STEM stude leads 364 academic excellence awardees

First Batch of Kto12 LS graduates ready to face life’s challenges

The first batch of Grade 12 TAU-LSians are now ready to face life’s challenges as their graduation was confirmed by the University President, Dr. Max P. Guillermo, during the Commencement Exercises on April 11, 2018 at Gilberto O. Teodoro Multipurpose Center.

With the theme “Kto12 Learners: Ready to Face Life’s Challenges”, these graduates have begun their preparation for a new journey when they enter college. To provide them a realistic view of the changing society today, Engr. Cesario L. Tabago, the renowned “Kamote King,” graced the graduation ceremony and delivered an insightful message about his life’s challenges and surprises. During his speech, Engr. Tabago highlighted all the struggles in his life before he reached his success. He retold his experiences when he was still a student in Tarlac College of Agriculture, now Tarlac Agricultural University. With his mentors’ guidance and advice, Engr. Tabago pursued his passion and achieved success with humility and perseverance.

Dr. Guillermo introduced Engr. Tabago as a civil engineer whose heart is into farming. He is committed to change the life of his family and other farmers’ families. Despite the difficulties he had experienced when he was still studying, he never gave up and he pursued his interest in agriculture.

With the great demands from the agricultural sector, Engr. Tabago realized the significance of his role in the empowerment of the farmers in Central Luzon and also in the advancement of agricultural technologies and/or skills.

Kamote or the sweetpotato definitely changed his life and many farmers’ lives. He is currently the General Manager of the Federation of Agriculture Cooperatives of Central Luzon. He was also recognized by the Senate after he was conferred with Ulirang Magsasaka award in the Landbank Gawad Pitak 2016.

Engr. Tabago’s life experiences definitely inspired the 454 graduates from three Academic Strands: Accounting and Business Management (ABM), Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) and Science and Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). These graduates have completed all the requirements under the Senior High School Curriculum- Academic Track. Upon confirmation of their graduation, Dr. Max P. Guillermo, the University President, reminded the students to be committed and be persistent in pursuing their passion so they may achieve success in their future endeavor.

Being the top of the Class ‘18, Mico Aldmar T. Mendoza, a Grade 12 student from the STEM strand, expressed his gratitude to all of the people who have helped him surpass the challenges as a student in the University. Mendoza ranked first in the STEM strand; thus, he received a medal and a certificate signifying that he graduated with High Honors. There were also four (4) students who were conferred with High Honors.

The graduates also pledged their loyalty to the Alma Mater, Tarlac Agricultural University, by taking the oath of membership to the TAU Federated Alumni Association.

Prior to the said event, the TAU-LS organized the Moving Up Ceremony and Recognition Program for Academic Excellence Awardees. There were 147 Grade 10 Completers, 364 Academic Excellence Awardees and 18 Special Awardees who received medal/s and certification in the presence of the University President, Dr. Max P. Guillermo, the LS Principal, Dr. Arlene V. Tomas, and the DepEd Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Noel Linsao.

Ms. Sharon B. Pineda and Dr. Sonny DC. Torres were the Masters of Ceremonies during the Commencement Exercises while Mr. Von Lorenz A. Chavez and Ms. Elaine P. Bumaclay served as presenters during the Moving Up Ceremony and Recognition Program.(RCalpito)