Writer: Edelyn M. Pelaez
Photographer: Ralph Dale D. Ramirez
The graduating class of 2025 at the Pagadian City Extension Campus of J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC), together with their proud parents, gathered for a series of meaningful ceremonies held on June 4, 2025, at the Zamboanga del Sur National High School (ZSNHS) Gymnasium in Sta. Maria, Pagadian City. These included the Ecumenical Prayer, which served as a spiritual send-off for the graduates; the hooding ceremony for the graduating students of the School of Law (SOL) and the School of Graduate Studies (SGS); and the recognition of non-academic awardees.
Gracing the occasion were JHCSC College President Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales; SOL Dean Atty. Romelyn O. Regidor; SGS Dean Dr. Patricia D. Bahian; School of Business and Management (SBM) Dean Dr. Julito V. Mandac Jr.; School of Nursing (SON) Dean Prof. Marjo S. Malabanan; Faculty and Staff Trustee Hon. Glady C. Quirante; along with the program chairs, faculty, and staff of the Pagadian Campus.
Prayers were offered in various sectoral dialects by invited religious leaders: Ms. Judith G. Tambagel (Subanen), Ustadz Jamel S. Magumpara (Muslim), and Ptr. Jose Neftali G. Rosano (Christian). Representing the Pagadian Campus faculty, Ms. Jezreel V. Verallo also led a prayer for the Class of 2025.
A prayer of thanksgiving was led by the graduating students representing their respective academic programs: Gladys Mae Oyapoc (BS in Nursing), Lovely A. Emia (BS in Secondary Education), Deancyl E. Huntong (BS in Hospitality Management), Ronel O. Parami (BS in Information Technology), and Lorry Jane Polinar (Bachelor of Arts in English Language Studies).
Dr. King Q. Caritativo, Municipal Health Officer of the Rural Health Unit (RHU) in Tukuran, served as the Guest Speaker and shared an inspiring message about two important days in life: the day one is born and the day one begins to live with purpose. He encouraged the students to reflect on their roles in impacting the community by applying what they had learned during their studies and leading meaningful and service-oriented lives.
In his address, President Rosales affirmed the institution’s commitment to producing competent and globally competitive graduates, encouraging the Class of 2025 to soar high. He shared that, as a comeback president, he believes it may be his purpose to steer the institution toward becoming a university—perhaps the very reason he was given the opportunity to return to the presidency. He expressed his determination to fulfill this vision, especially with the recent good news that the Senate officially approved the third and final reading of House Bill No. 9315 on June 3, 2025, converting J.H. Cerilles State College into Zamboanga del Sur State University (ZDSSU).
The Ecumenical Prayer, Hooding, and Recognition Ceremonies served as a meaningful farewell for the Class of 2025—blessing their professional journey ahead, celebrating their accomplishments, and inspiring them to pursue their purpose with excellence.
Soar high, J.H. Cerilles State College!
“Stronger and Bolder JHCSC for Quality Tertiary Education”
