Graduation caps flew at the end of the first day of the 2024 Commencement Exercises of Bohol Island State University-Main Campus held at the Bohol Wisdom School Gymnasium, Tagbilaran City.

Eight hundred and twenty-eight (828) graduates marched in the ceremonies, 87 of which come from College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), 335 from the College of Business and Management (CBM), and 406 from the College of Technology (CTECH).

In the morning’s Recognition Rites and Tribute to Parents, university officials introduced to Bohol and to the world 11 magna cum laude graduates and 49 cum laude graduates, and numerous excellence, special, and service awardees.

Testimonies were given by parent Geraldin Lapoja, mother of Keyrie Mae G. Lapoja, cum laude graduate of BS Office Administration, and, on behalf of the students, service awardee and BS Pscyhology graduate Jenylouie Lers B. Iter. The graduates then surprised their parents and loved ones with flowers and tokens, all while being serenaded live.

The recognition activity was graced by its guest speaker, National Master Trainer Alfie Mahumot of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, who encouraged students to strive hard to become agents of quality service.

The afternoon witnessed the university’s 91st commencement exercises of the CAS, CBM, and CTECH graduates. The activity, themed “#UgmaDamlag: Fostering Innovation for a Sustainable Future,” were graced by local officials and its honored commencement speaker, National Economic Development Authority Region 7 Regional Director Jennifer Carisma Bretaña, EnP,CESO III, a BISU member of the board of regents, who encouraged every graduate to pursue advanced studies, to engage in continuous learning, and to commit themselves to “be creative, be innovative, and be committed.

After the much-awaited acceptance of their hard-earned and well-deserved diplomas, the newly-minted graduates were given a final send-off by University President Dr. Anthony M. Penaso, charging them to commit “to innovation, sustainability, and a relentless pursuit of a better tomorrow.”