‘IF FILIPINOS EXCEL ABROAD, WHY NOT WITHIN OUR OWN?’: OIC PRESIDENT CHALLENGES CSU CARIG GRADUATES TO STAY AND SERVE

"A crucial question persists: If Filipinos excel in other lands, why not within our own?"

This compelling challenge stood at the heart of the Officer-in-Charge President’s message during the first day of the 47th Commencement Exercises of Cagayan State University–Carig Campus.

Speaking before the 1,097 graduates of the Class of 2025, OIC President Arthur G. Ibañez urged them to resist the pull of overseas employment and instead become agents of change within the Philippines.

“While it's easy to point to economic challenges and meager material returns,” the OIC President said, “young professionals often overlook a vital truth: our nation's progress, its journey to greater prosperity, hinges on the infusion of the idealism and vibrancy so characteristic of your generation. Your presence here is not just crucial, it is indispensable.”

The first batch honored 660 graduates from the College of Human Kinetics (CHK) and the College of Information and Computing Sciences (CICS). Among them were 5 Magna Cum Laude, 38 Cum Laude, 36 Academic Distinction, and 19 With Merit awardees.

Mr. Jaren G. Quegan, Magna Cum Laude in BS Computer Science, took the stage to deliver the Address of Thanks—a speech that resonated deeply across the Red Eagle Gymnasium. “I don’t just wish you luck. I wish you clarity when the path is unclear. I wish you resilience when doors close. And I wish you a heart that stays soft—even when life hardens around you,” he said.

Meanwhile, in the afternoon, the academic convocation continued and featured 437 graduates from the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and the College of Engineering and Architecture (COEA). The group included 1 Magna Cum Laude, 2 Cum Laude, 4 Academic Distinction, and 3 With Merit graduates.

Standing out not merely for her academic distinction but for the depth of her reflection was Ms. Ria Linda K. Nedic, Magna Cum Laude in BS Civil Engineering, whose message captured the emotional highs and lows of every student’s journey. “Dito [CSU] kami natuto, natakot, nagkamali, at muling bumangon. At sa susunod na pagod na pagod ka na, balikan mo ‘tong araw na ‘to. Balikan mo ang sarili mong pumilit bumangon, nagpatuloy, at lumaban. Dahil kung nagawa mo ‘to, magagawa mo pa ulit.”

As the first two batches crossed the symbolic finish line, CHED Chairperson and CSU Board of Regents Chair Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis extended her heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2025, recognizing their academic achievements.

Two more batches are set to complete the 47th Academic Convocation on July 8. These will include graduates from the Graduate School, College of Public Administration, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the College of Industrial Technology.