NDMU Social Work Department Celebrates Batch Duacendria’s Transition to Professional Practice Through Pinning Ceremony 2026

The Social Work Department of the College of Arts and Sciences at Notre Dame of Marbel University formally held the Bachelor of Science in Social Work Pinning Ceremony on July 16, 2026, at the NDMU BRC Convention Hall. Anchored on the theme, “Duacendria: Transcending Differences, Inspiring Progress, and Committing to Service,” the ceremony served as a meaningful send-off for fourth-year Social Work students as they prepared to embark on their field instruction and internship journey.

University administrators, members of the Social Work Department faculty, and BS Social Work interns of Notre Dame of Marbel University gather w/ guest speaker for an official group photo during the Pinning Ceremony, commemorating a significant milestone in the interns’ professional formation and commitment to service.

The program formally commenced with the opening remarks delivered by Dr. Cecilie Sharon T. Porras, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Meanwhile, the essence and significance of the pinning ceremony were meaningfully elaborated by the Social Work Internship Coordinator, Mr. Angelo M. Estaniel, RSW, MSSW. This segment recognized the students’ preparation to apply their knowledge, skills, and values in actual social work settings.

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As the program progressed, a remarkable message was delivered by one of the institution’s most outstanding leaders, Dr. Wilter C. Friales, Vice President for External Affairs. He related the program’s theme to the institution’s core values, highlighting the importance of embracing differences while pursuing progress with purpose. Dr. Friales concluded his message with a striking story about an elderly traveler building a bridge for future generations, symbolizing the chosen profession of the interns—social workers may not always be remembered by their clients, but the change they bring will always be honored.

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The next segment of the program was led by the BSSW Batch Duacendria President, Ms. Roxanne Angelie P. Valencia, through the reading of the Batch History, reflecting on the interns’ journey as they received their pins.

Ms. Roxanne Angelie P. Valencia, Batch President of Batch Duacendria, reads the class history highlighting the journey of the social work interns.

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As one of the significant traditions of the Social Work program, the Pinning Proper symbolized the students’ transition from academic preparation to professional engagement. The symbolic act of pinning reflected not only their accomplishments throughout their academic journey but also their commitment to the profession’s core principles of service, social justice, human dignity, and respect for diversity.

Ms. Quennie Marie S. Zuyco, RSW, MSSW, Social Work Program Coordinator, introduces the guest speaker.

Ms. Rhoda Leaf G. Catoto, RSW, Head of the Surallah Social Welfare and Development Office, delivers the guest speaker’s message to the interns.

To further inspire the interns during the ceremony, Ms. Quennie Marie S. Zuyco, RSW, MSSW, the Social Work Program Coordinator, introduced the guest speaker, Ma’am Rhoda Leaf G. Catoto, RSW, Head of the Surallah Social Welfare and Development Office. She emphasized that internship goes beyond competence and must be practiced with compassion, integrity, and the utmost respect for clients and communities. Her message resonated with the congratulatory remarks of Atty. Rene M. Barrion, the Administrative Vice President, who reminded the interns that becoming an effective social worker begins with becoming a good person.

Atty. Rene M. Barrion, Administrative Vice President, delivers the congratatory message to the social work interns.

Mrs. Mohani A. Paguital, LPT, MAEd, Senior Education Program Specialist and Division MEP Coordinator, leads the Parents’ Commitment of Support.

The event also successfully proceeded with the Reading of the Regulative Code of Ethics led by Social Work Intern Mr. John Lloyd T. Bonane; the Lighting of the Batch Lantern facilitated by Ms. Shela May S. Solmayor, RSW, the School Field Instructor; the Parents’ Commitment of Support led by Mrs. Mohani A. Paguital, LPT, MAEd, Senior Education Program Specialist and Division MEP Coordinator; and the Interns’ Commitment led by Ms. Sittie Fatmah-Neshreen D. Lucman.

Mr. John Lloyd T. Bonane, Social Work Intern, leads the Reading of the Regulative Code of Ethics of the Social Work Profession.

Ms. Sittie Fatmah-Neshreen D. Lucman, Social Work Intern, leads the Interns’ Commitment.

To formally conclude the program, Dr. Joan P. Palma, Academic Vice President, delivered the closing remarks, wherein he encouraged the students to embrace differences, inspire positive change, and uphold their responsibility as future social work practitioners dedicated to serving individuals, families, groups, and communities.

Dr. Joan P. Palma, Academic Vice President, delivers the closing remarks during the ceremony.

The ceremony concluded in an atmosphere of pride, gratitude, and hope as participants gathered to witness this meaningful milestone. The presence of faculty members, fellow students, family members, and guests reflected the strong support system that continues to guide and encourage aspiring social workers in their professional formation. More than a symbolic rite of passage, the Pinning Ceremony affirmed the interns’ readiness to enter the field with competence, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to the ideals of the social work profession.

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University administrators of Notre Dame of Marbel University together with guest speaker Ms. Rhoda Leaf G. Catoto, RSW, gather for an official photo during the Social Work Pinning Ceremony.