The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) Tagum-Mabini Campus, Mabini Unit held the 45th Commencement Exercises in the afternoon of June 26, 2024. The Mabini Unit is home to the College of Agriculture and Related Sciences (CARS) that has 42 undergraduate and 30 graduate students who graduated this year.
Leading the class of 2024 is Ms. Johanna Roselle S. Salvar, cum Laude of the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture – Plant Pathology program. She expressed gratitude to everyone who has been part of their academic journey, and recounted the struggles they surpassed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his message, University President Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr. congratulated the graduates and urged them to pursue learning and give back to their respective communities. “You are privileged to receive your education at a distinguished University with greater emphasis on employability rather than employment, on trainable recruits rather than trained recruits, on learning rather than on teaching, on learning to learn rather than content-based teaching, and on green jobs rather than traditional jobs,” he said. Pres. Gabales also acknowledged the faculty and non-teaching personnel including the farm workers whose collective efforts have made possible for the Mabini Unit to be established as a Center of Excellence for Agriculture and Center of Development for Forestry, producing world-class graduates.
The graduates were graced with the inspiring message of Hon. Emerson L. Luego, Municipal Mayor of Mabini, Davao de Oro who has served in the priestly ministry for the past 22 years until called to public service. Under his leadership, the municipality has been making significant strides and continues its transformation. He encouraged the graduates to always choose their values, especially in times of struggle. “If the foundation of your morality is frail, then you will be tempted. But if the foundation of your sense of morality is strong, if you are dedicated, if you value public office as public trust, you can withstand the challenges,” Mayor Luego said.
Reinforcing Pres. Gabales’ message, Mayor Luego emphasized “We study not only for honors but for life. The foundation, the learning will always be useful in whatever journey we take in. Learning is always a continuous process.”
Also among the event highlights were the graduates’ pledge of loyalty to the University led by Mr. Jerome S. Baluis of the Master in Extension Education program and the induction to the Alumni Association by Hon. Antonio M. Faunillan, Jr., President of the University Alumni Federation and member of the USeP Board of Regents.
This year’s commencement theme is “Transforming Lives and Communities: The USeP’s Legacy of Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development over 45 Years”.
