CSU OIC PRESIDENT CALLS ON GRADUATES TO EMBRACE SHARED RESPONSIBILITY, SUSTAINABILITY AT LAL-LO ACADEMIC CONVOCATION

“Beyond your specialized fields, a shared responsibility calls upon all of you” - a challenge posed by Cagayan State University OIC President Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez to the 428 graduates of CSU–Lallo Campus during its 47th Academic Convocation for the Conferment of Degrees and Titles held in the afternoon of July 5, 2025.

In his charge to the graduates, Dr. Ibañez emphasized the role of young professionals in confronting global challenges, particularly the environmental crisis. He urged them to become advocates for sustainability, using their knowledge and voice to promote responsible practices and lead efforts toward a more sustainable and equitable future.

The graduates came from the College of Agriculture, College of Hospitality Management, College of Information and Computing Sciences, and the College of Teacher Education. Among the 428 graduates, 77 received academic distinctions, including 1 Magna Cum Laude, 40 Cum Laude, 17 Academic Distinction, and 19 With Merit honorees.

Delivering the Address of Thanks was Leideelie B. Perciano, Magna Cum Laude and Bachelor of Elementary Education graduate, who shared a heartfelt reflection on their academic journey. Framing her speech through the lens of the “Stages of Play,” she described how the class grew together through adversity and discovery.

“In case no one told you, malayo pa, pero nakalayo na,” Perciano said, encouraging her fellow graduates to find meaning in every step of the journey. “We are not just achievers. We are light-bearers. We are Batch Luminara.”

Meanwhile, in her video message to the graduates, CHED Chairperson and CSU Board of Regents Chair Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis reminded them that behind every diploma is a promise fulfilled: “Libre ang tuition, libre ang pag-asa.” But more than a privilege, she emphasized, it is a sacred responsibility, a covenant between each graduate and the nation that invested in their dreams.