One of the most highly anticipated days for every PNUan once again arrived as the Philippine Normal University proudly held its 117th Commencement Exercises and related activities from September 8 to 10, 2025. The momentous occasion took place at the University Gymnasium and the Tent City, Manila Hotel, bringing together graduates, faculty members, families, and distinguished guests to celebrate the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and academic excellence.
A total of 765 undergraduate students and 132 graduate students formally received their respective degrees during the ceremonies. The commencement rites also featured and recognized completers from the Linking Standards and Quality Practice (LiSQuP) program. A total of 1,628 LiSQuP scholars were honored for the completion of their programs, earning them graduate or post-graduate certificates and diplomas.
On September 8, 2025, a day before the formal rites of graduation, the graduating class of 2025 gathered at the University Gymnasium for a series of graduation-related activities. Each program became a fitting avenue for the PNU community to honor the graduating class and pay tribute to their accomplishments.
The day began with the Gawad Parangal, a program that conferred awards on exemplary student achievers. Student Affairs and Services Office (SASO) Director Dr. Merimee T. Siena presented 36 graduating students from both undergraduate and graduate levels who received co-curricular awards. Meanwhile, University Registrar Dr. Rosario M. Belmi recognized the year’s academic awardees, presenting 56 cum laude and 390 magna cum laude recipients.
Serving as guest of honor and keynote speaker was Mr. Paul John D.R. Hernandez, Founder of The Traveling Salakot and a proud PNU alumnus. In his message, he drew inspiration from the lyrics of the PNU Hymn, highlighting the role of teachers as bringers of light, defenders of truth, and beacons of public service.
Leading this year’s list of co-curricular awardees was Ms. Zzyrene G. Mañago, Bachelor of English Education graduate and recipient of the Gawad Dr. Jose P. Rizal Nangungunang Lider-Estudyante recognition. In her speech, she emphasized the perseverance leaders must uphold amid challenges. Meanwhile, Class Valedictorian Ms. Arianne Rosewell P. Maling, Bachelor in Early Childhood Education graduate, underscored the critical role of teachers as active members of society in fostering knowledge and inspiration among learners.
In the afternoon, a symbolic hooding ceremony was held for master’s and doctoral graduates, where hoods representing their respective degrees were formally donned. The program also recognized outstanding research outputs, awarding Best Thesis to Mr. Jess V. Mendoza, Master of Arts in English Language Teaching graduate, for his study A Proposed Supplementary Worktext on Queer Language Pedagogy: A Case Study, and Best Dissertation to Dr. Carlito C. Biares, Doctor of Philosophy in Literature (English Stream) graduate, for his dissertation LGBT Characters in the Philippine Indie Films: Towards Discovering the Filipino Rainbow Psyche. Both honorees received cash prizes and delivered heartfelt responses at the end of the program.
The pre-commencement activities were capped with the Baccalaureate Program, a ceremonial event meant to inspire graduates before formally attaining their degrees. Mrs. Helen Kwong Villanueva of the MGC New Life Christian Academy shared her reflections on the kind of teachers the world needs—teachers who are present, who care deeply, and who are forged in courage and compassion.
The spotlight then shifted to the Tent City, Manila Hotel, where the Commencement Program was held. For the first time, the ceremony was divided into four clusters to accommodate the large number of graduates and completers from both the regular and LiSQuP programs. Each cluster catered to about 650 graduates and their families, ensuring that all participants experienced a celebration befitting such an academic milestone. The ceremonies were further graced by distinguished members of the PNU Board of Regents and other esteemed guests.
One of the highlights of the commencement rites was the series of keynote addresses delivered by distinguished education leaders. Dr. Karol Mark R. Yee, Executive Director of EDCOM II, challenged the graduates of Cluster 1 to be courageous in changing systems that perpetuate the education crisis. Secretary of the Department of Education Sonny Angara, speaking to Cluster 2, urged teachers to inspire fortitude among the youth. TESDA Director-General Dr. Kiko B. Benitez reminded Cluster 3 graduates of their responsibility to shape the educational ecosystem amid global challenges. Finally, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis addressed Cluster 4, encouraging educators to break cycles of corruption by instilling integrity and courage in their classrooms.
Each cluster also featured graduate responses. Ms. Zzyrene G. Mañago inspired her fellow PNUans to keep their passion for teaching ablaze, while Dr. John Michael D. Aquino, recipient of the Natatanging Gawad sa Antas-Gradwado, shared his personal journey of perseverance. Class Valedictorian Ms. Arianne Rosewell P. Maling once again addressed her peers, emphasizing teachers’ role in sharpening human senses for service to society. Closing the series of responses, Class Salutatorian Ms. Shermin Nelsie E. Gastador encouraged her fellow graduates to model positive change and ignite transformation through their vocation.
The graduates were formally inducted into the PNU Alumni Association by its President, Atty. Lutgardo Barbo, represented by Dr. Noemi Bellosillo, who led the alumni oath.
The University President, Dr. Bert J. Tuga, delivered his challenge to the graduating class. President Tuga urged all the graduates to return to their “whys” which give purpose and meaning to the teaching profession. “Kung ang “how” ay ang kakayahan, at ang “what” ay ang kaalaman, ang “why” naman ay isang misyon. At kung may isang propesyon sa mundo na hindi maaaring mawala ang misyon, ito ay ang pagiging guro na may karunungan at kakayahang makaimpluwensya sa kabutihan.” Dr. Tuga pointed out. (If the ‘how’ is the ability, and the ‘what’ is the knowledge, then the ‘why’ is a mission. And if there is one profession in the world that cannot exist without a mission, it is the teaching profession—where wisdom and ability are used to influence for the good.)
As Batch 2025 moves forward to begin their next chapters, PNU takes pride in honoring their achievements and entrusting them with the mission of igniting positive change in the classrooms, communities, and beyond.
