11/09/2026
βLet us use whatever profession we pursue not only for personal success, but also for meaningful service to others and to our nation.β These are the words echoed from the Valedictory Speech of Ms. Jahn Alexah T. Ayala, Magna Cum Laude from the Bachelor of Elementary Education.
The University of Southeastern Philippines Tagum-Mabini Campus (USeP TMC), Tagum Unit conferred degrees on its Class of 2026 during the Universityβs 47th Commencement Exercises for Graduate and Undergraduate Programs held on September 9, 2026, at the New Tagum City Hall Atrium in Barangay Apokon, Tagum City, with the theme: Building Dreams. Elevating Excellence. Empowering Communities.
The ceremony gathered graduates, parents and guardians, faculty and non-teaching personnel, academic officials, members of the USeP Board of Regents, and University Top Management led by USeP President Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales Jr.
Also present was this yearβs commencement speaker, Hon. De Carlo βOyoβ L. Uy, Representative of the 1st District of Davao del Norte.
The event formally featured the Presentation of Candidates for Graduation, led by USeP Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jeneifer C. Nueva, assisted by the Office of Advanced Studies Dean Dr. Eveyth P. Deligero, the College of Engineering Dean Dr. Joie D. Cataytay, and the College of Teacher Education and Technology Dean Dr. Mildin J. Retutas.
This was followed by the Conferment of Degrees by President Gabales, and the Investiture Rites, administered by USeP TMC Registrar Ms. Maria Leah P. Bangalao.
In his message, USeP President Gabales urged the graduates to use their education not only to advance their own careers but also to create opportunities and improve the lives of others. βWhen you become successful, bring others with you. When you gain knowledge, share it. When you find opportunities, create opportunities for others.β
He also challenged the graduates to use technology responsibly, emphasizing wisdom and compassion in exercising the greater power that comes with knowledge and professional competence. βWhen you achieve your dreams, remember that education becomes most valuable when it improves the lives of other people,β he added.
In his introduction of the commencement speaker, Dean Retutas highlighted Uyβs role in public service and leadership in Davao del Norte.
In his commencement address, Hon. Uy recognized the determination and sacrifices that brought the graduates to the commencement stage. He also acknowledged the parents and guardians who supported them throughout their academic journey. Hon. Uy emphasized the Filipino expression βpuhon,β encouraging the graduates to look toward the future with hope while remaining committed to the work required to achieve their aspirations. He reminded the graduates that receiving their degrees does not mark the end of their journey but the beginning of a new chapter where they are expected to apply what they have learned in their respective professions and communities. Hon. Uy likewise echoed the call for graduates to create opportunities for others when given the chance.
The ceremony proceeded with the distribution of diplomas and the Valedictory Address of Ms. Jahn Alexah T. Ayala, Bachelor of Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude and Class Valedictorian of USeP TMC, Tagum Unit. Ms. Ayala used the story of the ship Victoria, one of five vessels that sailed with Ferdinand Magellan in 1519, as a metaphor for the graduating class. Although Trinidad was considered the grandest, largest, and most expensive ship in the expedition, it was Victoriaβa smaller vesselβthat eventually returned to Spain and completed the circumnavigation.
For Ms. Ayala, the story reflected the graduatesβ own experiences as students who faced uncertainties, academic pressure, financial difficulties, and personal struggles throughout their university journey. She urged her fellow graduates to recognize that their achievement was not measured by how grand their circumstances were, but by their ability to endure the challenges and continue moving forward. She concluded her address with a call to use their future professions for a purpose greater than individual achievement.
Part of her valedictory message was the Tribute to Parents, recognizing the families and individuals whose support helped the graduates complete their degrees.
The graduates then took the Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Inang Pamantasan, led by Immediate Past University Student Government Vice President for Finance Ms. Yssa P. Azur. The ceremony also included the Induction to the Federation of USeP Alumni Associations, led by Hon. Julius P. Borbon, President of the Federation of USeP Alumni Associations, Inc., and Alumni Regent of the USeP Governing Board.
The event concluded with the singing of the Graduation Song and the USeP Hymn.
As the graduates of the University depart, their challenge is clear: to transform knowledge into action, opportunities into service, and personal success into a reason for uplifting others. For the Class of 2026 of USeP TMC, Tagum Unit, graduation is not the final destination; it marks the beginning of their journey. They have the oppurtunity to ensure that, no matter whetr their paths may lead, they bring others alongs.