COMPOSTELA, Davao de Oro — A total of 828 graduates from the Davao de Oro State College Main Campus formally received their degrees during the 9th Commencement Exercises held in two sessions on June 30, 2026, at the DdOSC Activity Center.

The morning ceremony honored 493 graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship, while the afternoon session recognized 335 graduates from the Teacher Education, Agriculture, and Criminology Departments, as well as graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the Laak Extension Class.

DdOSC President Dr. Lilybeth M. Matunhay led the conferment of degrees, formally welcoming the newest alumni into the community of professionals and challenging them to carry the College’s legacy of excellence, integrity, and solidarity wherever their careers may lead.

The morning commencement featured the Department of Trade and Industry Davao de Oro Provincial Director, Art A. Hermoso, as the commencement speaker.

Addressing the Entrepreneurship graduates, Hermoso encouraged them to embrace innovation, seize opportunities, and transform challenges into meaningful ventures that contribute to the province’s economic growth and national development.

In the afternoon ceremony, Commission on Higher Education Regional Office XI Regional Director Dr. Maricar R. Casquejo, CESO III, delivered the commencement address before graduates from the Teacher Education, Agriculture, and Criminology programs.

RD Casquejo reminded the graduates that higher education extends beyond earning a diploma, calling on them to become ethical professionals, lifelong learners, and responsible citizens who will help shape sustainable communities.

The afternoon cluster consisted of 57 Bachelor of Elementary Education graduates, 28 Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science, 39 Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics, 37 Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English, 104 Bachelor of Science in Criminology graduates, 16 Bachelor of Agricultural Technology graduates, five Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Crop Protection, 13 Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Crop Science, 16 Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Animal Science, and 20 Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Crop Science from the Laak Extension Class.

Meanwhile, the morning session featured 493 Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship graduates.

Adding inspiration to the ceremony, Magna Cum Laude Angel Joy Acedo Buñao of the Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship delivered the valedictory address. She reflected on the collective journey of the graduating class and emphasized that every challenge they overcame became part of the resilient foundation that prepared them for greater horizons ahead.

The graduation rites also recognized outstanding academic achievers, including nine Magna Cum Laude graduates and 34 Cum Laude awardees across academic programs.

Also gracing the event was Hon. Kimberly Benazir May R. Codilla-Amad, representing the Davao de Oro Governor Hon. Raul G. Mabanglo and First District Representative Hon. Maria Carmen S. Zamora-Mabanglo, who extended her congratulatory message to the graduates, encouraging them to become catalysts of progress in the province and the entire nation.

Hon. Codilla-Amad also informed the academic excellence awardees that, in recognition of their hard work and determination, they will be awarded cash incentives.

One of the ceremony’s most emotional moments came as the graduates sang “Saranggola” by Ben&Ben before paying tribute to their parents, whose unwavering support and sacrifices had guided them throughout their academic journey.

With 828 new graduates added to its growing community of alumni, Davao de Oro State College once again reaffirmed its commitment to producing competent, resilient, and socially responsive professionals equipped to create meaningful impact in their respective fields and communities.