Ang Alakdan

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆!

Today, we honor and celebrate all the fathers and father figures who continue to be a source of love, strength, and guidance in their families.

Fatherhood is a journey filled with responsibilities, challenges, and sacrifices, yet fathers continue to give their time, effort, and unwavering support to provide the best for their loved ones. Behind every smile and success is a father who works hard, encourages, and stands strong through every moment.

Thank you for the countless sacrifices, the lessons you share, and the love you show in ways big and small. Your efforts may not always be recognized, but they leave a lasting impact and create memories that will always be cherished.

Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing fathers out there!

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘀: 𝗖𝗧𝗨 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

With the theme, “The Technologist’s Heart: Upholding Human Values in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” Cebu Technological University (CTU) Malabuyoc Extension Campus honored the achievements of the Class of 2026 during its 16th Commencement Exercises held on June 15, 2026, at the Malabuyoc Activity Center.

The ceremony brought together graduates, university officials, faculty members, parents, and guests in a meaningful celebration of academic success and perseverance. Hosted by Mr. Cavalida and Ms. Ricardo, the program commenced with the academic processional of graduating students from the College of Education (COED), College of Business Management (CBM), and College of Technology (CoT) followed by the recognition of academic achievers and the entrance of the faculty and staff.

The commencement exercises formally opened with an invocation and the Pronouncement of Opening by Dr. Mira Nona M. Flores, University Board Secretary V. The candidates for graduation were then presented by Dr. Felix Q. Pocong Jr., Campus Director of CTU-Malabuyoc Extension Campus, and Dr. Charmaine P. Antecristo, Campus Director of CTU-Moalboal Campus.

The graduates were officially confirmed by Dr. Jonita V. Literatus, Officer-in-Charge University President, signifying the successful completion of their academic requirements. This was followed by the awarding of diplomas, medals, and certificates—one of the most anticipated moments of the ceremony.

One of the highlights of the event was the recognition of the March 2026 Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (BLEPT) topnotchers. Among those honored were Khery Jane Fernandez and Shienna Marie Singco, who brought pride to the university by ranking among the Top 10 passers of the national licensure examination. In recognition of their exceptional achievement and for exemplifying academic excellence, dedication, and perseverance, they were awarded ₱80,000 each. Their success stands as a testament to the quality of education provided by CTU and serves as an inspiration to aspiring educators and fellow graduates.

Representing the graduating class, Ms. May Kyla Inso of CBM and Mr. Lawrence A. Moneva of COED delivered the Message of Thanks, expressing heartfelt gratitude to parents, mentors, faculty members, university officials, and loved ones for their unwavering support throughout their academic journey. The graduates also recited the Pledge of Loyalty led by Mr. Christian Paul M. Luague, reaffirming their commitment to uphold the values and ideals of their alma mater.

As the ceremony concluded, the Class of 2026 celebrated not only the completion of their academic journey but also the realization of years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination. Equipped with knowledge, skills, and strong values, the graduates now move forward prepared to make meaningful contributions to their professions and communities while upholding the principles of integrity, compassion, and service in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Words by: Elmar France Vellacis

𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙃𝙪𝙜 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨

She walked down from the stage
with a diploma cradled in her hands,
but she carried far more than paper—
she carried years.

Years of waking before dawn,
of unfinished meals and borrowed strength,
of tears hidden behind closed doors
and dreams stitched together
one hopeful day at a time.

From the crowd,
a parent watched.
Eyes shining brighter than the afternoon light,
seeing not the graduate before them,
but the child who once stumbled
through uncertain first steps,
tiny hands reaching for balance,
tiny feet learning courage.

They remembered the sleepless nights,
the whispered prayers spoken into darkness,

the sacrifices folded quietly into ordinary days,
the burdens carried without complaint
so the child could walk a little farther.

And now,
there she was—
crossing another threshold,
steady and sure,
her footsteps echoing with everything
they had endured together.

When their eyes finally met,
the distance disappeared.

The parent wrapped her
in a warm embrace,
holding not only the graduate,
but every version of the child
they had loved through the years.

No words were needed.
The hug spoke for them—
of gratitude and relief,
of pride too vast for language,
of dreams that had survived every storm,
and of a love
that never once loosened its grip.

For in that quiet embrace,
the diploma became more than an achievement.
It became a story—
of shared hopes,
silent sacrifices,
unwavering faith,
and a journey walked side by side.

And for a moment,
held within a parent's arms,
she was both the child who once needed guidance
and the graduate ready to face the world.

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗯𝘆: Angel Jane Donque
𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝘆: Christine Joy Encinas

𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫: 𝐀 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐡

As the Class of 2026 gathered to celebrate a milestone years in the making, May Kyla Angelee Inso stepped onto the stage not as the picture-perfect valedictorian many would expect, but as someone willing to tell the truth about her journey. With humor and honesty, she admitted that she was not a consistent honor student growing up, had experienced academic setbacks, and often found herself cramming requirements at the last minute. Her candid opening immediately resonated with fellow graduates, proving that success is not always built on perfection but on perseverance.

Behind her achievement was a story marked by challenges that tested her strength from an early age. May Kyla shared how she survived a severe childhood burn, endured a broken arm, witnessed her father's stroke, experienced her parents' separation, and eventually became a teenage mother. Yet despite these hardships, she refused to allow adversity to define her future. Instead, she confronted the fears that had long dictated her choices—the fear of failure, rejection, and missed opportunities—and gradually learned to move beyond them.

The most emotional part of her speech came as she reflected on the loss of her father, who passed away before he could witness her graduation. What could have become a story of regret instead became a testimony of faith. Through her grief, she found comfort in prayer and strength in her belief that God had a purpose for every struggle she faced. Standing before the audience as valedictorian, she became living proof that even life's darkest moments do not have the final say.

May Kyla also reminded her fellow graduates that their worth should never be measured by titles, medals, or academic distinctions. Every graduate, she emphasized, carried different burdens and fought different battles to reach the same finish line. She encouraged them to cherish the people who stood beside them throughout the journey and challenged them to express the words often left unsaid—to tell their parents, guardians, friends, and loved ones how much they are appreciated before time slips away.

More than a valedictory address, her speech was a powerful lesson on courage, gratitude, and resilience. Through her story, May Kyla showed that fear does not define a person; the choice to keep moving forward does. As the Class of 2026 embarks on a new chapter, her message remains clear: embrace the unknown, trust in God's plan, and never let fear prevent you from becoming the person you are meant to be.

Words by Angel Jane Donque

𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐚 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐜𝐡

As the Class of 2026 gathered to celebrate the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice, Lawrence A. Moneva, Valedictorian of the College of Education, stepped onto the stage carrying more than academic honors—he carried the voice of an entire graduating class. Instead of opening his speech with achievements, he offered something unexpected: honesty. He admitted that he had initially questioned whether he was worthy of delivering the valedictory address, revealing a side of himself that many graduates could relate to. In a world often shaped by comparison, his vulnerability immediately resonated with the audience.

Throughout his speech, Lawrence reflected on the lessons that college had taught him—not only to learn, but also to unlearn and relearn. He challenged graduates to view failure differently, describing it as proof of courage rather than weakness. For him, setbacks and mistakes were not signs of defeat but stepping stones toward growth. He also reminded his fellow graduates that their success was not built on luck alone. Behind every diploma were sleepless nights, sacrifices, disappointments, and countless moments when giving up seemed easier than pressing on.

One of the most heartfelt parts of his address came when he spoke about life after college. Acknowledging the uncertainty of the future, he shared his fears, dreams, and deep gratitude for the people who helped him reach this milestone. He encouraged graduates to appreciate the present and express their love and gratitude to their families, friends, and mentors whose sacrifices became part of their success. His tribute transformed the ceremony into a collective moment of thanksgiving for everyone who stood behind the graduates' achievements.

More than a speech from a valedictorian, Lawrence’s message was a reminder that a person's worth is never measured by titles or honors. Through his powerful declaration that “𝘢 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘺 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨,” he celebrated resilience, gratitude, and hope. In doing so, he embodied the very essence of an educator—not simply teaching lessons, but inspiring others through humility, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every individual.

Words by Angel Jane Donque

𝙃𝘼𝙋𝙋𝙀𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙉𝙊𝙒 | 𝗖𝗧𝗨-𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗯𝘂𝘆𝗼𝗰 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗚𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀

In a solemn gathering filled with gratitude and devotion, the graduating class of Cebu Technological University (CTU)-Malabuyoc Extension gathered for a solemn Baccalaureate Mass alongside faculty members, family members, and loved ones at the Parish Church of St. Nicholas of Tolentino on June 15 at 7:30 a.m.

This ceremony marked a significant milestone as graduates reflect on their academic journey, celebrate their achievements, and draw strength from their faith and values as they prepare for their future endeavors.

𝐀 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦

Today, we commemorate the 128th Philippine Independence Day—a celebration of the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit of the Filipino people who fought for the freedom we enjoy today.

As we honor the heroes of our past, may we also recognize our responsibility to uphold the values they stood for: unity, integrity, patriotism, and service to the nation. Independence is not only a reminder of our history but also a call to build a brighter future for generations to come.

Let us proudly wave our colors and continue the legacy of freedom with pride and purpose.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙧 𝘽𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙨

Flags have always been more than fabric. They carry stories, identities, and the courage of people who refuse to be unseen. This Pride Month, the vibrant colors of LGBTQIA+ flags remind us of the diverse voices, experiences, and journeys woven into one community.

Behind every stripe is a story of resilience, self-discovery, and hope. Many artists, athletes, influencers, and public figures have bravely come out and embraced their true selves, inspiring others to do the same. Their visibility shows that authenticity can create understanding, acceptance, and change.

Pride is a celebration of love, dignity, and belonging. Regardless of who we are or whom we love, everyone deserves respect, acceptance, and the freedom to live openly. Under the same sky and beneath the same sunshine, every person deserves a place to shine.

Words by Angel Jane Donque
Layout by Shadda Mae Dacurin

𝐁𝐄𝐊𝐒𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐀𝐑𝐘/𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐋𝐀𝐓: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞, 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲

Words do more than communicate—they tell stories, build communities, and celebrate identity. This Pride Month, Bekshunary/Acklat shines a spotlight on selected words and expressions commonly associated with LGBTQIA+ culture, exploring their meanings and the vibrant histories behind them.

From witty wordplay to everyday expressions, these terms reflect the creativity, resilience, and cultural influence of LGBTQIA+ communities. Many have transcended their origins and become part of mainstream conversations, enriching the language we use today.

As we celebrate Pride Month, may this feature inspire greater understanding, appreciation, and respect for the diverse voices that shape our society. Because every word carries a story—and every story deserves to be heard.

Words by Rhea Tano
Layout by Honey Leigh Alfeche