The 3rd Pinning and Candle Lighting Ceremony of the 4th Year Psychology students was held at the EUC Gymnasium with the theme “Embracing the Light Within: Honoring the Calling of Future Envergistas Mental Health Professionals” on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

The ceremony, hosted by Ms. Maezy Villanueva, commenced with a Thanksgiving Mass headed by Rev. Fr. Francis S. Bingco—a solemn activity of providing guidance and blessings to the students, as well as to the candles to be lit and the pins to be worn by the psychology cohort.

The event proper began with the procession of the fourth-year psychology students together with their parents, followed by the procession of the Liberal Arts professors.

Ms. Vernie R. Mercado, the CTELA Department Head, delivered the opening remarks as well as the inspirational message for the event on behalf of the Dean of Studies, Dr. Crystal B. Quintana. Ms. Mercado emphasized that psychology is not just a profession but a mission to embody light, hope, and understanding, as well as the university core values: mindfulness, service, excellence, unity, and fortitude.

The OSAS Administrator, Dr. Liandro L. Serrano, delivered a short message for the 4th year psychology students who will soon fulfill their duties as interns. This was followed by the EUC-SDI Adviser and University Psychometrician, Ms. Lovely Princess C. Villar, who introduced the esteemed guest speaker for the event.

Dr. Imerald Michelle Esmeralda-Amandy, RPsy, a psychologist at TheraBridge Therapy Center, Inc., Lucena, shared an inspiring message with the psychology cohort. She reflected on her journey from being a curious student to becoming the professional psychologist she is today, emphasizing that success does not come easily and that failure is often part of the path. Dr. Amandy reminded students that psychology is not about changing a person, but about understanding them and helping them realize how to move forward, highlighting that psychology is not just a career but a passion.

After the empowering speech by the guest speaker, Ms. Keen D. Reyes, Co-Adviser of EUC-SDI and Adviser of the Liberal Arts DSC, explained the significance of the pinning and candle lighting ceremony. This was followed by an acknowledgment of the psychology students by Ms. Vernie R. Mercado and the presentation of the 4th year students by Ms. Lovely Princess C. Villar, together on stage with Dean Gaspar Hector C. Tapire, the Administrative Officer, who pinned the students.

Afterward, the Liberal Arts DSC Governor, Mr. Gino De Guia, delivered the preamble and led the candle lighting of the ceremony. This was succeeded by the message of gratitude from the EUC-SDI President, Ms. Cassandra R. Robeco, who looked back on their journey from online classes to face-to-face interaction, highlighting that the event is not the end but the beginning of their journey. Afterwards, Ms. Vernie R. Mercado expressed her closing message to end the event.

Finally, a tribute video of the 4th year psychology students was shown on the LED wall, accompanied by the song “Long Live” by Taylor Swift, showcasing their journey as a psychology class who faced their path with laughter, bonding, and solidarity.

via Aszhea Peñaverde

photos by Angelu Cosico

The Envergan — In Pursuit of Perspectives.