“This is not the end; this is only the beginning.” With these words echoing a spirit of hope and new beginnings, the Polytechnic College of the City of Meycauayan (PCCM) proudly held its 20th Commencement Exercises for the Hospitality Management Program (HMP) and Office Administration Program (OAP). The ceremony, held at the City of Meycauayan Convention Center on May 23, 2025, celebrated the academic accomplishments and unwavering resilience of the graduating class.

The event began with a grand processional of graduates, parents, faculty, administrators, and esteemed guests. Selected PCCM students led the Entrance of Colors, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and an invocation delivered by Ms. Racquel M. Parangat, BSOA 4B Summa Cum Laude.

Mr. Anjello G. Libao, Acting College Registrar, formally presented the candidates for graduation, with degrees conferred by Dr. Reneliza C. Sta. Ana, College Dean and Acting College Administrator. In the Address of Petition, Ms. Lovely V. Marasigan, BSHM 4B Summa Cum Laude, gave voice to the hopes and dreams of the graduating batch. 

This was followed by the Valedictory Address delivered by Mr. Jaymark M. Manglandan, BSOA 4B Summa Cum Laude, who reflected on the struggles faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the transitions that followed. His heartfelt message reminded graduates that being a light in dark times doesn’t mean the absence of fear—but the courage to shine in spite of it. He emphasized that true success lies not in perfection, but in perseverance.

A heartfelt message from City Mayor and BOT Chairman Hon. Atty. Henry R. Villarica was shared through an audio-visual presentation, setting a reflective tone for the event. Following this, Vice Mayor Hon. Josefina O. Violago took the stage to personally deliver an inspiring message on behalf of the city government. The event featured a powerful commencement address from Prof. Tricia Gayle Canlas Bondoc, CHEDRO3 Education Supervisor, introduced by Mr. Gerard M. Gaza, Administrative Officer V. 

Prof. Bondoc’s message centered on gratitude, independence, and readiness for the future. She urged graduates to thank their parents and teachers, to reflect on whether they’re prepared for adulthood, and to value their families while they still can. She emphasized the importance of becoming independent, no longer relying on family, and developing strong communication skills as they step into the professional world.

Academic honors and special awards—including the UniFAST Academic Excellence Award—were presented by Mr. Libao. This was followed by the formal distribution of diplomas, led by Prof. Laurence Geraldez for HMP graduates and Prof. Janet R. Tabios for OAP graduates. Gratitude was expressed in the Address of Thanks by Mr. Jessie Jr. E. Escultura, BSHM 4B Summa Cum Laude, while Julie Ann T. Dating, BSOA 4A Summa Cum Laude, led the Pledge of Loyalty. The PCCM Oath was administered by Alumni Association President Dr. Ron Jewel Avendaño.

As the ceremony neared its conclusion, graduates joined in singing the graduation song, followed by inspiring video presentations from both HMP and OAP, before the Exit of Colors officially closed the event. 

This year’s commencement was especially historic, marking the first batch of graduates from the Office Administration Program—a milestone not only for the program, but for PCCM’s continued commitment to academic excellence and professional development.