Recognizing the formation of future science professionals grounded in excellence, integrity, and service, the Natural Sciences Department of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University – College of Science, Information and Technology (AdZU – CSITE) held its 3rd Pin, Coat, and Ring Ceremony on May 10, 2026, reaffirming the university’s commitment to developing scientifically competent and socially responsible professionals guided by Ignatian values.
With the theme “Bioluminescence: United in Science, By a Common Light, Strengthened by Ignatian Values, In the Service of Others,” the ceremony celebrated Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Medical Biology students as they reached significant milestones in their academic and professional journey.
Organized by the Natural Sciences Department together with the Ateneo Biological Society, the event served as a transition rite for third-year students preparing for their internship program and as a send-off ceremony for fourth-year students nearing graduation. A total of 34 candidates participated in the Pin and Coat Ceremony, while 24 candidates were recognized during the Ring Ceremony.
In her opening remarks, Fourth-year BS Biology student Ms. Fatima A. Halipa emphasized the deeper meaning behind the ceremony and the students’ formation as future professionals.
“Today, we do not merely celebrate what we have accomplished; we celebrate the kind of individuals we are becoming,” Ms. Halipa said. “May this ceremony inspire us to move forward with courage, compassion, and excellence as future biologists committed to making meaningful contributions to society and to the advancement of science.”
The Pin Ceremony symbolized the students’ initiation into the profession and their commitment to uphold ethical standards, integrity, and responsibility in the field of science. Meanwhile, the Coat Ceremony represented their readiness to face the demands and challenges of professional practice with discipline and dedication.
For graduating students, the Ring Ceremony marked their commitment to lifelong learning, excellence, and continued growth as future professionals.
Keynote speaker Dr. Jaime Kristoffer T. Punzalan, a BS Biology alumnus from Batch 2013, reflected on the event’s theme of bioluminescence as a metaphor for resilience and purpose.
“Bioluminescence is light from within,” Dr. Punzalan shared. “The world you will enter will not always be bright. There will be uncertainty, pressure, failure, and difficult decisions. But you are called to be a steady source of light through competence, humility, integrity, compassion, and service.”
A message from the Natural Sciences Department Chair, Assistant Professor Katherine Sinsuan, reminded students of the broader role of science in society and encouraged them to continue pursuing truth and growth.
“Science is not only about discoveries in laboratories or answers found in textbooks,” Dean Partosa said. “Science is about understanding life, serving humanity, protecting our environment, and making the world better through knowledge, compassion, and integrity.”
Meanwhile, BS Biology alumnus Mr. Francis C. Fabian encouraged students to embrace continuous growth and trust the foundations they have built throughout their studies.
“Learning is not about being fully ready from the start,” Mr. Fabian emphasized. “It is about continuous growth from your current foundation. You do not need to know everything now. You just need a strong enough foundation to build on.”
Delivering the Student Intern Message, third-year BS Biology student Ms. Reedha Andreada Juljani encouraged her fellow students to remain steadfast in the pursuit of knowledge as they begin their internship journey.
“This moment marks another milestone for us, and a reminder to persevere in the pursuit of knowledge, for the work we do is never in vain,” Juljani said. “When the winds get rough, don’t reach for the flowers—nurture your roots.”
Meanwhile, fourth-year BS Biology student Ms. Fher-Ynieza Masahud delivered the Seniors’ Message, reflecting on the bond shared by the graduating batch and the many ways brilliance can be expressed beyond academics.
“Brilliance does not only exist inside laboratories. Sometimes brilliance exists in kind people. Funny people. Talented people. People who survived together. People like this batch.” Masahud shared. She also reminded her fellow graduates to value their individual strengths and journeys. “Never question your intelligence just because someone shines differently than you. We were all smart in our own ways — and that’s exactly why this batch became unforgettable,” she added.
Representing the third-year students, Ms. Kyla Jocel A. Remigio reflected on the shared journey of the candidates and the significance of the ceremony’s theme.
“Like the bioluminescent organisms that thrive in the deepest, darkest places, we have learned to generate our own light,” Ms. Remigio said. “Not to shine alone, but to illuminate the path for those around us.”
Biology Internship Coordinator Mr. Daniel Angelito Hernandez delivered the Message of Gratitude, reminding students to embrace uncertainty while remaining purposeful in pursuing their goals.
“Your journey is filled with uncertainty, for there will be ups and downs, but uncertainty makes life certain,” Hernandez shared. “In a world full of uncertainty and randomness, be deterministic to achieve your goals, your end goals.”
As students, faculty members, administrators, parents, and loved ones gathered in celebration, the ceremony stood not only as a recognition of academic milestones, but as a testament to the shared journey of formation, resilience, and purpose that shaped each candidate. Guided by Ignatian values and united by a common light, the graduates and interns now move forward carrying the responsibility to use science not only as a discipline of discovery, but as a vocation of service for communities, society, and the greater good.
