By Lynette Joy A. Pasajol

Despite Far Eastern University (FEU) shifting venues for the graduation rites, the Office of the University Registrar (OUR) reaffirms that each graduate will still be allowed a maximum of two guests for the S.Y. 2024-2025 FEU Commencement Exercises, which will be held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City from July 22 to 24.

The change in venue comes after the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), the University’s long-standing graduation site, became unavailable due to ongoing renovations in preparation for its 50th anniversary and the ASEAN Summit to be hosted by the Philippines in 2026.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, University Registrar Genesis John Borja shared that despite the shift in location, the key graduation policies will remain unchanged. 

“There will be no change in the number of guests permitted. Each graduate may still be accompanied by at most two guests. Additional details and updated commencement guidelines will be released in the coming days,” Borja said.

Compared to the 3,500 seating capacity of the PICC Plenary Hall, the Newport Theatre has a capacity of 1,710 seats.

Moreover, the OUR was notified by the University’s contact in PICC about the unavailability and the upcoming renovations in late February. 

The unexpected development prompted FEU officials to seek an alternative location that could accommodate the scale and significance of the graduation rites.

While PICC has long been the preferred location for FEU’s formal ceremonies, Borja explained that FEU had to take initiative in finding an alternative. 

“Although PICC gave general referrals, they did not endorse specific venues, so FEU had to evaluate availability and suitability based on our own criteria and graduation timeline,” he stated.

Several locations were reviewed before the University ultimately selected the Newport Performing Arts Theater. According to the University Registrar, the decision was guided by several key considerations. 

“We looked at the venue’s availability on our target dates, seating capacity, accessibility for students and guests, as well as technical requirements suited for a formal graduation ceremony,” Borja shared.

He also added that coordination with Newport began promptly after confirmation of PICC’s unavailability.

“Given how quickly venues book up during graduation season, it was crucial to confirm early. By finalizing in March, we secured our preferred schedule and began working with Newport’s team on technical and event requirements,” Borja said.

The change in venue, though prompted by necessity, has also prompted FEU to reevaluate its approach to future graduation ceremonies. 

When asked if the move to Newport is a temporary response to PICC’s temporary closure, the University Registrar shared that this situation has opened up possibilities for exploring alternative future graduations beyond PICC.

“At this point, no final decision has been made. We recognize the need for flexibility as venue availability and conditions change. While PICC has been our go-to for years, we are open to exploring venues that meet our evolving needs and enhance the student experience,” he stated.

As the graduation season approaches, the OUR encourages graduates to stay updated through official University channels, noting that detailed commencement guidelines will be released soon and that preparations are well underway.

(Photo by Karch Rafael/FEU Advocate; Photo courtesy of Newport World Resorts website)