Governor Mariano E. Villafuerte Community College (GMVCC) Garchitorena celebrated another milestone in its mission to bring higher education closer to underserved communities as 149 students received their college degrees during its 5th Commencement Exercises on June 25, 2026.
Carrying the theme, "Class of 2026: Values-Driven Workplace, Digitally Inclined Lifelong Learners," this year's graduation recognized 64 graduates of the Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education, 51 graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness, and 34 graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship.
Beyond the numbers, the ceremony reflected the growing impact of accessible higher education in one of Camarines Sur's geographically isolated municipalities, where pursuing a college degree once meant leaving home, crossing seas, and shouldering expenses that many families could not afford.
For many graduates, earning a diploma was the culmination of years of perseverance against financial difficulties, family responsibilities, and personal sacrifices. Their success demonstrated that when quality education becomes accessible, opportunities become attainable.
Among the graduates was Maria Sarah Corbito, 46, whose journey became a testament that learning has no age limit. While raising three children and managing a small sari-sari store, Corbito returned to school to complete the education she had long postponed.
"Education is for everyone," Corbito shared. "No matter your age, if you have a dream, pursue it."
She said studying within Garchitorena allowed her to continue caring for her family while working toward a college degree, an opportunity she believes has transformed the lives of many residents who previously had limited access to higher education.
Her story reflects the experiences of many members of the Class of 2026—students who balanced work, family obligations, and financial challenges while remaining committed to achieving their educational goals.
Addressing the graduates, Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymund "LRay" Villafuerte Jr. emphasized that the commencement exercises marked not only the completion of their academic journey but also the beginning of a greater responsibility to serve their communities.
"You no longer had to cross the sea or leave for Naga or Manila just to finish college. This school exists so that dreams are no longer a luxury for a few, but a right for everyone," Governor Villafuerte said during his commencement address.
He encouraged the graduates to carry with them not only the knowledge and skills they had acquired but also the values of integrity, resilience, compassion, and lifelong learning as they enter an increasingly digital and evolving workforce.
"A diploma is not the finish line—it is the starting line,” he added.
Established in 2018, GMVCC Garchitorena was founded to make quality higher education accessible to students from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. Since opening its doors, the campus has steadily expanded its academic programs and has produced hundreds of graduates equipped to contribute to local development.
The institution has become more than a college—it has become a pathway for families to pursue higher education without the burden of relocating to larger cities. Parents no longer have to send their children far from home to earn a college degree, while students are given the opportunity to build their futures within their own community.
The graduation of the GMVCC Grachitore Class of 2026 stands as another milestone in Provincial Government’s continuing commitment to empowering communities through education. More than a celebration of academic success, the commencement exercises underscored how bringing higher education closer to the people is helping transform lives, uplift families, and build a brighter future for Garchitorena—one graduate at a time.
