Northern Iloilo State University (NISU) Estancia marked a historic milestone as 1,414 students graduated during its 5th Commencement Exercises on June 15, 2026, highlighted by the recognition of the university's first-ever Summa Cum Laude.

 

The graduating class also produced 61 Magna Cum Laude and 223 Cum Laude awardees, reflecting the pursuit of excellence celebrated under this year's theme, *“Honoring Excellence in Advancing Sustainable and Inclusive Education.”*

 

Commencement speaker Hon. Desiderio R. Apag III, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education, challenged graduates to view excellence not merely as personal achievement but as a responsibility to help others and create opportunities for future generations.

 

 

“Excellence is not about being better than everyone else. Excellence is about becoming the best version of yourself, and using your gifts to help others succeed,” Apag said.

 

Apag also reminded the graduates that their diplomas should serve not as guarantees of success but as invitations to contribute to their communities.

 

In her message, Fifth District Representative Hon. Binky April M. Tupas congratulated the graduates for completing a journey shaped by years of hard work, sacrifice, discipline, and perseverance. She also recognized the parents, families, teachers, and mentors whose support helped make the graduates' success possible.

 

“Your diploma carries your name, but it also carries the love of your family, the guidance of your teachers, and the support of everyone who believed that you could make it,” Tupas said.

 

Additionally, Tupas commended NISU officials, faculty, and staff for their commitment to quality education and reminded graduates that excellence should lead to service. She encouraged them to use their education to solve real problems, uplift communities, and become professionals and leaders guided by integrity, compassion, and purpose.

 

The commencement ceremony gathered graduates, parents, faculty members, university officials, and guests in celebrating not only academic achievement but also the shared responsibility of building a more sustainable, inclusive, and hopeful future.