Graduates of La Consolacion College Bacolod’s Graduate School were reminded that academic achievement must be lived out through service, integrity and meaningful contribution to society during the institution’s 27th Graduate School and 10th ETEEAP Commencement Exercises on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Ms. Abigail P. Ibañez, MAGC, magna cum laude, said the completion of a graduate degree is not merely a personal milestone but a responsibility to use one’s knowledge and skills for the good of others.
“This degree is not merely a symbol of academic success but also a responsibility,” Ibañez said. “The knowledge and skills we have gained must be used to contribute positively to our communities, professions and society.”
The commencement exercises, held at the La Proa Ballroom of L’ Fisher Hotel, carried the theme, “107 Years of Faithful Journey Towards Integral Transformation.”
Ibañez said the theme reflected the mission of LCCB to form not only competent professionals but individuals transformed in mind, heart and spirit. She described the graduate school journey as one marked by academic, professional, moral and personal growth.
“Our journey in graduate school has indeed been one of integral transformation, shaping us academically, professionally, morally and personally,” she said.
In her message, Ibañez acknowledged the sacrifices made by graduates who balanced studies with careers, family responsibilities and personal challenges. She recalled the sleepless nights spent studying, preparing for comprehensive examinations, working on theses and completing academic requirements while carrying the demands of everyday life.
“Despite the exhaustion, the doubts and the sacrifices we made along the way, we persevered,” she said. “Today, our presence here is not just a testament to our academic achievements but also a reflection of our resilience, determination and unwavering commitment.”
Ibañez said graduate school taught the Class of 2026 that success is measured not only by earning a degree but also by the patience, humility and resilience developed throughout the journey.
She also reminded her fellow graduates to carry with them the Augustinian values of Unity, Charity and Truth, which she said should guide them in building meaningful relationships, serving others with compassion and upholding truth and integrity in all that they do.
“As LCCian graduates, may we continue to live out the values of faith, excellence and service,” Ibañez said. “Let us always strive to be people of character — professionals who lead with integrity, compassion and humility.”
She expressed gratitude to school officials, program heads, faculty members, thesis advisers, panelists, statisticians and grammarians for guiding the graduates through their academic journey.
Ibañez also honored the parents, spouses, children, friends, colleagues and loved ones who supported the graduates through moments of doubt, pressure and exhaustion.
“This achievement is not ours alone,” she said. “It is a shared success with everyone who walked this journey with us.”
As the graduates prepared to move beyond LCCB, Ibañez urged them to pursue excellence, embrace lifelong learning and remain humble in their achievements.
“May our education not simply be reflected in the titles we bear, but in the lives we touch and the difference we make,” she said.
She ended her message by congratulating the Class of 2026 and encouraging them to step into the future with confidence, courage and a deep sense of purpose.
“Class of 2026, we did it,” Ibañez said. “We overcame challenges, celebrated milestones and reached this moment together.”