First Sem Graduation celebrates 362 graduates

by Kassandra Buenafe, OfCom | Feb 13 2026

362 graduates from both the undergraduate and graduate levels were conferred on February 12, 2026, with their degrees during the 56th Commencement Ceremonies, First Semester Graduation, at the University Gymnasium.

A total of 131 graduates came from the College of Engineering; 63 from the College of Science and Mathematics; 46 from the College of Arts and Social Sciences; 73 from the College of Education; 11 from the College of Economics, Business, and Accountancy; 21 from the College of Computer Studies; and 17 from the School of Interdisciplinary Studies.

These graduates proudly walked the graduation ceremony as they marked a successful end of their academic journey. Highlights in this commencement ceremony included the wearing of the newly designed academic regalia for the graduate students, reflecting the progression while honoring the long-standing traditions of 91吃瓜-IIT.

The celebration of the graduates also served as a reminder of the bigger purpose of each individual, following the onslaught of Typhoon Basyang. Chancellor Alizedney M. Ditucalan, in his Welcome Address, emphasized the power one holds in helping change a system that falls short for its people, “The devastation we see in this city should fuel us not just to rebuild but to rethink what we allowed to persist in our lives,” he said.

He further urged the graduates to challenge the system’s flaws by becoming part of the solution, “Be the engineer who refuses shortcuts that endanger lives, be the teacher who models courage, be the public servant who chooses integrity over convenience, be the entrepreneurs who creates opportunities where non existed, and be the influence to the future we demand.”

This year’s Commencement Speaker was Dr. Jonald Lozarito Pimentel, 8th President of the University of Southern Mindanao, who shared three inspiring lessons to the crowd in his commencement address: (1) honor God’s timeline, (2) do not fear hardship, and (3) never lose your humanity.

He also highlighted the importance of grit, hard work, and faith, “Success is not built in comfort, it is built on uncertainty…the world will celebrate your medals and honors, but beyond these visible achievements are invisible victories–the night you almost gave up, the battles you fought silently, the faith you held unto when things felt impossible,” Dr. Pimentel added.

Armed with the knowledge and values from the Dakilang Pamantasan, the Class of 2026 now prepares to bring meaningful change into their communities.

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