ILOILO City – West Visayas State University (WVSU) has achieved an academic milestone this year, with nearly three out of every four graduates earning Latin honors, affirming the institution’s growing reputation for academic excellence and high standards.
Of the 1,441 graduates from its undergraduate programs, 1,060 received Latin honors during the 2026 commencement exercises.
According to the university, the figure represents more than 73 percent of the graduating class and is one of the largest cohorts of honor graduates in the university’s history.
Leading the distinguished group were 23 summa cum laude graduates, while 572 earned magna cum laude honors and 465 graduated as cum laude.
The university also reported a total of 1,871 graduates this year, including 262 graduate school completers and 168 graduates from various post-baccalaureate programs, reflecting WVSU’s broader goal of developing professionals across multiple disciplines.
In a message posted on its official Facebook page, WVSU said the accomplishments of the graduates reflect years of sacrifice, perseverance, and resilience, with many overcoming challenges throughout their academic journeys.
WVSU president Dr. Joselito Villaruz, meanwhile, reminded graduates that academic distinctions should be matched by integrity, professionalism, and respect for others.
“Today, let us hold two strong truths together: that student voices matter, and that the manner of expressing them also matters,” Villaruz stated.
“We can be principled and respectful at the same time. We can be critical and still be gracious. We can disagree and still honor the purpose of this day — recognizing student achievement, together,” he added.
Villaruz emphasized that WVSU’s mission extends beyond producing academically accomplished graduates, aiming instead to develop responsible citizens who engage constructively with their communities and uphold the values of character, dignity, and mutual respect./PN
