Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) held the second batch of its 80th Commencement Exercises with a message of hope, challenge, and gratitude as Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, President of Batangas State University and the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), addressed the Class of 2025.
President Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena, in her introduction, praised Dr. Ronquillo as “a visionary leader whose career is a powerful testament to the transformative power of education, innovation, and service to the nation.” He is a distinguished leader in Philippine higher education, known for steering Batangas State University to new heights of innovation and academic excellence. Under his leadership, the university established the country’s first Knowledge, Innovation, and Science Technology (KIST) Park, and earned recognition as one of the Top 100 Innovative Universities worldwide. He is also a recipient of the 2022 Outstanding Science Administrator award and serves as an Executive Member of the National Innovation Council.
Speaking before an audience of proud graduates, parents, and faculty, at the Dr. Juanito A. Bruno Gymnasium, Dr. Ronquillo reminded the students that their diplomas represent not just academic achievement, but also years of sacrifice, perseverance, and the support of their families. “This is your moment,” he told the graduates. “That piece of paper is not just a piece of paper. It represents your sacrifices, it represents your difficulties, and it also represents opportunities for you.”
He also took a moment to recognize the sacrifices of the parents. “Sa totohanan lang po, ang mga magulang ang totoong grumaduate ngayong araw na ito,” he said. “Graduate na sa pagbibigay ng baon, pag-aalala, at kung anu-anong sakripisyo. At ang tatanggapin ninyo ngayong diploma ang magsisilbing resibo ng gastos nila sa inyo.” The room filled with applause as he added, “Kaya palakpakan natin ang ating mga magulang.”
The WMSU community had much to celebrate beyond the graduation itself. Dr. Ronquillo lauded the university for its recent accomplishments, including its 181st global ranking in the World University Rankings for Innovation and its inclusion in the Top 10 Philippine universities under the UI GreenMetric Rankings on Sustainability. He also noted WMSU’s strong performance in board exams, particularly in the recent electrical engineering and criminology exams. “You must be proud that you finished your education here at Western Mindanao State University,” he said.
Dr. Ronquillo also shared sobering statistics about higher education in the Philippines. Nationally, 4 out of 10 students do not complete college, and in Region 9, nearly 6 out of 10 drop out before earning their degree. “Despite those challenges, you were able to get here today. You are really very fortunate,” he said.
He reminded the graduates of the responsibility that comes with free education under Republic Act 10931, which provides free tuition for students in state universities and colleges. “We must be thankful, and as responsible citizens, we have to pay it forward,” he urged.
The guest speaker did not shy away from addressing the realities of the evolving job market, citing that automation and artificial intelligence are projected to disrupt up to 40% of jobs worldwide. Yet, he emphasized that the qualities which define human resilience such as grit, innovation, and courage are irreplaceable. “You now have to traverse real life. What values did WMSU instill in you? What values did your parents teach you? This is now the true examination,” he said. “Failure is not the opposite of success. It is part of it. Do not be afraid to fail.”
Dr. Ronquillo’s message echoed with the university’s mission of producing world-class professionals. As he concluded, he encouraged the graduates to lead with courage, embrace uncertainty, and remain anchored in gratitude and compassion.
For this year’s graduates, the journey ahead has just begun, and with these words of wisdom echoing in their hearts, they move forward ready to make a difference. (LMP-PAO)
