Batanes State College marked a significant milestone with the 21st Academic Convocation for the Conferment of Degrees and Titles for the Class of 2025 themed, “The BSC Graduates: Grounded in Knowledge, Soaring with Purpose, Serving Humanity” held at the BSC Amphitheatre on May 23, 2025.

The program commenced with a processional of the graduates accompanied by their parents, faculty members, administrative staff, distinguished guests, members of the Board of Trustees, the commencement speaker, the college mace, and the College President, Dr. Jovi Regala Durante.

Ma. Isabelle E. Vargas, Cum Laude, BSED English, led the ecumenical prayer, which was followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem accompanied by the ceremonial march of the Philippine Army Honor Guard.

Thereafter, Ma’am Vilma D. Baccay, MST, Acting College Registrar, formally presented the candidates for graduation. A total of 112 students were conferred degrees, comprising 36 from BS in Hospitality Management, 11 from BS in Tourism Management, 10 from BS in Information Technology, 16 from BS in Industrial Technology, 14 from BS in Agriculture, 14 from BS in Secondary Education, and 11 from BS in Elementary Education.

Dr. Angelita H. Vargas, EdD, Director for Instruction, delivered the Address of Petition to formally request the conferment of degrees and honors upon the graduates. This was followed by the Address of Concession delivered by College President Dr. Jovi Regala Durante, who officially proclaimed the Class of 2025 “graduates” of Batanes State College.

The academic rites proceeded with the vesting of hoods, positioning of tassels, distribution of diplomas, and the conferment of academic honor, all solemnly conducted under the authority of College President Durante.

The following are the Latin Awardees:

BS Hospitality Management

BS of Secondary Education – Mathematics

BS Hospitality Management

BS Agriculture

Bachelor of Secondary Education – English

BS Agriculture

BS Hospitality Management

Bachelor of Secondary Education-Science

BS Hospitality Management

BS Agriculture

BS Agriculture

BS Tourism Management

BS Agriculture

Bachelor of Elementary Education

Bachelor of Secondary Education – Science

Bachelor of Elementary Education

BS Tourism Management

BS Hospitality Management

BS Hospitality Management

BS Industrial Technology-Architecture Technology

Bachelor of Elementary Education

BS Hospitality Management

BS Hospitality Management

BS Hospitality Management

BS Tourism Management

BS Agriculture

Bachelor of Secondary Education – English

BS Hospitality Management

BS Information Technology

Hon. Marilou H. Cayco, Governor of Batanes, conveyed her message of encouragement, “Wherever you go, may our time honors Ivatan values of honesty, resilience, and sense of community.”

Congressman Ciriaco B. Gato, Jr., Representative of the Lone District of Batanes, delivered his speech, “An pangu may pavid pa kan kasirbi mus pinachinanawan mu du kapaysilbi du kaydian ta sa,” which he translated to, “There’s nothing more beautiful than using your knowledge and purpose to uplift other people.”

After which, Hon. Rose Mary G. Aquino, Ph.D., Regional Executive Director of the Department of Agriculture Region 02 and a member of the BSC Board of Trustees, served as the commencement speaker, encouraging the graduates, “As you step beyond the halls of this college, you carry more than just a degree, carry dreams, carry responsibility, and the potential to shape the future,” reflected the transformative journey awaiting the graduates beyond academe.

In his charge to the graduates, President Jovi Regala Durante exhorted, “Go outside BSC, spread your wings, and fly with the spirit of service to your barangays, your principalities, your provinces, and the nation.”

Concluding the ceremony, Darwin L. Galat, Summa Cum Laude, BS Hospitality Management, delivered his valedictory address, expressing profound gratitude to the BSC institution, his family, mentors, and peers, “Being the first Summa Cum Laude here in Batanes State College after 21 years is truly an honor. I had hoped for Cum Laude like my brother, but God’s grace has been immeasurably greater. This achievement is a testament to His blessings and the unwavering support of those around me.”

Meanwhile, other visitors enjoyed live viewing of the convocation at the BSC Quadrangle.