MANILA, Philippines – The graduation ceremony at a school in Lapu Lapu City, Cebu, was filled with emotion due to the touching moment when the mother and sister of the cum laude graduate who passed away in May took the stage.
The student, Michael “Kikil” Alcoseba, 23, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management from Lapu Lapu City College, earning cum laude honors.
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| Photo courtesy: Facebook/Congresswoman Ma. Cynthia "Cindi" King Chan |
Unfortunately, he passed away on May 11, 2024, just over two weeks before the graduation ceremony on Tuesday, May 28.
As a result, his mother and sister accepted his honors, bringing many in the audience to tears.
In her Facebook post, Congresswoman Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King Chan shared several photos of Alcoseba’s family receiving his diploma and medal while holding his picture. There was also a seat among the graduates where his picture was placed.
“CONGRATULATIONS, BATCH 2024! 🎓
Una sa tanan, akong pagbati sa tanang ni gradwar karong adlawa ug sa mga nagpaabot nalang sa ilang mga graduation day. Gusto sab nako ipaabot ang akong ka proud sa Batch 2024 sa atong Lapu-Lapu City College kay finally, nabayran nagyud ang inyung paningkamot ug sakripisyo ug labaw sa tanan, sa inyung mga ginikanan. Pamatuod lamang kini sa inyung dedikasyon nga makabaton og nindot nga trabaho puhon. Hinaot pa unta nga inyung gamiton ang inyung kaalam para makatabang sa inyung pamilya ug sa atong komunidad.
Medyo na emotional sad gyud ganina sa dihang gitawag na ang pangalan ni Michael Alcoseba o mas nailhan natong Kikil, nga wala na intawn nakaabot sa iyang graduation day kay naa naman siya sa kiliran sa atong Labawng Makagagahum. Bisan paman, malipayong gidawat sa iyang inahan ug igsuon ang iyang medalya isip Cum Laude graduate niini nga batch.
To the LLCC Class of 2024 graduates, I am incredibly proud of your achievements, and I wish you all the best of luck. Congratulations to the proud parents, professors, and school administration as well!
In English translation:
“First and foremost, congratulations to all who graduated today and to those who are still waiting for their graduation day. I also want to express my pride to the Batch 2024 of Lapu-Lapu City College because finally, your hard work and sacrifices have finally paid off and most of all, to your parents. This is just proof of your dedication to having a great job someday. May you use your knowledge to help your family and our community.
I was quite emotional earlier when the name of Michael Alcoseba or better known as Kikil was already called, that he didn't reach his graduation day because he was already beside our Almighty. Nevertheless, his mother and brother happily accepted his medal as Cum Laude graduate of this batch.
To the LLCC Class of 2024 graduates, I am incredibly proud of your achievements, and I wish you all the best of luck. Congratulations to the proud parents, professors, and school administration as well!”
According to ABS-CBN News, Alcoseba passed away due to pneumonia.
"The saddest but the proudest," said Alcoseba’s sister, Juliet Hiyas, in a Facebook post.
Alcoseba was also a dancer and a member of the Lapu-Lapu City Performing Arts.
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express
