In her address, Chancellor Bai Hejira Nefertiti M. Limbona acknowledged the graduating class and left an inspiring message and said, “You carry not just the honor of your degree but the responsibility to build communities anchored on compassion, inclusion, and dignity. Let this be your guiding light: to continue shaping a shared future for mankind.” Following her message, she formally presented the graduates to Atty. Paisalin Tago, CPA, President of the MSU System, represented by Dr. Alma Berowa, Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Berowa then officially conferred the degrees upon this historic batch of graduates.

A highlight of the program was the conferment of an honorary degree to Hon. Amina Rasul-Bernardo, President of the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy and a member of the MSU Board of Regents. She was awarded the degree of Doctor of Public Administration (Honoris Causa) by the members of the Board of Regents and delivered a powerful commencement address.

Regent Amina emphasized the role of personal transformation in national development. “Change begins from within,” she said, stressing that sustainable peace, justice, and development must begin in the hearts, minds, and souls of individuals. She urged the graduates not to wait for others to act, but to “become the very change we seek.” She asserted, “Peace is not a piece of paper,” adding that “laws passed don’t automatically transform a war-torn community into a progressive, resilient one. People do.” She challenged the graduates with the question: “What must I change in myself to become the leader my people need?” and reminded them of the power of individual choice and leadership. “Don’t just rebuild buildings,” she said. “Rebuild trust. Rebuild dignity. Rebuild dreams.” She concluded with a call to action that resonated across the audience: “Lead boldly. Speak truth. Stand firm. And above all—love fiercely.”

Following the keynote address, Class Valedictorian Bai Pamelah P. Mayasa, a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science graduate and Magna Cum Laude, delivered a speech of gratitude and encouragement. Ms. Mayasa moved the audience with a message of hope, resilience, and faith. “As we graduate, may we not be remembered only as the batch with impressive numbers of graduates and honors, but as a generation of graduates who chose to live beyond those things,” she said. “Even if our circumstances limit us, may we never limit our kindness, sincerity, and gratitude.” She added, “We came to MSU with limitations, but we leave with greater possibilities through faith—not for ourselves alone, but so we can become instruments of change for those still struggling to find their way.” In closing, she reminded her fellow graduates: “We may not have reached the peak of success yet, but today we are proof that it is not only for the privileged, but for anyone who believes, works hard, and keeps going despite challenges.”

A touching moment during the ceremony came when the graduates sang their dedication song, “Dreams We Hold,” a performance that captured the emotions of the day. Though it marked the conclusion of their academic journey, it also symbolized the beginning of their larger purpose beyond the university walls.

As the Class of 2025 moves forward, they do so not merely as diploma holders, but as peacebuilders, educators, leaders, and advocates—prepared to uplift the lives of the communities they serve and to help shape the next chapter of the Bangsamoro story.

Congratulations, Batch 2025!