The Governor Mariano E. Villafuerte Community College (GMVCC)-Libmanan proudly held its 5th Commencement Exercises on June 26–27, 2026, conferring degrees upon 422 graduates at Potot, Libmanan, Camarines Sur. The ceremony was held under the theme, "Class of 2026: Values-Driven Workforce, Digitally Inclined Lifelong Learners."

The exercises were conducted in two batches. On June 26, 192 graduates received their degrees in Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship (BS Entrep). The following day, June 27, 230 graduates in the Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education (BTVTEd) — majoring in Automotive Technology, Electrical Technology, and Electronics Technology — crossed the stage to complete their academic journey.

Hon. Vincenzo Renato Luigi Villafuerte, Representative of the Second Congressional District of Camarines Sur, served as the commencement speaker, delivering a message centered on the power of consistency and character.

“One of the greatest equalizers in life is hard work. Talent is important. Intelligence matters. But consistency beats talent when talent refuses to work,” he said. He reminded the graduates to make small, positive choices every day, choosing difficult paths over easy ones to build extraordinary lives.

He also stressed the civic responsibility of the graduates. “Today, you receive more than a diploma. You receive a responsibility. A responsibility to use your education not only to build a better life for yourself, but to help build a better society.” 

The BS Entrep batch produced seven cum laude graduates and 27 academic distinctions, while the BTVTEd batch produced 15 cum laude graduates and 30 academic distinctions.

Among the awardees was Baby Jane J. Bucay, 23, of Barangay Bical, Libmanan, who graduated cum laude with the highest General Weighted Average in the BS Entrep batch. She also received the Best in Oral Defense, Best in Apprenticeship, and Service Award. Bucay, a mother, said she persevered through moments of doubt to complete her degree. “Hindi ako titigil hangga't hindi ko nakakamit ‘yung pangarap ko para sa sarili ko at para sa pamilya ko,” she said.

Like her fellow graduates, she hopes that more young dreamers will take advantage of the opportunities at GMVCC. “Dahil aside sa libre, very accessible din siya sa mga taga-Libmanan, and also nearby municipalities,” she encouraged. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in entrepreneurship, become a teacher, and start her own business. 

​Ronald Jomark G. Volante, 38, of Barangay Bahay, Libmanan, a former Philippine Army member and father of three, also graduated cum laude with a BTVTEd major in Automotive Technology after ten years of military service. “Dahil sa kagustuhan ko na magkaroon din ng maayos na trabaho, hindi lang 'yung sa construction or sa mga arawan na lebelado lang ang sahod, kaya nagpursigi po ako na makapagtapos,” he said. 

Having started working at 17 years old, Volante witnessed how difficult it could be to secure better opportunities without a degree. “Mahirap po pala talaga na kapag wala kang edukasyon, kahit may kakayahan ka, hindi ka matatanggap basta-basta sa maayos na trabaho,” he reflected. This realization drives him to dream bigger.

Meanwhile, Mary Kyle Q. Bustamante, 22, of Barangay Alteza, Sipocot, graduated with a BTVTEd major in Electronics Technology. She also received an Academic Distinction, including Outstanding Demo Teaching, Best in Internship, Best in Oral Defense, and Service Awardee for the Tara, Basa Tutoring Program.

Coming from a family with limited resources, she considered the opportunity to study at GMVCC-Libmanan as a life-changing blessing. “Ako saro po ako sa mga estudyanteng nangangarap lang pong magklase, and then nataw-an po ning opportunity na makapagklase. So, dakulang tabang po na magkaigwa po ning arog kaining eskulahan digdi sa Libmanan kung sain po libre po an pagklase,” she said.

She travelled over two hours from Libmanan to Sipocot, often arriving home late because of schoolwork. Raised by a solo-parent father and supported by her brother, she poured full determination to give back to her family. 

As she leaves college, Bustamante carries with her the values of determination, resilience, and the desire to improve her life. She shared, “Ako pinangaking mahirap, habo ko pong magadan na mahirap pa nanggad, so kaipuhan ko po na igwang improvement po sa buhay ko.”

Bustamante expressed deep appreciation to the people behind the establishment of GMVCC. “Kay Governor Lray Villafuerte po, maraming salamat po ta nagkaigwa po ning eskwelahan na kung sain tinao niya para buksan sa mga kabataan na gusto pa pong mag-eskwela,” she said. 

The shared achievement of every student in GMVCC-Libmanan reflects the Provincial Government's continuous commitment to provide Libmaneños and Camarinenses with quality, free, and accessible higher education. Under the leadership of Governor Lray Villafuerte, chairperson of the Board of Trustees, GMVCC will even expand where ambition is met with opportunity, regardless of one's means.