Friday, February 21, 2025, saw 239 graduates from the different ESSU campuses as they march to the conclusion of their academic journey in the 2025 Mid-Year Commencement Exercises held at the Canuctan Hall of the Main Campus.
Themed "Charting New Horizons, Building a Legacy: The Dawn of a Bold and Sustainable Tomorrow," this year's Mid-year Commencement Exercises did not lack any grandeur, owing mainly to the potent lineup of guests. Bannering this lineup is none other than 4Ps Party List Representative and Minority Floor Leader of the 19th Congress, Hon. Marcelino C. Libanan, as the Commencement Speaker.
Completing the prestigious list of honored guests were CHEDRO8 Director, Dr. Maximo C. Aljibe; Eastern Samar Governor, Hon. Ben P. Evardone; Eastern Samar Lone District Representative, Hon. Maria Fe R. Abunda represented by Ms. Cora Basada; Tingog Party List Representative, Hon. Jude A. Acidre represented by Mr. Alexis Yu; and Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dyan C. Agda represented by City Administrator, Atty. Celestino Cabato.
In a recorded video message, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman, J. Prospero E. De Vera III imparted an inclusive message congratulating the graduates, their parents, and the faculty members for their diligence and hard work. Hon. Libanan and Hon. Evardone underscored the milestones and achievements that the University and the local political leadership have attained as a result of working together, while Dr. Aljibe highlighted what great things are still achievable when everyone puts in the work.
A total of 12 distinguished individuals were honored with the ESSUperbia et Honore Award, namely: Dr. J. Prospero E. De Vera III – Chairman, Commission on Higher Education (CHED); Dr. Ronald L. Adamat – Commissioner, CHED; Dr. Maximo C. Aljibe, CESO III – Director, CHED Regional Office VIII; Ms. Meylene C. Rosales – Director, NEDA Regional Office VIII and ESSU Board of Regents (BOR) Member; Dr. John Glenn D. Ocaña – Director, DOST Regional Office VIII and ESSU BOR Member; Ms. Imelda C. Laceras – Director, DBM Regional Office VIII; Hon. Marcelino C. Libanan – Minority Leader of the 19th Congress and 4Ps Party List Representative; Hon. Jude A. Acidre – Representative, TINGOG Party List; Hon. Maria Fe R. Abunda – Representative, Lone District of Eastern Samar; Hon. Ben P. Evardone – Governor, Eastern Samar; Hon. Jose Ivan Dayan C. Agda – Mayor, City of Borongan; and, Atty. Jose Vicente Raymundo M. Opinion – Chief Provincial Prosecutor, Eastern Samar.
The said ceremonies unfolded in high-spirited fashion, with all the speakers expressing their messages in a unified voice centered on cooperation and collaboration among all the stakeholders for the singular purpose of bringing forth an all-inclusive progress to the entire province of Eastern Samar through the delivery of top-notch free tertiary education, quality research output and impactful extension programs.
