PLM concludes 58th Commencement Exercises; posthumously honors CHASS graduate

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) officially concluded the two-day 58th Commencement Exercises with 1,405 graduates on the second day of ceremonies held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) last Aug. 28.

The morning session included 586 graduates from the College of Education (CED), College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CHASS), and College of Science (CS).

The University posthumously conferred upon Jeriel Neil Refe Cruz, a CHASS student, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Magna Cum Laude. His family received his diploma, followed by a short prayer in his memory.

PLM alumnus and comedian Beethoven Michael V. Bunagan, popularly known as Michael V., served as the commencement speaker for the morning session. He began his speech by telling the graduates, “Hindi kayo grumaduate dahil alam niyo na ang lahat. In reality, ngayon niyo pa lang matututuhan na hindi niyo pala alam ang lahat.”

Bunagan also urged graduates to use artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool without allowing it to replace human judgment and experience.

“Use AI to make your work faster, use it to make you smarter, but never allow it to take the human part of you,” he said.

The afternoon session included 819 graduates from the College of Architecture and Sustainable Built Environment (CASBE), College of Engineering (CE), and College of Information Systems and Technology Management (CISTM).

PLM alumnus and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Chemical Engineer Engr. Voltaire Acosta served as the afternoon session’s commencement speaker, encouraging the graduates to forge their own paths.

“You’re not here to replace someone else’s story; you’re here to write your own,” Acosta told the graduates.

Acosta also encouraged the graduates to occupy a space they believe is meant for them, reminding them that the world is big.

University Registrar Dr. Benedicto L. Avila then endorsed the candidates for graduation, after which University President Atty. Domingo “Sonny” Y. Reyes conferred their degrees. Graduates from each college subsequently proceeded to the stage to receive their diplomas.