20/02/2026
๐๐ก ๐ฃ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฆ | Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) and Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) students of PHINMA Araullo University were honored on February 20, 2026, during the 12th Hard Hat and Pinning Ceremony held at the university gymnasium. With the theme, โRooted in Excellence, Committed to the Present, Ready for the Future,โ the event marked their transition from classroom learning to professional preparation as they gear up for their On-the-Job Training (OJT).
The program began with a solemn processional as BSCE and BSEE students entered the gymnasium alongside their proud parents. They were followed by the College of Engineering faculty and staff, the Chief Operating Officer, the Dean, and the guest speaker, setting a dignified tone for the ceremony.
The singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the PHINMA National Anthem united the audience in a shared sense of patriotism and institutional pride.
๐ ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ ๐๐ป๐ฐ๐ต๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฃ๐๐ฟ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ฒ
In his opening remarks, Mr. Restituto O. Bundoc, Chief Operating Officer of PHINMA AU, emphasized the meaning behind the theme. He reminded students that excellence is cultivated through discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance. Commitment to the present, he noted, means embracing todayโs responsibilities, while readiness for the future requires courage to face challenges head-on.
Engr. Ailene Q. Supian, Program Head of the College of Engineering, formally introduced the guest speaker, Engr. Bonjoebee R. Bello, founder of CE Box.
In his address, Engr. Bello gave deeper meaning to the hard hat the students were about to wear:
โThe hard hat feels heavy because you're finally carrying the weight of the profession instead of just a backpack. You're heading into OJT to see how theory meets reality, and out there, people's safety is the real load.โ
He added:
โDon't let the weight get to your head, let it keep you focused. Go out there, learn the work, and wear that hat with integrity. Padayon, future engineers!โ
His message underscored that the hard hat is more than protective gearโit is a symbol of responsibility, accountability, and trust. A Certificate of Recognition was then awarded to Engr. Bello in appreciation of his valuable insights and contribution to the event.
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐๐บ๐ฏ๐ผ๐น๐ถ๐ฐ ๐ฃ๐ถ๐ป๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ ๐๐ฎ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด
The highlight of the ceremony was the Pinning and Hard Hatting proper. One by one, students were pinned and donned their hard hats, assisted by their parents and mentors. This symbolic act signified their readiness to apply their knowledge in real-world settings through their OJT.
The ceremony also included the awarding of DOLE Certified Safety Officer II credentials to students who met workplace safety standardsโan essential qualification in the engineering profession.
In his closing remarks, Engr. John Paul R. Tumangon reflected on the emotional significance of the event:
โIt was a momentous event. Ito ay isang paalala na kinaya mo at kinakaya mo pa. Isa itong paalala na sa kabila ng pagod at puyat, andito ka at bumabangon para sa pangarap. Umuusad ka para sa pag-abot ng iyong pangarap. Pwede kang mapagod pero hindi ka pwedeng sumuko. Pwede kang magpahinga pero hindi ka pwedeng titigil na lang.โ
His message affirmed the studentsโ perseverance while encouraging them to continue striving for their dreams.
The ceremony concluded with the singing of the University Hymn, filling the gymnasium with renewed unity and determination. More than a tradition, the 12th Hard Hat and Pinning Ceremony stood as a declaration of readiness, resilience, and commitment to the future.
Written by: Queen Molina
Photos by: Jolah Bumanlag, Zabdiel Lorenzo
