Over a month before they march to claim their diplomas, candidates for graduation from the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) gathered for a Recollection Program held on April 11, 2025, at the Closed Gymnasium of the NEUST Sumacab Campus.

The event offered a space for reflection and gratitude, as students paused to look back on their academic journeys and prepare spiritually for the next chapter of their lives.

In his message, NEUST Vice President for Administration, Business, and Finance (VPABF), Atty. Bembol Castillo emphasized the importance of taking time to reflect.

“This is our time to recollect— tingnan natin kung saan tayo nanggaling, ano ba ang mga dinaanan natin?,” he said.

Atty. Castillo also affirmed the university’s faith in its graduates, stating, “Naniniwala po kami na ang mga graduates ng NEUST ay matatag, makatao, makabayan, at kakayanin ang anumang hamon na darating.”

University President Dr. Rhodora Jugo encouraged the students to approach this moment with both gratitude and a sense of purpose.

“Mahalagang samantalahin natin ito upang pagnilayan ang mga naging karanasan, tagumpay, at hamon na inyong hinaharap bilang mga iskolar ng bayan. Ito ay isang paanyaya upang huminto sandali upang magsuri, magnilay, at muling mapagtanto ang tunay na layunin ng edukasyon– ang maging mabuting tao, maging mapagmalasakit sa kapwa, sa pamayanan, at sa bayan,” she said.

Guest speaker Rev. Fr. Carl John Taduran, Assistant Personal Secretary to the Bishop, focused on the value of introspection.

“Ito ay panahon ng pagninilay upang balikan and nakaraan—mga karanasan, tagumpay, pagkakamali, at pagkukulang—nang may pasasalamat, pagsusuri, at pag-unawa sa kasalukuyan,” said Rev. Fr. Taduran.

Meanwhile, Pastor Renario Yton, Head of the Pastor Pentecostal Missionary, reminded students of the divine source and purpose of wisdom.

“Hindi lamang ito tungkol sa diploma. Ito ay isang pagdiriwang sa biyaya ng Diyos at ng ating paglalakbay– na nagpapaalala sa atin na ang tunay na kahusayan ay hindi lamang nakasalalay sa kasanayan. Ito ay nangangahulugan na yakapin ang pagkakatuto, gamitin ang ating edukasyon hindi lamang sa sariling tagumpay kundi para magsilbi sa iba”, said the Pastor.

The Recollection Program was organized by Dr. Elenita Paet, Director of the NEUST Moral Recovery and Spiritual Uplift Program, as part of the university’s continuing effort to support the holistic formation of its students.

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