Ateneo de Naga University cancels graduation rites due to COVID-19

GUINOBATAN, Albay –– Without a vaccine for coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Ateneo de Naga University in Naga City would not risk holding graduation that may allow the contagion to spread easily.

University president Fr. Roberto Rivera said in a statement released Tuesday that both the graduation ceremonies for the basic education and higher education would be canceled this year even if the enhanced community quarantine were to be eased on April 30.

“The exigencies brought about by COVID-19 will have to continue until a vaccine is available,” Rivera said.

Measures like social distancing, self and community quarantine and restrictions on assemblies were necessary, he said.

“The risk of infection in a massive event such as a graduation ceremony, even if we put as many safeguards as possible, is simply too great,” he said.

However, undergraduate and graduate students graduating this year may join the rites of Class 2021.

“This is one of the saddest and most difficult announcements I have had to make thus far as university president. But to the members of graduating Batch 2020, please take heart,” he said.

Naga City has three confirmed COVID-19 cases, one of whom has recovered, but one expired while waiting for the test results.

LZB