CapSU Graduation Triggers Heavy Traffic in Roxas City

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The joint graduation ceremonies of Capiz State University on the morning of June 18 caused heavy traffic congestion across the city.

Students, workers and commuters complained of delays due to the 21st Commencement Exercises held at the Capiz Gym in Villarreal Stadium.

Many opted to walk instead of waiting for slow-moving vehicles to avoid being late for school or work.

About 15,000 individuals—including CapSU officials, faculty, staff, local government leaders and attendees from various campuses and satellite colleges—trooped to the venue for the 7:30 a.m. graduation rites.

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez served as the event’s commencement speaker.

Out of roughly 5,000 graduates, three were named summa cum laude, 150 were magna cum laude and 858 were cum laude.

In his speech, Romualdez urged graduates to take the lead in transforming the nation, emphasizing the power of communities beyond Metro Manila.

“The future of the Philippines is not written in the corridors of power in Manila,” he said.

“It is written in places like Capiz.”

“It is written by graduates like you—who stay, who serve and who lead with integrity.”

Dr. Efren Linan, CapSU president, sought the House Speaker’s support in securing PHP240 million in funding for the construction of a College of Nursing building and its facilities.

A resolution was read and a project proposal presented following Romualdez’s speech.

The event was also attended by Capiz Gov. Fredenil “Oto” Castro, Vice Gov. James Mitang Magbanua, Rep.-elect Howard Guintu of the 1st District, 2nd District Rep. Jane Tan Castro and several mayors.