“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.” This startling thought according to Ralph Waldo Emerson strengthened what Joji Ilagan Career Center Foundation Inc. College of Business and Tourism was celebrating last April 07, 2015 – the Graduation Ceremony of Class 2015 at SMX Lanang Convention center, Davao City.

 

It marked a very pivotal date for all the graduating candidates of the following degrees: Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management, Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Associate in Travel and Tourism Management as well as Associate in Hotel and Restaurant Management. The institution produced one hundred ten (110) globally competitive graduates. The event was graced by no less than the chairperson of the JIB group of companies, Ms. Joji Ilagan Bian; Atty. Jose Edgar Ilagan, President of the Board of Trustees, Ms. Nicole Hao Bian, VP for Academic Development; Ms. Mercy Fidelis Ilagan, Finance Executive Director; Ms. Leah Linda Brigole, JIB-CBT School Director; Ms. Marites P. Tugay, CAISA School Director; Ms. Wijawaiti Rainu, JIB-CBT School Registrar; and Ms. Shy Brato, ICHEF Administrative Staff. Aside from the significant people mentioned, the faculty and staff also attended the special event.

 

As the event progressed, Madame Joji gave everyone a warm welcome by sharing her own life’s experiences. She has become so successful due to her great determination. In the middle of her talk, she inculcated that the event is not an end; hence, it is a beginning of a new chapter of their life. This was immediately followed by the presentation of the 110 candidates for graduation and the conferment of their degrees by the school registrar, Ms. Wijawati Rainu and Atty. Jose Edgar Ilagan, President of the Board of Trustees, to confirm their titles.

As the event come to the most solemn part of the ceremony – the investiture and hooding rites, the ambiance was changed. It has become so glum. The candidates for the associate degree in Travel and Tourism Management and at the same time, for the Associate degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management invested their stolas. To continue, he hood serves as a distinguishing mark that the students are now equipped with adequate knowledge and are disciplined to face the real world of work represented by JIB’s colors BLUE – for wisdom and truth; YELLOW – for Science; and GREEN – for education.  Here comes the very memorable moment of the candidates for graduation of the bachelor’s degree as their escorts invested their hoods. After which is the tassel ceremony, the distribution of diplomas and AHA certificates which is the world’s leading provider of USA Hospitality internship and exchange programs.

 

Moving on, every graduation ceremony awaits an inspirational message from a distinguished guest. The school was very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to invite for the second time around one of the most sought-after women in the culinary and hospitality industry – the Work Skills International Director herself, Ms. Christine Williamson. Right after, she personally handed-in the Work Skills International certificates to all the awardees.

 

As the program headed towards the end, the school honored the graduates who have shown exemplary performance in their academics as well as in extra-curricular activities. This was also an unforgettable time for the graduates since it was a surprise for them as they do not know who are part of the honor’s list or even the special awardees The top three achievers were: Ms. Christine Joy Estapon (Academic Gold Excellence Awardee), Ms. Efranie Joy Loloy (Academic Silver Awardee), and Ms. Lesley Ann Galay (Academic Bronze Excellence Awardee). The trade test passers were also recognized as they have passed the trade test or commonly known as the institutional assessment which tests the competence of the graduates in terms of the following services: front office, food and beverage, housekeeping, and bar.

 

After the awarding ceremony was the tribute to the parents and the teachers, the pledge of loyalty, and followed by the singing of their graduation song - “Today My Life Begins” as well as JIB Hymn “We Can Change the World”.

 

The program ended with overflowing joy and extreme fulfillment. Indeed, it was the day that marked their real lives as they can really change the world and make a remarkable difference.

 

Joji Ilagan Career Center Foundation Inc. or JIB-CBT is located at Gov. Chavez Street, Davao City.  It is the only HRM and Tourism school in the city and in Mindanao that offers its graduates multiple certifications as well as International Diplomas with its international partners such as Work Skills Australia and the American Hospitality Academy or AHA.  Meaning to say, JIB-CBT grants vivid outcome for their graduates, their families, even to their acquaintances as they anchored their education with core values and will definitely marked a difference in the hospitality industry. For inquiries, you can contact us through our landline number: 227-5602 or you may visit our page: jojiilagancareercenter.com