Brimming with brio, the 31st batch of graduates from CITE Technical Institute, Inc. celebrated a significant milestone during the 42nd Commencement Exercises held at the IEC Convention Center Cebu on August 20, 2024. For the 334 graduates, the ceremony marked the culmination of their academic journey—one filled with perseverance and success.
CITE management staff and board conferred diplomas, with special recognition for outstanding academic achievements. Michael Antiga, an Electrical Engineering Technology graduate, was the sole awardee of Academic Excellence Award for maintaining a General Weighted Average (GWA) of 1.5 throughout his three years of training. Nine other graduates—Brent Excel Alquezar, Jamel Belvestre, Vincent Moran, Michael John Antiga, Nathan Cris Asilom, Elizar Gimenez, Normand Joaquin, Lord Rhysen Remosel, and Joelito Rivas also received recognition for achieving a GWA of 1.5 or better but with GWA of lower than 1.5 in one or two semesters during the entire duration of the diploma program.
Michael John Antiga and Lieboy Laurente were awarded for having obtained a general weighted average of 1.5 or better during the DTS semesters in their technology subjects for the entire duration of the diploma program. The Best in Technology Award was given to Michael John Antiga, Nathan Cris Asilom, Ronnie Andrew Laurente, and James Clyde Sacare for their exemplary skills in their respective fields.
Parents who completed the three-year Education for Development Seminar series were presented with certificates of completion, highlighting their participation in the students’ academic journey.
Christopher Abalos, an alumnus of Batch 7 in Electronics Engineering Technology and now a section head at MinebeaMitsumi, delivered an inspiring message to the graduates. Abalos emphasized that perseverance, discipline, and the right mindset are key to overcoming challenges. “Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations,” he reminded the graduates.
Keynote speaker Dr. Pericles “Ricky” Dakay, of Dakay Construction and Development Corporation, stressed the importance of technical competence, self-mastery, and lifelong learning. He also honored the role of parents in shaping the graduates’ journeys and underscored the importance of relationships, collaboration, and service. His message resonated to the graduates: “The best way to discover and find yourself is to lose yourself in the spirit of service.”
The ceremony honored Batch 31’s 90 Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates, 87 Electrical Engineering Technology graduates, 70 Computer Engineering Technology graduates, and 87 Electronics Engineering Technology graduates—each ready to embark on the next phase of their careers.
CITE’s Board Chairman, Jose Soberano III, alongside trustees Dr. Efren Valiente and Mr. Sigmund Estreba, personally conferred the diplomas. Also present were TESDA specialists Jun Rey Enojardo, Zaira Calago, and Priscilla Gayas; Engr. Edgar Watin, Vice President of Cebu Contractors Association; and representatives from various organizations, including Melchora Vicas from Big Hoop Charitable, and MinebeaMitsumi senior manager Hubert Deiparine.