A total of 113 undergraduate and 65 graduate students of the College of Development Management were conferred with their respective degrees during the 45th Commencement Exercises of the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) Mintal Campus conducted on June 27, 2024. Themed, “Transforming Lives and Communities: The USeP’s Legacy of Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development over 45 Years”, the joyous ceremony honored the University’s commitment to produce globally competitive graduates ready to contribute to the country’s development.
Joining this year’s ceremony as the Commencement Speaker is USeP Alumna Atty. Jennife Dumalag-Borong, Division Manager for Special Projects under the Office of the Assistant General Manager for Administration of the Davao City Water District. Reflecting on the extraordinary hardships she hurdled, Atty. Dumalag-Borong cited her personal story as a testimony of how USeP truly transforms lives – from a struggling college student who could barely make ends meet, if not for the support and compassion of the USeP community, to her present-day status as a lawyer in government service advocating gender equality and women empowerment.
“At USeP CDM, I received not only a college degree that is a normative requirement for obtaining a job or pursuing higher education but most importantly a high degree of conscientization, a sense for social justice.” She encouraged students to operationalize sustainable development in their present or would-be industries.
“Make justice as your core because this is fundamental in transforming lives. Transforming lives and communities, sustainable development, inclusive growth – without justice is empty,” Atty. Dumalag-Borong imparted.
Meanwhile, the valedictory address was given by Ms. Jerlyn G. Gales, Magna Cum Laude of the Bachelor of Science in Community Development. On behalf of the graduating class, she expressed utmost gratitude to everyone behind their success, especially that their batch is among those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The graduates pledged their loyalty to the University led by Ms. Terryl Jean C. Arnado, USeP Mintal Student Council President. Then they were inducted to the Alumni Association by Hon. Antonio M. Faunillan, Jr., President of the University Alumni Federation and member of the USeP Board of Regents.
University President Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr. is proud to say that the graduates are privileged to receive their education from a distinguished university dedicated to nurturing minds and shaping the future through quality education, innovative research, and impactful community engagement. “I believe that the USeP Class of 2024 Graduates can deal with sustainability issues in their career and lives wherever they will be.”