UP Open University Chancellor delivers commencement addresses at BU and SorSU graduate school ceremonies in Bicol

Photo from Bicol University Graduate School

Dr. Joane V. Serrano, Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Open University, served as a commencement speaker in two consecutive Graduate School ceremonies in Bicol, where she underscored the evolving meaning of graduate education in today’s rapidly changing society.

On 10 June 2026, she was the Guest Speaker of the Bicol State University Graduate School during its Baccalaureate Mass and Recognition Program held at The Pepperland Hotel in Legazpi City. She emphasized that the journey toward graduation is often long and demanding, shaped by personal sacrifices, academic pressure, and persistent effort. As she noted, “a graduate degree should deepen not only your scholarship, but also your understanding of these realities–climate change, poverty, misinformation, inequality, technological disruption, mental health concerns, and the daily struggles of our communities.”

Dr. Serrano stressed that the value of graduate education lies in its application to real-life contexts, particularly in how graduates make decisions and serve communities. She explained that this learning must go beyond theory and be reflected in professional conduct, reminding graduates that their education should ultimately be “felt in your work, in the way you make decisions, and in the difference you make in the lives of others.”

The following day, June 11, she served as the Commencement Speaker at the 33rd Commencement Exercises of the Sorsogon State University Graduate School held at the Sorsogon Cultural Center for the Arts in Sorsogon City. The ceremony carried the theme “Values-Driven Workforce, Digitally-Inclined Lifelong Learners” and marked the graduation of 72 master’s and doctoral candidates across various disciplines.

Photo from Sorsogon State University

In her address, Dr. Serrano acknowledged the challenges faced by graduate students, many of whom balanced academic work with professional and personal responsibilities. She emphasized persistence as a defining factor of completion, stating, “You did not arrive here because the path was easy. You are here because you kept choosing to continue.”

She also discussed the importance of responsible use of technology in professional practice, particularly in the context of digital transformation. She reminded graduates, “Use technology, yes. But do not surrender your judgment to it,” emphasizing that human reasoning must remain central in decision-making processes.

Dr. Serrano further highlighted that graduate education develops not only technical expertise but also accountability and ethical responsibility in public service.

Written by Sydney Rovin Macahiya | Edited by Anna Cañas-Llamas | Photo from Bicol University Graduate School and Sorsogon State University

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