As graduates continue their journey, they should prioritize service to others, and embody practices aligned with the University’s values, Rev Fr Isaias Antonio D. Tiongco, O.P, Acting Rector of UST, said on Friday, May 31, at the UST Field.

In his homily during the Baccalaureate Mass of Batch 2024, the vice-rector remarked that serving others, especially the “most vulnerable and marginalized” should be at the forefront of the graduates’ endeavors.

According to Tiongco, the graduates embody academic excellence and have the ability to make a break in the field, just like Mary.

“The world awaits your contributions, your ideas, your leadership, remember you will not just be a University graduate, but [also] a bearer of a rich tradition that calls you to make a difference,” he said.

Tiongco referred to the 7,795 graduates as the University’s “pandemic batch” as they began their studies at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, facing numerous challenges throughout their stay at UST.

“The sudden shift to online learning, the absence of the traditional campus life, and the need for constant adaptation tested your abilities, yet you rose to the occasion,” he said.

Despite this, the graduates earned a “unique strength and unwavering perseverance,” serving them well in the future.

The vice-rector encouraged the students to carry the values they learned at UST as the “pioneers of the new era” as they exhibited a remarkable learning experience.

"You have demonstrated that education transcends physical boundaries and that the spirit of Thomasian excellence can thrive in any circumstance," he said.

“Your journey attests to the power of hope, the importance of innovation, and the strength of the human spirit. Carry with you the lessons learned and embrace change confidently and courageously, face adversity, and passionately pursue your dreams,” Tiongco added.

He also acknowledged the significant contributions of University members, along with the faculty and staff, to the graduates’ journey.

At the end of his homily, he reminded the batch to “always go with God.”

The Baccalaureate Mass will be followed by a post-mass program, a fireworks display featuring BINI and SB19 songs, and the traditional recessional walk through the Arch of the Centuries.