News

CEIS Seniors: Towards a New Journey in the Quest of Excellence

By Joanna Chiney Kaye S. Santos

July 7, 2023

Batch 2022-2023 of Centro Escolar Integrated School (CEIS) Malolos marched in the institution's 6th Commencement Exercises with the theme of “K to 12 Graduates: Molded through a Resilient Education Foundation,” at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium last June 28, 2023. 


The program started with the Marshall of the Graduating Classes, which was then followed by the Marshall of the Top 10 Graduates, the Area Leads, the Faculty and Staff, and the Administrative Council for CEU and CEIS. 


Following the Academic Procession, Rev. Fr. Renato B. Brion, Jr., Chancellor, Diocese of Malolos, presided over a Thanksgiving Mass. As they embark on a new chapter in their lives, he urged the graduates to start making changes for the good of all. 


After the mass, it was followed by the entrance of colors. The ceremony was then officially opened by Dr. Ma. Cristina Padolina, followed by Ms. Abigail Espineda’s introduction of the guest speaker-Dr. Herminio “Sonny” B. Coloma, Jr., President of Centro Escolar Integrated School and Executive Vice President of Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation. 


Dr. Coloma was unable to attend the rites physically; however, he delivered his message by video that was filled with encouragement and guidance. 


The value of technology for educational purposes was underlined by Dr. Coloma. “We have learned to use the power of digital transformation to cope with day-to-day problems and to solve these problems in a fast and effective  manner,” he said. 


He also emphasized the significance of K–12 education, since it gives students an additional two years of opportunity to acquire and develop their skills. 


At the conclusion of his address, he urged the students to exercise greater critical thinking and look for opportunities to effectively share their knowledge and skills for the advancement of our society.


Right after Dr. Coloma’s speech, Mrs. Teresita D. De Leon presented the candidates for graduation with a total of 263 students across all strands. 17 males and 23 females from the Accounting, Business, and Management (ABM) strand; 2 males and 27 females from the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand; and 82 males and 112 females from the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand. Dr. Teresa R. Perez then confirmed them as graduates. 


Following the presentation of certificates and diplomas, Sean Jared R. Santos, Batch Valedictorian for the Class of 2022–2023, took the podium to express his gratitude and reminisce about his journey at CEIS. 


Santos advised his fellow graduates that the best motivation comes from their own. "Do it for your dreams, your passions, your parents, your love interest, your country, or simply, do it just because you can," he said. 


He expressed his sincere appreciation to the faculty members for serving as their beacon of light throughout their educational journey, to his STEM 12-F classmates for the bonds and memories they shared, to his family for their eternal love and support, and lastly, to his fellow graduates for overcoming challenges and succeeding as a whole. 


“Know that graduating, in and of itself, is already more than enough. No amount of accolades and honors will ever shadow the fruit of your labor,” he added. 


Mr. Santos once again congratulated the graduates and wished them a future filled with purpose, fulfillment, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence. At the conclusion of his speech, he quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson to challenge his fellow graduates: "The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be." 


Following this, the graduates pledge their loyalty to the Alma Mater which was led by Ms. Raphaelle Erika Victoria, Batch Salutatorian. 


The graduates then thank their parents and loved ones for their steadfast devotion and encouragement. The singing of their graduation song, "Verge" by Owl City, was then performed. 


For the final time as SHS students, Batch 2022–2023 sang the Centro Escolar Hymn before the exit of colors and recessional with the most profound gratitude and pride.