Some milestones are measured not by the number of graduates who march across the stage, but by the generations whose futures change because of them.

The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) marked a defining chapter in its commitment to accessible and inclusive higher education as the Malabog Extension Campus celebrated its first-ever Commencement Exercises on July 1, 2026. The ceremony formed part of the University’s 47th Commencement Exercises, carrying the theme, “Building Dreams. Elevating Excellence. Empowering Communities.”

The pioneering graduating class comprised 100 students whose achievements reflect the transformative reach of education. Among them were 79 first-generation college graduates, each becoming the first in their respective families to earn a college degree. The ceremony was made even more meaningful by the graduation of 16 students from various Indigenous Peoples communities, highlighting USeP’s continuing commitment to bringing quality higher education closer to underserved communities through its partnership with the City Government of Davao.

In his message, University President Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr. reminded the graduates and the community that the occasion represented something far greater than the conferral of degrees. “This gathering celebrates more than the completion of academic requirements. It celebrates a vision that many people believed in, worked for, and patiently nurtured through the years,” he said.

The inaugural batch included 57 graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship and 43 graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business, programs designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to strengthen local enterprises and promote sustainable community development.

President Gabales emphasized that the success of the pioneering class was made possible through the collective efforts of families, educators, government partners, and the entire community, noting that “it takes a whole community to help a student earn a college degree.” He added that “the graduation celebrated 100 graduates. One hundred dreams fulfilled. One hundred families celebrating. One hundred lives opened to new opportunities.”

Representing Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte, Hon. Councilor Al Ryan S. Alejandre, Vice Chairperson Committee on Education, Science and Technology, conveyed the City’s congratulations to the pioneering graduates while reaffirming the local government’s commitment to making quality higher education more accessible, particularly to geographically isolated communities such as Paquibato. He recognized the shared efforts of parents, faculty members, USeP, and its partners in creating opportunities for the youth through an environment that nurtures learning, values, and excellence. Mayor Duterte encouraged the graduates to continue pursuing their aspirations with confidence and optimism, expressing hope that they would become globally competitive, socially responsible individuals who would inspire others, especially young members of Indigenous Peoples communities, to dream bigger and believe that education has the power to transform lives.

The graduates also received a special recorded message from Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines Hon. Sara Z. Duterte, who extended her congratulations and encouraged the new graduates as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
Academic excellence likewise shone throughout the ceremony as eight (8) graduates earned Latin honors. Seven Cum Laude distinctions were awarded to graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship, while one graduate from the Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business also received the distinction.

Beyond scholastic achievement, USeP recognized students whose contributions enriched campus life through non-academic awards for leadership, service, athletics, and the arts, celebrating individuals who exemplified excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

Speaking on behalf of the pioneering class, Ms. Jendie Rose B. Cuizon reflected on the shared journey of the graduates and the opportunities made possible through education. The ceremony also featured the Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Inang Pamantasan, led by Malabog Student Council Internal Vice President Mr. Reden R. Panla-an, reaffirming the graduates’ enduring connection to their alma mater.

As the graduates officially joined the growing community of USeP alumni, they were inducted into the Federation of USeP Alumni Associations Inc. by its President and Alumni Regent, Hon. Julius P. Borbon. The commencement concluded with the singing of the USeP Hymn, a fitting finale to a ceremony that celebrated not only academic accomplishment but also the fulfillment of a vision that education should reach every learner, regardless of geography or circumstance.

#WeBuildDreamsWithoutLimits
#USePCARES
#TransformingLivesAndCommunities

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