Multi-Faith Leaders Offer Guidance to BukSU Class of 2025

Graduating students of Bukidnon State University (BukSU) took part in a multi-faith baccalaureate service on June 16, 2025, at the university’s Audio-Visual Center.

The event, held ahead of the institution’s 91st Annual Commencement Exercises, brought together religious leaders from various faith traditions to share reflections and ethical guidance for the class of 2025.

The service featured messages from leaders representing multiple religious communities. Pastor Orville B. Yambagon Jr. of the Fundamental Baptist Church emphasized the importance of spiritual grounding in setting and achieving life goals.

“Before you achieve something you desire, you must delight yourself in the Lord,” said Pastor Yambagon.

His message focused on the idea that faith can help provide clarity, resilience, and moral direction as graduates prepare to enter their respective professions.

Rev. Father Bobby V. Cena of the Roman Catholic addressed the dangers of ego-driven ambition. He encouraged the graduates to pursue ethical leadership and warned them to avoid becoming the kind of leaders who harm others.

“Be a leader and do not turn into a devil,” advised Father Rev. Cena to the graduating students.

Other religious leaders who attended the multi-faith baccalaureate service were Datu Rhufo U. Inanod of the Datu Bagyasan-Higaonon Tribe, representing the Indigenous Cultural Community; Imam Noel “Abdul Kareem” J. Blanco III for the Islamic faith; Pastor Clyde T. Sumatra of the Seventh-day Adventist Church; and Mr. Glenn C. Consad of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Each leader offered messages aligned with their respective beliefs, reinforcing the university’s effort to provide an inclusive spiritual environment for its diverse student population.

The baccalaureate service forms part of BukSU’s annual academic and cultural traditions, which recognize the role of moral and spiritual development alongside intellectual achievement. (Genavev Labora, IU Intern)