Benguet State University – College of Veterinary Medicine (BSU – CVM) held its first hooding ceremony for the graduands of batch 2025 – 𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘴 𝘓𝘶𝘹 𝘔𝘦𝘢 (The truth is my light). This significant milestone in the college’s history was held on June 25, 2025, at the Hotel Supreme, Baguio City.

The program started with an opening remarks by Dr. Charles N. Gaerlan of CVM. After Gaerlan’s remarks, Jeo Crisjan Serjie M. Galino, one of the graduands, delivered a message reminiscing their batch’s journey as students of veterinary medicine.

“Imagine, from young guys and gals laughing loudly in all corners of the college, to now ladies and gentlemen – wearing togas and ready to be hooded. We then loudly say, we lived. We lived batch 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘶𝘹 𝘮𝘦𝘢” he proclaimed.

Dr. Loretta C. Romero, faculty member of the Department of Basic Sciences shared the ceremony’s significance and history. Romero explained that the ceremony is a time honoring tradition and it is a powerful symbol that marks the transitioning of the students to doctors. She also applauded the students for finishing what they have started and recognized the people who paved their way to success.

The ceremony was highlighted by the imposition of hoods on the graduands by the University President Kenneth A. Laruan, VP for Academic Affairs Janet P. Pablo, and CVM Dean Dr. Maureen Theresa P. De Vera.

In his message, Laruan emphasized the transitioning of the graduands from students to professionals. He added that they make use of the learning and experiences as tools in decision making. He also shared the acronym ARISE: Adaptability, Resilient, Inspire, Sustain, and Elevate that he related to their student and professional journey.

Adaptability is how they would adapt to future endeavors just like how they’ve adapted during their academic years; Resilience is how they continued with their degree program despite the hardships; their Inspiration was the encouragement they received from their families, faculty, and alumni; the support given to them Sustained and encouraged them; and Elevate is their commitment to consistently give their best performance in what they do.

To further inspire the graduands, Department of Paraclinical Sciences Chairperson Dr. Stephen S. Ballog introduced the guest speaker, Dr. Syeda Aisha Dy Hussain, a CVM alumna.

Hussain congratulated the graduands and shared her experiences as a student in the university.

“I hope that you walk in faith because that’s what sustains you when your strength runs out. No one is a failure, remember that. You just have different timelines and that’s okay. Tiwala lang,” she urged.

The ceremony continued with the alumni pledge led by the CVM Alumni Association Public Information Officer Dr. Edlyn Mae N. Ciano, followed by an intermission and the giving of special awards to students.

Gabrielle Ericka C. Anievas, delivered a tribute to the parents and guardians for the support given to them. Evangeline D. Cabello, representing the parents delivered the response emphasizing that graduation is also a testament to the students’ strength, character, and dedication.

A tribute to the faculty members was also delivered by Cassandra Jane R. Oyan expressing her gratefulness and admiration to their profession as educators. Oyan added the importance of the life lessons they learned under the supervision of their instructors.

The tribute was responded to by Dr. Samantha P. Aquino a faculty member of the Department of Basic Sciences. Dr. Aquino reminded the graduands that if they ever have the feeling of being incomplete, they should always remember that they came from something that once seemed impossible.

As part of the ceremony, the pinning of the senior clinicians to their junior clinicians followed, symbolizing the passing of responsibility and mentorship.

CVM Dean, Dr. De Vera then delivered the closing remarks and commended the CVM family. De Vera congratulated the graduating batch of 2025 and encouraged them to pursue their board exams. She also reminded them to find their niche in the veterinary world.//DJPaydowan

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