Irosin, Sorsogon — Veritas College of Irosin (VCI) conferred degrees on its graduating class of 2026 during its 39th Commencement Exercises held on May 27, 2026, at the Irosin Public Auditorium. Carrying the theme “Class of 2026: Values-Driven Workforce, Digitally Inclined Lifelong Learners,” the ceremonies were held in two batches to accommodate the institution’s six programs.

The morning rites honored graduates of the Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED), Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) in its various majors, and Bachelor of Science in Criminology (BSCRIM). The afternoon ceremony recognized graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT), Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) major in Financial Management, and the Bachelor of Agricultural Technology (BAT).

VCI President Reverend Father Gerico T. Pangilinan presided over both ceremonies and confirmed the graduates, joined by Vice President for Academic Affairs Lorna B. Padura, Vice President for Registration and Admission Josephine M. Frilles, Vice President for Finance Portia M. Benabe, and Vice President for Human Resource and Administration Atanacia G. Balangitan, together with the deans, coordinators, faculty, and staff. Municipal Councilor Irvin Karl S. Fortes also graced the morning session.

A total of 676 students completed their degree requirements for Academic Year 2025–2026. The morning batch presented 311 graduates: 129 from BSCRIM, 137 from BSED (across Values Education, Mathematics, Filipino, and English), and 45 from BEED. The afternoon batch presented 365 graduates: 228 from BSBA Financial Management, 85 from BSIT, and 52 from BAT.

The morning commencement address was delivered by Jose L. Doncillo, CESO V, Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd Sorsogon Province. Reflecting on the theme, he reminded graduates that while technology continually reshapes the world, it is their core values that anchor their choices. Citing the importance of truth in an age of information overload, he urged the education and criminology graduates to become guardians of truth—teaching the next generation how to think, and enforcing the law with integrity and compassion. He challenged them to treat their diploma not merely as a certificate but as a covenant to act as agents of truth in society.

The afternoon address was given by Emmanuel P. Nolasco, MM, Education Supervisor III of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region V. He described the occasion as a sacred passing of the torch from the sacrifices of parents and the guidance of teachers into the hands of the graduates. Encouraging them to live out the theme, he called on them to let their values be their anchor, to use technology to create real opportunity for others, and to treat their diploma as the beginning—not the end—of their education. “You are enough. You are ready. And you are deeply needed,” he told the class.

Members of the graduating class also took the podium to share their reflections. In the morning session, Mary Grace Aringo delivered the Welcome Address, describing graduation as a milestone built on years of sacrifice, perseverance, and dreams finally coming true. Gwyneth Gold Gragas offered the Tribute to Parents, honoring the “heroes without capes” whose quiet sacrifices made the day possible. John Carlo Buen, the batch’s lone Magna Cum Laude, gave the Word of Encouragement, while Christian Muñoz delivered the Word of Gratitude, reminding fellow graduates that behind every achievement is a person who quietly fought battles no one else knew about, and urging them to acknowledge themselves not only for reaching the milestone but for surviving everything that almost made them quit.

In the afternoon, Melody Noga gave the Welcome Address, while Vanessa Manzanilla delivered a moving Tribute to Parents, sharing her own story as the first degree holder in her family. Angela Pura offered the Word of Encouragement, telling classmates that courage is not the absence of fear but the decision to move forward despite it—to “do it afraid.” Anjel Heart Burgos closed with the Word of Gratitude, thanking God, family, mentors, and friends for carrying the class through four years of hard work and growth.

The Tribute to Parents in both sessions was accompanied by the offering of tokens, as graduates presented gifts of love and gratitude to their parents and guardians. The moment proved deeply emotional, with several graduates and parents moved to tears in a heartfelt exchange of appreciation for years of sacrifice and support.

Both ceremonies also featured the conferment of academic distinctions, service awards, and recognitions for excellence in research, capstone projects, on-the-job training, athletics, and co-curricular involvement. Several graduates were recognized as Local Government Unit (LGU) scholars and for passing the Civil Service Examination.

The graduates closed the rites with the Pledge of Loyalty, the Veritan Oath, and the singing of the Veritan March, formally taking their place among the alumni of Veritas College of Irosin. The morning ceremony was hosted by emcees Cherry Abarnas and Cris Fortes, while the afternoon program was led by Deserie Jane Guban and Jose Miguel Berba.

More than a conferment of degrees, the 39th Commencement Exercises was a celebration of the achievements, talents, and growth of young Veritans who spent their formative years within the halls of VCI. From the classrooms and laboratories to the stage, the field, and the community, the Class of 2026 carried with them the values, knowledge, and discipline nurtured by the institution. As they step into the world as professionals and lifelong learners, Veritas College of Irosin celebrates not only what they have accomplished, but who they have become—true Veritans ready to serve their communities with competence, integrity, and compassion.