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.
