After two years, Far Eastern University (FEU) officially honored 4,492 graduates from Batch 2020 and 2021 at the Special Commencement Exercises held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Plenary Hall last November 22 and 23. 

According to the Office of the University Registrar (OUR), the morning session on the first day of the ceremony was composed of 1,410 graduates from the Institute of Arts and Sciences (IAS) and the Institute of Nursing (IN), while the afternoon session was participated by 1,414 graduates from the Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts (IARFA), the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (ITHM), and the Institute of Education (IE).

On the other hand, 1,668 alumni members of the Institute of Accounts, Business, and Finance (IABF) from FEU Manila and Makati concluded the second day of the ceremony. 

Months before the Commencement Exercises, alumni from both batches took on the efforts to start a petition to walk the halls of PICC.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Batch 2020 Valedictorian Jade Monton shared his excitement in having their graduation face-to-face despite experiencing it online beforehand. 

“I think it means everything for the registrar, or for everyone who organized the event, to give us ‘yung chance na makatungtong ng PICC. I think it's in a way, [of] them telling us na they’re still looking out for us, na they did not forget the two batches na mayroong online graduation (I think it means everything for the registrar, or for everyone who organized the event, to give us the chance to set foot in PICC. I think it’s in a way, [of] them telling us that they’re still looking out for us, that they did not forget the two batches who had an online graduation),” Monton said. 

Award-winning Filipino Director Brillante Mendoza became the highlight of the event as the commencement speaker for the morning session of the first day. 

In his speech, Brillante emphasized embodying resiliency in finding one’s own path to success.

“We will make choices, right or wrong. We don’t know where these decisions will lead us. We will make mistakes and I guess, ‘pag nagkamali ka subukan mong itama (if you make mistakes, try to correct them),” he stated.

Graduation rites of FEU Batch 2020 and Batch 2021 were originally held online last July 2021 to ensure the safety of staff and students. 

- Zaren Yzabelle D. Reamillo & Ma. Recellina P. Lafue

(Photo by Joaquin Luis Hilario/FEU Advocate)