1,020 Benildean graduates from Benilde Manila and Antipolo entered the halls of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on Nov. 18 to celebrate a significant milestone in the life of every student: graduation.
To officially commence the graduation ceremony, Mr. Cezar P. Consing, Chairman of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Board of Trustees and Ayala Corporation CEO, took the stage and delivered an inspirational message.
Mr. Consing began his remarks by discussing how certain trends in globalization and technology will impact the lives of graduates as they enter the professional world. He further emphasized that one’s character qualities are what sets them apart from machines, thus having great relationships with other people will lead to producing great achievements.
To conclude his speech, the chairman encouraged the graduates to keep on learning. “Your formal education, which many of you complete today, is just a start of lifelong learning. Life is full of learning moments. Seek them out, take advantage of it,” he added.
Following Mr. Consing's inspiring address, the candidates for graduation from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde were presented to Benilde Brother President, Br. Edmundo “Dodo” Fernandez FSC. Afterwards, Chancellor Benhur Ong and the deans from each school joined the Brother President in distributing diplomas to the graduates.
Gabrielle Elijah G. Villareal, a Summa Cum Laude graduate from the Bachelor of Arts in Governance and Public Affairs (AB-GPA), delivered Words of Appreciation on behalf of the graduates.
“It’s our generation’s turn to be architects of positive change, stewards of justice, and extraordinary world changers.” She encouraged her fellow Benildeans to make a difference as future leaders of the country and protect the interests and human rights of the most vulnerable in society. Her speech was followed by the Benildean Prayer led by Janelle Erica Y. Gan, the Summa Cum Laude of Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BS-ARCH).
Before the ceremony formally concluded, a song—accompanied by a special video prepared by the graduates—was presented as a token of gratitude to their parents who helped them reach their dreams through their unwavering love and support.
