CITE Technical Institute marked a significant milestone with its 43rd Commencement Exercises held on July 25, 2025, at its San Jose, Cebu City. A total of 111 students from Batch 32 were honored for successfully completing their three-year diploma programs in Computer Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, and Electronics Engineering Technology.
In his welcome address, CITE Finance Director Mr. Tomas Yap expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the faculty, staff, families, and supporters who journeyed with the graduates throughout their academic formation. He likewise acknowledged the vital contributions of donors and partner organizations whose generosity and belief in the mission of CITE made this day possible. Among the graduates were 17 students from Negros Island, 20 scholars under the Cebu City College Scholarship Program, and 2 scholars supported by private donor Mr. Malony Aradillos. Notably, 44 graduates had already secured employment prior to the ceremony—demonstrating the job readiness and competitiveness of CITE graduates in the industry.
CITE President and Executive Director Dr. José Ramiro Carpio Jr. formally presented the graduating class to the Board of Trustees, which consisted of 2 graduates from Electrical Engineering Technology, 5 from Computer Engineering Technology, 26 from Mechanical Engineering Technology, and 78 from Electronics Engineering Technology. The diplomas were conferred by Chairman of the Board Mr. Jose Soberano III, alongside other trustees including Dr. Jose Rene Gayo and Vice President Engr. Oscar Rodriguez. Adding further distinction to the event, Negros Oriental First District Representative Congressman Emmanuel “MM” Iway joined in presenting certificates to the graduates.
Serving as keynote speaker, Cebu City Mayor Hon. Nestor Archival Sr. delivered an inspiring message to the graduating class, emphasizing the importance of self-discipline, continuous learning, and gratitude. “You’ve passed what you needed to pass—and that alone is an achievement worth celebrating,” he declared. The mayor encouraged the graduates to stay focused on their personal growth and avoid distractions, especially commitments that hinder their progress. “If something doesn’t support your growth, cut it. Instead, cultivate what helps you become better,” he advised. He also reminded the graduates that true success isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room, but about listening—because listening opens doors to learning and wisdom. Highlighting the Japanese concept of kaizen, or continuous improvement, Mayor Archival urged the graduates never to settle and to always strive for growth. He closed his message by reminding them to prioritize health, express gratitude—especially to their parents—and to define success by how many lives they uplift along the way.
The event also recognized several students for their outstanding performance and behavior. The Leadership Award was presented to John Roman Anodan, Niño Rey Barbero, Jenessis Canales, Elijah Espadilla, and John Roy Rigodon. The Exemplary Behavior Award was conferred to 14 students who consistently demonstrated good conduct throughout their stay at CITE. Recipients included Anodan, Balasabas, Barbero, Cabatingan, Cadampog, Canales, Gio, Lepiten, Mercene, Moreno, Ordesta, Orque, Tero, and Vistar.
Three students—Barbero, Moreno, and Orque—were honored with the Perfect Attendance Award for completing the entire three-year program without a single absence or tardy mark. The Best in Technology Award was given to John Roy Rigodon and Ivan Esoto for their excellence in their respective technical fields. The Certificate of Merit, awarded to students with a GWA of 1.50 or better in their final three semesters, was given to Ivan Dimco Esoto, Eric Razonale, and John Roy Caballes Rigodon.
Six students earned the Academic Recognition Award for achieving an overall GWA of 1.50 or better, with recognition going to Canales, Esoto, Fajardo, Medio, Razonale, and Ricaza. The highest academic distinction, the Academic Excellence Award, was conferred to John Roy Rigodon for maintaining a GWA of 1.50 or better across all semesters of the three-year program.
The ceremony also featured heartfelt messages from notable individuals who shaped the event with personal insight and inspiration. Mr. Bobby Sabang, an alumnus and now Operational Excellence Manager at Autoliv Cebu, shared his professional journey and the value of discipline and technical formation he received at CITE. Parent representative Mrs. Jonalyn Rigodon, a Perfect Attendance Awardee of the Education Seminar Series, and graduate speaker Jenessis Canales also delivered touching messages representing the voices of families and students alike.
The event concluded with a pledge of loyalty to the alma mater led by Alumni Association President Mr. Friendly Ferolino, followed by a class pictorial and post-ceremony fellowship with faculty and families.
The 43rd Commencement Exercises of CITE Technical Institute not only celebrated academic completion but also reaffirmed CITE’s mission to form young men who embody the institution’s core values: Work. Pray. Serve. With pride and purpose, the graduates of Batch 2025 now look ahead to their future roles in industry, community, and society.