Fifty-two graduates (52) received their degrees as the Governor Mariano E. Villafuerte Community College (GMVCC)-Siruma celebrated its 5th Commencement Exercises on June 23, 2026, anchored on the theme "Class of 2026: Values-Driven Workplace, Digitally Inclined Lifelong Learners."
Graduates completed programs in Bachelor of Science in Fisheries (BSFi); Bachelor of Technical Vocational Teacher Education (BTVTEd) major in Automotive Technology and Computer Hardware Servicing; and Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship (BS Entrep).
Governor Luis Raymund “Lray” F. Villafuerte Jr., chairperson of the Board of Trustees, was represented by Vice Governor Salvio Patrick Edmund “Sal” F. Fortuno Jr. Jose Magno Conag Fortuna, the Administration, Legal and Security Supervisor of Toyota Aisin Philippines, Inc., delivered the commencement address, while Engr. Janet N. Naag, Supervising Education Specialist of the Commission on Higher Education Region V, served as the guest speaker.
In his message, Vice Governor Fortuno congratulated the graduates of GMVCC-Siruma, recognizing the sacrifices of students, parents, and teachers alike. He reminded them that graduation marks not the end of a journey, but the beginning of continuous growth. “The most exciting part of your journey is not the diploma in your hand, but it is the curiosity in your head,” he said.
He urged the graduates to remain curious, embrace challenges, and use their knowledge in service of others. Invoking Albert Einstein, Fortuno told the assembly, “The moment you stop learning is the moment you start dying” — a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge extends far beyond the classroom.
The stories of two graduates, among others, perfectly reflect that message.
Roderick San Buenaventura Jr. of Barangay La Purisima, Siruma, earned his BTVTEd degree in Computer Hardware Servicing cum laude, despite financial constraints that once left him doubting whether he could finish. He recalled his second and third years as the most difficult, when resources were scarcest — and when his parents’ encouragement kept him going.
“Kamo po ang nagtao nin opportunity sa gabos na mga bagay na kung ano man ang na-achieve ko ngunyan [You gave me the opportunity for everything I have achieved today],” he said, crediting the school’s administration. “GMVCC gave me multiple doors of opportunity for me to strive on my own.” He encouraged other students facing similar hardship to pursue their education.
Gracia Rin of Poblacion, Siruma, graduated with a BS Entrep degree and received the Service Award. The first in her family to earn a college degree, she completed her studies while training in massage therapy through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Pili, building a steady clientele even before graduation.
“Sobra pong nakatabang ’to sa pamilya ko. Enot na enot po sa panggastos po sa aroaldaw, si mga gastusan po, na-cover na po kang pag-massage ko [This has helped my family a lot. First and foremost, our daily expenses are now covered by my income from massage],” she said.
For Gracia, studying at GMVCC-Siruma opened several doors for her. She thanked Governor Lray Villafuerte for establishing the institution. “Sana po dakol pa po kamong matabangan na mga arog ko pong estudyante na gusto pong makapagtapos and magpatuloy sa buhay [I hope you can help many more students like me who want to finish their studies and move forward in life],” she said.
This milestone is a testament to the Provincial Government's steadfast commitment to ensuring that quality higher education reaches geographically inaccessible and disadvantaged areas across the province, helping students achieve their dreams despite poverty.
