Ynares Center, ANTIPOLO CITY – San Mateo Municipal College (SMMC) marked a breakthrough 17th graduation ceremony with the theme, “SMMC Graduates Toward Future-Ready Citizenship,” as SMMC, the only leading local college in San Mateo, Rizal held its significant commencement rites outside the Municipality of San Mateo last August 31.
In her welcome remarks, SMMC President Dr. Teresita C. Dela Cruz expressed her sincere appreciation to see the SMMC Class of 2023 graduates with their parents. As Dr. Dela Cruz said “…the whole administration of SMMC is modestly confident that our graduates will secure better jobs and opportunities to elevate their life and economic condition.” She also added that the graduation ceremony signified the beginning of an extra-challenging milestone of their lives.
Despite the heavy rain, the Ynares Center was still filled with warmth and excitement wherein a total 1,179 future-ready graduates were part of the historic conferment, led by the College President, Dr. Dela Cruz together with Municipal Mayor Hon. Bartolome “Omie” N. Rivera Jr. Thus, this also marked the beginning of the new chapter of their lives.
Dr. Dela Cruz also thanked Antipolo City Mayor Hon. Jun Ynares for accommodating and lending the Ynares Center for free; Antipolo City Mayor Hon. Casimiro A. Ynares III and 3rd District of Rizal Representative Hon. Jose Arturo S. Garcia Jr. represented by Atty. Maria Fe Galvez Garcia, who delivered inspirational message and a keynote address respectively. Also, Hon. Governor Nina Ricci Ynares who served as the commencement speaker was also acknowledged and given thanks by Dr. Dela Cruz.
“Indeed, our distinguished guests are true to their words and actions that they are not just public figures but they are public servants who truly love their constituents and give genuine importance to education and to the future of our country – our graduates,” Dr. Dela Cruz said with gratitude.
Dr. Dela Cruz had never forgotten to acknowledge the hard work of all the school personnel, from the admin to the staff, utilities, guards, as part of the thriving success of SMMC. She also mentioned that all employees of SMMC were interconnected together because there were no small or big roles in an organization.
Mayor Omie expressed how proud he was to the SMMC graduating students as he shared during his inspirational message, “This day is a testament of the years of your hard work, perseverance, and determination to earn your college degrees. This occasion signifies the realization of your individual dreams and the aspirations of your families.”
Mayor Omie also reminded the graduates to be part of the community and share their expertise as he said, “Ang bawat pagtatapos ay siyang pagsisimula. Sa inyong paglisan sa paaralan, baunin ninyo ang tiwala at pag-asa ng inyong mga guro na sa inyong pagtungo sa tagumpay sa propesyon o hanapbuhay. Iambag ninyo ang inyong kaalaman at galing upang matiyak natin ang patuloy na pag-unlad.”
Angelic Rose P. Fajardo a graduate of Bachelor of Elementary Education from the Institute of Teacher Education led the Class of 2023 as she received the Magna Cum Laude award, with her are as follows:
Bachelor of Arts in English Language Studies
- Hanna Sybel B. Awa-ao – CUM LAUDE
- Stephanie M. Morota – CUM LAUDE
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Aivan L. Romero – MAGNA CUM LAUDE
- John Lenard B. Dechavez – CUM LAUDE
- John Christopher L. Laurena – CUM LAUDE
- Isah Christine O. Santos – CUM LAUDE
Bachelor of Elementary Education
- Julience Kate A. Buenviaje – CUM LAUDE
Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English
- Robin P. Larin – MAGNA CUM LAUDE
- Lyka Mariz J. Gonzales – CUM LAUDE
Mayor Jun Ynares expressed his joy and positive outlook that SMMC has chosen the Ynares Center as venue for the graduation, “Masaya po kami dahil napili ninyo na dito gawin ang inyong graduation ceremony.”
Moreover, Mayor Jun Ynares also challenged the SMMC Class of 2023, “Handa na ba kayong ipakita sa mundo ang tibay, tatag, at tindi ng inyong puso?” He also added that, “This is an important day for all of us, after so many years of working hard, nakatapos na rin kayo – graduate na rin kayo sa wakas!”
Commencement Speaker Rizal Governor Hon. Nina Ricci A. Ynares assured the graduates of a better future that awaits them since SMMC has equipped all the graduates the necessary skills to be globally competitive moral values that will make them [graduates] all holistic individuals with academic achievements.
“Alam kong masaya at exciting [college life] marami din pagsubok. Pagsubok sa gastos, pagsubok sa mga exams, pagsubok sa thesis. Minsan mahirap, minsan masaya. Pero ang lahat ng ito ay nalagpasan ninyo at ito ang unang hakbang sa pagharap ninyo sa tunay na hamon ng buhay at lahat ng mga natutunan ninyo ay i-aapply ninyo,” Hon. Nina Ynares told to the graduates.
She also boosted the morale of every graduates to be proud of who they were and from where they came from, their Alma Mater – SMMC. Governor. Ynares also mentioned during her speech that they will support all Rizaleños in whatever endeavors the graduates will take.
On the other hand, Mayor Jun Ynares together with Gov. Nina Ynares expressed their willingness to help SMMC and its students and assured everyone that this will be the start of experiencing such state of the art facility [Ynares Center] for the upcoming graduation ceremonies of SMMC.