Day: June 5, 2026

The West Visayas State University (WVSU) College of Law marked a significant milestone as it held its Third Commencement Exercises on June 5 at the WVSU Cultural Center, conferring the degree of Juris Doctor upon its newest graduates.

The ceremony gathered university officials, faculty members, families, and guests in recognizing the academic achievements of the graduating class and their readiness to enter the legal profession. Among those in attendance were His Excellency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., guest of honor and commencement speaker; First Lady Atty. Louise Araneta-Marcos, who served as an instructor of the graduating Class of 2026; and Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education and chair of the WVSU Board of Regents.

In his welcome address, College of Law Dean Atty. Ian Thomas M. Besana congratulated the graduates and acknowledged the collective efforts of faculty members, families, and supporters who contributed to the students’ journey through legal education.

Academic excellence and outstanding achievements were recognized during the presentation of awards and citations led by faculty member Atty. Regina Johanna V. Gustilo. The awards were conferred by President Marcos, First Lady Araneta-Marcos, Chair Agrupis, WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, Besana, and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla.

The candidates for graduation were subsequently presented by Besana before the formal conferral of the degree of Juris Doctor by Agrupis.

Following the conferral of degrees, graduates received their academic hoods in a symbolic investiture ceremony led by the dean and assisted by family members. Diplomas were awarded by Villaruz and Dequilla.

Representing the graduating class, Jeremiah Davidson D. Yanson and Faith E. Montalban delivered the graduates’ response, reflecting on their experiences, challenges, and aspirations as future members of the legal profession.

The graduating batch also presented an audio-visual tribute honoring First Lady Araneta-Marcos, who had served as their instructor since joining the College of Law faculty in 2022.

A graduate’s prayer was led by Diana Michelle R. Consing, after which the graduates were formally inducted into the West Visayas State University Alumni Association by Regent Dr. Bonifacio P. Gaverza, president of the alumni association.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the commencement address delivered by President Marcos. Introduced by Villaruz, the President addressed the graduates, university officials, and guests, offering words of encouragement as the newest members of the legal profession prepared to embark on their careers.

A plaque and token of appreciation were presented following the commencement address, with Villaruz and Besana leading the recognition.

As the graduates embark on their professional journeys, the ceremony served as both the culmination of years of rigorous legal education and a call to uphold the principles of integrity, service, and excellence that define the WVSU College of Law.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) celebrated advanced academic achievement as it conferred degrees upon 405 graduates during its 2026 Graduate School Commencement Exercises held June 5 at the WVSU Cultural Center.

The graduating class consisted of 262 graduates from the Graduate School and 143 graduates from the University Distance Education program, reflecting the university’s continuing efforts to expand access to advanced and flexible learning opportunities for professionals and lifelong learners.

Among the colleges offering graduate programs, the College of Education produced the largest number of graduates with 353, accounting for nearly four-fifths of all Graduate School graduates. The College of Business and Management followed with 23 graduates, while the College of Arts and Sciences produced 15. The College of Physical Education, Sports, Culture, Arts, and Recreation graduated eight students, the College of Nursing had five graduates, and the College of Communication produced one graduate.

Serving as commencement speaker was Hon. Regent Atty. Jobert A. Peñaflorida, private sector representative to the WVSU Board of Regents. Addressing the graduates, he challenged them to view their degrees not merely as academic credentials but as tools for meaningful leadership, innovation and service in their respective professions and communities.

A plaque of appreciation was presented to Peñaflorida by WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, assisted by Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla, vice president for Academic Affairs, and Aarcel Vinz D. Agudo, chair of the University Senior Curriculum Council.

The candidates for graduation were formally presented by their respective deans before Hon. Chair Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, chair of the WVSU Board of Regents and chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education, formally conferred the degrees. Master’s and doctoral graduates were likewise hooded by the vice presidents and their thesis advisers during the ceremony, signifying the completion of their advanced academic training and entry into a community of scholars and professionals. Diplomas were subsequently distributed by Villaruz and the University vice presidents, assisted by University Registrar Mardy A. Ledesma.

The graduates were subsequently inducted into the WVSU Federated Alumni Association by its president, Hon. Regent Dr. Bonifacio P. Gaverza, formally welcoming them into the university’s network of alumni and professionals.

Representing the graduating class, Dr. Gemma Quintana, Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education major in Mathematics, delivered the graduates’ prayer, offering gratitude for the academic journey and the support that enabled the graduates to reach this milestone.

The commencement exercises marked the culmination of years of advanced study, research and professional development. For the graduates, the ceremony signified not only the completion of postgraduate education but also a renewed purpose to applying their expertise in service of their professions, communities and society.