Forging a Path for the New Generation
Last September 2, 2023, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde celebrated the milestone of holding the first commencement exercises for Senior High School with the theme: K to 12: Molded Through a Resilient Educational Foundation.
The ceremony was held at the recently restored Manila Metropolitan Theater (or simply the Met) on the corner of Padre Burgos Avenue and Arroceros Street. The only existing Art Deco building of its size and integrity in Asia is an apt venue for history in the making as students, family members, and friends walked the halls of a declared National Cultural Treasure and a National Historical Landmark.
Chancellor Benhur Ong shared in his inspirational message that the first batch of students to graduate from the Benilde Senior High program holds a unique place in history through their dedication, hard work, and unwavering spirit. “From the moment you walked through our doors,” Chancellor Ong told the pioneer batch, “you brought with you a sense of enthusiasm and curiosity that has left an indelible mark on the Benildean community.”
Julian Velasquez, who graduated with highest honors from the Technical, Vocational, and Livelihood – Culinary Arts Strand, shared this sentiment and reminisced in his gratitude speech how hard it was to complete requirements amidst the pandemic. “We were required to do online classes for about two terms, then one term of limited face-to-face, and then three terms of face-to-face,” Julian reminded his peers, “imagine how hard it was for us students and teachers to adapt to what was happening at that time. That is why I applaud everyone who has put in their effort for the two years we have been together.”
In Benilde, aside from Senior High School, SHS also stands for a “successful head start.” This head start is provided through academic strands directly related to a particular degree program in College offered under a permit by the Department of Education. These strands, including Accountancy and Business Management, Arts and Design, General Academics Strand, TVL- Culinary Arts – Hospitality Management – Tourism Management, are also intended to be a prelude to Benilde’s College degree programs with early access to industry-grade facilities used in the College programs.
At the heart of Benilde’s Senior High School program is the core of industry practitioners, educators, and formators who have guided the pioneer graduating batch to this special day. Precious Nicole De Villa from the Accountancy and Business Management Strand is also grateful. “Foremost, Benilde administration and faculty, thank you for being accommodating, understanding, and hardworking to the first batch of Benilde SHS students. Your two years of effort have brought us to be present here today and graduating together with the memories we had with each of you. Thank you for being our Benildean parents who provided us with continuous guidance up until now,” she said in her address.
The Senior High School Graduating Batch of 2023 did not only make history as the first of its kind. These resilient students pushed through with their education amidst the uncertainties brought about by the pandemic. They inspire incoming students that nothing is impossible with God’s grace, diligence, and hard work.
For more information on Benilde’s Senior High School (SHS) Program, contact us at (63) 2 8230 5100 local 1801 or admissions@benilde.edu.ph. You may also visit our website at www.benilde.edu.ph.
