April 6, 2018 was a happy, eventful day! It was Habihan’s 25th Graduation Rites! We had 12 graduates who successfully hurdled two years of rigorous study and training in four TESDA National Certificate II qualifications on Cookery, Bread & Pastry, Food & Beverage Service, and Housekeeping. These qualifications are under our Residence and Institution Services Management program (RISM). The achievement of students who passed the NCII attests to a successful completion of the course. Students have also undergone intensive on-the-job training (OJT) in at least 2 restaurants during their 2-year studies in Habihan.
To describe the ambience of the graduation, the stage was beautifully bedecked with roses amidst green stalks and leaves. This gave a charming touch to the occasion. The graduation ceremonies went smoothly, thanks to the lively direction of Mrs. Yolly Zapanta, the Master of Ceremonies. The program began with the invocation and the National Anthem, led by Rochel Royo, a graduate. It was immediately followed by the opening remarks of Ms. Marlita Ramos. The most important part of the ceremony was the presentation and confirmation of the graduates presided by the Student Affairs Officer and the School Director and OIC of Habihan, respectively. The audience witnessed the formal act of transposing the toga’s tassel from left to right, a significant gesture that signifies they’re already graduates. Assisted by the keynote speaker Mrs. Lalie Favia, the School Director awarded the graduates with their diplomas. It was moving to see each graduate come up the stage accompanied by their parents or relative to receive their most awaited diploma. The next part of the program was keynote speaker’s “Message to the Graduates”. In her speech, she highlighted the following points: to keep on learning, to hold on to the importance of praying and turning to God always, to take care of and bring up the family well, to work hard with your passion, to live the legacy you learned from your parents, etc.
Habihan only gave one award for this school year: the Best Performance award. The recipient was Rodaly Montajes, a vibrant, diligent, cheerful graduate. She merited this award based on the evaluation of her work supervisors in our industry partners. She and other fellow graduates were all caught by surprise, but were happy for her. The “Address from the Graduate” was rendered by Kimberly Arriesgado who is an ACAY Mission Philippines and Habihan School scholar, while Editha Lutchavez led her batchmates with the “Pledge of Loyalty”. At the end of the program, all graduates performed a heartwarming song coupled with a nice choreography “Journey of our Dreams”.
Myla Angelo capped the graduation rites with her unique closing remarks where she emphasized the value of gratitude and the need for continuous life coaching and guidance from their mentors.
Congratulations to all Habihan graduates of class 2018!