24 June 2026
Benguet State University began its 101st Commencement Exercises with a Baccalaureate Thanksgiving Service at the BSU Gymnasium.
The BSU graduating class from the different colleges attended the mass, which was held in two separate batches. The service served as a reflective pause for the graduands before they received their hard-earned diplomas, allowing them to take a moment of spiritual gratitude and to reflect on their future purpose.
In a message, the graduating class of 2026 was encouraged to look beyond their academic achievements and recognize a higher purpose.
“We are gathered today not merely to celebrate academic achievements but to recognize God’s faithful presence throughout your journey here at BSU,” Rev. Father Joe Medina said.
Framed around the stories of David, Paul, and the disciples of Jesus Christ, his speech challenged the graduands to anchor their futures on three C’s: God Chooses, Calls, and Commissions.
God Chooses — Drawing from the first reading, 1 Samuel 16:6-19, where Samuel was sent to anoint a new king for Israel, the speaker reminded everyone that humanity looks at outward appearances, but God looks at the heart. Just as the young shepherd David was chosen, God’s standards remain entirely different from the world’s standards.
God Calls — Reflecting on the second reading, Acts of the Apostles 9:1-19, the talk centered on the transformation of the Apostle Paul. Despite Paul’s past and limitations, Jesus confronted and called him to be a servant. The speaker emphasized that God’s call is infinitely greater than any human failure, mistake, or limitation.
God Commissions — This focused on the Gospel narrative where Jesus sends His disciples out into the world, likening it to the commencement of the Class of 2026.
“God is commissioning you. He is sending you out into the world. The world needs your knowledge, your creativity, and your integrity. Most of all, the world needs your compassion. Today you are being commissioned by God… to become part of the solution,” Rev. Medina said.
In his message during the second batch, Rev. Luis Tagaban emphasized that looking beyond your horizon is an essential step toward a fruitful future. This perspective allows us to grow in knowledge while evaluating what we have and what we can do. However, maintaining this forward momentum requires motivation, which we naturally seek through societal role models. He then shared the legacy of Abraham, a man of faith, as a model for future endeavors.
During the service, the ministers gave scripture readings and offered prayers for the BSU administration, faculty, non-teaching staff, parents, guardians, and the graduates.
Participating churches included the La Trinidad Ecumenical Council of Churches; the Episcopal Church in the Philippines; the Conservative Baptist Church; the Roman Catholic Church; the Trinidad Baptist Church; the Cordillera Lutheran Church; the Pico Nazarene Church; and the United Church of Christ in the Philippines.//EBawayan
📷 Mac Brent Lasaten (BSDC Intern)
