30/07/2026
๐ช๐ซ๐ด ๐ผ๐๐
๐๐๐๐ 174:
๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ธ๐ ๐ฑ๐๐ต ๐๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐๐
๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ฒ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐บ๐ถ๐ฐ ๐ ๐ถ๐น๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ๐
A total of 173 graduates from different engineering programs were honored during the 5th Commencement Exercises of Colegio de Muntinlupa (CDM) held on July 21, 2026, at The Bellevue Hotel, Alabang, under the theme, "Mga Arkitekto at Inhinyerong Pinanday ng CDM: Tagapagtaguyod ng Makabago at Likas-Kayang Kinabukasan." The ceremony also marked a historic milestone as CDM celebrated the graduation of its first-ever batch of Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering students.
The commencement program, hosted by Asst. Prof. Mark T. Dela Cruz, gathered graduates, parents, faculty members, city officials, and distinguished guests in recognizing the achievements of the Class of 2026.
In her opening remarks, CDM College President Dr. Teresita C. Fortuna, CESO III, presented the institution's recent accomplishments and outlined its future plans, highlighting the continuous growth of Colegio de Muntinlupa as a premier local higher education institution. She also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Ruffy Biazon, Congressman Jaime R. Fresnedi, and the many partners and organizations whose unwavering support has helped shape CDM's success.
Addressing the graduates, Dr. Fortuna expressed her pride in the Class of 2026 as they reached a significant milestone in their academic journey.
"I'm really filled with pride because I know that CDM has fulfilled our responsibility to prepare you. We have equipped you with knowledge, practical skills, technical competence, and professional values that can guide you in your professional career," she said.
She reminded the graduates to treasure the friendships and experiences they gained throughout their years at the institution and challenged them to uphold integrity in their future professions. She further emphasized that "True education is not measured solely by intelligence. It is measured by wisdom and humility. It is measured by the ability to disagree without disrespecting others, criticize without destroying, and lead without diminishing others."
Through a recorded video message, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis congratulated the graduates and acknowledged the uncertainties they may encounter as they begin a new chapter in life.
"Take confidence in thisโyou have been prepared for this moment. Your education has equipped you, not only with knowledge, but with the resilience, adaptability, and sense of purpose needed to move forward," she said.
She also reminded the graduates that learning extends far beyond graduation, emphasizing that "Hindi nagtatapos sa pagtatapos ang pagkatuto; ito ay nagpapatuloy kasabay ang inyong pag-unlad bilang mga propesyonal at bilang mga mamamayan."
In his special message, Congressman Jaime R. Fresnedi reflected on the vision behind the establishment of Colegio de Muntinlupa, describing the institution as one of his aspirations during his term as mayor to provide accessible and quality education for Muntinlupa's youth.
He encouraged the graduates to pursue not only success but also significance, reminding them that values remain their greatest asset.
"All of you have the opportunity to be kind, honest, compassionate, and responsible. Those are the qualities that no degree can confer, no position can guarantee, and no salary can ever replace."
Meanwhile, Mayor Ruffy Biazon inspired the graduates to become ethical leaders who will make meaningful contributions to society. Stressing that success is built not only on competence but also on character, he reminded the Class of 2026: "Your diploma proves your competence, but your integrity proves your character."
Representing the graduating class, Aldwin Joseph P. Coleta, Magna Cum Laude and Valedictorian of the Class of 2026 from the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, delivered an inspiring valedictory address centered on gratitude and perseverance.
He thanked the city government for establishing Colegio de Muntinlupa, the taxpayers for making free education possible, and the College Council and Board of Trustees for providing quality education. Reflecting on their journey through the COVID-19 pandemic, Coleta recalled the challenges of remote learning and the determination that led them to graduation. He also shared a heartfelt moment when his parents learned he had been named class valedictorian only during the commencement ceremony itself.
Encouraging his fellow graduates to remain steadfast in pursuing their dreams, Coleta reminded them that passion will continue to guide them through life's challenges.
"Graduates, baka dumating tayo sa panahon na hindi na tayo masaya sa ginagawa natin at baka gusto na nating mag-quit. Sana mahanap natin ang passion natin para kayanin ang mga pagsubok sa buhay. Lagi ninyong tatandaan kung para saan kayo lumalaban."
As the Class of 2026 officially embarked on a new chapter, the ceremony celebrated not only their academic accomplishments but also the values of excellence, resilience, service, and integrity that Colegio de Muntinlupa continues to instill in every graduate.
Equipped with knowledge, technical competence, and strong moral character, Batch 2026 CDM graduates now step into the future ready to become architects and engineers who will help build a more innovative and sustainable nation.
๐๐๐๐ก๐ก๐๐ ๐๐ฆ: Ma. Ysabelle Oba
