nation,” Dr. Generalao charged the medical graduates. Turning her gaze to the law graduates, she remarked, “The law is a powerful tool. I charge you to use your knowledge on behalf of those who cannot afford to fight for themselves.”
She reminded both batches that their true measure of greatness would lie not in wealth, but in the vulnerable lives they touched and the communities they lifted out of despair.
Moreover, Tagum City Councilor Atty. Edd Mark O. Wakan delivered the motivational message of City Mayor Rey T. Uy, reinforcing the city’s continuous support for USeP’s academic endeavors.
Ms. Danielle Anne C. Caliosan, Class Valedictorian and the historic first Cum Laude of the School of Law, delivered a moving valedictory address while Mr. Maelron Chris G. Gaspan, the Top 1 student of the School of Medicine Batch Sambisig, offered an inspiring message on resilience and collective triumph.
The ceremony also served as a stage to recognize outstanding students who excelled in academics, leadership, and community engagement.
Following the distribution of awards and diplomas, Ms. Khatelee Cunado Manubag, Batch President of the SoM Class of 2026, led her fellow graduates in reciting the Pledge of Loyalty to their Alma Mater.
Stepping up to seal their transition from students to alumni, Hon. Julius P. Borbon, President of the Federation of USeP Alumni Associations, Inc. and Alumni Regent, formally inducted the 65 graduates into the broader USeP Alumni Community.
The joint commencement ended on a high note with the singing of the University Hymn.
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