How fast time flies! Fast indeed…Late March and early April mark the end of another challenging academic year. Annually, closing rites are held for elementary, secondary, and tertiary level. However, it is not the end of education but its commencement, the beginning of another. With the theme: “EDUCATION FOR A STRONG REPUBLIC: LAYING A SOLID FOUNDATION”, this years’ graduation programs indicates that education plays a vital role in building a strong republic, that we can withstand whatever crisis that we might face in the future.
AKLAN STATE UNIVERSITY – Ibajay Campus
At 8 o’clock in the morning of the 25th day of March, year 2004, the AKLAN STATE UNIVERSITY (ASU) – School of Rural Resources Development and Management, held its commencement exercises at the Ibajay Multi-Purpose Hall. Their commencement speaker was Mr. Teodorico T. Haresco Jr. For this academic year, they produced a total of 279 graduates. This year, they held their 6th commencement exercises for the Bachelor in Secondary Education with 35 graduates; Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a total of 57 graduates; Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management with 3 graduates; Bachelor of Science in Home Technology with a sum of 24 graduates and Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology with 6 graduates. They also held their 26th commencement exercises for the candidates for graduation of Associate in Hotel and Restaurant Management with 130 graduates and Associate in Agriculture with a total of 24 graduates.
Among the graduates, ASU – Ibajay Campus, produced the best of the best! After several years of hard work and sacrifices, they now reap the fruit of their labor. MS. ARLENE S. MOISES, graduate of Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, major in Mathematics topped them all and was honored as CUM LAUDE. She is the daughter of Mr. Arsenio V. Moises Sr. of Tagbaya, Ibajay, Aklan. Other awards as being the MOST-OUTSTANDING STUDENT-TEACHER was awarded to: JACQUELYN M. PANDONGON, graduate of Bachelor in Secondary Education, major in Mathematics, the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Enrique Pandongon of Regador, Ibajay; MAE A. DALES, graduate of Bachelor in Secondary Education, major in English, the daughter of Mr. Ben B. Dales of Sta. Cruz, Pandan, Antique; IRENE C. DALANON, graduate of Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, major in Mathematics, the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Prudencio Dalanon of San Jose, Ibajay; JUDITH M. ESTOLLOSO, graduate of Bachelor in Secondary Education, major in English, the daughter of Mrs. Edita M. Estolloso of Aquino, Ibajay, and; VINA S. TIAGA, graduate of Bachelor in Secondary Education, major in English, the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Vevencio Tiaga of Ondoy, Ibajay.
ONDOY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Colong-colong Extension (former WAPC High School)
ONDOY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, Colong-colong extension, the former WAPC high school, celebrated its 2nd commencement exercises last April 1, 2004 at 9:00 in the morning at Ibajay Multi-Purpose Hall. Hon. Florencio Tumbocon Miraflores, the governor of the province of Aklan was their commencement speaker. For this school year, they have produced a total of 118 graduates. For the graduating students, medals are awarded in recognition of their outstanding academic performances. Below are the honorees of the graduating class of this school year and after their names are the special awards that they have received for their co-curricular activities:
GOLD MEDAL AWARDEES
Parents/Guardian/Address
Valedictorian: MYRA D. DELGADO Mrs. Natividad Delgado Tagbaya, Ibajay
Garcia College of Technology Award for Academic Excellence
Best in Mathematics
University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) Passer Award
Salutatorian: PEARLY GEM M. TABASA Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Tabasa Capilijan, Ibajay
Gerry Roxas Leadership Award
Lady of the Year
Student Leader of the Year
UPCAT Passer Award 
1st Place, English Declamation, District Meet
1st Honorable Mention: GYNETTE PEARL S. SORSO Mrs. Consuelo Sorso Tagbaya, Ibajay
2nd Honorable Mention: JESSA MAE B. COSTAN Mr. Juan Costan San Isidro, Ibajay
1st Place, Filipino Declamation, District Meet
SILVER MEDAL AWARDEES
3rd Honorable Mention: ELISA T. CANGSON Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Cangson Bugtong-bato, Ibajay
4th Honorable Mention: MARY ROSE S. DELGADO Mr. & Mrs. Mateo Delgado Agbago, Ibajay
5th Honorable Mention: MICHELLE E. ALAG Mr. & Mrs. Roquito Alag San Isidro, Ibajay
6th Honorable Mention: CHIQUI V. SUMCAD Mrs. Linda Sumcad San Isidro, Ibajay
7th Honorable Mention: JHONY EMMANUEL A. IBAO Mr. & Mrs.Anthony Ibao San Isidro, Ibajay
BRONZE MEDAL AWARDEES
8th Honorable Mention: HAZEL HOPE F. COGOLIO SPO1 & Mrs. Nick Cogolio San Isidro, Ibajay
9th Honorable Mention: ROQUE F. SOMBILON Mr. & Mrs. Peter Sombilon San Isidro, Ibajay
10th Honorable Mention: JOEMELYN F. PINES Mr. & Mrs. Dioleto Pines Sr. Poblacion, Ibajay
11th Honorable Mention: AIZA S. SENATIN Mr. & Mrs. Armando Senatin Regador, Ibajay
12th Honorable Mention: CLEFF L. FLORES Mrs. Edita Flores Toledo, Nabas
UPCAT Passer Award
This occasion brings forth the completion of their secondary education. As stated in the Pledge of Loyalty, the graduates pledge that they will live up to the principles and ideals of their Alma Mater, that they will remain true and faithful to her, to idolize and preserve her name and integrity and to be of service to their countrymen. And behind this pledge is their ever-ready spirit and sincere cooperation.
MELCHOR MEMORIAL SCHOOL
In the mid-afternoon of April 2, 2004, the Melchor Memorial School held its 55th Annual Commencement Exercises at the Ibajay Multi-Purpose Hall. Their commencement speaker was Engr. Benjamin U. Diaz Jr., the general manager of ARCRIDGE Construction. This school year, they have produced 143 secondary graduates. After the graduates have received their diplomas, there was the candle-lighting ceremony by the graduates and their parents. In Ibajay, this event can only be experienced in the MMS graduation rites. After that, the students who topped in the academic and co-curricular are awarded in honor of the efforts and hard work that they have shown. Written below are the names of the honorees and the awards that they have received.
AWARDEE Parents/Guardian Address
Valedictorian: NIÑA CHERYL D. SULBUAN Mrs. Lucia D. Sulbuan Agdugayan, Ibajay
Gold Medal Award & Cert. of Achievement for Excellence in Science from Mercury Drug Corp.
Gold Medal Award for Academic Excellence from Cong. Gabrielle V. Calizo
Gold Medal Award for Academic Excellence from Garcia College of Technology
Gold Medal Award for Academic Excellence from Northwestern Visayan Colleges
Gold Medal Award for Academic Excellence from AMA Learning Center Inc., Kalibo, Aklan
Gold Medal Award from Ms. Vicky Ramos Antonino
Certificate of Catholic Educational Award for Excellence from Aklan College
Salutatorian: EDELYN D. BONGABONG Mr. & Mrs. Edison Bongabong Agdugayan, Ibajay
Gold Medal Award &Cert. of Achievement for Excellence in Mathematics from Mercury Drug Corp.
Gold Medal Award from Ms. Vicky Ramos Antonino
Gold Medal Award for Academic Excellence from AMA Learning Center Inc., Kalibo, Aklan
Certificate of Catholic Educational Award for Excellence from Aklan College
1st Honorable Mention: ANNIE C. SIJERA Mr. & Mrs. Edito Sijera Agbago, Ibajay
2nd Honorable Mention: JOHN ROGEL S. URSUA Mr.&Mrs. Rogelio Ursua Ondoy, Ibajay
Gold Medal Award & Cert.of Leadership from Gerry Roxas Memorial Educ.&Welfare Comm, Inc.
Gold Medal Award & Cert.of Leadership from Cong. Gabrielle V. Calizo
3rd Honorable Mention: MARIA CECILIA S. MAQUIRANG Ms. Evelyn Suñer Tagbaya, Ibajay
4th Honorable Mention: CYNDI S. MARTELINO Mrs. Noemi Martelino Aquino, Ibajay
5th Honorable Mention: REXA MAE F. MASANGKAY Mr. & Mrs. Rex Masangkay Poblacion, Ibajay
IBAJAY ACADEMY
The IBAJAY ACADEMY held its’ 76 th Annual Commencement Exercises at the Gavino Solidum Park on April 3, 2004 at 6 in the evening. But before that, a baccalaureate mass was offered at the St. Peters’ Parish Church last April 2. Rev. Fr. Zaldy Zarandin was the main celebrant of the mass. During their graduation program, they have invited the owner and general manager of Equipped and Better Research Sciences, Mrs. Elenita Magallanes Bongabong as their commencement speaker. There were 108 confirmed graduates as of this school year. Several students had been honored for their excellent performances in academic and extra-curricular activities. The students that deserves not only praises but also medals and certificates are:
AWARDEE Parents/Guardian Address
WITH ACADEMIC DISTINCTIONS AND HONORS
Valedictorian: DIVINA M. MATIONG JR. Mr. & Mrs. Basilio Mationg Aquino, Ibajay
Gold Medal Award &Cert. of Achievement for Excellence in Science from Mercury Drug Corp.
Gold Medal Award &Cert. of Achievement for Excellence in Mathematics from Mercury Drug Corp.
Gold Medal Award for Academic Excellence from Garcia College of Technology as the Valedictorian
Gold Medal Award for Academic Excellence from Garcia College of Tech. as the Editor-In-Chief
Gerry Roxas Leadership Award
Certificate of Catholic Educational Award for Excellence from Aklan College
Dr. Beato A. Dela Cruz Educational Eagle Award for Academic Excellence
Gold Medal Award for Academic Excellence from Cong. Gabrielle V. Calizo as the Valedictorian
CAT Leadership Award
Miss Seniors
Best In Impromptu Speaking
Dancer of the Year
Athlete of the Year
Most Industrious Student
Salutatorian: JOEFIL P. MAGPUSAO Mr. & Mrs. Antonino P. Magpusao Poblacion, Ibajay
Gold Medal Award for Academic Excellence from Garcia College of Technology as the Salutatorian
Gentleman of the Year
Declaimer of the Year
Writer of the Year
Athlete of the Year
Most Industrious Student
CAT Loyalty Award
1st Honorable Mention: MARY JUNE S. VENUS Mr. & Mrs. Mars Venus Poblacion, Ibajay
Leadership Award of Her Excellency Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Lady of The Year
Writer of the Year
Dancer of the Year
Most Industrious Student
CAT Loyalty Award
2nd Honorable Mention: MA. MONALIZA D. PINCA Mr. & Mrs. Francisco Pinca Aslum, Ibajay
Athlete of the Year
Most Industrious Student
CAT Duty Award
3rd Honorable Mention: TRINA B. TIRAD Mr. & Mrs. Rolando Tirad Aquino, Ibajay
Athlete of the Year
CAT Duty Award
4thHonorableMention: MA. MOSTHRALENE S.TAGALOGUIN Mr.& Mrs. Mosthram Tagaloguin Sr. Poblacion
Dancer of the Year
Band Majorette Service Award
Most Industrious Student
CAT Loyalty Award
5th Honorable Mention: MIRIAM T. SOLERES Mr. & Mrs. Isidro Soleres Poblacion, Ibajay
Singer of the Year
Most Industrious Student
CAT Duty Award
The graduates sang out loud that they are tomorrow, that they are the future if they just stand strong and find the way. They say that they can make a brighter sunshine through the darkness of their lives. Indeed they can, if we just believe in them and that they can make it if they just try. The graduation song is “We Are Tomorrow”.
IBAJAY CENTRAL SCHOOL
Six years have gone so fast. These are the words that we usually hear from the parents of the graduating pupils in the elementary. Finally, they have made one step in the ladder of success. Next school year, they are eligible to enter secondary schools. It’s a good thing that the mentors of Ibajay Central School have equipped their pupils with the much needed educational wisdom and moral values. Last April 5, 2004, at 2 in the afternoon, Ibajay Central School held its closing exercises at the Ibajay Multi-Purpose Hall. As for this school year, the school successfully produced 184 graduates. Among these graduates, pupils who have shown great performances in their academic subjects as well as in their extra-curricular activities have been honored. The students who have been outstanding are:
AWARDEES
1st Honors: CZARMINA DONNA P. CALIZO Mr. & Mrs. Galileo Calizo Jr. Poblacion, Ibajay
Academic Excellence Medallion of Cong. Gabrielle V. Calizo as the 1st Honors
Academic Excellence Medallion of Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores as the 1st Honors
Academic Excellence Medallion of Melchor Memorial School as the 1st Honors
Academic Excellence Medallion of Ibajay Academy as the 1st Honors
Girl Scout of the Year
2nd Honors: MA. LOURENZE M. LALISAN Capt. & Mrs. Julito Lalisan Laguinbanua, Ibajay
Academic Excellence Medallion of Cong. Gabrielle V. Calizo as the 2nd Honors
Academic Excellence Medallion of Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores as the 2nd Honors
Academic Excellence Medallion of Melchor Memorial School as the 2nd Honors
Academic Excellence Medallion of Ibajay Academy as the 2nd Honors
4th Place, Municipal Nutrition Month
1st Place, District Quiz Bee in Mathematics & Participant, Super Quiz Bee, Kalibo, Aklan
2nd Place, Essay Writing, District Speechfest
Best in Catechesis
3rd Honors: CYNA MARIE A. FRANCO Mr. & Mrs. Cyrus Franco Poblacion, Ibajay
Academic Excellence Medallion of Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores as the 3rd Honors
2nd Place, Bible Quiz, Catechetical Week
1st Place, Character Impersonation, District Speechfest
1st Place, Character Impersonation, Cluster A Speechfest
Contestant, Character Impersonation, Division Speechfest, Kalibo, Aklan
Contestant, Vegetable Salad-Making, STEP, Nabas, Aklan
Girl Scout of the Year
Best in Catechesis
4th Honors: WILSON ADRIANN Y. MIROY Mr. & Mrs. Wilson T. Miroy Poblacion, Ibajay
Academic Excellence Medallion of Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores as the 4th Honors
Academic Excellence Medallion of Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores as the Mayor, ICS Pupil Gov’t.
1st Place, Poster-Making Contest, Nutrition Month
1st Place, Storytelling, District Speechfest
2nd Place, Storytelling, Cluster A Speechfest, Buruanga, Aklan
2nd Place, Poster-Making Contest, Catechetical Week
3rd Place, District Quiz Bee in Science
Mayor, ICS Pupil Government
President, STEP
Patrol Leader, BSP
Best in Catechesis
5th Honors: LAURENZ CEPHEUS ABRAM C. MIROY Mr. & Mrs. Froebel T. Miroy San Isidro, Ibajay
1st Place, District Quiz Bee in Phil. History & Culture & Participant, Super Quiz Bee, Kalibo, Aklan
1st Place, Poem Writing, District Speechfest
4th Place, Poem Writing, Cluster A Speechfest, Buruanga,. Aklan
PASSER, Philippine Science High School
6th Honors: KAREN JOY M. MAGDAET Engr. & Mrs. Estelito Magdaet Tagbaya, Ibajay
7th Honors: MARY ROSE D. BALDONADO Mr. & Mrs. Noeni Baldonado Regador, Ibajay
8th Honors: LOVELY S. SEMAURIO Mr. & Mrs. Robert Semaurio Poblacion, Ibajay
9th Honors: JOSE JULIANO A. MAGPUSAO Mr. & Mrs. Joey Magpusao Colong-colong, Ibajay
10th Honors: FARRA MAE C. FRANCISCO Mr. & Mrs. Ulysis Francisco Laguinbanua, Ibajay
With Honors:
NIÑA REGEL G. ESTOMATA Capt. & Mrs. Roger Estomata San Isidro, Ibajay
Participant, Slogan-Making Contest, Catechetical Week
Participant, Slogan-Making Contest, Nutrition Month
Vice-Mayor, ICS Pupil Government
DONA LYN I. MAHABAGUE Mr. & Mrs. Loel Mahabague Bugtong-bato, Ibajay
JHANRY J. ALAG Mr. & Mrs. Florencio Alag Poblacion, Ibajay
ROSE ANN T. CANGSON Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Cangson Bugtong-Bato, Ibajay
2nd Place, Bible Quiz, Catechetical Week
JOEVEE JOY S. GONZAGA Mr. & Mrs. Jocelyn Gonzaga Poblacion, Ibajay
Happy are the faces of the parents who witnessed their children accepting their diplomas and crossing the state of fulfillment. Happy are the faces of dear teachers for the graduates will very soon leave them and face the next chapter of their book of life equipped with the knowledge that they have taught and their skills that have been developed. Their Alma Mater has trained their graduates to be better citizens of this land. The graduates have made not only their family and Alma mater proud of them but the Ibayhanons as well.
To the graduates, there is much that lies ahead of you. May you not become burden to your parents; may you not be the enemy of our government nor the problem of our society. Act now to be fruitful young people who could help in the progress and development of our land.
The preceding report is prepared by
Gracia Celeste Yabut Miroy
College Student
Poblacion, Ibajay, Aklan