July 8, 2016 – Despite the pouring rain, even Mother Nature could not postpone the 6th Commencement Exercises of Manila Business College (MBC) held at the Star Theater in Pasay City. School administrators, faculty, and staff, excited graduates, and proud parents and family members graced the jam-packed venue; a significant moment and milestone for the 192 MBC graduates.
With the theme: "Turning Dreams into Reality, Opportunities into Careers, Inspired Youth into Responsible Filipinos”, the event started with the procession for Candidates for Graduation and was followed by the entrance of MBC faculty, administrators, and commencement speaker. Jameson Chua, MBC Executive Vice President (EVP) then proceeded to officially start the festivities with his welcome address to the graduating class.
Ma. Theresa Jotie, Vice President (VP) for Corporate Human Resource (HR) Operations Group of Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) and Messy Bessy Cleaners Inc. founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kristina Reyes-Lopez next gave their inspirational messages.
JFC has been partnering with MBC since 2009 to offer students opportunities to study and work through the Skills Enhancement and Educational Development for Students (SEEDS) program. Messy Bessy Cleaners Inc. meanwhile, is one of more than a dozen private, government, and non-government institutions teaming-up with MBC under the Knowledge, Experience, Income (KEI) program.
The highlight of the afternoon was a touching speech from the event’s guest of honor and commencement address speaker, David O. Chua, President of Cathay Pacific Steel Corporation (CAPASCO) and Asia Pacific Capital Equities and Securities Corporation, who was introduced by VP for Administration and Finance, Judy Chua.
From an initial batch of eight Messy Bessy workers who took entrance exams to enter MBC in 2012, Angiela overcame the initial hardships of integrating with her younger classmates, relearning how college students act and think in classroom environments, and continuing her tasks as an office staff for Messy Bessy to finally getting a diploma in June 2016.
Afterwards, plaques of recognition were handed out by MBC Founder and Chairman Dr. Thomas CK. Chua to representatives of partner organizations, namely: AFP-EBSO, Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare (DSWD)-Caloocan, DSWD-Las Piñas, DSWD-Manila, DSWD-Navotas, DSWD-NCR, DSWD-Pateros, DSWD-Quezon City, Harvesters for Christ Foundation Inc., Hospicio de San Jose, Kamanggawa Foundation Inc., Messy Bessy Cleaners Inc., Minor Basilica & National Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Young Focus International.
Candidates from courses offered by MBC: Business Administration Management (BSBA-MGT), Marketing (BSBA-MKTG), Accounting Technology (BS-ACCTG.TECH), Hospitality Management (BS-HIM), and Information Systems (BS-IS) were presented by Jenny Chua, VP for Academic Affairs to MBC President Jason Ocampo, before each student was called to go up on stage and receive his or her diploma..
The Skills Enhancement and Educational Development for Students (SEEDS) program, of which Abegael is a part of, allows student-trainees to pursue a degree through a financial assistance as well as earning a decent wage, acquiring real-world competencies, attitude, and work values through in-store training.
Magna cum Laude Shara Rica Ajedo, a BS-HIM graduate, was given the task and honor of delivering the valedictory address. To further inspire and motivate the graduates to strive and work hard for a better future, Messy Bessy supervisor, BS-ACCTG.TECH graduate, and the first KEI scholar to earn a diploma Angiela Mae Deligero gave a heartfelt testimonial to everyone in attendance.
After the alumni oath-taking and pledge of loyalty, each new MBC graduate gallantly stood up and loudly sang the alma mater song; their last time, formally, as students of MBC, and their first as proud Manila Business College alumni.
