CITE Technical Institute celebrated its 44th Commencement Exercises on August 12, 2026, at the IEC Convention Center Cebu (IC3), honoring 720 graduating students and celebrating their achievements with their families, faculty members, and the CITE community.
The graduating batch comprised 48 graduates in Electronics Engineering Technology, 222 in Mechanical Engineering Technology, 230 in Computer Engineering Technology, and 220 in Electrical Engineering Technology.
Among the highlights of the ceremony was the conferment of CITE’s highest academic distinction, the Academic Excellence Award, to Xian Xymon Alterado and Franz Aranas.
Also recognized was Jaun Carlo Magbago, a board examination topnotcher, for his outstanding performance in the Registered Master Electrician Licensure Examination.
The Leadership Award was presented to graduates who served as class officers for three years. The awardees were:
Vince Brian Abendan, Brent Kyrjeh Abenir, Jhon Carlo Agustines, Ricky Mark Alcomendras, JE Alegado, Seth Cedrick Alfanta, Brixtone Almario, Bazel Armand Alolor, Fhilip Amolo, Frank Andamon, Arclien Antipala, Lee Arn Arenilla, Eden Babiera, Joe Rhoss Bilocura, Reyve Brent Cabalhug, Greig David Cabando, Jules Andrew Capili, Lorainzgreen Cerilles, Ranson Cerilles, Rex Ivan Cuestas, Philip John Cutillas, NJ Chester Dalis, Romel Demoral, Ramel Jr. Dignos, Jemar Dupa, Kenth David Espejo, Matthew Gabisay, Renier Jabagat, Joren Miguel Limosnero, Harvy Luardo, Robert Magallanes Jr., Justine Manguiran, Jasper Mero, Julieven Montes, Calvin Navalon, Kurt Nino Pino, Kirk Jel Presbitero, Jay Eupert Sobrino, Melvin Suralta, Mark Kenith Tagalog, Jade Tangpos, Dexter Paul Tingal, Neil Angelo Unabia, Glenn Valencia, Kimkenth Villaremo, Mark Antony Villarubia, Kent Ybanez, James Carl Yu, and Rei Gabriel Zuasola.
Certificates of Recognition were presented to graduates who demonstrated exemplary behavior and conduct:
Brixtone Almario, Dario Amay Jr., Vince Lawrence Ambos, Christian Rey Angana, Franz Aranas, Jhason Banares, Aple Catadman, Rheylvinz Empas, John Henry Endab, Michael Tristan Flores, Steeve Clark Jopia, Rogin Dale Lercana, Kirby Lanze Pradilla, John Carlo Quino, Kino Justin Rosales, Jerome Rubin, Neil Angelo Unabia, and Aaron Nhiel Velasco.
The Perfect Attendance Award was presented to:
Brixtone Almario, Dario Amay Jr., Vince Lawrence Ambos, Christian Rey Angana, Franz Aranas, Jhason Banares, Aple Catadman, Romel Demoral, Rheylvinz Empas, John Henry Endab, Michael Tristan Flores, James Joseph Inoc, Steeve Clark Jopia, Rogin Dale Lercana, John Lexter Peligro, Kirby Lanze Pradilla, Kirk Jel Presbitero, John Carlo Quino, Kino Justin Rosales, Jerome Rubin, Neil Angelo Unabia, Aaron Nhiel Velasco, and Kimkenth Villaremo.
The Best in Technology Award was conferred on:
Vince Brian Abendan, Celny Lore, Manuel Jay Ancajas, Michael Tristan Flores, Franz Aranas, Jerome Rubin, and Jade Tangpos.
The Merit Award was given to Vince Brian Abendan, Xian Symon Alterado, Franz Aranas, Joren Miguel Limosnero, Jay Eupert Sobrino, and Kimkenth Villaremo for obtaining a General Weighted Average of 1.50 or better during Semesters 4 to 6 of their three-year training.
The Academic Recognition Award was presented to graduates who achieved an overall General Weighted Average of 1.50 or better, with a general weighted average below 1.50 in only one or two semesters during their three-year Diploma Program. The awardees were:
Vince Brian Abendan, Devid Kert Binarao, Reyve Brent Cabalhug, Michael Tristan Flores, Joren Miguel Limosnero, Harvy Luardo, Jade Tangpos, and Kimkenth Villaremo.
The ceremony featured the formal presentation of candidates for graduation, recognition of academic and special awardees, and the traditional hooding ceremony, marking the graduates’ transition from students to CITE alumni and young professionals.
A defining moment of the commencement exercises was the keynote address delivered by Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, Secretary/Director General of TESDA.
Secretary Kiko encouraged the graduates to recognize that the opportunities ahead of them are far greater than they may have originally imagined. He emphasized that they are bringing home something much more valuable than a technical-vocational diploma—the confidence, competence, and ability to “learn, relearn, and unlearn.”
He urged the graduates to remain lifelong learners, embrace change, and continuously challenge themselves to go beyond their limits.
The commencement exercises also became a heartfelt occasion of gratitude as the graduates paid tribute to their parents and guardians, whose sacrifices, encouragement, and unwavering support made their education possible.
Adding to this celebration of family support, 222 parents were recognized for achieving perfect attendance in the Education for Development Seminar Series throughout the graduates’ three-year journey at CITE.
The 44th Commencement Exercises marked not only the completion of the graduates’ technical education but also the beginning of a new chapter. As they step into the world of work, the graduates carry with them not only technical knowledge and skills but also the values of Work, Prayer, and Service that form an essential part of the CITE experience.
The event was also attended by the officers and members of the CITE Board of Trustees, headed by Chairman Jose Soberano III, as well as industry partners and scholarship grantors, whose continued support contributes significantly to the education and formation of CITE students.
CITE extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the 44th Commencement Exercises, particularly:
bit.ly/MACAudioandLightsRentalServices for the lights and sound
bit.ly/JBPhotography1 for the event coverage
https://bit.ly/CeleventbyApol for the set design