19/05/2026
NEWS | CLSU to Hold First-Ever College-Based Graduation; Class Valedictorian Records 1.03 GPA - the Highest in University History
To provide a more intimate and meaningful celebration for graduates and their families, Central Luzon State University (CLSU) will transition to a college-based graduation format for its 74th Annual Commencement Exercises, scheduled from May 21 to 26, 2026.
This new format addresses the university's growing student population and streamlines logistics by eliminating the traditional Tea Party and integrating student recognition programs directly into the college-specific events.
This initiative was proposed and approved through the Council of Deans to honor the graduates’ parents and guardians by allowing them to join the academic procession, accompany the graduates on stage during the awarding of diplomas and recognition rites, take commemorative photographs, and witness the ceremony more closely through a more personalized and meaningful program flow that departs from the traditional commencement format.
The university will recognize 2,648 graduates this year, with 959 earning academic honors. Among the honor graduates are 57 with Honors, 6 with High Honors, 728 Cum Laude, and 165 Magna Cum Laude.
Three exceptional students earned the highest academic distinction of Summa Cum Laude for the Class of 2026. Leading the graduating class as Class Valedictorian is Mr. Peter Ryuken Hermosura of the BS Meteorology program, who achieved an outstanding 1.03 GPA - the highest general weighted average ever recorded in the history of CLSU.
Joining him at the pinnacle of academic excellence are Ms. Precious Lyneth Sampayan of the Bachelor of Secondary Education program, who earned a remarkable 1.11 GPA, and Mr. Karl Harvey Santiago of the BA Social Sciences program, who attained an impressive 1.16 GPA. Together, they exemplify the unwavering commitment, discipline, and academic excellence that define the Class of 2026.
Guided by the theme, "Nakaugat sa pamana, pinagyaman ng karunungan, ginabayan ng kagandahang-asal, pinapanday ang mga lider ng kinabukasan," the week-long milestone will follow a revised timeline.
The graduation events will officially start on Thursday, May 21, with the Ecumenical Baccalaureate Services.
On Friday morning, May 22, at 6:00 AM, CLSU will hold a unified, university-wide ceremony dedicated to the formal conferment of degrees.
Following the main event, individual colleges will host separate graduation ceremonies starting the afternoon of Friday, May 22, and will run until Tuesday, May 26. These smaller, localized events will handle individual student marching and diploma distribution.
As the campus finalizes its preparations, the university administration encourages the graduating class to fully appreciate this momentous milestone, which represents the culmination of nearly half a decade of their academic perseverance.
