𝗔𝗖𝗖 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 12𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆 Aklan Catholic College – Faculty of Nursing celebrated its 12th Ring Hop and Pinning Ceremony on April 10, 2026 at Marzon Convention Center, Jaime Cardinal Sin Avenue, Kalibo, Aklan, marking a significant milestone in the academic journey of nursing students.

The ceremony began with a solemn Holy Mass and blessing presided over by Rev. Fr. Paul Andrew Buenaventura S. Sayon V, Vice President for Finance, concelebrated by Fr. Glenn C. Magpusao, Director of Christian Formation and Development Center, and Rev. Fr. Diego D. Sitjar Jr., Chaplain of Academic and Non-Academic Personnel. In his homily, Fr. Sayon emphasized the deeper meaning of the symbols bestowed upon the students, and reminded the graduates that their journey goes beyond ceremonies and recognition. “Your ring is a symbol of commitment, your pin is a symbol of identity, but your true identity is revealed in moments when no one is watching—when the work is difficult and when the patient is difficult to love; it is in these moments that your vocation becomes real,” he said.

The program formally opened with words of welcome delivered by Ms. Marie Lucienne P. Tioco, MAN, RN, Dean, Faculty of Nursing, acknowledging the students, faculty, parents, and guests who gathered to witness this important occasion. This was followed by a message for the nursing students given by Dr. Rosana Grace B. Delariarte, RN, MPH, MN, Technical Evaluator of the Commission on Higher Education, who spoke about the evolving role of nurses in society and the responsibility that comes with their profession. “As you transition from students to professional nurses, I challenge you to be more than clinically competent—be advocates; our profession and healthcare legislation depend on your voice, so do not simply follow orders, but become leaders of change, as the vision of a better healthcare system moves closer because of nurses like you,” Dr. Delariarte stated.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the recognition of excellence, where Mr. John Lester M. Panagsagan was honored as the Clinical Excellence Awardee for his outstanding performance in clinical practice. Dr. Ma. Abigail C. Nolasco, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management Education, concluded the program with her closing remarks on behalf of Dr. Charles C. Villanueva, Vice President for Academic Affairs, encouraging the graduates to carry with them the institution’s values and faith as they move forward in their careers. “May the values and strong faith instilled in you by Aklan Catholic College continue to guide your path, and as the saying goes, ‘ayos ka dito,’ may this spirit transcend beyond the walls of the institution as you practice your profession with excellence and compassion,” she expressed.

The Ring Hop and Pinning Ceremony is an annual tradition that signifies not only the completion of the students’ clinical exposure but also their readiness to embrace greater responsibilities in the field of healthcare—marking the students’ transition from learners inside the classroom to future professional nurses, symbolizing their preparedness to uphold ethical standards, deliver compassionate care, and actively contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession.

Scribe by: Rizalyn Dequiña
Shots by: Jolannie Pearl Dalanon and Deanne Kristel Benitez