Last January 16, 2024, Punlaan School recognized its 86 graduates of the Dual Training Program for Hospitality and Culinary Arts. This milestone event marks the school’s first in-person graduation ceremony since the pandemic, and also its first graduation in Punlaan’s newly-inaugurated Henry Sy Auditorium.

“Your education is your growth” Ms. Imelda Nibungco, Chairman and President of the Foundation for Professional Training Inc. (FPTI), said as she opened the ceremony, urging the graduates to continue embracing new challenges with the knowledge that Punlaan has equipped them with the necessary skills and values as they journey on another chapter in their lives.

Celebrating alongside parents and long-standing partners, the school takes pride especially in its Senior High School Academic Excellence Awardees, and its Dual Training Program Top Graduates and Skills Awardees who had undergone their 7 month-long on-the-job training at Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort and Hilton Manila, Grand Hyatt Manila, Cafe Mary Grace, Herald Suites, and Amici Food Ventures.

Graduating at the top of her batch, Ezra Armildez delivered the Graduates’ Speech, moving many hearts as she shared her story. She is also a recipient of the Skills Award for Food and Beverage Services, and is set to continue her engagement with Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort, under the Food & Beverage Services.

Mr. Nicanor Padilla III, President and CEO of Herald Suites, who graced the event as the guest speaker, underscored the importance of remaining true to one’s own values and beliefs, commending how Punlaan has nurtured all its graduates to embody values of respect, genuine service, and prayer.

Concluding the ceremony with a hopeful message, Punlaan School Director, Ms. Maria Theresa Nabatar, reminded the fresh graduates that Punlaan has “planted the seed of good values so that (they) can transform (themselves) and all around (them).” She encouraged the girls to live out all they have learned from the school as they bring Punlaan to their own families, communities, and work.

Punlaan School thanks its Industry Partners for the 2024 Graduation Batch namely ALC Bistro Inc., Amici Food Ventures Inc., BRTO, Cafe Mary Grace, Conrad Hotel, Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant, Grand Hyatt Manila, Hilton Manila, Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort, Herald Suites, I’m Angus Steak House, J.Co, Pan de Manila, Park Inn by Radisson, and UCC Vienna Cafe.

The school also recognizes the contributions of its donor foundations namely Hilton Global Foundation, George Ty Foundation Inc., Angelicum Charitable Foundation Inc., Insular Life Foundation, Rotary Club Manila, Emil Mar Antonio Foundation, Mary Knoll Alumnae Association, Marubeni Scholarship Foundation, Inc., Limmat Stiftung, and other donors.