On August 12, 2026, at the SP Session Hall, we celebrated not only the dedication of our faculty and staff, but also the perseverance of our students—all working together to uphold our vision, mission, and core values through the PAGSIDLAK 2026: HONORS CONVOCATION
Gracing the program with his Welcome Remarks, OIC President Atty. Nolito M. Quilang shared a guiding principle that he hopes CCOnians will carry with them throughout their lives: Disce ut Excellas. Servi ut Prosis.—“Learn to Excel. Serve to Matter.”
He emphasized that students should learn to excel not for recognition alone, but because excellence honors the opportunities that God, their parents, and the City College of Ormoc have entrusted to them. They should also serve to matter, because the highest purpose of education is not simply to build a successful career, but to build a meaningful life.
SP Member Krizea Caessandra Mercadal also shared a meaningful message, urging the students to see themselves as active participants in nation-building, not only striving to excel in school, but also to become responsible, engaged, and compassionate members of the community and society.
On behalf of City Mayor Hon. Lucy Torres Gomez, SP Member Caren Jean Torres Rama delivered the Mayor’s message to the students. In her message, she reflected on how the City College of Ormoc was once only a dream—born from the vision of making quality and accessible education available to Ormocanons. Years later, that dream has grown into what CCO is today, standing as a testament to how a vision, when nurtured and invested in the young people, can truly bear fruit.
Mr. Jason A. Baguia, the program head of BA Communication and the keynote speaker, shared a meaningful message on the theme of “Beyond Excellence: Purpose and Service,” reminding the students that excellence is not merely about recognition, awards, or personal achievement. He emphasized that true excellence finds greater meaning when it is used to inspire others, support one another, and elevate the mind for the common good. As he reminded the students, “what you have will spoil if you do not share it.”
Before the event concluded, Dr. Sandra Lynn Baybay, in her Closing Remarks, shared the metaphor of an umbrella, with its ribs representing the stressors, anxieties, and worries we face, and its holder symbolizing our inner strength, gifts, and wisdom that keep us anchored. Together, they remind us to rise above life’s challenges and become the best versions of ourselves.
Congratulations, CCOnians! May you continue to pursue excellence with purpose and use your achievements to inspire, serve, and uplift others.