The beaming smiles of proud parents and loved ones outshined the rains of the second day of the 91st Commencement Exercises of Bohol Island State University, as our 746 graduates coming from the School of Advanced Studies (SAS), College of Engineering, Architecture and Industrial Design (CEIAD), and College of Teacher Education (CTE) marched into the Bohol Wisdom School Gymnasium in Tagbilaran City.

This year, SAS produced 45 graduates, CEIAD with 387 graduates, and CTE with 314 graduates, all joined by their family and support from all over the province of Bohol and beyond.

More than half of all graduates from CTE were recognized with Latin honors: 81 of whom are cum laude, 82 magna cum laude, and 13 summa cum laude.

Summa cum laude grads John Richmond C. Pitao from the BSED-English program and Julia Mae A. Taladua of BSED-Math led the graduates in expressing their deepest gratitude to everyone who helped them reach such a life-changing milestone.

The Recognition Rites and Tribute to Parents was graced by LET topnotcher and national reviewer Rey Aranas, who reminded the graduates to be thankful to their parents, the University, the professors, and the Almighty God. “You were not alone in this journey towards this moment,” he told the grads, in line with the morning activity’s theme, “PAGPASIDUNGOG: Celebrating Laurels of Success with Grateful Hearts”.

After listening to the inspiring words of commencement speaker who is also a member of the BISU board of regents, Dir. Jennifer Carisma Bretaña, EnP, CESO III, Regional director of the National Economic and Development Authority Region 7, and messages from local leaders, the graduates received their hard-earned and well-deserved diplomas. The graduates were then given the President’s Charge by University President Dr. Anthony M. Penaso.

Finally, the new graduates, just like their fellow graduates in day one, were inducted into the BISU Alumni Association by its president Ribomapil D. Nacorda, PhD., and gave their pledge of loyalty to their alma mater.

The two-day BISU 91st Commencement Exercises were successfully capped off with confetti and sparks flying, diplomas on one hand and loved ones and friends on the other, and tears of happiness from the participants and the Bohol skies above.