Paano ka SUMMAkses: How Manuel A. Lisondra Rode a Bus to Greatness
June 27, 2025
The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) officially conferred degrees to graduates of the Class of 2025 during its 79th commencement exercises on June 27 at University Auditorium, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.
Prior to the graduation, baccalaureate services and cluster graduations were held on June 25 and 26, with Fr. Ulysses S. Cabayao, SJ of Ateneo de Davao University (ADdU) as the baccalaureate speaker. On the cluster graduation, the diplomas were distributed, while academic awardees were recognized per college.
A total of 2,945 students completed their degrees this year in the main campus with the highest number of graduates coming from the College of Business, Development Economics, and Management. Among the graduates, 458 received Latin honors —1 Summa Cum Laude, 32 Magna Cum Laudes, and 425 Cum Laudes.
The commencement speaker, Fumiko Yasuno, DSc, a senior researcher from the National Institute for Educational Policy Research, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, delivered her address through a video message. She encouraged the students that despite the rise of Artificial Intelligence and its increasing presence in everyday life, one must not forget the very essence of being human.
“I use technology to talk with them [researcher friends], even more with English-speaking Japanese researchers. This shows me that technology is not the goal. It is just a tool. We should use it with kindness and wisdom,” she said.
She also reminded everyone to be proud of their roots, emphasizing that culture is a great source of strength. As Dr. Jonald Pimentel told her, that the diversity of tri-people is not a problem to fix, but rather a treasure to celebrate.
Manuel A. Lisondra, from the College of Science and Mathematics, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics. In his speech, he reflected on the courage it took to leave home and pursue his dreams:
“At the age of 19, I boarded that first bus to Kabacan, to University of Southern Mindanao, alone, with a heart half full of guilt, half full of hope. That bus ride felt like a quiet act of rebellion. It was heavy because I was never the kind of son who disobeys his parents, especially not for decisions this big. Deep down, I feared I was being selfish.”
His story resonated with many in the audience, capturing the bittersweet and often complex journey of personal growth. As the ceremony came to a close, it highlighted both the academic achievements of the graduates and the diverse personal journeys that brought them to this goal.
University officials, faculty members, parents, and guests gathered for the event. The ceremony marked the official end of the academic year for graduating students, who are now preparing to enter the workforce, take licensure exams, or pursue postgraduate studies.
