A March of Resilience and Excellence: Pre-Commencement Honors Milestone of CASS Batch 2024

by John Vincent Balustre

An atmosphere of pride and delight swathed the stage of Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) Gymnasium as the graduating class of the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) donned their academic regalia, racking up various distinctions and their hard-earned diplomas on July 7, Sunday.


Jayson Abad from the Department of Sociology emerged as this year’s College Valedictorian. Meanwhile, John Aldyson Ramirez from the Department of Political Science was declared the College Salutatorian.


Gracing the momentous occasion as its distinguished guest speaker, Assistant Director of Marketing Communications Movenpick Resort and Spa Boracay, Neszel B. Macaspac shared an inspiring testimony of success from bumpy strides that she herself has gone through at a young age, after being thrust to face uncertainties.


“I dare you to dream and dream big because dreams do happen. Big dreams can come true even if you think that they won’t or you don’t know how,” she said, revisiting the shift from her humble abode to flying over the skies of Dubai.


In her speech, she left graduates with three crucial assets of competitive advantage, cited from her own journey: (1) growth mindset, (2) respect and humility, and emphasis on (3) resilience.


“The path is not going to be easy, but with resilience, I know each of you can make it,” added Macaspac.


Moving Forward with Service


“While my journey could be a source of inspiration for how hard work came to fruition, it is never a justification for us to turn a blind eye for others who also have dreams yet are underprivileged.”


A proud son of a farmer, the words of College Valedictorian Jayson Abad flourished as a triumph for the people.


Exemplifying his roots as a sociologist and scholar of CASS, he expressed his gratitude to his family, friends, the institute, and his community who are instrumental to his achievement.


Notably, Abad is also featured in CASSayuran as a top global youth leader, declared by an international leadership program. Unbeknownst to many, he is also a working student and taking up bigger roles in different organizations while juggling his academics.

“The world is waiting for us to lead and serve,” he said.


In his speech, he narrated a symbolic moment of his life venturing into international opportunities with exposure to big metropolitan cities while going back to his modest home to help his parents on their farm. This, according to him, is a poignant reminder to look back and pay things forward.

May we never forget that it is only through love that we can genuinely influence others. It is only through looking back that we can truly prepare for the future. And it is only through service that we can realize our mantra of influencing the future, 

                                                                                                                            Abad concluded. 



This year’s graduating class is a pioneering pandemic batch that navigated the unprecedented landscape of educational challenges.


Nevertheless, with resilience and excellence combined, they are now set to influence the future. And as per Abad, such can only be realized through service.