Sad but proud parents thankful for online graduation

Though sad for their son, these proud parents are still thankful that he has experienced graduating, even if it’s through online streaming.  

“We have to accept that this is the new normal,” said Raidis Moreno, whose son Raian Xzavier graduated from Grade 6 at Colegio de San Juan de Letran. “Even if we didn’t  go up the stage for our proud moment, we’re happy because more people were able to watch him,” said Moreno, who’s joined by her husband.

Grade 6 students of Colegio de San Juan de Letran attended their graduation ceremony through an online livestream amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

In JP Soriano’s report on “24 Oras” Wednesday, Raian Xzavier could be seen wearing his graduation toga and singing their school hymn in front of their television as the livestream began.

During the school’s unique 389th commencement exercises for the basic education department, photos of each of the graduating students were flashed on screen.

Raian even had a special moment when his turn came and his awards in Science, Math, and English were mentioned.

Although they could not have the traditional ceremonies, Raian was still thankful that he and his classmates had a virtual graduation. 

Faculty members of the school also shared that despite the limitations amid the pandemic, it was important to let the students feel the fruits of their labor.

“Sa pamamagitan po nito nabibigyan parin natin ng pagkakataon ang ating estudyante na ma-experience na magkaroom ng graduatioan ceremonies kahit sa pamamagitan lang ng online or virtual,” said Jhennie Caldito-Villar, Letran’s directress of alumni and public affairs.

The Department of Education announced in April that there would be no traditional commencement exercises while the threat of COVID-19 was present. – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News