MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology Celebrates 53rd Commencement with Senator Francis Tolentino

 

ILIGAN CITY, PHILIPPINES - The Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) held its 53rd Commencement Ceremonies on July 18, 2023. This year's event was particularly noteworthy, as it celebrated the graduation of a record 2,143 students in the esteemed presence of Senator Francis Tolentino as the commencement speaker.

A leading figure in the Philippine legal sector, Senator Tolentino boasts an impressive academic record with three Master of Laws degrees from Ivy League institution Columbia Law School, the University of Michigan Law School, and the University of London. His expertise encompasses Corporation Law, Constitutional Law, and Public International Law.

A graduate of the 1984 Philippine Bar Exams, Senator Tolentino achieved an exceptional general average of 86.25%. His legal acumen is globally recognized, as evidenced by his memberships in prestigious associations like the American Bar Association and the Tulane Environmental Law Society.

Beyond his law expertise, Tolentino has demonstrated a deep commitment to national security, underlined by his Master's degree in National Security Administration from the National Defense College of the Philippines. He has also pursued SJD Studies at Tulane University Law School, focusing on Environmental Law.

The senator's political career has spanned various high-ranking positions, including being the mayor of Tagaytay City, the President of the League of Cities of the Philippines, the Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs under President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

As a testament to the high academic standards of MSU-IIT, 1,680 students graduating with Latin honours were recognized during the ceremony, which includes 68 Summa Cum Laudes, 906 Magna Cum Laudes, and 706 Cum Laudes.

In addition to academic achievements, the university also honoured students with superior extra-curricular performance through the Award of Excellence. The event also celebrated faculty members who had received the prestigious 2023 Gawad Tsanselor during the University’s 55th Charter Anniversary.

MSU President, Atty. Basari D. Mapupuno, presided over the conferral of degrees upon the graduates, followed by song tributes and an oath-taking ceremony, symbolizing the beginning of new journeys.

Due to the large size of the graduating class, the university organized pre-commencement ceremonies in four separate sessions at the university gymnasium on July 16-17, 2023.

MSU-IIT's Chancellor, Alizedney M. Ditucalan, took to Twitter to congratulate the Class of 2023. Sharing a photograph of the faculty and graduates, he wrote, 

"Congratulations, Class of 2023! Wishing you all the best as you embark on the next chapter of your lives. #msuiit53Commencement #dakilangPamantasan #InfluencingTheFuture".

The 53rd Commencement Ceremonies mark another milestone for MSU-IIT as it continues its commitment to moulding future leaders of the nation, ready to make a difference in their respective fields.

About the Author

Jemylene Lico

Meet Jem, a dedicated BS Psychology student at MSU-IIT. She has excelled in journalism and visual arts since grade school. Starting as a radio broadcaster, she became a feature writer in grade 4. Recognizing a gap, she taught herself editorial cartooning and became the school's cartoonist. In high school, she added layout artist to her roles, winning contests along the way. Jem also thrived in visual arts, winning awards as a poster maker. Her skills in Adobe software helped her school publication succeed. Now a working student, she balances freelance work and school while aiming for excellence. Jem's talent and leadership led to her appointment as Editor-in-Chief for CASSayuran for the academic year 2023-2024.