On June 20, 2024, Pines City Colleges held its 54th Commencement Exercises at the Baguio Country Club. Parents radiated happiness and fulfillment as their children achieved their life goals. Prior to the commencement ceremony, a baccalaureate mass had been organized to show support for the students and recognize their intellectual and spiritual growth. Following the mass, the commencement exercise began with a processional led by graduates and parents, followed by non-teaching staff, teaching staff, administration, guests, and the board of directors.
Dr. Marian Grace A. Gascon, Vice President for Academic Affairs, extended a warm welcome to the graduates and their parents during the commencement ceremony. She proudly introduced the overall outstanding student of the 2024 graduating class, which consisted of 168 aspiring health professionals. Notably, among them were the pioneering 38 graduates from the Doctor of Medicine program, marking their historic achievement as the inaugural cohort of this esteemed program. Dr. Gascon expressed her deep pride, emphasizing that these future health professionals serve as a profound source of inspiration. She underscored the significance of their dedication and academic excellence in shaping the future of healthcare.
She also emphasized that graduation represents one of the most cherished moments for students in their academic careers. It marks a pivotal milestone in their student life, signifying the culmination of their hard work and the realization of their goals, while also serving as a reminder that the challenges of the real world lie ahead.
Commencement Address
Dir. Demetrio P. Anduyan Jr, Director IV of the Commission on Higher Education, Cordillera Administrative Region, was the commencement speaker at the PCC’s 54th Commencement Exercises. During his address, he shared a notable quote from the American philosopher and educator John Dewey, who said, “Education is not a preparation for life; education is life itself.” Dir. Anduyan emphasized that the essence of the graduates’ academic pursuit goes beyond mere preparation for their future; it is an integral part of their journey, shaping their characters, broadening their perspectives, and equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the world—the statement of Dir. Anduyan gave the graduates the realization that not only do we learn from books and other media, but from true experiences, we keep learning new lessons of life day by day.
Message from the President
Following the commencement address, President Madam Rocio P. Baltao delivered a message to the parents and staff of PCC. During this phase of the event, the President acknowledged the outstanding achievements of the graduating students, which symbolized the culmination of their hard work, devotion, and perseverance. She expressed heartfelt appreciation to everyone who had supported the graduates and specifically praised commencement speaker Dir. Anduyan for his insightful remarks. Additionally, she recognized the continuous assistance of CHED. Madam Baltao thanked the deans and faculty of PCC for shaping the students’ journeys and mentoring them as future health professionals. She also acknowledged the essential role of the non-teaching staff as the backbone of the institution, crucial to PCC’s success. Furthermore, she also thanked the parents and friends of the graduates for their unwavering encouragement throughout their journey and encouraged the graduates to pay it forward to those who had supported them.
Awarding of Diplomas and Medals
In this activity, the Awarding of Certificates and Medals stands out as one of the most anticipated parts of the Commencement exercise. It is a momentous occasion where graduating students receive their diplomas and academic awards, symbolizing the culmination of their hard work and dedication over nearly four years of education. These certificates and medals not only recognize their academic achievements but also honor the countless hours of study and dedication that have shaped their journey to this significant milestone.
PCC’s List of Awardees:
Leadership Awardees
(GAWAD STARSS Student Achievers in Research and Student Services)
Gawad Nimia R. Concepcion (NRC)
Ms. Florian K. Layugan, Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy
Ms. Mel Anne-Jon L. Rapadas, RMT Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science
Mr. Nixson A. Wallace Bachelor, of Science in Respiratory Therapy
Academic Awardees
(Eugenio S. Baltao Scholarship Grantees)
Ms. Joan C. Bengeg, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Ms. Chezzy B. Cayapat, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Ms. Florian K. Layugan, Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy
Ms. Taide Glaselle P. Pati, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Philippine Pharmacists Association (PPha) Awardee and Philippine Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (PACOP) Awardee
Ms. Florian K. Layugan, Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy
Best Clinician
Ms. Taide Glaselle P. Pati, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Cum Laude
Ms. Aiziel B. Calpito, RMT Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Science
Ms. Florian K. Layugan, Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy
Ms. Stefannie A. Milanes, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Ms. Joy Guen P. Podeque, Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy
Ms. Mel Anne-Jon L. Rapadas, RMT Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Science
Board Topnotchers
Jacob D. Manabat, DDM Top 5, November 2023 and January 2024 Dentistry Licensure Examination
Ms. Giselle Precious B. Alvarez, RTRP Top 7, February 2024 Respiratory Therapy Licensure Examination
Ms. Seneca E. Portugal, RTRP Top 10, February 2024 Respiratory Therapy Licensure Examination
PCC Celebrates Milestone with First Graduating Batch of Doctors of Medicine
The 54th Commencement Exercise of PCC marked a historic moment with the production of its inaugural cohort of Doctors of Medicine, signaling a significant achievement for the institution. For the graduating students of the School of Medicine, crossing the stage to receive their hoods, diplomas, and graduation caps was more than just a ceremonial rite; it symbolized the relentless effort and perseverance they had invested throughout their rigorous years in medical education. Each item represented a milestone in their journey towards becoming skilled healthcare professionals, equipped to make a positive impact in their respective fields.
The pride radiating from the parents of these graduates was equally tangible. Witnessing their children achieve their lifelong dreams of becoming doctors filled them with joy and a sense of fulfillment. Their unwavering support and encouragement had played an integral role in the students’ success, making this momentous occasion a shared triumph for both families and the PCC community.
Valedictory Address
To culminate the remarkable 54th commencement exercise, Ms. Florian K. Layugan delivered her Valedictory address. During her speech, she underscored a meaningful message: “Life is not a competition,” aiming to remind her fellow graduates that measuring oneself against others can impede personal growth. Instead, she encouraged them not to rush, but to focus on their own path towards success, which awaits just beyond their doorstep. This serves as a reminder that while graduation marks the end of one chapter, it signifies the beginning of a new journey in the real world, fraught with challenges.
Congratulations to the graduating class of 2024, and best wishes for your future endeavors!
#Collin Jaye Laguinday
