The DMMA College of Southern Philippines held its 32nd Commencement and 25th Recognition Exercises at the SMX Convention Center Davao on June 27, 2026. The ceremony gathered graduates, parents, faculty, and industry leaders to celebrate academic achievement and the personal journeys behind each diploma.
Ceremony Highlights and Keynote Address
Commencement speaker Captain Allan Falkenberg addressed the Class of 2026, emphasizing the global significance of their maritime careers. “Approximately 90 percent of global trade moves by sea. You are here to move it by sea and support it at the sea,” he said, urging graduates to embrace lifelong learning.
Graduate speaker Princess Kelly S. Adaya highlighted the role of mentors. “This institution is more than classrooms, grades, and requirements. It is the people who make every student’s journey meaningful,” she said. “For many of us, you became our second parents whenever we were away from home… you believed in us when we doubted ourselves.”
Emotional Tributes to Families
Magna Cum Laude graduate Mark Adrian R. Rances delivered a moving tribute to parents. “Every medal placed around our neck carries the weight of someone else’s sacrifice,” he said. “Every graduate standing here is proof that somewhere along the way, someone refused to give up on us.” He described parents as “anchors” and declared, “We are your medals. We are your certificates. We are the living proof that your sacrifices were not wasted.”
Parents stood in recognition as graduates turned to face them, creating a moment of gratitude and emotion.
Global Industry Ties and Future Prospects
The event also underscored the institution’s strong ties to the global maritime industry, with international partners present. For graduates, the ceremony marked both an ending and a beginning, as years of training and sacrifice prepared them for careers that may take them across oceans.
