The Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU) Graduate School conferred academic degrees to 137 graduates during its 55th Commencement Exercises and 3rd Chartered University Graduation held on August 9, 2025, at the SNSU Gymnasium. This year’s celebration carried the theme, “Quality Education, Innovation, Internationalization and Lifelong Learning: Gateposts for Future-Ready Graduates,” underscoring the institution’s commitment to producing competent and globally competitive professionals.

The day’s activities began with a Baccalaureate Mass at 1pm officiated by Rev. Fr. Gun Real Omega, DCS, Vice Rector and Dean of Studies of Maradjaw Magbalantay College Seminary, Diocese of Surigao. In his homily, Fr. Omega encouraged graduates to anchor their careers on values, purpose, and service, reminding them that success is most meaningful when it benefits others.

Following a short break, the commencement exercises started with a processional by the graduates, key personnel, Graduate School faculty, the program chairs, Board of Regents members, Top College officials , and SNSU President Dr.Rowena A. Plando together with the Commencement Speaker.

The commencement exercises were declared in session by University Registrar-Designate Ms. Laurie Jane C. Labadan, MPA. PhEdD-TM candidate Ms. Sherly S. Escandor delivered the welcome address followed by the presentation of candidates for graduation and certificate of completion by Graduate School Dean Dr. Merlyn L. Estoque and VP-Academic Affairs, Dr. Ronita E. Talingting, respectively. University President Dr. Rowena A. Plando conferred the degrees on the graduates and went on introduce the commencement speaker, Caraga State University president, Dr. Rolyn C. Daguil.

In delivering his speech, Dr. Daguil said that the graduation theme represented the four pillars that graduates need to meet the demands of a changing world. Dr. Daguil added that quality education is really the foundation that is built on academic excellence, ethical values and the ability to apply knowledge in real context. CSU’s president also emphasized that innovation is not an option but a lifeline of progress and that exposure to global perspective lightens our capacity to solve local problems. He then challenged the graduates to “continue to learn, adapt, and mentor others.”

Dr. Plando, assisted by top officials, handed Dr. Daguil a plaque of commendation and a token.

The Class of 2025 was composed of graduates from various programs: MA In Industrial Education – Major in Food Technology (7) and Major in Industrial Arts (3); PhD in Education specializing in Technology Management (11); MA in Education – Major in English (58), Major in Filipino (29), Major in General Science (2), and Major in Mathematics (2); and Master in Industrial Education – Major in Industrial Arts (2), Major in Food Technology (16), Major in Electrical Technology (3), Major in Electronics (3), and Major in Mechanical Technology (1).

In recognition of exemplary academic research, awards were given to outstanding graduates. Best Dissertation Award was given to Sherly S. Escandor (PhD in Education – Technology Management), for her study “Development and Evaluation of School Performance and Enhanced Consolidation, Tracking, Reporting and Management of Schools Division of Surigao City”;

Best Thesis Awardees were: Ceasar Louie R. Recamara (Master in Education – English), for “Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in Teaching 21st Century Literature”, Barry G. Balusca (MA in Education – Mathematics), for “Exploring Brown and Walter Strategy Using ChatGPT in Problem Posing”, and Yvan Diether D. Amper (Master in Industrial Education), for “Development and Evaluation of a Trainer for Sensor Technology.”

Following the hooding and distribution of diplomas, the graduates made their pledge to the Alma Mater led by MIE-Electronics Technology graduate Mr. Yvan Diether D. Amper, followed by the Pledge of Loyalty to the SNSU Alumni Association. The singing of the SNSU Hymn was conducted by Mr. Barry G. Balusca, MA Mathematics Education.

A celebratory dinner for the graduates, University officials, faculty and staff concluded the memorable event.

#SGD 4 Quality Education