Caraga State University (CSU), through the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Auxiliary Services (OVPSAAS) and the Office of Admission and Scholarship (OAS), hosted Scholars’ Night 2026: Honoring Brilliance, Inspiring Futures on June 16, 2026, at the VCDU Prince Hotel in Imadejas, Butuan City.
The celebration was held to recognize the outstanding achievements, dedication, and perseverance of the 100 graduating scholars who have successfully completed their degree programs through the university’s diverse institutional scholarship pathways. Additionally, the event served as an official expression of gratitude to the various government and private partner institutions that provided crucial financial and developmental backing to the students throughout their academic journeys.
Among the outstanding scholars recognized was Wendel Rey C. Salaum, an Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ANECO) scholar and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology student, who graduated as the Summa Cum Laude and Valedictorian of the Class of 2026.
Bench S. Aparece, a CHED-TDP scholar from the Higaonon Tribe, shared an inspiring message that deeply touched the audience. He said, “Sometimes all it takes to change a life is for someone to simply say, ‘I believe in you.’” His story represents so many other scholars who were able to chase their dreams because someone gave them a chance through a scholarship.
CSU President Dr. Rolyn C. Daguil, alongside Vice President for Student Affairs and Auxiliary Services Dr. Rissa L. Mercado, personally commended the graduating scholars for their academic excellence.
The university leaders also formally welcomed key stakeholders and representatives from the scholarship-granting organizations in attendance, including the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Caraga Region, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga, Landbank of the Philippines (LBP), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ANECO), and the Provincial Government Units of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Dinagat Islands.
This event was initiated and made possible through the Scholarship Unit Head, Associate Professor Airish Pelemeniano-Jumonong, together with the unwavering dedication of the OAS team, Ms. Mercie O. Cagas, Ms. Donalyn Plaza, and Ms. Ivy Rose Basañez, under the guidance of Dr. Sheila Rae E. Permanes, Director of the Office of Admission and Scholarship.
