AdDU Welcomes Largest Freshman Batch in University History at Matriculation Ceremony
On the 20th of July 2026, Ateneo de Davao University welcomed over 3,000 incoming freshmen at its Matriculation Ceremony held at the 4th Floor of Martin Hall, the largest freshman batch in the university’s history.
The ceremony opened outside Finster Gate, where Fr. Antonio M. Basilio, SJ, Rector of the Davao Jesuit Community and Vice President for Higher Education, led the Ceremonial Knocking. Student organizations, led by various student leaders, along with some faculty members, lined up Laudato Si and welcomed the incoming batch as they entered.
Freshmen were formally presented by the deans of the University’s five schools: Dr. Nelly Z. Limbadan, RPsy, RPm, CSCLP, from Arts and Sciences, Dr. Margie J. Clavano, CPA, from Business and Governance, Engr. Renyl B. Barroca, from Engineering and Architecture, Dr. Melanie Jeane C. Galvez, LPT, from Education, and Dr. Liza G. Floresca, RN, MAN, from Nursing. University President Fr. Karel S. San Juan, SJ, presided over the Mass of the Holy Spirit ahead of the rites and led the formal scrutiny, calling on the incoming students to uphold Atenean values. Students were formally received as they officially donned their AdDU Seal Pins.
In welcome remarks, Prof. Gene Leo A. Jesuro, LPT, MM, Director of the Office of Admission and Aid, told the incoming batch that questions about adjusting to college life were normal. “Home isn’t always about belonging; it’s also about becoming,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the school deans, Clavano said graduates should be good people who consistently choose the greater good. Ms. Theresa S. Eliab, MS, CSASS, Director of the Office of Student Affairs, encouraged the freshmen to join the university’s roughly 70 student organizations and take part in the active campus life beyond the classroom.
Dr. Chris Anthony Limen, a magna cum laude BS Biology graduate (Class of 2006) and now Municipal Health Officer of Caraga, Davao, returned to address the freshmen as an alumnus. “Soar high,” he said, “but don’t forget to touch grass, because down here is where the real Ateneo challenge is.”
SAMAHAN Central Board President Mickyla Loriene Almadin expressed her closing remarks with a call to the incoming batch. “Do not just attend Ateneo; experience it,” she said, encouraging the freshmen to find their place in the university community and help others find theirs in turn.
San Juan closed the program with a message on discernment and faith, followed by a benediction. SAMAHAN Central Board Vice President Juelianna Lorenzo Muhalli then led the freshmen through the Blue Knight Oath. The ceremony closed with the singing of the Blue Knight Song.
Classes for the academic year 2026-2027 begin on July 20, with the first week, from July 20 to 24, held asynchronously.
