ASoG celebrates milestone: 232 graduates in largest class yet

A record-breaking 232 students graduate from the Master in Public Management (MPM) program of the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG), at the 2024 Baccalaureate Mass & Commencement Exercises of ASoG, held last 24 November 2024, Sunday, at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater, Ateneo de Manila.

Official candidates for graduation attended a session on Internal Governance the day prior, 23 November, led by Ms. Miriam Delos Santos, Director of the Office for Mission and Identity. In the seminar, pillars of leadership that are expected to be embodied by the candidates were discussed.

The Baccalaureate Mass the next day was presided by the University President, Father Roberto C Yap SJ, and was co-presided by Chaplain for Higher Education, Father Antonio Roberto G Sian SJ. In his homily, Fr Sian shared that while leaders must indeed engage in good governance, God has a greater purpose for people’s existence. He reminds the graduates to keep the faith as they serve their respective communities and to make loving and trusting God their motivation.

After the Baccalaureate Mass, the Commencement Exercises followed immediately. 

Nine medalists lead the MPM Class of 2024, headed by the Valedictorian, Lt Col Charlie A Domingo Jr PN (M) (GSC) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). He is joined by gold medalists Renzo Enrico DG Blanco and Meccar Moniem H Elino; as well as silver medalists Alberto E Antonio Jr, Uriel C Cachero, Charlie A Domingo Jr, Chelsea Kamille F Fandiñola, Sarah Reem D Hesham Mohamed Hagag, Maria Patricia R Moran, and Ildebrando R Ruaya Jr.

ASoG Dean Philip Arnold P Tuaño PhD ushered the hooding ceremony of the graduates before the awarding of the diplomas. The graduates then were called to march up the stage, ordered by their respective specialized MPM tracks: 82 for the Standard Track; one for the Energy Transitions Track; 135 for the Health Governance Track; and 14 for the Security Governance Track.

In his valedictory speech, Lt Col Domingo Jr explained how his ASoG education enhanced his “leadership toolkit” and enabled him to translated his MPM learnings into his area of expertise: “The experience provided me with a broader perspective on how the different dynamics of defense and security, good governance, and equitable development must be pursued and integrated holistically [to] promote the well-being of our country and people, all for the greater glory of God.”

His Governance Innovation Report (GIR), "Interoperability of the Marine Amphibious Ready Unit Capability Development Program (MARUCDP) with Key Allies, Counterpart Agencies and LGUs: Towards Secured, Safe and Resilient Philippine Territory" proposes innovation focused on the capability development of the Marine Corps’ battalions to be part of an Amphibious Ready Force for naval, joint, combined, and interagency operations.

Meanwhile, this year’s Commencement Speaker, Dr. Jaime Z Galvez Tan imparted stories from his experience with fishing communities in rural areas and how it impacted his views on leadership. He closed his message with a point to ponder for the graduates: “You have to be very honest about why you’re doing what you’re doing. Are you serving for the praises of men and women or for the glory of our Lord God?”

After the awarding of the diplomas, the graduates were led by Class of 2023 Silver Medalist Rommel Besorio as they took their Oath of Alumni, titled “Ang Panunumpang Atenista Batay sa Paglilingkod sa Kapwa.” After this, Ateneo de Manila University President, Father Roberto C Yap SJ delivered his parting message, as well as a final blessing to the graduates: “It is our hope that we have prepared you to become effective and ethical leaders and managers who are visionaries, strategic thinkers, analytical, politically smart, technically proficient, and practical.”

The program ended with the singing of the Ateneo hymn, A Song for Mary.

The Ateneo School of Government congratulates the Master in Public Management Class of 2024, and has full confidence that its new alumni will embody the ideals of public service and nation-building.