By: Janelle Faulve
The University of Rizal System (URS) marked another milestone by celebrating the graduation of 4,540 students across its ten campuses.
The series of ceremonies, held at various venues, reflected the commitment to academic excellence and community development.
All events were graced by distinguished University officials and speakers who gave their congratulatory messages, including Dr. Nancy Pascual, University President; Dr. Allan Conde, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Marvin Amoin, Vice President for Administration and Finance; Dr. Marites Rio, Vice President for Research Development, Extension, and Production; Hon. Nina Ricci Ynares, Governor of Rizal; and the ten Campus Directors, namely, Dr. Norma Elvina, URS Angono; Dr. Danilo Pascual, URS Antipolo City; Dr. Joanne Concepcion, URS Binangonan; Prof. Enrique Villones, URS Cainta; Dr. Juan Abarro, URS Cardona; Dr. Xenia Canale, URS Morong; Dr. Ariel Plantilla, URS Pililla; Dr. Florante Mercado, URS Rodriguez; Dr. Namerod Mateo, URS Tanay; and Prof. Janice Hilao, URS Taytay.
The celebrations began with the URS Antipolo City Campus graduation on June 10 at the Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Tanghalang Sining (EARTS). A total of 413 graduates received their diplomas amidst cheers and applause from family, friends, and faculty. The commencement address was delivered by Dr. Freddie Bulauan, Officer-in-Charge, Office of the Director IV, Commission on Higher Education, Region IV-A, who inspired the graduates with his words of wisdom and encouragement.
URS Angono Campus graduation followed on June 13 also at the EARTS, where 309 graduates celebrated their academic achievements. Dr. Heracleo Lagrada, former President of Rizal State College and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Our Lady of Fatima University, served as the commencement speaker. His address focused on the importance of lifelong learning and community service, motivating the graduates to pursue their dreams and contribute positively to society.
On the same day, the URS Cluster of Cainta, Cardona, and Taytay Campuses graduation was also witnessed at the EARTS with 80 graduates from Cainta, 25 from Cardona, and 130 from Taytay. The ceremony honored the hard work and dedication of 235 students. Hon. Nelson Sarmiento, Director IV of the Civil Service Commission, Region VI, Iloilo City, delivered an inspiring speech emphasizing the value of public service and integrity.
The Municipal Gymnasium of Rodriguez, Rizal, was the venue for the URS Rodriguez Campus graduation on June 15 where a total of 426 graduates were celebrated for their academic accomplishments. Hon. Nina Ricci Ynares, Governor of Rizal, delivered the commencement address, highlighting the significant role of education in shaping the future leaders of the province.
June 18 was a day of double celebrations at EARTS, with the graduations of the URS Pililla and Tanay Campuses. The Pililla Campus graduated 353 students, while the Tanay Campus saw 459 graduates. Hon. Marita Canapi, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education, and Hon. Ronald Barcena, Member of the Board of Directors at the Social Housing Finance Corporation, were the commencement speakers, encouraging them to use their education to build a strong and resilient society.
The URS Morong Campus held its graduation ceremony over three days, June 19-21 at EARTS. With 1,427 graduates, this campus had the highest number of graduates among all URS campuses. The event featured speeches from RD Agnes Tolentino, CESO III, Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and Hon. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Senate President. Both speakers emphasized the graduates’ potential to drive economic and social progress. They highlighted how the knowledge and skills acquired during their education would equip them to tackle complex challenges, innovate across various industries, and contribute to building a more inclusive and sustainable future.
The final graduation ceremonies occurred on June 26 at the Casimiro A. Ynares Sr. Auditorium in Binangonan, Rizal. A total of 918 students from the URS Binangonan Campus celebrated their graduation. The commencement speakers included Dir. Vazir Joshua Querol, Director II of the National Government Portal; Dir. Marissa Argente, Director of the Department of Trade and Industry Region IV-A, and Dir. Cleotilde Duran, Director of the Department of Trade and Industry-Rizal. Their speeches focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and the importance of becoming catalysts for positive change.
The graduation ceremonies of URS not only celebrated the academic achievements of its students but also highlighted the University’s pivotal role in the community. The graduates are seen as the future leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will drive the development and progress of Rizal province and beyond. The involvement of high-profile speakers from various sectors highlighted the importance of education in fostering a well-rounded, informed, and socially responsible society.
As these graduates embark on their respective career paths, they carry the values, knowledge, and skills acquired from URS, ready to make significant contributions to their communities and the nation.
