Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan marked the culmination of the academic journey of the Class of 2026 through its 87th Commencement Exercises, held from 17 to 20 June 2026. The three-day celebration became a time for graduates, families, faculty, staff, and guests to come together to honor the achievements, growth, and aspirations of Xavier University’s newest alumni.

The Baccalaureate Mass and Convocation were held 17 June 2026. Jecris D Nalual II, BS Mechanical Engineering, Magna Cum Laude, was named Class Valedictorian. In his address, he reflected on the deeper purpose of a Xavier Ateneo education, reminding his fellow graduates that their learning was never meant solely for personal success but for service to others.

“...the education we received here was never meant to end with us. It asks us not merely to succeed, but to serve. Not merely to achieve, but to uplift. Not merely to chase ambition, but to use whatever gifts we have to leave the world gentler than we found it... Because stepping into the future is both exciting and frightening, not because we doubt our abilities, but because we are beginning to realize the weight of what we are capable of becoming. Our choices matter. Our words matter. Our actions ripple outward into the lives of other people. Because Xavier Ateneo was never merely preparing us for our careers... it was preparing us to become men and women for others.”

The Convocation also saw the presentation of the Faber Award to Christ Lourence T Divinosa, AB Psychology, Summa Cum Laude.

Serving as Commencement Speaker, Cardinal David encouraged graduates to see education as more than a preparation for employment. He spoke about the importance of critical thinking, moral courage, and the pursuit of truth, particularly in a time when artificial intelligence and misinformation continue to influence public discourse. He reminded the graduates that while technology can provide information, wisdom, discernment, and conscience remain uniquely human responsibilities.

“A healthy society depends on people who know how to think critically, who know how to distinguish fact from propaganda, truth from falsehood, and conviction from mere opinion. This is especially important in the world you are entering today.... no technology can replace conscience. No algorithm can take responsibility for our moral choices. No machine can do the work of discernment on our behalf. No artificial intelligence can substitute for wisdom.”

The University also recognized the Order of Friars Minor (OFM) – Southern Philippines Province as the recipient of the Archbishop Santiago TG Hayes, SJ Award.

“This award belongs to all the friars who have walked the dusty roads of Mindanao for the last four decades. Our seraphic father, Saint Francis of Assisi, is loved as the saint of the poor and those on the margins. But Saint Francis was also a man of dialogue. He showed us that meeting someone from a different faith or culture is meeting a brother or a sister… This recognition from Xavier University does not mean our journey is over. It simply encourages us to keep going. It strengthens our resolve to remain close to the poor, to serve the Church, and to love the people of Mindanao.”

Meanwhile, MB Rosie “Boi Rosie” Godwino Sula received the Fr Francisco R Demetrio, SJ Award. Accepting the recognition on behalf of the T’boli people, she spoke of her commitment to preserving indigenous traditions and ensuring that cultural heritage continues to be passed on to younger generations.

“[The award] inspires me to continue safeguarding and transmitting our intangible cultural heritage, ensuring that the beauty, identity, and values embedded in our traditions remain vibrant and relevant in a rapidly changing world. I humbly accept this honor on behalf of my community and all those who work tirelessly to keep our cultural legacy alive. May this recognition encourage greater appreciation and support for culture and the arts as vital foundations of our nation’s identity and collective future.”

The formal graduation ceremonies followed on 18 and 19 June, recognizing graduates from the University’s various colleges and schools. Day 1 honored the graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Computer Studies, College of Agriculture, and School of Education, while Day 2 celebrated the graduates of the School of Business and Management, College of Nursing, and College of Engineering.

The ceremonies opened with invocations led by Fr Antonio F Moreno, SJ, and Fr Archimedes F Lachica, SJ, respectively, with the XU Glee Club providing musical performances during the second day. Vice President for Higher Education Dr Juliet Q Dalagan presented the candidates for graduation, after which University President Fr Mars P Tan, SJ, formally conferred the degrees and awarded diplomas.

Academic honors and loyalty awards were also presented in recognition of the graduates' dedication and perseverance throughout their years at Xavier University. As they officially joined the alumni community, the graduates took the Graduation and Alumni Pledge led by Xavier University Alumni Association President George S Goking Sr.

In his messages to the Class of 2026, University President Fr Mars P Tan, SJ, encouraged the graduates to carry with them not only their knowledge and skills, but also the values, faith, and purpose they gained during their years at Xavier University.

He reminded them that the world beyond graduation will bring challenges that will test their abilities, principles, and perseverance.

“Be watchful, for the world outside may not always be kind. It can be harsh and unforgiving. The truth is, the world has the power to make or break you. It is not enough to be bright and knowledgeable; the world does not always operate on reason and logic. Simply following the rules isn’t sufficient, as some situations do not have clear guidelines. Additionally, having a set of skills may not always align with the needs you encounter. My point is to always be prepared for a world that will test and challenge you. It will assess your knowledge and skills, question your beliefs and principles, and push your perseverance to its limits.”

Fr Tan also reminded the graduates that their growth does not end with their time in the University. He encouraged them to remain grateful, stay grounded in their values, and continue believing in a good and merciful God.

“In Xavier Ateneo, you should become more than what you can and are capable of doing. We expect you to have grown in various aspects of your life, such as how to deal with friends, what to invest in a commitment, make sacrifices for others, manage your time and activities well, endure hardship, choose the right priorities in life, and love and serve others, especially those most in need. Thus, there is really so much to celebrate on your graduation day, not just your achievements but also the gifts of your growth as a person. But your growth and development as a person, as a son or daughter of God, does not stop after school. You are expected to grow and develop further, but this time, your direction would change from being more directed to self to being more directed to others to love and serve. Amare et servire.”

He closed his message by sharing three reminders for the graduates: to trust in God, to spend their time pursuing what aligns with their purpose, and to continue choosing a life dedicated to loving and serving others.

Both ceremonies concluded with the singing of the Xavier University Hymn. Dr Mark E Labuntog served as master of ceremonies for Day 1, while Marie Antonette C Emata fulfilled the same role during Day 2.

As the Class of 2026 leaves Xavier Ateneo, they carry with them not only their degrees and academic achievements, but also the values, experiences, and sense of purpose cultivated throughout their years in the University. Guided by faith, conscience, and a commitment to service, they now begin the next chapter of their journey as Xavier University alumni.

 

SCHOOL OF LAW

The Xavier University School of Law held its Commencement Exercises on 10 June 2026 at the XU Gymnasium. Graduates, faculty members, administrators, families, and friends gathered to mark the completion of the Juris Doctor program and celebrate a milestone year in the making. The celebration began with the Baccalaureate Mass, presided over by University President Fr Mars P Tan, SJ. This was followed by the conferral of degrees upon the graduates, led by Vice President for Higher Education Dr Juliet Q Dalagan. The graduates then took their oath as Juris Doctors.

As the representative of the graduating class, Christi Ioannes Hinacay reflected on the class’s growth from uncertain strangers into future lawyers committed to justice, service, and the pursuit of truth.

“As I studied the law, I began to understand that the law is rarely as simple as it appears on paper. I learned that behind every case is a human story, and that before justice can be achieved, due process must first be respected. Xavier Ateneo taught me that the law is not meant to protect only the rich or only the poor, but to protect the dignity of every person by ensuring that each one is heard. It is a lesson that I learned here, and one I hope to carry into the practice of law.”

Speaking on behalf of Dinagat Islands Representative Arlene “Kaka” J Bag-ao, this year’s Commencement Speaker, Ritz Lee Santos III reminded the graduates that in the profession of law, everyone and everything is important.

“There will be moments when the law is used to protect the powerful instead of the vulnerable. There will be moments when truth is blurred, when institutions are questioned, when even just showing up for justice would prove to be difficult. But there will also be moments, many moments, where you have the chance to make a difference. And that difference does not always have to be grand. Sometimes, it is as simple as explaining the law to someone who has felt estranged by it. Sometimes, it is standing beside a client who feels alone. Sometimes, it is choosing integrity when it is easier not to. Remember: walang maliit, walang malayo, lahat mahalaga.”

 

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

On 20 June 2026, Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan marked the Commencement Exercises of the Dr Jose P Rizal School of Medicine, recognizing the years of dedication and perseverance of its newest Doctors of Medicine.

The ceremony opened with an invocation led by the University Chaplain Fr Ruben Orbeta Jr, SJ. Musical performances by the Xavier University Glee Club added to the occasion as family members, faculty, and guests gathered to witness this meaningful milestone.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Earl Hans T Abellanosa, Cum Laude, reflected on the many paths that lie ahead and reminded his fellow graduates that, beyond clinical expertise, the medical profession calls for empathy, humility, and a deep understanding of the people they serve.

The commencement address was delivered by Dean of the Bukidnon State University College of Medicine and former Dean of the Dr Jose P Rizal School of Medicine, Dr Ruth Semilla Beltran. She encouraged the graduates to carry a genuine love for humanity in their practice, emphasizing that medicine is not merely a profession but a lifelong vocation of service.

“Commitment need not be this daunting. It can be as simple as honoring time, like coming to an appointment as expected. It could also mean pursuing with passion and dedication your goal of becoming an excellent physician through hard work and sacrifice.  There are no buts  when we talk about real commitment because if there are, you end up with mediocrity.  And how exactly can we nurture this value? It can be done by simply being consistent on how we honor our promises, our obligations & our accountabilities. We need to walk the talk, and only then shall we be able to show what it means to be committed to a goal or a promise. As physicians of character, the need to practice and show integrity in all aspects of our lives is crucial for us to earn respect from everyone. It is human nature to want to be respected, but never [forget] that respect is earned, not demanded, not inherited.”

VP for Higher Education Dr Juliet Q Dalagan formally presented the candidates for graduation. The graduates were subsequently conferred their degrees and awarded their diplomas, marking the culmination of years of rigorous study, training, and sacrifice. Academic honors and loyalty awards were likewise presented in recognition of outstanding achievement and dedication.

As they took the Graduation and Alumni Pledge, the graduates were welcomed into the wider Xavier University alumni community and entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the values of their alma mater.

In his parting message, University President Fr Mars P Tan, SJ, challenged the graduates to become physicians who place the needs of others above themselves, serve with integrity, and remain steadfast in defending truth and ethical practice. He reminded them that the true measure of success lies not in titles or accolades, but in the lives they touch, the communities they strengthen, and the hope they bring to others.

The ceremony concluded with the singing of the Xavier University Hymn, celebrating both the end of one journey and the beginning of another for the newest graduates of the Dr Jose P Rizal School of Medicine.

The XUJPRSM Commencement Exercises was hosted by Advance Medicine Coordinator Dr Marvyn Lee D Ladlad.