Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) formally welcomed 3,118 graduates into its roster of alumni during the Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2026, on June 11, 2026 at SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City, held under the theme “CHMSU ExCELSIOR Graduates: Advancing a GREEN, Just, and Sustainable Global Community.”
Infographics by CIER
Across the university’s eight colleges, a total of 38 degrees were conferred. The graduating class produced one Summa Cum Laude, 52 Magna Cum Laude, and 339 Cum Laude honorees.
By college, the largest contingents came from the College of Education (COED) with 839 graduates and the College of Industrial Technology (CIT) with 566, followed by the College of Business Management and Accountancy (CBMA) with 581, the College of Computer Studies (CCS) with 390, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) with 310, the College of Criminal Justice (CCJ) with 175, the College of Fisheries (COF) with 139, and the College of Engineering (COE) with 118.
The monumental commencement exercises were held for all four campuses—Alijis, Binalbagan, Fortune Towne, and Talisay (Main). The ceremony was split into two sessions: the morning session welcomed graduates, faculty, and staff from CAS, CBMA, COE, and CIT, while the afternoon session welcomed those from CCS, CCJ, COED, and COF.
The Technopacer Alijis / Ezra Sangho, Marco Miguel Salamisan, & Yonel Garcia photos
The ceremony featured messages from distinguished guests and graduates alike. Commissioner Shirley Agrupis, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education and Chair-Designate of the CHMSU Board of Regents, encouraged the graduates to move forward with confidence in her commencement speech in the morning ceremonies.
“As fresh graduates, you step into a future that may not always seem certain, yet take confidence in this. You have been prepared for this moment. Your education has equipped you not only with knowledge, but with the resilience, adaptability, and sense of purpose needed to move forward,” Commissioner Agrupis said.
In his commencement speech in the afternoon ceremonies, Congressman Javier Miguel Lopez Benitez, 3rd District Representative of Negros Occidental, reminded the graduates that leadership is a decision rather than a position. His speech was delivered by Public Communications Unit Head Serafin Plotria Jr.
“Leadership is not a position, it is a decision. It begins the moment you choose to care about something bigger than yourself. So, do not wait for the perfect moment. You do not need permission to lead. You do not need permission to serve. You only need to look around, find the person who deserves better, and decide to be the one that makes it better,” said Rep. Benitez.
The Technopacer Alijis / Yonel Garcia and Ezra Sangho photos
Graduates also took the stage to share reflections on their journey. In the morning, Neil Kevin Natabio, Magna Cum Laude graduate of the Bachelor of Public Administration program, spoke of the responsibilities his generation inherits.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we also inherit the responsibilities of our generation in a time marked by conflict, environmental degradation, corruption, and growing social and political divisions. More than competent professionals, the world needs critical changemakers and leaders of integrity who are willing to contribute to a more just society. Padayon,” said Natabio, who is also the BOR Student Representative.
The afternoon rites also featured a speech from Keith Angeli Denise De Leon, Summa Cum Laude graduate of the Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Filipino, who reminded her fellow graduates that dreams require action to become reality.
“There is nothing wrong with hoping, praying, or speaking our aspirations into existence. However, our dream cannot survive on words alone. They require action, discipline, and perseverance. After all, a dream written on a paper remains only a dream unless we are willing to work for it everyday,” De Leon said.
The university extends its heartfelt congratulations to the graduates, academic leaders, parents, guardians, and the Board of Regents for their role in cultivating the next generation of global leaders. Padayon!
The commencement exercises was made possible through the Office of the Registrar led by University Registrar Arlene Pasquin, Center for Internationalization and External Relations under Director Rhoderick Samonte, and the volunteer students and staff of the Event Management Team.
