Years of study, sacrifice, and perseverance culminated for graduates of the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) Obrero Campus during the 47th Commencement Exercises held on September 10 and 11, 2026.

The two-day celebration began with the Baccalaureate Service on September 10, providing graduates with an opportunity to pause and reflect on their journey through faith and gratitude. Services were conducted according to the religious traditions of the University community, with Catholics, Muslims, Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Cultural Communities, and members of other religious groups holding their respective services.

Later that day, the Recognition Program at the University Gymnasium and Cultural Center honored students for academic excellence and outstanding contributions beyond the classroom.

Among the academic awardees were one Summa Cum Laude, 127 Magna Cum Laude, and 971 Cum Laude graduates. The University also recognized 216 recipients of non-academic distinctions for their achievements in leadership, service, artistic, and athletic endeavors.

On September 11, the Graduation Ceremonies formally welcomed the Class of 2026 into the community of USeP graduates.

For the Graduate Programs, resource speaker Dr. Joy M. Sorrosa, fourth President of Davao del Norte State College and a distinguished USeP alumna, shared insights drawn from more than three decades in education, research, public service, and academic leadership. She earned her Master of Arts in Science Education from USeP before completing her Doctor of Philosophy in Science (Biological Sciences) at the University of Tsukuba, Japan.

The Undergraduate Program featured Mirasol B. Tiu, DBA, DPM, FPCHA, CHA, President of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. and Chief Operating Officer of Davao Doctors Hospital, as resource speaker. A results-driven healthcare and management executive, Dr. Tiu has held leadership positions in the People Management Association of the Philippines, including National Trustee, Mindanao Trustee, and Davao President.

For the graduating class, Jaylou D. Antipuesto, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy graduate and Class of 2026 Valedictorian, delivered the valedictory address. He described graduation as more than the completion of a degree, emphasizing that it represents the culmination of dreams, sacrifices, and opportunities, as well as a responsibility to use one’s education to serve others with excellence and humanity.

Antipuesto also expressed gratitude to his family, friends, mentors, and the University, while encouraging his fellow graduates to remain accountable, recognize their privileges, and choose to be good wherever their paths may lead.

Crossing the bridge, carrying a new lens

University President Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr. delivered messages to the graduates, drawing on two images that captured the transition from university life to the responsibilities that come with their degrees: the bridge and the lens.

For graduates of the undergraduate programs, he described education as a bridge connecting the person they once hoped to become with the professional and scholar they are now prepared to be. Every lesson, examination, project, failure, friendship, and challenge became part of that bridge, built piece by piece throughout their years at USeP.

For those who completed their graduate programs, he offered another perspective: graduate education as a lens that does not change the world itself but changes what one is able to see.

Together, the metaphors point to what the President asked the graduates to carry forward. The bridge marks the crossing; the lens shapes how they see what lies beyond it.

He challenged the graduates to move beyond asking simply, “What can I do?” and to consider, “What can I do that matters?”

That responsibility aligns with USeP’s aspiration to become a Premier Research University transforming communities in ASEAN and beyond. The President reminded the graduates that their research, innovations, professional work, and expertise should extend beyond the campus and contribute to inclusive growth, sustainable development, and better opportunities for communities.

With the bridge behind them and a new lens before them, the Class of 2026 moves forward to build dreams without limits, elevate excellence, and empower communities.

Congratulations, Class of 2026. Soar high, USeP Agilas!