The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) Graduate School recognized its Master’s and Doctoral candidates during the 2026 Graduate School Recognition Rites held on June 20, 2026, at the Alvaro Rabina Hall.
Anchored on the theme, “Advancing Graduate Education through Service and Transformative Leadership towards Nation-Building,” the ceremony highlighted the academic achievements, research excellence, and leadership potential of the candidates as they near the completion of their graduate studies.
Graduate School Dean Dr. Kennedy A. Beltran welcomed the candidates, faculty members, university officials, and guests, while Dr. Melinda Parro-Pan, Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivered an inspirational message emphasizing the role of graduate education in shaping professionals and leaders committed to public service and nation-building. University President Dr. Alberto N. Naperi, represented by the Vice President for Administration and Finance, Atty. Dominador F. Faurillo likewise commended the candidates for their perseverance and dedication in pursuing advanced studies while contributing to their respective fields and communities.
A key highlight of the ceremony included the imposition of academic hoods upon the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy candidates, symbolizing the culmination of their advanced academic journey and their readiness to contribute to their respective fields.
Serving as guest speaker was Ms. Lilian N. Guillermo, Chief of the Southern Luzon PAGASA Regional Services Division of PAGASA-DOST and a member of the Master of Science in Disaster Risk Management (MSDRM) Batch 2014. Addressing the graduating candidates, Guillermo emphasized that advanced education carries with it a responsibility to serve and create meaningful change. She reminded the graduates that the value of their academic achievements extends beyond personal success and is reflected in how they use their knowledge and skills to benefit others. “Our work is about the people. The same is true regardless of our profession. The true value of education is not found in what it does for us. It is found in what it enables us to do for others,” she said.
Among the highlights of the ceremony were the valedictory addresses of Albert R. Acuña, Master of Science in Animal Science candidate, and Jeffrey E. Moreno, Doctor of Philosophy in Development Education candidate, both of whom underscored that while the milestone marks a personal academic achievement, it likewise comes with a greater responsibility to serve others and to translate the knowledge gained into meaningful action and transformative impact in their respective fields and communities.
Outstanding academic and research achievements were likewise recognized through the awarding of medals and certificates to valedictorians, President’s and Dean’s Listers, recipients of exemplary thesis and dissertation awards, Scholar Merit Awardees, outstanding student council leaders, and all Master’s and Doctoral candidates.
The recognition rites formally marked the completion of the graduates’ advanced academic training, as CBSUA Graduate School continues to strengthen its mandate of producing highly capable professionals in research, education, and public service.
