24 November 2025
The Benguet State University College of Teacher Education held its second Pinning Ceremony with the theme “Lighting the Torch of Learning, Guiding the Future of the Nation” for pre-service teachers at Hotel Supreme, Baguio City.
After the welcome remarks of CTE Dean Divina M. Yango, Department of Early Childhood Teacher Education Chairperson Evelyn S. Angiwan shared the purpose of the ceremony.
The ceremony was to formally send-off students for their teaching internship and to recognize the completion of their academic courses. It symbolized the passage of the torch of knowledge and the transition from students to educators.
On behalf of University President Kenneth A. Laruan, Special Assistant to the VP for Academic Affairs Imelda G. Parcasio delivered an inspirational message. She emphasized that the pins symbolize a torch of knowledge, service, and responsibility for shaping future generations.
“The torch of learning is now in your hands. Light it well, and guide the future of our nation with wisdom, passion, and compassion,” she stated.
Parcasio also described that teaching is more than a profession, it’s an art of patience, wisdom, and work of hope. She urged the student-interns to embody the university’s values of integrity, empathy, excellence, and service in classrooms, communities, and digital spaces.
Finally, she praised the administrators, faculty members, and supervisors for their mentorship and thanked the parents for their support.
The ceremony was highlighted with the pinning of the students’ nameplates by their parents and the lighting of candles to symbolize the students’ commitment and dedication to their profession.
Student representatives shared their responses. Ms. Bernadette C. Oriente, from the Bachelor of Elementary Teacher Education, thanked mentors for igniting their passion and integrity beyond the classroom.
Oriente also expressed gratitude to parents for endless support through late nights and challenges. She congratulated her fellow teacher-interns on surviving projects and stress and for sharing laughter. She described the event as a symbol of trust, hope, and responsibility—not just a requirement.
Tristan Clive L. Luma-ang, representing Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education, thanked God, parents as first teachers, and faculty for guidance through lessons, demonstrations, and challenges that shaped them.
He shared his personal journey from rejected engineering dreams to embracing teaching and learning diverse skills like agriculture, ICT, and industrial arts, emphasizing flexibility, creativity, and the need to not just know but do and teach.
Luma-ang praised the CTE for preparing them for facing the challenges of internship. He encouraged his fellow teacher interns with the action “You can do it” and called the pins symbols of purpose, growth, and courage as future educators.
The students then gifted a token and dedicated a song to their parents as a gesture of appreciation and gratitude for their efforts and sacrifices.
In his sharing, Reverend Mattias C. Angiwan Jr. used the metaphor of taking and holding a candle high to symbolize the teaching profession. He emphasized that teachers must not only grasp their personal knowledge and responsibility but also lift it up to light the way for others, guiding students and the nation toward enlightenment, development, and progress.
He reminded teacher interns that they do not walk alone in their journey, as God walks with them, urging them to persevere like athletes striving for a prize with discipline and dedication. Angiwan encouraged them to embrace their calling, resist external pressures, and strive for excellence, assuring them that their labor in the Lord is not in vain and that their mentorship will bring lasting joy and impact both to their students and themselves.
Leticia C. Tul-ing, DTLED Chairperson, delivered the closing remarks. Tul-ing emphasized the meaningful symbolism of the pin as a reminder of their noble calling and the torch of learning passed down by mentors and families. She highlighted that teacher interns enter classrooms as torchbearers with the responsibility of shaping the nation’s future, not merely as students.
“The pin you received is more than just a marker of your readiness, it is a reminder of your noble calling, love, and grace,” she stated.
Tul-ing called teaching a mission and encouraged the interns to let their flame burn brighter through wisdom, skill, and dedication.
She concluded by thanking the administrators, faculty, and parents for their relentless support and urged interns to uphold their values and serve the nation with high standards.