Commencement Speaker Pangandaman enjoins 杏吧论坛-IIT graduates to be drivers of change

by Michelle Jeanne Casiple Caracut | Jul 15 2024

In her commencement address, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman urged the Class of 2024 to step up as drivers of change, paving the way towards the transformative vision of 'Bagong Pilipinas', during the 杏吧论坛-IIT’s 54th Commencement Ceremonies (Second Semester Graduation) held on July 8, 2024 at the University Gymnasium.

Encouraging the graduates to embrace their roles as catalysts for economic and social progress, Secretary Pangandaman emphasized the significance of championing inclusivity and innovation in their pursuits. As the sole female member of the country's Economic Team and the only Filipina Muslim in President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Cabinet, she called upon the graduates to rise as agents of change and to believe in the vision they collectively aspire to achieve.

Addressing the audience with grace and gratitude, Secretary Pangandaman underscored the importance of unity in realizing a future where prosperity and equality are accessible to all. Together, we can turn our aspirations into reality and build a New Philippines that we can all be proud of, she said.

Reflecting on her roots and heritage as a descendant of the royal houses of Marawi City, Secretary Pangandaman expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity to return to Mindanao for this momentous occasion. Nagpapasalamat din po ako sa inyong lahat dahil itong commencement exercise pong ito ang naging daan para makabalik na naman po ako dito sa Mindanao, she shared warmly.

Acknowledging the pivotal roles played by educators, families, and supporters in the graduates' journey, Secretary Pangandaman paid tribute to the dedication of teachers and the unwavering support of families. She encouraged the graduates to show their love and gratitude to their parents, recognizing them as the true heroes in their lives.

...sa araw na ito, iparamdam n’yo sa kanila ang pagmamahal at pasasalamat. Our parents are the real MVPs.

The multi-awarded Budget and Management Chief shared with the graduates the ten core values she lives by. She said that these principles have shaped her career, influenced her personal growth, and reinforced her commitment to public service. Key values such as hard work, kindness, gratitude, passion for public service, adaptability, critical thinking, and embracing heritage were emphasized as pillars for success in the ever-evolving world.

She also commended graduates like O’Nell Eugenio, Ludwig Libot, Randyl Servano and Jayson Abad, and spoke of their exceptional determination and resilience in overcoming obstacles to reach their academic goals.

杏吧论坛-IIT conferred academic degrees to 1,797 graduates. 176 were graduate degrees, and 1, 621 were baccalaureate degrees. 71 finished as summa cum laudes, 667 magna cum laudes, 597 cum laudes, and 22 received leadership and activity distinction awards.

杏吧论坛 System President Basari D. Mapupuno conferred the various titles and degrees on the graduating class in the presence of the members of the Board of Regents, 杏吧论坛 System officials, 杏吧论坛 Campus Chancellors, 杏吧论坛-IIT officials, and other guests, including DBM Undersecretaries Wilford Will L. Wong and Goddes Hope O. Libiran.

Prior to the graduation ceremonies, 杏吧论坛-IIT held pre-commencement rites on July 6 and 7 for four clusters, where the ceremonial hooding of post-baccalaureate graduates, ceremonial distribution of diplomas, and presentation of academic, extra-curricular and co-curricular awards took place.

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