CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines—With candles in hand and pins on their chests, 250 fourth-year students of the Samar State University (SSU) College of Education (CoEd) were officially inaugurated as pre-service teachers during the 8th Pinning and Candle Lighting Ceremony held today, September 30, at Saint Bartholomew the Apostle Parish Church, Catbalogan City.

Anchored on the theme “MADASIGON: Lighting the Path through the Pin of Service with Dedication and Zeal,” the ceremony marked a significant milestone in the journey of future educators as they prepare to enter the classroom and embrace the calling of teaching.

The event commenced with a solemn holy mass, setting the tone of service, dedication, and faith before the pinning rites. It was followed by a processional of the candidates for pinning, guests and visitors, and the CoEd teaching force. Mary Louvelle Quirino, President of the Educators’ Guild, then gave her Words of Welcome to the crowd. This was followed by an inspirational message from SSU President Dr. Redentor S. Palencia who reminded the candidates of the sacred duty that comes with their chosen profession.

A total of 250 candidates were presented and pinned, representing the following programs: 32 from Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECEd), 62 from Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd), 30 from Bachelor of Physical Education (BPEd), 32 from Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English, 30 in Mathematics, 32 in Science, and 44 in Social Studies.

Also present and offered their full support were CoEd Dean Dr. Laura B. Boller, along with the entire College of Education faculty and staff. The event was filled with a sense of pride, joy, and anticipation as the students transition as future professional educators. With their pins and candles as enduring symbols, Batch Madasigon is now set to embark on their in-campus and off-campus deployment for field study courses after a pre-deployment orientation, bringing with them the values of dedication, zeal, and service to communities where they will soon teach.

This annual rite serves not only as a celebration of achievement but also as a reiteration of SSU CoEd’s mission to mold competent, compassionate, and committed educators who will light the path for generations to come.