Under the principle of education for all, the 7th Commencement Exercises for Senior High School, the 27th Commencement Exercises for College, and the 7th Commencement Exercises for TVET Caregiving NCII were held at the Crimson Hotel Grand Ballroom in Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa, on June 22, 2024. The theme for the College Department was “Excellence in Education, Excellence in Character,” and for the Senior High School Department, it was “Filipino Youth: Building a Stronger Future for a New Philippines.”
The ceremony began with the march of 58 candidates for graduation from the College Department, 72 candidates for graduation from the Senior High School Department, and 28 candidates from the TVET Department NCII.
The 58 graduates from the College Department included: two from Bachelor of Elementary Education, nine from Bachelor of Secondary Education, ten from Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, ten from Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, two from Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship, eleven from Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, five from Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, and nine from the Diploma in Midwifery program. The 72 graduates from the Senior High School Department were composed of students from the ABM, HUMSS, GAS, Arts and Design, and Technical Vocational strands.
The Valedictory Address for the Senior High School Department was delivered by NJ S. Butaslac (HUMSS - With Highest Honors). The three recipients of Latin Honors from the College Department, all Magna Cum Laude—Nicole Angeline D. Jose, Christopher L. Angelitud, and Jan Carlo C. Uayan—delivered the Tribute to Parents speech, Pledge of Loyalty, and the Valedictory Address, respectively.
An Epitome of humble thy spirit, the Credo of SBCA
During the Commencement Exercises, Alice Galang Eduardo, the CEO of Sta. Elena Construction and Development Corporation, known as “Woman of Steel” and a noted Philanthropist, addressed the graduates. Eduardo mentioned. “Remember that the graduation is not the destination. It is merely a stepping stone towards a lifetime of learning. This is just the beginning. The road ahead is filled with endless opportunities and boundless challenges, waiting to be concurred. Stay curious, stay hungry for knowledge, never lose sight of your passion.”
During the same occasion, the commencement speaker gave emphasis on the importance of remaining humble at all costs above immeasurable success, she echoed. “It is important to build professional and personal life relationships. Practice honesty, sincerity. Established trust and rapport. Always stay humble and grateful.”
Eduardo Concluded her speech saying. “You’re the future leaders, innovators, change makers of tomorrow. Believe in yourselves, trust in your abilities, and always dream big. Congratulations to all the graduating students, and may your journey ahead be as bright and inspiring as you are.”
During the same occasion, Alice G. Eduardo, by virtue of Resolution 001 series of 2023 and Resolution 001 series 2024 by the SBCA Board of Trustees, the Woman of Steel, was awarded the Gawad Gertrudes Vivo-Carlos for Humanitarian Work (with the medallion and certificate) The citation reads: “Dahil sa kanyang huwarang paglilingkod sa tao, sa pamamagitan ng hindi matatawarang kawanggawa katulad ng pagsasaayos ng Pediatric Ward at Isolation Ward ng Philippine General Hospital, and kanyang suporta sa Philippine National Red Cross at Habitat Philippines. Gayundin, ang kanyang walang katumbas na paglilingkod sa Poong Maykapal sa pamamagitan ng pagtatayo ng Simbahan, ang Parokya ng San Agustin sa Jaen, Nueva Ecija. Lalo at higit sa lahat, ang kanyang pagpapakita ng mababang loob sa lahat ng panahon, na siyang tunay na Kredo ng Sintang Paaralang ito.”
This year’s parangal was an exception to the rule that made the Board of Trustees convene for this purpose. The Gawad Gertrudes Vivo-Carlos for Humanitarian Work, named after the school’s honorary founder, is given every five years. The last time it was held was in 2023. It is usually awarded to an individual who champions the cause of humanity through the ideals of St. Bernadette College of Alabang, which are (1) Respect, (2) Responsibility, (3) Service to Humanity, and (4) Love for God, and the school’s credo, “Humble Thy Spirit.”
Among the early recipients of this award were Muntinlupa City Mayor Rozzano Rufino Biazon (Gawad Gertrudes Vivo-Carlos sa Larangan ng Serbisyo Publiko) and Muntinlupa City Congressman Jaime Fresnedi, (Gawad Gertrudes Vivo-Carlos sa Larangan ng Serbisyo Publiko).
The celebration was concluded with a dinner at Cabalen Restaurant, hosted by the President, Dr. Felicitas C. Rabonza to the Members of the Administration, Faculty, and Staff of the College.