Joy, Excitement, Gratitude Dominate T.I.P. Class of 2023 Graduation Feels
No monsoon was strong enough to rain on the parade of Technological Institute of the Philippines (T.I.P.) graduates, who capped their higher education journey in a two-day ceremony held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) plenary hall in Pasay City.
A total of 3,514 undergraduate and postgraduate students from T.I.P. Quezon City and Manila completed their studies in various programs last September 4 and 5. Majority expressed optimism to embark on professional careers upon receiving their respective bachelor’s degrees.
“I feel nervous and excited at the same time because after this (graduation day), we will be entering a different world,” shared Jedhan Nonato, a computer engineering graduate, who hopes to secure a job related to his field of study soon.
Civil engineering graduate John Michael Corpuz described the moment as overwhelming. “It seemed like everything we had been through flashed back in my mind… Before we were just starters, and now we’re graduates, slowly starting to reach our dreams,” he said.
As a predominantly engineering school, aspiring engineers in various disciplines made up the highest number of graduates this year. Most of them plan to focus on reviewing for board exams to obtain their licenses first before they buckle down.
Those who completed undergraduate studies in non-engineering programs, meanwhile, aim to find employment with a good salary right away. “Because I want to give back to my parents, who sacrificed for this moment,” said Trisha Anne Santuyo, a marketing management graduate.
Princess Sheila Villamor, who studied information technology (IT), had similar thoughts not only for herself, but her batchmates as well. Industrial engineering graduate Diane Kyla Tupas shared the same outlook, but she also wants to take time for herself to get better and improve.
In her message to the Class of 2023, T.I.P. President Dr. Elizabeth Quirino-Lahoz reminded all graduates to never lose that “grit and determination” mindset, as they build their own careers and explore different ways of applying their knowledge to serve others.
“It is my hope that the school has opened your eyes to a world beyond what is immediately around you. That you are part of a bigger picture and whatever you choose to do can either improve that picture or make it worse,” Dr. Quirino-Lahoz said.
Parents and relatives who attended the graduation rites are equally proud of celebrating the academic achievements of their family members. Zairel Portento said she did not expect her eldest daughter, Xena, to graduate cum laude with a degree in electronics engineering.
Romeo and Sonia Bagnas, whose youngest son, Ezevier Reinald, graduated with honors after earning a scholarship from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), expressed the same sense of pride and joy.
“We have been waiting for this… It is also an achievement for us as parents… We are so happy,” Mr. and Mrs. Bagnas said. Their son studied civil engineering and plans to stay in the country to pursue a master’s degree, or a career path in teaching, if given an opportunity.
Kelly Macabayao, Jr., father of IT graduate Janmiel Kevin, hopes he and his son could now work together for the same company. He is a T.I.P. alumnus himself, who was among the pioneering batch of electrical engineering graduates from the Quezon City campus in 1988.
“I will let him strategize (for his career) but, of course, I will keep guiding him because he is my youngest. Actually, I want him to take over my position at work because I’m about to retire in three years. But I don’t know yet if he will accept it,” according to the elder Macabayao.
Apart from making their parents proud and eventually earning money for themselves, there were also T.I.P.ians who expressed loftier goals, such as political science magna cum laude Jeanine Kristine Bautista. She dreams of working in the public sector someday.
“I’m relieved that it’s finally done and I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my life… I’m looking forward to taking my masteral (studies) and hopefully become a public servant,” said Jeanine, who was with her parents–Eugene and Maria Christina–on her graduation day.
Mr. and Mrs. Bautista are happy and blessed to have a daughter, who seemed to be on a mission to make life much better for others. “We have already talked about it. Whatever [her heart desires], for me, I’m here to support 100 percent,” Mr. Bautista said.
Engr. Christian James Madrid, who earned his Professional Science Master’s Degree in Engineering Management, is grateful to all his advisers that helped him achieve another academic milestone. He also encouraged younger graduates to never stop learning.
“Life is about learning and adding knowledge to your arsenal, so to speak. Do not stop learning. We are lifelong learners, as Ma’am Elizabeth Lahoz always tells us, so seek more and do more,” he said, echoing the constant reminder of the T.I.P. President.