Serving as the commencement speaker, New Bataan municipal mayor Hon. Atty. Mar Bianca F. Cualing-Brua called for the graduates of Davao de Oro State College-New Bataan Branch to embrace lives of service and become catalysts for positive change in their communities during the 9th Commencement Exercises on June 24, 2026.

Addressing the 265-member Class of 2026 at the New Bataan Municipal Gymnasium, Cualing-Brua reminded the graduates that earning a college degree is both a personal milestone and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society.

“May your journey become a blessing not only to yourselves, but to the communities and people you will serve,” said Mayor Cualing-Brua, encouraging the graduates to use their knowledge, skills, and values to uplift others and create lasting social impact.

Meanwhile, the ceremony’s central rite was led by DdOSC President Dr. Lilybeth M. Matunhay, who formally conferred the degrees upon the graduates.

The graduating class comprised 164 Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship students, 29 Bachelor of Elementary Education graduates, 29 Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies graduates, 23 Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English graduates, and 20 Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics graduates.

Following the conferment, Dr. Matunhay, together with members of the DdOSC Executive Committee and invited dignitaries, awarded diplomas and recognized graduates who excelled academically.

Parents and guardians also joined the graduates on stage as they celebrated the culmination of years of perseverance and academic achievement.

In a gesture of support for academic excellence, Cualing-Brua also announced that the Municipal Government of New Bataan would provide monetary incentives to all graduates, with additional incentives for those who received academic honors.

Representing Davao de Oro Governor Hon. Raul G. Mabanglo, Chief of Staff Anecito Torrejos extended the provincial government’s congratulations to the graduates and their families, describing the former as the province’s future leaders and nation-builders.

He also emphasized that the symbolic moving of their tassels marked the beginning of greater responsibilities in serving society.

Delivering the valedictory address, Class Valedictorian and Magna Cum Laude AJ U. Erine drew inspiration from the Japanese art of kintsugi, the practice of repairing broken pottery with gold.

He encouraged his fellow graduates to embrace setbacks and failures as opportunities for growth, saying that life’s fractures can become sources of strength and beauty when met with resilience and purpose.

The ceremony concluded on a jubilant note as the graduates performed to the song Simula, celebrating the culmination of their collegiate journey and the beginning of new chapters in their personal and professional lives.