16/09/2026
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
15 September 2026
500+ USeP Students Back Bantay Graduation Rites Coalition, Fight to a Democratic and Student-Centered University
USeP OBRERO, DAVAO CITY—More than 500 students signed the petition of the Bantay Graduation Rites Coalition, a broad formation of representative from student organizations, class mayors, and student partners, including Rise for Education Obrero and Paragon, demanding for accountability over the delayed graduation rites and the series of abrupt and poorly communicated decisions surrounding the ceremony.
USeP traditionally holds its graduation rites in June or July. This year, however, the ceremony was held on September 11, affecting the plans, licensure examination preparations, and finances of nearly 2,000 graduating students.
The Coalition stressed that the issue goes beyond the delayed schedule. Students also experienced abrupt and poorly communicated changes in the graduation program, including the sudden replacement of “SLMT” by SB19 with “For Good” from Wicked. For the Coalition, these incidents reflect a larger problem: decisions directly affecting students continue to be made without genuine and meaningful participation from the student body.
“The students, this time, will not simply become passive while waiting for the administration’s edict. We are appalled as to how the sentiments of the students were disregarded. We will actively participate in shaping the policies and decisions in the university,” Bantay Graduation Rites Coalition said.
The Coalition challenged the administration’s claim that students were substantially informed or consulted about the graduation schedule. The “HEAR US” survey conducted by the USeP Obrero Student Council and United Statistics Student Organization found that 63% of the respondents opposed the unusual September schedule, while only 21% supported it and 16% were undecided.
The Academic Calendar for AY 2025-2026 was approved through BOR Resolution No. 49, s. 2025 which was released on July 8, 2025. Student Regent Giana Alliona A. Caminade was present at the Board of Regents meeting where the calendar was approved. The Coalition said graduating students only learned of the September schedule through the university’s official announcement in its social media platforms. On June 9, 2026, the administration subsequently denied the students’ request for July 2026 graduation rites.
“Students spoke and refused to remain silent. Now the succeeding graduating batch is scheduled to hold its graduation rites on July 9, 2027. This is precisely the reason why the students must organize,” the Coalition asserted.
For the Coalition, this is not simply a dispute over a graduation date. It is a question of students rights and democratic university governance.
“We love USeP and we are proud of the university that shaped us. Precisely because we care for the university, we refuse to remain silent when students who sustain the living body of this academic community are excluded from decisions that affect them..” the Coalition added.
The Coalition vowed to continue organizing and mobilizing students for genuine consultation, transparency, accountability, and democratic participation in the university governance.
“To every USePian, we must realize the power of collective action. Participate in the student councils and organizations. We must speak when our rights are threatened. Organize when our voices are ignored. We have a responsibility to fight for the USeP we deserve.” The Coalition ended.
For reference:
MEL BALIGUAT
Coordinator, Rise for Education Obrero
[email protected]
SAM MELVIN CARTECIANO
President, Paragon
[email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
15 September 2026
500+ USeP Students Back Bantay Graduation Rites Coalition, Fight to a Democratic and Student-Centered University
USeP OBRERO, DAVAO CITY—More than 500 students signed the petition of the Bantay Graduation Rites Coalition, a broad formation of representative from student organizations, class mayors, and student partners, including Rise for Education Obrero and Paragon, demanding for accountability over the delayed graduation rites and the series of abrupt and poorly communicated decisions surrounding the ceremony.
USeP traditionally holds its graduation rites in June or July. This year, however, the ceremony was held on September 11, affecting the plans, licensure examination preparations, and finances of nearly 2,000 graduating students.
The Coalition stressed that the issue goes beyond the delayed schedule. Students also experienced abrupt and poorly communicated changes in the graduation program, including the sudden replacement of “SLMT” by SB19 with “For Good” from Wicked. For the Coalition, these incidents reflect a larger problem: decisions directly affecting students continue to be made without genuine and meaningful participation from the student body.
“The students, this time, will not simply become passive while waiting for the administration’s edict. We are appalled as to how the sentiments of the students were disregarded. We will actively participate in shaping the policies and decisions in the university,” Bantay Graduation Rites Coalition said.
The Coalition challenged the administration’s claim that students were substantially informed or consulted about the graduation schedule. The “HEAR US” survey conducted by the USeP Obrero Student Council and United Statistics Student Organization found that 63% of the respondents opposed the unusual September schedule, while only 21% supported it and 16% were undecided.
The Academic Calendar for AY 2025-2026 was approved through BOR Resolution No. 49, s. 2025 which was released on July 8, 2025. Student Regent Giana Alliona A. Caminade was present at the Board of Regents meeting where the calendar was approved. The Coalition said graduating students only learned of the September schedule through the university’s official announcement in its social media platforms. On June 9, 2026, the administration subsequently denied the students’ request for July 2026 graduation rites.
“Students spoke and refused to remain silent. Now the succeeding graduating batch is scheduled to hold its graduation rites on July 9, 2027. This is precisely the reason why the students must organize,” the Coalition asserted.
For the Coalition, this is not simply a dispute over a graduation date. It is a question of students rights and democratic university governance.
“We love USeP and we are proud of the university that shaped us. Precisely because we care for the university, we refuse to remain silent when students who sustain the living body of this academic community are excluded from decisions that affect them..” the Coalition added.
The Coalition vowed to continue organizing and mobilizing students for genuine consultation, transparency, accountability, and democratic participation in the university governance.
“To every USePian, we must realize the power of collective action. Participate in the student councils and organizations. We must speak when our rights are threatened. Organize when our voices are ignored. We have a responsibility to fight for the USeP we deserve.” The Coalition ended.
For reference:
MEL BALIGUAT
Coordinator, Rise for Education Obrero
[email protected]
SAM MELVIN CARTECIANO
President, Paragon
[email protected]
Bantay Graduation Rites Coalition
