Bohol Island State University

𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐁𝐈𝐒𝐔 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 | 𝐁𝐈𝐒𝐔 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐍’𝐬 𝟕𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬

BISU Clarín Campus celebrated a momentous milestone—the 74th Commencement Exercises, where 294 proud graduates earned their degrees at the Activity Center on June 16, 2026. With BISU’s graduation theme, “ : 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗵𝘀,” the event was a celebration of the remarkable achievements made possible through perseverance and dedication, which have brought these graduates to this significant milestone in their academic journeys.

The processional paved the way for a meaningful moment as the candidates for graduation, accompanied by their parents, marched alongside faculty and personnel, directors and heads of various offices and units, campus directors, vice presidents, the BOR secretary, the university mace, the university president, and the commencement speaker. An invocation was led by Shaira C. Olar, Cum Laude, BSES, followed by the singing of hymns. Setting an inspiring tone for the occasion, Ms. Mariel P. Mellomida, Magna Cum Laude, BTLEd-HE, delivered the welcome address to her fellow candidates of Batch 2026.

The candidates for graduation were presented by Dr. Richard S. Mula, Director of Instruction, and then formally introduced by Clarin Campus Director Dr. Denvincent A. Ruiz to the university president, Dr. Anthony M. Penaso, who officiated the confirmation of the graduates.

Highlighting the power of togetherness in fostering transformation and reaching new heights, a series of messages was delivered to the graduates. Throughout the ceremony, distinguished local officials, including Clarin Municipal Mayor Hon. Eugeniano E. Ibarra, 2nd District Bohol Congresswoman Vanessa C. Aumentado, and Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado (represented by provincial legal officer Atty. Handel T. Lagunay), conveyed messages of support and encouragement.

Dr. Denvincent A. Ruiz, Clarin Campus Director, played a pivotal role by warmly welcoming everyone and introducing the distinguished commencement speaker. A key highlight of the event was the commencement address by Prof. Fortunato T. de la Peña, PhD, a former Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, whose inspiring speech resonated with the graduates and motivated them to pursue excellence.

Former DOST Secretary de la Peña also encouraged the graduates to never be afraid to start small, emphasizing that everyone has different timelines for growth and success in life. “𝗛𝘂𝘄𝗮𝗴 𝘁𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗼𝘁 𝘀𝗮 𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗻: 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆𝗮, 𝗸𝗼𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗱, 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗸𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗮-𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗮, 𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗼𝗻,” he added.

The BISU community was honored to have Dr. Anthony M. Penaso, the university president, deliver an uplifting message: “𝗕𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘂𝗽 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂.” Emphasizing the importance of education and service, President Penaso reminded the graduates, “𝗔𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲, 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀.”

The ceremony also included the presentation of plaques of appreciation to the commencement speaker, as well as awards for Academic Excellence and Leadership for BISU Clarin Campus’s Batch 2026. The university officials conferred the Leadership Award on Ms. Angelica Suello, a Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education major in Home Economics graduate, and the Academic Excellence Award on Ms. Leah Amores, a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics graduate. Additionally, BISU’s first-ever topnotcher, Mr. Rhussel James C. Amad, of BTLEd-HE, was officially recognized for ranking in the Top 10 in the September 2025 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT).

BISU President Dr. Anthony M. Penaso, along with Vice Presidents Dr. Maria Lilibeth G. Castil (VP for Academics and Quality Assurance), Dr. Arceli M. Hernando (VP for Administration and Finance), Dr. Zina D. Sayson (VP for Student Affairs and Services), Dr. Ivy Corazon A. Mangaya-ay (VP for Research, Innovation, and Extension), Campus Director Dr. Denvincent A. Ruiz, and Campus Registrar Ms. Jia A. Suarez, assisted during the distribution of diplomas.

Diplomas were distributed to all graduates, and the university president presented the recognition to Ms. Leah T. Amores, Summa Cum Laude, BSEd-Math, who delivered the Baccalaureate Address, emphasizing themes of gratitude, hope, and perseverance. “𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆,” said Amores. Following this, BISU President Dr. Anthony M. Penaso delivered the President’s charge to the graduates, who were then inducted into the BISU Alumni Association, led by Alumni President Dr. Lilibeth L. Laroga. The proud graduates took a loyalty pledge with Ms. Abegail S. Bandico, Cum Laude, BSHM, and joined together in singing their graduation song entitled “New Start,” originally composed by Rey John Tabigue.

This vibrant celebration not only marked academic success but also symbolized hope and new beginnings for these 294 graduates, who are now ready to make a difference in their communities and beyond. The event concluded with the singing of the BISU Hymn and a recessional. Throughout the occasion, Jemma Lucitte A. Cabrillos served as the Lady of Ceremonies for this momentous event—the 74th Commencement Exercises of BISU.

𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐁𝐈𝐒𝐔 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬
𝐁𝐈𝐒𝐔 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐍 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 & 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

Indeed, it was a momentous day filled with pride and smiles as the 294 graduands of BISU Clarin campus visibly showcased the power of togetherness during the recognition program and tribute to parents held at the Student Activity Center on June 16, 2026.

This day of celebration, with the theme, “ : 𝙏𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙪𝙢𝙥𝙝𝙨," began with a baccalaureate mass and fellowship service. Immediately afterward, the recognition program took place, featuring a processional of all the academic, meritorious, and special awardees, along with the academic chairpersons, college deans, directors, heads of various offices and units, campus registrar, SDS Director, Campus Director Dr. Denvincent A. Ruiz, and Recognition Speaker Mr. Rogeliano A. Cenita.

The parents, guests, and fellow graduands of BISU Clarin Class of 2026 were warmly welcomed with heartfelt remarks from Ms. Irish Z. Oracion, Cum Laude, BEED. Ms. Oracion emphasized the importance of recognizing not only the awards and achievements but also the stories and sacrifices behind these successes.

The graduating class was presented by their esteemed respective deans: Dr. Rey Anthony G. Godmalin, Dean of the College of Science and Management, and Dr. Ramil S. Bulilan, Dean of the College of Teacher Education.
The academic year 2025-2026 at BISU Clarin saw 294 proud graduands, including:
31 Bachelor of Elementary Education
23 Bachelor of Secondary Education (Major in Mathematics)
46 Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education (Major in Home Economics)
97 Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
31 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (Major in Coastal Resource Management)
66 Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

With the recognition of the graduates, Dr. Denvincent A. Ruiz, Campus Director of BISU Clarin, shared an inspiring message:
“𝙄 𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙥 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙢𝙪𝙢. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙚, 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙙𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝘽𝙄𝙎𝙐 𝘾𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣. "
Campus Director Dr. Ruiz then added, "𝘿𝙪𝙮𝙪𝙜𝙖𝙣 𝙏𝙖 𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙜; 𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙝𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙢 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙮 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨, 𝙩𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙡𝙚𝙚𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨. 𝙄𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨, 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙥𝙚𝙨𝙤, 𝙨𝙖𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙨 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙛𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙄𝙎𝙐 𝘾𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙣. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙪𝙣𝙬𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙪𝙥𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙛𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙩. 𝙏𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, 𝙖𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙥 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙, 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙩 𝙤𝙛 “𝘿𝙪𝙮𝙪𝙜𝙖𝙣.” 𝙐𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙡𝙚𝙙𝙜𝙚, 𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙪𝙚𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨.”

The memorable hooding ceremony for the Class of 2026 then took place. The guest speaker was introduced by Sheila Mae O. Zafra, MENRM, Head of Alumni Relations. The Recognition Address was then delivered by Mr. Rogeliano A. Cenita, Founder of Bluecrush Processed Foods Manufacturing, whose words truly inspired the graduates. “𝘿𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩, 𝙤𝙧 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩,” said Mr. Cenita, who is also an alumnus of BISU Clarin.

Clarin Campus Director Dr. Denvincent A. Ruiz, Director of Instruction Dr. Richard S. Mula, CSM Dean Dr. Rey Anthony G. Gudmalin, and CTE Dean Dr. Ramil S. Bulilan awarded plaques of appreciation to the guest speaker, Mr. Rogeliano A. Cenita.
The awarding ceremonies then recognized the top-performing students of BISU Clarin campus. The awardees were honored for their skills, hard work, and dedication, acknowledging the unwavering support of their parents and mentors.

A truly heartfelt moment unfolded during the Tribute to Parents, as Ms. Anjaneth Lopez, Cum Laude, BEED, shared her touching testimony with her fellow graduates, expressing her deep gratitude to her beloved parents, friends, and mentors. Ms. Lopez said sincerely, “𝙈𝙖, 𝙋𝙖, 𝙣𝙖𝙖 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙪𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙪𝙜 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙙𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙖 𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮𝙖.”

As a meaningful expression of gratitude for all the support, guidance, and inspiration throughout their journey, the graduating candidates sang in unison their tribute song entitled “Salamat Ginikanan,” an original composition by Fr. Jessie Cutanda and Fr. Pablo Omamalin.

An emotionally charged moment followed as Mr. Cerilo V. Mellomida shared his heartfelt words with the graduating batch. Proudly, he expressed his happiness, especially because his daughter, Ms. Mariel P. Mellomida, is graduating as Magna Cum Laude, BTLEd-HE. Mr. Mellomida also encouraged the graduates to persevere through challenges, emphasizing that with persistence and hard work, everything will be worth it. He told the students, “𝙆𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙞𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙢𝙖 𝙣𝙜𝙖 𝙞𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙩, 𝙨𝙞𝙢𝙗𝙤𝙡𝙤 𝙪𝙨𝙖𝙗 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙞 𝙨𝙖 𝙜𝙪𝙜𝙢𝙖, 𝙥𝙖𝙜-𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙤, 𝙪𝙜 𝙨𝙖𝙠𝙧𝙞𝙥𝙞𝙨𝙮𝙤 𝙨𝙖 𝙞𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙠𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙣, 𝙥𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮𝙖, 𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙩𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙡𝙤, 𝙪𝙜 𝙨𝙖 𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙖𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙖𝙬𝙤 𝙣𝙜𝙖 𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙠𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙮𝙤 𝙨𝙖 𝙞𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙬.” Hugs, tears, and emotions filled the air as students presented roses to their parents and loved ones, symbolizing the donning of leis.

Dr. Patricio S. Doroy, SDS Director, delivered his closing remarks as the event concluded with a heartfelt tribute to parents and gratitude towards the institution. The Lady of Ceremonies, Dr. Melissa L. Loquere, then signaled the recessional, ending the program with a sense of fulfillment and excitement for the 74th Commencement Exercises.

2026 BISU Graduation Series | 17th BISU Balilihan Commencement Exercises

The afternoon of June 15th saw a rain shower blessing the grounds of the Balilihan Campus as 366 graduates from BISU Balilihan earned their degrees and marched toward their professional futures. The 17th Commencement Exercises were held at the BISU Balilihan Campus Multi-Purpose Covered Court.

This year, BISU Balilihan conferred well-deserved degrees upon a diverse cohort of graduates: 73 from Criminology, 93 from Information Technology, 66 from Electrical Technology, 37 from Electronics Technology, and 65 from Industrial Technology, major in Food Preparation Services Management. The campus produced 12 Latin honor awardees and 21 special distinction awardees for leadership, proficiency, exemplary performance, and service. Following the recommendation of the candidates by their respective deans, BISU Balilihan Campus Director Dr. Marietta Macalolot presented the graduates to University President Dr. Anthony M. Penaso. The university leader then conferred their degrees, signifying the completion of their academic journey.

It was a pivotal moment in the lives of the graduates and their loved ones—an occasion that celebrated both their achievements and their collective personal transformation, in line with this year’s theme: “ : Togetherness for Transformation and Triumphs.”

Commencement speaker Dr. Karol Mark Yee, the executive director of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), congratulated Batch 2026 of BISU Balilihan, highlighting the “deeper formation” they received during their years at the University. Dr. Yee, who holds a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge and a Master of Education degree from Harvard University, commended the graduates for their resilience. He shared that they “belong to a generation that has known disruption firsthand,” having grown up in an island province that has weathered both natural calamities and global disruptions.

Dr. Yee, who has served as EDCOM II director since 2023, has led the commission in investigating the current state of Philippine education. Under his leadership, the commission has issued reports highlighting the urgent need to strengthen the education sector’s foundations and institute reforms to support Filipino learners. In his address, he spoke to the challenges facing today’s Filipino youth, emphasizing that the true measure of a graduate lies not in individual achievements, but in their contribution to the public and the community.

Local leaders from Balilihan and Bohol also attended to express their support in person, including Balilihan Mayor Atty. Esther Patrisha Chatto, Vice Mayor Pureza Chatto, and Bohol 1st District Representative Baba Yap. Delivering the message on behalf of Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado was Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Handel Lagunay.

“Maong asa man gani mo padulong human niini, dad-a ninyo ang kaalam uban sa pagkamatinudanong pagkamapainubsanon.” With these words, Dr. Penaso bestowed his final charge upon the graduates: to be a generation that “refuses to normalize dishonesty,” “chooses understanding over hatred,” and remains deeply mindful of the kind of future they will leave behind for those who will come after them.

Following their oaths as new alumni and their pledges of loyalty to the institution, the graduates sang their hearts out, delivering a moving rendition of Janwel Ladaga’s Pagkahiusa before raising their voices one last time for the BISU Hymn.

NOTICE
BISU Main Campus
Tagbilaran City

Please be informed that face-to-face transactions at the Registrar’s Office of the Bohol Island State University (BISU) Main Campus will be suspended from June 18-19, 2026. The 2026 Commencement Exercises of the BISU Main Campus shall be conducted within the campus during these dates.

For requests, inquiries, and other transactions, you may contact the Registrar’s Office online through [email protected].

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

2026 BISU Graduation | BISU Balilihan Recognition Rites & Tribute to Parents

The graduands of Batch 2026 celebrated the achievements they earned and the bonds they formed during their four-year journey within the halls of BISU Balilihan during the Recognition Program and Tribute to Parents & Guardians. The event was held on the morning of June 15, 2026, at the BISU Balilihan Campus Multi-Purpose Covered Court.

Exemplary and top-performing students from BISU Balilihan were recognized during the event, including 12 Latin honor awardees—highlighted by magna cm laude recipient Erlien Rose Tanduyan from the BS Criminology program—and 21 special distinction awardees for leadership, proficiency, exemplary performance, and service. Numerous recent alumni were also recognized for their performance in the recent Philippine licensure examinations for Master Electricians and Criminologists. Following their recognition, the graduands participated in the hooding ceremony to signify their transition from students to official candidates for graduation.

Inspiring the upcoming graduates was Mr. Bob T. Paquinol, school principal of Cogon Elementary School in Cogon, El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental. Mr. Paquinol, a 2016 BSIT Food Technology alumnus of BISU Balilihan, praised the graduands for their determination and perseverance. He also reminded the students to hold deep gratitude for the parents, relatives, and loved ones who supported their academic journey. Furthermore, he recognized the passion and support of the faculty and staff of BISU Balilihan in nurturing the growth of Batch 2026. The recognition speaker is a former member of the BISU Board of Regents, having served as the elected Student Regent.

Sharing his tribute and personal story of perseverance was Ian P. Bagol, a differently-abled student from the BS Information Technology program, who did not allow his physical circumstances to hinder him from his dreams of obtaining a college degree. “I never imagined that I would reach this moment,” he said. Aside from thanking his teachers and friends, he also thanked his loved ones, saying that his graduation is “also for my family who sacrificed so much for me.” Afterwards, Mrs. Riza Betalmos shared her testimony as a parent, expressing her family’s love and support for her daughter, awardee Ivy M. Betalmos.

In her written message, Dr. Marietta Macalolot, the new campus director of BISU Balilihan, shared an encouraging message with the graduands: “Follow your dreams, and they will lead you in the right direction. Never stop growing, never stop exploring, never stop learning, and never stop challenging yourself.”

Joining the graduands were their proud parents and loved ones, who were serenaded with singing renditions of SB19’s “MaPa” and “Kalibutan nga Gahapon” by Ms. Rosaniña Bagot—a beautiful tribute that set the perfect stage for the graduation ceremony later that afternoon.

𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: 𝐁𝐈𝐒𝐔-𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬!

Did not qualify for your first program? Here is your chance to re-rank for the available CTECH programs.

⚠️ 𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒
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*Only applicants who have successfully applied and received a status indicating they may proceed with the screening will be entertained during the scheduled screening.

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For inquiries: [email protected]

THE JOURNEY COMES FULL CIRCLE. 🎓

Tomorrow, Bohol Island State University begins its Graduation Ceremonies for the Class of 2026.

Under the theme : Togetherness for Transformation and Triumphs, we celebrate not only the achievements of our graduates, but also the people who stood beside them every step of the way. For every diploma conferred is a story of perseverance, sacrifice, and a community that made success possible.

We are honored as well to welcome the distinguished Commencement Speakers for the 2026 BISU Graduation Ceremonies:

📍 June 15 | Balilihan Campus
Dr. Karol Mark Yee
Executive Director, EDCOM II

📍 June 16 | Clarin Campus
Dr. Fortunato T. Dela Peña
Former Secretary, Department of Science and Technology

📍 June 17 | Candijay Campus
Dir. Laudemir S. Salac
Regional Executive Director, Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Region VII

📍 June 18 | Main Campus, Tagbilaran City
Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez
President, University of the Philippines System

📍 June 19 | Main Campus, Tagbilaran City
Hon. Jude A. Acidre
Chairperson, House Committee on Higher and Technical Education

📍 June 22 | Calape Campus
Ms. Evelyn Nacario-Castro
Assistant Regional Director, DEPDev Region VII

📍 June 23 | Bilar Campus
Dr. Nelson G. Cainghog
Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines–Diliman

To the BISU Class of 2026, tomorrow marks not just the end of your years in the University, but the beginning of your responsibility to the communities and nation you now serve.

Congratulations, graduates. This is your triumph, but it is also the triumph of everyone who journeyed with you.