DOrSU Celebrates Historic 5th Commencement Exercises, Produces First PhD and EdD Graduates
Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) marked a historic milestone as it held its 5th Commencement Exercises on June 25, 2025, at the University Oval, celebrating the academic achievements of 2,149 graduates from the Main Campus. This year’s ceremonies were made even more momentous as DOrSU successfully produced its first batch of graduates under the Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science and the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Management programs.
The ceremony was graced by Dr. Lourdes C. Generalao, former President of the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP), who served as the Commencement Speaker. Addressing the graduates, Dr. Generalao delivered a message grounded in authenticity and hope: “The life ahead will not always be easy— but you are more resilient than you know.”
Speaking before an audience of over two thousand graduates, faculty, administrators, and proud families, Dr. Generalao shared her life story, rooted in hardship and perseverance. From planting rice seedlings as a child to becoming a university president, she urged the graduates to see their struggles not as setbacks, but as stepping stones.
“Your diploma is not merely a document; it is proof of battles fought and lessons learned,” she emphasized, challenging the Class of 2025 to confront life’s difficulties with courage, and to serve their communities with integrity and purpose.
Another highlight of the event was the moving valedictory address of Max Artem C. Donaire, a Bachelor of Secondary Education (English) graduate and the class valedictorian. His message was a quiet but powerful reflection of a generation shaped by adversity.
“We are not defined by what we endured, but by how we choose to return,” Max declared, capturing the collective experience of his batch who navigated online learning, uncertainty, financial strain, and mental health challenges during their formative college years.
Referencing the story of Philoctetes, a wounded yet essential hero of Greek mythology, Max likened the Class of 2025 to warriors who are “wounded, but never defeated.” He urged his fellow graduates to “return, not just to exist, but to rebuild” to take their place in a world that needs compassion, healing, and active engagement.
“We may be far from the sound of sirens and falling bombs, but we are never far from the responsibility to care,” he added, calling on graduates to be more than achievers—to be instruments of peace and hope in a troubled world.
The event ended on an inspiring note with the university’s graduation song, “A New Beginning Across All Time” by Pacito L. Sargado, echoing the spirit of hope:
“We’ve come so far, now the day is here,
Memories made, and the world so clear.
Through the highs and lows, we’ve found our way,
Now we’re standing at the edge of a brand-new day.”
Indeed, it was not just a farewell, but a powerful send-off into the future. The Class of 2025 leaves DOrSU not only as graduates, but as trailblazers, dreamers, and changemakers, ready to chase every star, write their story, and make it shine, “together, forever, across all time.”
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Access more photos of the event here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1giUHRqtYDwcC6O-c4nDtQwE7IBPTrfo0?usp=sharing
