Day: May 25, 2026

The West Visayas State University Integrated Laboratory School (WVSU ILS) honored outstanding student achievement and leadership during its Recognition Ceremony held on May 25, at the WVSU Cultural Center.

The ceremony gathered students, parents, teachers and university officials in celebrating the academic excellence, service and achievements of ILS learners for Academic Year 2025–2026.

In her welcome remarks, Prof. Mary June Pineda, ILS director, encouraged the awardees to pursue excellence with humility, gratitude and good character, emphasizing that medals and citations become more meaningful when complemented by right conduct and courtesy toward others and God.

Pineda also echoed the ILS battle cry of not settling for anything less, urging students to “always practice excellence and be the better version of yourself sa isip, sa salita, at sa gawa,” while reminding them that good manners and proper conduct matter more than awards and recognitions.

Delivering the inspirational message was Mrs. Jennifer Javier-Woda, associate sales director of Penguin Random House and a member of the then Secondary Laboratory School Batch 1990.

Drawing from her professional and personal experiences, Javier-Wodam encouraged the students to pursue excellence with humility, resilience and purpose.

The presentation of academic and non-academic awards followed, witnessed by Pineda, Dr. Alona Belarga, director of the Office of Instruction, and Dr. John Erwin Pedroso, associate dean of the College of Education Graduate School.

The program also included the presentation of non-graduating academic awardees, special citations and service awards, recognizing students who demonstrated excellence not only in academics but also in leadership, participation and service.

Adding entertainment to the ceremony was an intermission performance by Reese Mary Lexi Serrudo and Yera Quisha Ramos of Grade 8 – Venus.

Selected student honorees also delivered messages during the ceremony, reflecting on the lessons, challenges and values they gained throughout their academic journey.

Mikhaela Ysabelle Baño, Rank 2 with High Honors in the elementary level, shared that elementary life was not only about classroom lessons, but also about friendships, resilience and shared experiences that shaped the students’ character. She emphasized that every learner carries a unique story marked by hard work, struggles and perseverance, while recognizing the role of the people who supported them along the way.

Meanwhile, Helen Natalie Bolivar, Rank 2 with High Honors in the junior high school category, reflected on the meaning of excellence beyond grades and academic achievement. She reminded fellow students that while striving for success is important, maintaining balance, humanity and meaningful relationships is equally valuable in becoming truly excellent individuals.

One of the highlights of the recognition rites was the turnover of the Symbolic Light of Excellence, signifying the passing of academic leadership and inspiration to the next batch of student achievers.

The symbolic light was handed over by Unah Angel Gabrielle Robante, Rank 1 with High Honors of Grade 10 Jupiter, to Duke Stephen Amaro, Rank 1 with High Honors of Grade 6 Malikhain.

The recognition ceremony forms part of the culminating activities of WVSU ILS ahead of its graduation rites scheduled on May 26 at the WVSU Cultural Center, where graduating learners will formally conclude their academic journey for the school year.

The West Visayas State University Integrated Laboratory School (WVSU ILS) honored the 44 members of the Kindergarten Malambing Batch 2026 during its Moving Up Ceremony held today at the WVSU Cultural Center, celebrating the pupils’ completion of preschool education for Academic Year 2025–2026.

Families, teachers and guests filled the venue as the young learners marked their first academic milestone and prepared to transition to elementary education.

Prof. Mary June Pineda, ILS director, formally presented the kindergarten completers during the ceremony. Following the presentation of graduates, certificates were awarded by Pineda together with Dr. Michael Caesar Tubal, chairperson of the Division of Elementary Teacher Training; Prof. Jan Iris Faye Basbas, ILS guidance counselor; and Dr. John Erwin Pedroso, associate dean of the College of Education Graduate School.

The program highlighted not only the pupils’ academic achievements but also their creativity and appreciation of Filipino culture through a series of performances prepared by the learners and teachers.

Adding a nostalgic touch to the celebration was the movie presentation titled “Kindergarten: Tiny Moments, Big Smiles,” presented by Mikaella Gianna Solas. The audiovisual presentation featured classroom memories, school activities and candid moments shared by the pupils throughout the academic year.

The audience was also treated to a cultural stage play titled “Dances of the Philippines,” which showcased traditional dances representing the country’s major island groups.

Among the featured performances were “Luzon: Ragragsakan,” “Visayas: Cariñosa” and “Mindanao: Kinakulangan,” with the kindergarten pupils taking the stage in colorful traditional-inspired costumes and lively choreography.

An intermission number was rendered by Astrid Reus Aventura, a Grade 1 pupil, while kindergarten practice teachers also performed a special intermission presentation for the completers and their families.

The moving up ceremony concluded with the graduation song “Ready to Go,” as the Kindergarten Malambing Batch 2026 sang alongside their classmates and teachers in a heartfelt finale symbolizing both gratitude and new beginnings.

WVSU ILS offers Kindergarten to Grade 10 education and serves as a training hub for preservice teachers of West Visayas State University, providing future educators with experiential learning opportunities in classroom instruction, child development and student engagement.