Marikina CBI holds tribute to graduates

“One of God’s teachings in the Bible is to search for knowledge. It is important that the youth members of the Church gain knowledge through their studies for them to have a good future. We commend the graduates for their perseverance and dedication,” said Brother Jake Jambaro, district Christian Family Organizations overseer.

Over 200 attendees were present. The said graduates were of high school to college level of two academic years (2023-2024; 2024-2025). They were joined by their parents, as well as brethren who are public school teachers.

After CBI district officer Wendy Hanna San Jose delivered the opening remarks, the attendees watched an audio-visual presentation featuring an interview with Eastwood Congregation choir member Desiree Kate Pablo, who graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2024 with a Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English at the New Era University. Now a licensed public school teacher, she shared her experiences and struggles during her college days and how her parents, who are also Church officers, supported her all the way through.

Right after the presentation, district supervising minister Brother Cyrus Jose Dizon led the recognition of graduates. With him in giving them medals and certificates were Brother Jake Jambaro, CBI district president Dexter Sulit, and CBI district vice president Miles Godwin San Jose. Also recognized was Arlene Novelas from Sampaguita Village Congregation, who is a junior high school teacher and academic adviser of CBI Parang High School Chapter. “I’m very proud of the INC students who graduated. Although they experienced struggles in their studies, they continue actively performing their duties in the Church. And so God helped them to succeed in their studies,” she said.

Talented brethren of Iglesia Ni Cristo Ambassadors Of Faith, Love, And Hope from Rodriguez Congregation showcased their rendition of a song titled Awit ng Anak sa Magulang (A child’s song to parents), and Binhi president Charisse Allysa Simbran of the same congregation sang her rendition of Iglesia Ni Cristo original song titled Ama Kami Ay Sa Iyo Pa Rin (Father, we are still yours). Afterwards, Brother Dizon delivered the closing remarks.

“I felt immense joy now that I’ve graduated. I thank so much my parents for their support, and above all else, our Lord God for his help and guidance,” said Roanne Mae Providal from Rodriguez Congregation. She finished a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Financial Management.

Her father, Antonio Providal Jr., said, “I’m happy for my daughter. We went through a lot of problems, such as financial problems. However, because God has helped us and answered our prayers, we’ve overcome all those hindrances.” 

 “I followed the values we uphold in CBI so that I may become successful in my studies. I dedicate myself to studying and fulfilling my duties in the Church. I devote time to praying and avoid doing the things that are against God’s teachings,” shared FYM Avenue Congregation Binhi president John Patrick De Guzman. — With reports from Kenneth Levantino and Claidenn Villar