MCC Closes the Academic Year 2013-2014 with Ceremonias de Clausura Academica

The graduands showing  their  medals during the Creme de la Creme. They also defaced their College uniforms even before the Graffiti officially started. (Photo: Ricky T. Umlas)

Mabalacat City College (MCC) closed the Academic Year 2013-2014 with a grand repertoire of ceremonial activities dubbed as Ceremonias de Clausura Academica (Clausura) on April 3 and 4, 2014 at the MCC Quadrangle. A sui generis event, the Clausura featured the Baccalaureate Mass, the Hooding Ceremony, Crème de la Crème, Graffiti, the Commencement Exercises and the Seniors’ Departure. The event’s highlight was the Seniors’ Departure where the graduates ran (in suits and heels) out of the College gate.

The Clausura premiered on April 3, 2014 with a Baccalaureate Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Florentino G. Lavarias, D.D., a proud son of Mabalacat City who is now the Bishop of Iba, Zambales. It was followed by the Hooding Ceremony where the parents donned the graduands with academic hoods symbolizing their entry into professional life.

Then followed the Crème de la Crème, a special ceremony organized to award the members of the Administration, Faculty, Staff and Student body who brought honors to the College. Of special mention was the MCC Sepak Takraw Team who won gold during the 5th National ALCU Games.

The night was capped with the Graffiti, a ceremonial defacement of the graduands’ College uniforms, symbolizing their parting with student life. Dr. Leonardo C. Canlas, the College President, endorsed this practice as he himself had his barong defaced by Mr. Niel P. Rigdao, the President of the College Student Council.

The next day, April 4, 2014, MCC held its 3^rd Commencement Exercises at 5:30 p.m. This year, 451 graduates were installed. Mr. Renz Q. Rosario, BSHRM Magna Cum Laude, in behalf of the batch, delivered the petition for the conferment of their respective degrees. Dr. Leonardo C. Canlas, by virtue of MCC Board of Trustees resolution 1, s. 2014, granted the petition and declared them graduates.

After the recessional march followed the Seniors’ Departure where the new graduates were formally sent off by the academic community at the portals of the Alma Mater. Mayor Marino P. Morales unlocked the gates which symbolized the opening to the world of opportunities for the graduates. Dr. Caridad O. Abuan, the CHED Region III Director, delivered the Admonition  – a heartfelt opinion suggesting to the graduates to make the most of their lives. Vice Mayor Christian D. Halili delivered the Serviam – a sincere assurance to the graduates (now Alumni) of the continued support of the Local Government Unit of Mabalacat City. Then, the graduates left the College with joy. Their parents followed suit. Dr. Leonardo C. Canlas, the College President, officially closed the Academic Year with the sounding of the gong.

While each academic year at MCC closes with a Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Exercises, these solemn celebrations had evolved into a series of ceremonies. Graffiti was started in 2013. This academic year, the Hooding, Crème de la Crème, and the Seniors’ Departure were added and the program is repackaged as Ceremonias de Clausura Academica.

The Ceremonias de Clausura Academica 2014 is a pet project of Mr. Raymund John D. Vergara, Atty. Robert John I. Donesa and Mr. Eduard D. Ramos. Dr. Leonardo C. Canlas, the College President, fully supported the activities and expressed that he wanted the Clausura to be included in the college heritage resolution.