By Meckhan Tagarda
The graduates proudly sang the Philippine national anthem to open the ceremony.
Photo by Meckhan Tagarda
“We’re proof that second chances exist. Let’s go light up the world.” These were the words of one learner from Xavier University Night School-Alternative Learning System as he accepted his certificate and awards after his speech during the 9th Commencement Exercises.
On 17 July 2025, the XU Night School-ALS celebrated the 9th Commencement Exercise held at the AVR 1, honoring 14 students who graduated with excellence.
“It's not about the accomplishments of the program,” said Mr Ismael B Salarda, MAEd. “It’s about the students—our learners. The people whose lives we’ve touched, to whatever extent that may be.”
“All of these things that have now been recognized help them see their self-worth,” he added. “They will see that hard work pays off. It doesn't have to be big. It doesn't have to be extravagant.”
Mr Salarda leads the XU Night School-ALS under the Arrupe Educational Center, which serves as the outreach and social development arm of Xavier University’s School of Education.
The ceremony emphasized that success is not simply about meeting academic requirements. Rather, it is about learners taking ownership of their growth, carrying the lessons forward into life, and embracing the vibrant possibilities ahead with their own hues, bringing color to their journey.
Chalk, Challenges, and Change
Batch 9 graduates of the XU Night School-ALS.
Photo by Megan Ferrarez
The colorful celebration was the culmination of long nights, quiet perseverance, and community within the shaded walls of XU Night School-ALS classrooms. Inside these rooms, diverse learners from all came together, driven by one shared dream: to continue what they once thought was lost.
Through andragogical teaching methods tailored to elementary and adult learners, the program did not just teach subjects, but restored confidence, encouraged critical thought, and helped reframe what education means. Some came from interrupted schooling, others from work or hardship, but all were welcomed as equals in a space that honored progress over perfection.
Many facilitators describe the classroom as a space of transformation—where math lessons turned into confidence-building exercises, and writing activities sparked personal reflection. These everyday moments became stepping stones toward a graduation that now means much more than a certificate—it symbolizes resilience, courage, and self-respect.
“It’s on how they see themselves,” shared Ms Nathalie Grace B Sta Elenea, LPT. “Like how can they present themselves in front of many people—with confidence, and with empathy for others. They begin to understand that it’s not only them who are struggling. Others are too… and now, they want to help others as well.”
Ms Nathalie Grace B Sta Elenea, LPT, serves as the Administrative Staff of the Arrupe Educational Center, and the Academic Supervisor for the XU Night School-ALS of the School of Education at Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan.
Beyond the Evening Classroom
“Our learners in the context of the XU Night School-ALS, if I may re-emphasize, come from different backgrounds—diverse and complex. Name it, we have it,” Mr Salarda said. While the program provides structured educational opportunities, the realities outside the classroom often remain unkind.
“nag hatag lagi ta ug education, but how come we could definitely see them outside at the end of the day? They decided to stay there.”
For facilitators, the mission goes beyond academic delivery. The deeper challenge lies in nurturing behavioral change and self-belief—especially in a world that has taught many of them otherwise.
“Ang behavioral change man gud na among gina aspire as always is not something that would happen overnight.” Mr Salarda added. “It requires us to realize that what we have done is a nightmare. And then for us to wake up eventually and do something about it.”
A Commencement That Goes Beyond the Stage
Faculties, facilitators, partners, and graduates.
Photo by Megan Ferrarez
As the graduates stepped forward to receive their certificates, they carried with them more than academic milestones—they carried stories of courage, nights of sacrifice, and a renewed belief in themselves.
“That’s what success is,” shared Ms Sta Elenea. “It’s not just because they graduated or got awards or passed. Success is when they’ve seen the value—the importance of everything.”
Her words echoed in the celebration, reminding everyone present that success is deeply personal. It is about reclaiming one’s narrative, discovering purpose, and understanding that learning is not a race, but a quiet and powerful journey of becoming.
“The moment they understand, and they have to learn, it’s for them to improve. Kana ang success jud para sa learner,” she added.
And yet, as the learners celebrated this chapter, Mr Salarda offered a reflection that resonated not only for them—but perhaps for every reader, educator, and advocate in the room.
“Sometimes, we tend to also forget that we have done so many things. But we allow people to describe all of these things for us. What about you? Did you recognize all of these things that you have done?”
To everyone reading, may we be inspired not only to celebrate these learners, but to uplift others in their own pursuit — of self-worth, learning, and change. Let us continue to create spaces where every life, no matter the pace or path, can rise like phoenixes—with flying colors.